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Amolkumar K. Hule , Archana R. Juvekar

Abstract

The seeds of Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) have been traditionally used in India and other Asian countries. The methanolic extract of Elaeocarpus ganitrus (EGM) seeds were evaluated for immunomodulatory activity using in vitro and in vivo methodologies. Effect of the extract at various concentrations (832 - 6.5 μg/ml) on secretion of mediators like nitric oxide, superoxide and lysosomal enzyme from isolated murine peritoneal macrophages were evaluated. The extract showed significant stimulation of release of nitric oxide (at 416, 104, 52 μg/ml), superoxide (at 416, 208 μg/ml) and lysosomal enzyme (at 208, 104 μg/ml). The extract was also evaluated for in vivo phagocytic activity by carbon clearance assay in mice and it showed significant increase in the phagocytic index at 100 and 200mg/kg dose. The effect of the extract in delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) and antibody titre assay were evaluated in ovalbumin immunized mice. The extract showed significant stimulation of DTH response at 200 mg/kg dose and antibody titer at 100 and 200 mg/kg dose. The effect of EGM extract in cyclophosphamide induced myelosuppressed mice was not significant. The results suggest that EGM influences both non-specific (phagocytosis) and specific (cell mediated and humoral) arms of immune system.

Keywords

Elaeocarpus ganitrus, Immunomodulation, Nitric Oxide, Superoxide, Carbon Clearance, Delayed Hypersensitivity, Phagocytosis, Ovalbumin, Antibody

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Abhishek S. Shah , Mahendra A. Gunjal , Archana R. Juvekar

Abstract

Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) is one of the most useful traditional medicinal plants in India. Neem flowers are traditionally used as tonic and stomachic. Neem leaf, stem and seed oil has proved immunomodulatory activity along with the adverse effect on sperm count. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate immunomodulatory activity of aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica flowers on humoral and cell mediated immune response to ovalbumin, phagocytic activity by carbon clearance test and cyclophosphamide induced myelosuppression. The extract was also examined for the ability to induce secretory and cellular responses in murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro. The extract increased the production of super oxide (O₂-) and nitric oxide (NO) in murine peritoneal macrophages. These results indicate that reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI), reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI) are likely major mediators of cytotoxic activity of extract treated macrophages. The extract showed significant increase in phagocytic index which indicates activation of reticuloendothelial system through release of the mediators. The extract also showed increase in antibody titer against the ovalbumin and protection towards the cyclophosphamide induced myelosuppression in dose dependent manner. Increase in cell mediated immunity by increasing paw edema against ovalbumin showed significant effect of the extract on stimulation of T cell at the dose 400 mg/kg. Present study, therefore, reveals that the extract holds promise as immunomodulatory agent, which acts by stimulating both specific (humoral and cell mediated immunity) and non specific immune response (cytotoxic and phagocytic activity of macrophages).

Keywords

Antibody Titer, Azadirachta Indica, Immunomostimulation, Myelosuppression, Nitric Oxide, Ovalbumin

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Alok S. Wakade , Abhishek S. Shah , Mrugaya P. Kulkarni , Archana R. Juvekar

Abstract

The present study investigated the protective effect of methanolic extract of fruits of Piper longum L. (PLM) on isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction in rats. PLM was administered to Wistar albino rats in two different doses, by gastric gavage for 28 days. Myocardial infarction was induced by subcutaneous administration of ISO for 2 days at the end of the dosing period. ISO administration resulted in significant decrease in the activities of marker enzymes aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) in heart with a concomitant increase in their activities in serum. A significant increase in lipid peroxide levels (TBARS) in hearts of ISO-induced rats was also observed. Activities of myocardial antioxidant enzymes like catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPOX) and glutathione reductase (GR) along with reduced glutathione (GSH) were significantly lowered owing to myocardial infarction in ISO treated rats. PLM pretreatment was found to ameliorate the effect of ISO on lipid peroxide formation and retained activities of marker enzymes. It also prevented ISO-induced decrease in antioxidant enzymes in the heart. The histopathological studies of heart revealed a protective role PLM in ISO treated rats. The results exhibited that the pretreatment with methanolic extract of Piper longum fruits may be useful in preventing the damage induced by ISO in rat heart.

Keywords

Piper Longum, Myocardial Infarction, Isoproterenol, Lipid Peroxides, Antioxidant Enzymes

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Mrugaya P. Kulkarni , Archana R. Juvekar

Abstract

The present work was designed to assess the potential of aqueous extract of Tylophora indica on cognitive functions in mice using elevated plus maze model and Morris water maze model. Piracetam (200 mg/kg) was used as a standard nootropic agent for comparison. The results of elevated plus maze model showed that, Tylophora indica extract treated mice at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, significantly (p<0.01) reduced the time required to find the closed arm compared to untreated mice. Further, the extract treatment at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, showed significant (p <0.01) improvement in scopolamine-impaired performance with respect to acquisition and retention of memory in spatial and working memory tests, in Morris water maze model. In conclusion, Tylophora indica appears to be a promising candidate for improving memory and it would be worthwhile to explore the potential of this plant in management of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Keywords

Tylophora Indica, Nootropic, Elevated Plus Maze Model, Morris Water Maze Model

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Anuya A. Rege , Parikshit R. Juvekar , Archana R. Juvekar

Abstract

In the present study, aqueous extract of Avicennia officinalis was screened for lipid peroxidation inhibitory and anti-arthritic activities using standard in vitro procedures. It exhibited important free radical-scavenging activity towards the lipid peroxidation and DPPH radicals. A. officinalis also revealed moderate anti-arthritic activity. Folin- Ciocalteu reagent in terms of gallic acid equivalent achieved the total phenolic content which may be responsible for these activities.

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Preeti N. Tupe ¹, Jayesh B. Dhodi ¹, Dnyaneshwar M. Nagmoti ¹, Archana R. Juvekar ¹

Affiliations
1 Institute of Chemical Technology (University Under Section-3 of UGC Act 1956), NP Marg, Matunga, Mumbai-400019, IN

Abstract

The present study was carried out to evaluate the antidepressant potential of Vernonia anthelmintica willd seed extracts in experimental animals. Methanolic and aqueous extract of Vernonia anthelmintica seeds were carried out by soxhlet extraction and maceration technique respectively. The extracts were administered at dose levels of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg orally. The antidepressant activity was evaluated by Tail suspension test and Forced swim test. Locomotor activity was carried out by activity cage meter. Fluoxetine at 10 mg/kg was used as standard antidepressant drug. Vernonia anthelmintica extracts showed the stimulant effect in locomotor activity. The duration of immobility time is reduced in dose dependent manner after repeated treatment with Vernonia anthelmintica extracts for 7 days in Forced swim test and Tail suspension Test. In the present study, Vernonia anthelmintica methanolic and aqueous extract showed significant antidepressant activity in dose dependent manner. The phytoconstituents present in the Vernonia anthelmintica may be responsible for its antidepressant activity.

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