Asian Journal of Bio Science

Pankaj Rakha ¹, Sunil Sharma ¹, Milind Parle ¹

Affiliations
1 Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar (Haryana), IN

Abstract

In the present study, the effect of the seeds of the plant Ocimum basilicum Linn. on inflammation induced by histamine and prostaglandins was studied. A total of 60 rats divided in 10 groups were used in this study. The experimental design was approved by IAEC. The increase in paw edema served as the index of inflammation and was measured using digital vernier calipers after injecting various edemogens such as histamine and PGF2α. Petroleum ether fraction (400mg/kg, p.o) and ethanolic fraction (400mg/kg, p.o) of the seeds of Ocimum basilicum Linn. significantly inhibited the paw edema produced by histamine and PGF2-α. These findings reveal that the seeds of the plant Ocimum basilicum Linn. possesses potent anti-inflammatory activity.

Keywords

Anti-Inflammatory, Histamine, Prostaglandins.

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Milind Parle ¹, Deepa Khanna ¹

Affiliations
1 Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharm. Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar (Haryana), IN

Abstract

Phoenix dactylifera (Arecaceae) a cousin of lily is cultivated primarily as a fruit. P. dactylifera (PD) is found to possess useful medicinal properties, such as anti-viral, gonadotropic and anti-tubercular. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of P. dactylifera fruit (Date) on cognitive functions in mice. A total of 180 young mice divided in 36 groups were employed in the present study. PD fruit was administered orally in three doses (5, 10, 20 mg w/w) for seven successive days to different groups of mice. The learning and memory parameters were assessed using elevated plus maze and passive avoidance apparatus. PD fruit showed significant improvement in the memory of animals as reflected by increased step down latency and decreased transfer latency. It also reversed the amnesia caused by scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) and diazepam (1mg/kg, i.p.). Furthermore, PD fruit reduced significantly the central (brain) cholinesterase activity in mice. Since diminished cholinergic transmission appears to be responsible for the development of dementia in Alzheimer patients, PD fruit may prove to be a useful medicine on account of its multifarious beneficial effects. PD fruit appears to be a promising candidate for improving memory and it could be worthwhile to explore the potential of this fruit (Date) clinically in the management of Alzheimer’s disease.

Keywords

Phoenix dactylifera, Date Palm.

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Milind Parle ¹, Uday Gaikwad ¹

Affiliations
1 Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharm. Sciences (Accredited by NBA), Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology (Accredited as ‘A’ Grade by NAAC), Hisar (Haryana), IN

Abstract

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by absurd, recurrent and uncontrollable thoughts (obsessions), which are followed by persistent urges to perform certain stereotyped actions (compulsions). The repetitive actions performed by OCD patients serve to neutralize the anxiety precipitated by obsessions. Most of the patients suffering from OCD realize the irrational nature of their thoughts and rituals but feel hopeless and helpless in controlling them. The probable causes of OCD include heredity, brain damage due to accidents/infection, abnormal brain glucose metabolism and serotonergic dysfunction. The brain regions impaired in OCD include basal ganglia, orbito-frontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, amygdala, thalamus and brainstem. The repetitive rituals (compulsions) and aggressive behavior, which is predominant in OCD patients is probably due to serotonin depletion. Entire brain functioning is disturbed in patients suffering from OCD, thereby producing devastating effects at the work-place as well as at homes of the patients.

Keywords

Obsession, Basal Ganglia, Cortex, Amygdala, Brainstem.

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Milind Parle ¹, Manas Kumar Samal ¹

Affiliations
1 Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheswar University of Science and Technology, Hisar (Haryana), IN

Abstract

Pomegranate, which contains very high levels of anti-oxidant polyphenolic substances, beta- secretase inhibitors and several other bioactive compounds is consumed all over the world without much knowledge of its medicinal properties. Polyphenols have been shown to be neuroprotective in different animal models. There are no proven ways to delay the onset or slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of pomegranate juice on memory deficits in mice and rats. A total of 216 Swiss mice and 72 Wistar rats were used in the present study. The exteroceptive behavioral models employed in the present study were elevated plus maze, passive avoidance apparatus and Hebb-William’s maze. Pomegranate juice (10% v/v) produced significant improvement in the memory of young and aged rodents and reversed the amnesia induced by diazepam (1 mg/ kg, i.p.) and scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.). Furthermore, pomegranate juice inhibited significantly the brain acetylcholinesterase activity, diminished peripheral cholesterol and brain malondialdehyde levels. Pomegranate juice appears to be a useful anti- Alzheimer medicine on account of its multifarious beneficial effects such as memory improving effect, cholesterol lowering property, anti-cholinesterase and anti-oxidant activity. Therefore, pomegranate juice may be exploited clinically for the management of Alzheimer’s disease.

Keywords

Pomegranate, Memory, Amnesia, Alzheimer’s Disease.

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Milind Parle ¹, Sameer Dhingra ²

Affiliations
1 Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, GJUST, Hisar (H.R.), IN
2 Institute of Pharmacy and Emerging Sciences, BUEST, Baddi (H.P.), IN

Abstract

Animal models in psychopharmacology are difficult to develop because of the convolution of the human mind and the inherent difficulty in stimulating a similar condition in laboratory animals. However, animal models in the psychopharmacology have contributed a lot to drug research. Depression is one among the most rampant forms of psychiatric disorders and a leading cause for morbidity and mortality. Since, the unexpected breakthrough of the first antidepressants the progress in developing more efficient medications has marked time, emphasizing the need to establish novel classes of antidepressants. Various animal models have been developed and are instrumental in detecting the antidepressant-like potential of novel compounds in preclinical settings. The models commonly used are diverse and were developed originally based on the behavioral consequences of stress, drug, lesion or genetic manipulations. The present review is an attempt to compile together various animal models employed for the screening of antidepressants.

