Jessica M. Judd graduated from the University of Missouri in May 2014 with a degree in psychology. She will begin graduate training in neuroscience at Arizona State University in Fall 2014. Dennis K. Miller is an Associate Professor of Psychological Sciences at the University of Missouri and is a researcher in the University’s Center for Translational Neuroscience. He studies human psychological disorders, such as drug addiction and obesity, using animal models. Dr. Miller teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in general psychology, psychopharmacology, learning and cognition.

Keywords : psychopharmacology, Sciences, University

Author : Jessica M. Judd and Dennis K. Miller

Title : Is there a role for resveratrol and sirtuins in the treatment of cocaine and methamphetamine addiction?

Volume/Issue : 2014;2(7)

Page No : 595-596

The present study was designed to determine the antitumor and antioxidant properties of crude methanol extract from the leaves of Ervatamia coronaria (MEEC) against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) bearing Swiss albino mice. The effect of MEEC on the growth of transplantable murine tumor, life span of EAC bearing host, viable and non-viable cell count, packed cell volume, hematological profile and biochemical parameters such as lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione content (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were estimated. MEEC caused significant (P<0.01) decrease in tumor volume, packed cell volume and viable count; and it prolonged the life span of EAC-tumor bearing mice. Hematological studies reveal that the Hb content and RBC count were restored to near normal levels in extract treated animals. MEEC significantly (P<0.05) decreased the levels of LPO and significantly increased the levels of GSH, SOD and CAT. Moreover the MEEC was found to be devoid of conspicuous short-term toxicity in the mice when administered daily for 14 days at the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg. The results suggested that the methanol extract of Ervatamia coronaria leaves exhibited antitumor effect by modulating lipid peroxidation and augmenting antioxidant defense system in EAC bearing Swiss albino mice.

Keywords : Ervatamia coronaria, Antitumor, antioxidant, Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma

Author : Gomathi Periasamy

Title : Evaluation of in- vivo antitumor and antioxidant activity of Ervatamia coronaria leaves

Volume/Issue : 2014;2(7)

Page No : 597-604

Plant extracts have been used since ancient times for treatment of different diseases. They contain phytochemicals which possess multiple therapeutic effects. The aim of this study was to explore neuropharmacological effects of Cleome brachycarpa. Ethanolic extract of Cleome brachycarpa was diluted in DMSO and administered orally at 300mg/kg according to weight of animals. Various CNS screening tests have been performed on mice after acute dosing. The results showed decreased number of cage crosses, head dip, central square and peripheral square crossing, decreased struggling time in FST and increased time in light box in light and dark test. Thus it is concluded that Cleome brachycarpa possesses anxiolytic and CNS depressant effect after acute dosing.

Keywords : Cleome brachycarpa, Anxiolytic , CNS- depressant.

Author : Sana Sarfaraz, Rahila Najam, Iqbal Azhar , Bushra Riaz, Humera Anser

Title : Anxiolytic and CNS depressant effects of ethanolic extract of cleome brachycarpa revealed after neuropharmacological screening

Volume/Issue : 2014;2(7)

Page No : 605-610

Plant-based diet supplements help the prevention and therapy of several kinds of cancer because they contain micronutrients, which exhibit chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activities. In present study invitro cytotoxic effect of wheat grass was evaluated on Caco2 cell line by MTT assay. Further antitumor and antioxidant activity of wheatgrass was evaluated against the Caco2 cell line induced colon cancer in mice. After 24 h of tumor inoculation intraperitoneally, wheatgrass was administered daily for 30 days. After administration of last dose followed by 18 h fasting, mice were sacrificed for observation of antitumor activity. The change in body weight, abdominal circumference of tumor bearing hosts and simultaneous alterations in hematological profile, serum (SGPT, LDH, GGT, ALP and glucose) and liver biochemical parameters (lipid peroxidation, GSH and antioxidant enzymes-CAT, GPx) were estimated. The changes in serum carcinoembryonic antigen and ferritin levels were estimated. The wheatgrass exhibited apoptosis of cell lines and inhibited cell growth (invivo). The wheatgrass maintained the abdominal circumference and body weight of tumor bearing mice. Hematological profile reverted towards normal levels in wheatgrass treated mice. Treatment with wheatgrass restored serum biochemical parameters towards normal levels and decreased levels of lipid peroxidation and increased levels of reduced glutathione and other antioxidant enzymes (CAT and GPx). The wheatgrass treatment restored Carcino embryonic antigen and ferritin levels in tumor induced mice. The wheatgrass exhibited antitumor effect by modulating hematological parameters, lipid peroxidation and augmenting antioxidant defense system in tumor bearing mice.

Keywords : Wheatgrass extract, Caco2 cell line, antitumor effect, apoptosis, antioxidant activity

Author : B.V. S. Lakshmi, M.Sudhakar, P. Kranthi

Title : Antitumor and antioxidant activity of Triticum Aestivum against CACO-2 cell line induced colon cancer

Volume/Issue : 2014;2(7)

Page No : 611-621

To investigate antioxidant efficacy of ethyl acetate and acetone fractions of four flowers viz. Alstonia scholaris, Calotropis procera, Cassia auriculata and Catharanthus roseas and estimation of total phenol and flavonoid content. Extraction was done by cold percolation method using hexane, ethyl acetate and acetone solvents. Different fractions of four flowers were tested for total phenol and flavonoid content. In vitro antioxidant activity was measured by two antioxidant assays viz. ABTS assay and FRAP activity. C. auriculata had maximum phenol content and showed maximum FRAP and ABTS activity while C. procera had lower phenol content and lower FRAP and ABTS activity indicating a positive correlation between phenolic content and antioxidant activity. C. auriculata was best among the four flowers screened and can be considered as a promising source for the treatment of many free radical related diseases.

