NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Collection: IJBB Vol.48(3) [June 2011]

Growth inhibition of struvite crystals by the aqueous root extract of Rotula aquatica

Sun, 29 May 2011 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Growth inhibition of struvite crystals by the aqueous root extract of Rotula aquatica

Authors: Chauhan, C K; Joshi, M J; Vaidya, A D B

Abstract: Formation of urinary stone is a serious and debilitating problem throughout the world. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of aqueous extract of root of Rotula aquatica was investigated against struvite crystals (one of the components of urinary stone) grown in vitro using single diffusion gel growth technique. For setting the gel, sodium metasilicate solution (specific gravity 1.05) and 0.5 M aqueous solution of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate were mixed, so that the pH of the mixture could be set at 7.0. Equal amounts of supernatant solution of magnesium acetate (1.0 M) prepared with 0.0%, 0.5% and 1% concentrations of the extract were gently poured on the set gels. It was observed that the number, dimension, total mass, total volume, growth rate and depth of growth of struvite crystals decreased with the increasing extract concentrations in the supernatant solutions. The enhancement of dissolution rate and fragmentation of struvite crystals suggested potential application of the extract for inhibition of struvite type urinary stone

Page(s): 202-207

Neuroprotective potential of ethanolic extract of Pseudarthria viscida (L) Wight and Arn against -amyloid_(25-35)-induced amnesia in mice

Sun, 29 May 2011 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Neuroprotective potential of ethanolic extract of Pseudarthria viscida (L) Wight and Arn against -amyloid_(25-35)-induced amnesia in mice

Authors: Singh, J C Hanish; Alagarsamy, V; Parthiban, P; Selvakumar, P; Reddy, Y Narsimha

Abstract: The neuroprotective potential of ethanolic extract of roots of Pseudarthria viscida (L) Wight and Arn (EEPV) was investigated against -amyloid_(25-35)-induced amnesia in mice which is a suitable animal model for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The senile plaques of -amyloid (A) are major constituents accumulated during the progression of AD as a potent neurotoxicant. In our investigation, intracerebroventricular injection of A_(25-35) in mice induced the neurodegeneration, exhibited the increased time of escape latency in behavioral pattern using water maze and decreased the levels of antioxidants namley superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and vitamin C with elevated level of acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE). The neuroprotective potential of EEPV was determined by behavioral pattern using water maze and biochemical parameters such as SOD, CAT and GPx and vitamin C content as well as AChE. Mice were treated with EEPV at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses for 21 days. Except control, all animals received a single injection of neurotoxicant A_(25-35)on 14^th day. In behavioural assessment, treatment with ethanolic extract improved the cognitive function in the water maze and attenuated the elevated levels of AChE with increase in antioxidant enzymes, indicating the neuroprotection with increased levels of vitamin C. These findings suggest that ethanolic extract of P. viscida exerts anti-amnesiac effects and enhances cognitive function.

Page(s): 197-201

-Tocopherol ameliorates cypermethrin-induced toxicity and oxidative stress in the nematode Caenorhabdtis elegans

Sun, 29 May 2011 22:58:59 GMT

Title: -Tocopherol ameliorates cypermethrin-induced toxicity and oxidative stress in the nematode Caenorhabdtis elegans

Authors: Shashikumar, Shivaiah; Rajini, P S

Abstract: Oxidative stress and other effects induced by cypermethrin (CYP, 15 mM) and their amelioration by -tocopherol (400 M) was studied in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The worms exposed for 4 h to CYP showed increased levels of reactive oxygen species (46%), H₂O₂(37%) and protein carbonyls (29%), accompanied by decreased lifespan and brood size. However, exposure to both CYP and a-tocopherol resulted in diminution of above alterations with the worms exhibiting relatively lower levels of ROS (30%), H₂O₂ (15%), protein carbonyls (14%), altered antioxidant enzyme activities and normal lifespan and brood size. The results suggest that CYP induces oxidative stress in C. elegans and the strategy of intervention with -tocopherol could be exploited to offset this induced oxidative stress.

Page(s): 191-196

Lindane-induced biochemical perturbations in rat serum and attenuation by omega-3 and Nigella sativa seed oil

Sun, 29 May 2011 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Lindane-induced biochemical perturbations in rat serum and attenuation by omega-3 and Nigella sativa seed oil

Authors: Attia, Ahmed M; El-Banna, Sabah G; Nomeir, Farid R; El-Basser, Mohammed I Abd

Abstract: Lindane (-hexachlorocyclohexane, -HCH), a highly persistent organochlorine insecticide is neurotoxic at acute doses and has been reported to induce oxidative stress in cells and tissues. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant property of Nigella sativa seed oil (N.O) and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (₃) against -HCH-induced oxidative hepatic and renal damage in male rats serum. Rats were orally given sublethal dose of -HCH (12 mg/kg, 24 h prior to decapitation), while N.O (0.3 ml/kg) and ₃ (20 mg/kg) were given every 48 h for 20 days single or together, or also combined with -HCH. -HCH caused a significant increase in the levels of serum total lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides by 49, 61 and 30% respectively, while HDL-cholesterol decreased by 45% compared to control group. Pretreatment with ₃ and N.O prior -HCH administration re-established the altered biochemical features and alleviated the harmful effects of g-HCH on lipid profile. The concentration of serum total protein and albumin was significantly decreased by 35 and 45% respectively in rats treated with -HCH compared to control. -HCH also caused hepatic and renal damage, as observed from the elevated serum levels of urea, creatinine, total bilirubin and uric acid contents and aminotransferases (AST and ALT), phosphatases (ACP and ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities. Co-administration of ₃ and N.O reversed the hazardous effects induced by -HCH on the liver and kidney and also protected acetylcholinesterase from the inhibitory action of -HCH as well as suppressed the lipid peroxidation. Thus, the results show that ₃ and N.O might prevent oxidative stress and attenuate the changes in the biochemical parameters induced by -HCH in male rats.

Page(s): 184-190

NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Collection: IJBB Vol.48(3) [June 2011]

Growth inhibition of struvite crystals by the aqueous root extract of Rotula aquatica

Neuroprotective potential of ethanolic extract of Pseudarthria viscida (L) Wight and Arn against -amyloid(25-35)-induced amnesia in mice

-Tocopherol ameliorates cypermethrin-induced toxicity and oxidative stress in the nematode Caenorhabdtis elegans

Lindane-induced biochemical perturbations in rat serum and attenuation by omega-3 and Nigella sativa seed oil

Neuroprotective potential of ethanolic extract of Pseudarthria viscida (L) Wight and Arn against -amyloid_(25-35)-induced amnesia in mice