Keywords

Depression, Model, Animal, Antidepressants.

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Milind Parle ¹, Suman Malik ¹

Affiliations
1 Pharmacology Division, Department Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar (Haryana), IN

Abstract

Lycopersicon esculentum Mill (Solanaceae) popularly known as tomato, is a native of the western side of South America. Today, the United States of America, Russia, Italy, Spain, China, Egypt, Turkey and India are among the top selling commercial producers of tomatoes. Tomato leaves are used traditionally as antimicrobial agents. There are no reports in literature pertaining to CNS actions of Lycopersicon esculentum fruit. In the light of above, the present study was undertaken to test the antidepressant potential of Lycopersicon esculentum fruit juice. Lycopersicon esculentum juice (LEJ) was administered at various concentrations ranging from 5% to 20% v/v to Swiss mice, once daily for 15 successive days. The antidepressant activity was measured using forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). The results showed that the LEJ significantly reduced the immobility time of mice in both FST and TST. Prazosin (62.5 mg/kg, i.p.) and p-CPA (100 mg/kg, i.p) significantly antagonized this reduction in immobility time. Furthermore, Lycopersicon esculentum juice inhibited the monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzyme and reduced significantly malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. These findings reveal the anti-depressant potential of tomato.

Keywords

Lycopersicon esculentum, Anti-Depressant, Forced Swim Test, Tail Suspension Test.

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Milind Parle ¹, Ashwani ¹, Amrita Parle ²

Affiliations
1 Pharmacology Division, Department Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar (Haryana), IN
2 Department of Pharmacy, Meerabai Polytechnic, New Delhi, IN

Abstract

Music has well established psychological effects, including the induction and modification of cognitive status, mood and emotions. The present study was designed to investigate the role of devotional music in the management of depression. This study was carried out on forty five indoor patients suffering with depression admitted at Gupta Hospital, Hisar. The Music Therapy sessions were administered in a sound proof environment in the presence of a psychiatrist and clinical psychologist. Music Therapy remarkably improved the speech, orientation, memory and concentration ability of depressed patients. Furthermore, Music Therapy had positive influence on the cognition status and general behaviour of patients. These findings suggested that Music Therapy has potential to produce antidepressant effects, when used judiciously. This study provides clinical evidence for the effectiveness of Music Therapy in patients of all abilities, ages and communities.

Keywords

Music, Depression, Cognition, Brain, Orientation.

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Milind Parle ¹, Ashwani Arya ¹

Affiliations
1 Pharmacology Division, Department Pharm. Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar (Haryana), IN

Abstract

Music Therapy is growing as a profession globally, both in quantity and stature as a recognized treatment. In Italy, many physicians incorporate music into their medical practices. The United States of America, Russia, South Africa, Argentina, Norway, United Kingdom and Spain have well developed Music Therapy centres and active associations of music therapists. In India, classical music comprising of ragas has been employed for healing the Body- Mind -Soul complex. The purpose of any therapy is to improve the physical and mental well being of a person. Music Therapy is an innovative, artistic, scientific and evidence based method of restoring, maintaining and improving the emotional, physiological and psychological well-being of human beings of all ages and abilities through the power of music. Music knows no boundaries. It pervades everywhere irrespective of caste, creed, culture, national barriers or blood-brain barrier. Music can be found in every nook and corner of the world. It forms an integral part of our lives. Music represents an intriguing stimulus widely used in films to increase the emotional experience. The emotion processing brain structures are amygdala, hippocampus, parahippocampus, insula, striatum, medial ventral frontal cortex, cerebellum and fusiform gyrus. Music constitutes an ideal means to create a sense of suspense in movies. The efficacy of Music Therapy has been proven in patients suffering from a wide range of disabilities such as dementia, acute brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, autism, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, migraine, insomnia, chronic pain, and multiple sclerosis. Since Music Therapy is a non-invasive, enjoyable and cost-effective therapy, unique outcomes are possible.

Keywords

Music Therapy, Brain, Memory, Depression, Insomnia.

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Milind Parle ¹, Pankaj Rakha ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar (Haryana), IN

Abstract

Parkinson disease is characterized by rigidity, tremors, shuffling gait and bradykinesia.At present, pharmacotherapy of Parkinsonism is limited mostly to symptomatic treatments that do not alter the course of the underlying disease. A number of medicines have been prescribed for treating this disorder particularly Levodopa. In Charak Sanhita, this disorder is named as Kampavata. Enormous numbers of compounds have been fractionated from plant sources for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. In the present study, an attempt was made to evaluate the anti-parkinsonian effect of Aloe vera juice using different experimental models. The powerful anti-oxidant activity possessed by Aloe vera, when coupled with the observations of the present study such as significant reduction in rigidity, hypokinesia and tremors of animals in different experimental models suggest promising anti-parkinsonian potential of Aloe vera juice.

Keywords

Rigidity, Tremors, Bradykinesia, Parkinsonism.

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