Keywords : Alstonia scholaris, Calotropis procera, Cassia auriculata, Catharanthus roseas, FRAP, ABTS, flower extracts, total phenol content

Author : Moteriya Pooja, Satasiya Rinkal and Chanda Sumitra

Title : Evaluation of antioxidant potential and phenol and flavonoid content of some flower extracts of Saurashtra region

Volume/Issue : 2014;2(7)

Page No : 622-634

Unani medicines are used since long time ago, among which Khamira’s are used for rejuvenation of body homeostasis. The object of the study was to explore the effect of khamira-e gao zaban amberi jawahirdar and the results were compared with the standard drug Cyanocobalamine (vitamin B12 ). Different CNS parameters had been performed on mice. The drugs were administered to mice and results were observed on day 20 and30. The dose of khamira administered to one group was 0.1 ml containing 0.83 mg dissolved in milk (9 mg dissolved in 10 ml of milk). While 0.04 ml of Cyanocobalamine was given to another group, third group serves as control. The results showed decrease in the time taken to reach the platform in stationary rod by both drugs, while exploratory activities was also found increased in head dip, cage crossing and open field activities. It is concluded from our findings that khamira-e-gao zaban amberi jawahir dar and cyanocobalamine posses marked effect on behavior as well as it also possess memory enhancing effect.

Keywords : Cyanocobalamine (vitaminB12 ), Khamira-e-Gao Zaban Amberi Jawahir Dar, memory, behavior.

Author : Humera Anser, Rahela Najam, Bushra Riaz, Saira Saeed Khan

Title : Neuro-pharmacological screening of Cyanocobalamine and khamera-e-gao zaban amberi jawahir dar and its Behavioral and Memory enhancing effects in mice

Volume/Issue : 2014;2(7)

Page No : 635-640

The purpose of this work is to develop and evaluate matrix-type transdermal patch containing drug Lornoxicam with different ratios of hydrophilic (PVA) and hydrophobic (Ethyl cellulose) polymeric systems, in which 4 % w/v of Tween 80 as penetration enhancer and 10 % w/v of PEG 400 as plasticizer in dichloromethane and methanol (4:1) solvent system by using Solvent Evaporation Technique. Formulated transdermal films were physically evaluated with regard to thickness, weight variation, drug content, tensile strength, folding endurance, percentage moisture loss, percentage moisture uptake, and water vapour transmission rate. Drug excipients compatibility studies are confirmed by using FTIR Spectrums. In-vitro permeation studies of formulations were prepared by using Franz diffusion cells. Mechanism of drug release was determined by Korsmeyer-Peppas equation. The ‘n’ values were found in the range of 0.836-1.159. It indicated that the formulation follows diffusion mechanisms of both non-Fickian and super case II transport. The kinetic studies showed that, formulation F-1 follow zero order while formulations F-2 to F-7 follow fist order. These results indicate that the formulation F3 {poly vinyl alcohol: Ethyl cellulose (1:1)} has shown optimum release of 79.34% with its action sustained for 24 hours time period.

Keywords : Formulations, Transdermal patch, Lornoxicam, PVA, Solvent evaporation technique.

Author : Allimalarkodi S, Srilakshmi Ch, Muniyandi Sujatha, Ganesan V

Title : Formulation and In-vitro evaluation of transdermal patch of Lornoxicam by using hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers

Volume/Issue : 2014;2(7)

Page No : 641-647

Chandraprabha vati (CV) is a herbo-mineral formulation consisting of 37 ingredients (28 herbs, 3 mineral salts, 2 alkali, 2 metal ashes, sucrose and Aspelt mineral pitch) which is used as a diuretic in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. However, the diuretic potential and its mechanisms of action are not scientifically investigated. This study examined these two aspects using rat conscious hydrated model. Three different doses of CV in 1 ml (1000, 2000, 4000mg/kg) or furosemide (positive control) (13 mg/kg) or 1 ml of distilled water (negative control) was orally administered to different groups of rats (N=6/group) which were previously starved (for 18 h) and subsequently hydrated (15 ml of isotonic saline). The rats were individually placed in metabolic cages and their urine output was monitored hourly for 6h. The result revealed that, CV markedly increased the urinary output at1st hour itself in an inversely dose – related manner (r2 = -1). The onset of the diuretic action of CV was very rapid (within 1h) and so was the peak diuresis (within 1h) but the effect was short lived (2h) as furosemide. Interestingly, the diuretic potential of CV was superior (by 2 fold) to furosemide. Further, CV increased the specific gravity, conductivity, urinary Na+ level, urinary Na+/ K+ ratio, urinary Na+/ K+ ratio, urinary Na+/Cl- ratio, urinary Na+/ H+ ratio and creatinine clearance. The CV did not induced toxicity (general, renal, hepatic and neuro toxicity). These results significantly show that CV can function as a diuretic as claimed in Ayurvedic medicine and acts via multiple mechanisms. (osmotic, thiazide, potassium sparing, loop diuretic and promoting glomerular filtration rate). It is concluded that, CV can as function as potent, safe diuretic as claimed in Ayurvedic medicine.

Keywords : Chandraprabha vati, Diuretic, Ayurveda, Herbo-mineral formulations

Author : Wanigasekera Daya Ratnasooriya, Kumudu Rupika Weerasekera, Induragare Dhammarathana, Madampe Hettiarachchige Anura Kumara Tissera, Hettiarachchige Sammy Ariyawansha

Title : Diuretic Activity of Chandraprabha vati (an Ayurvedic Herbo-mineral formulation) in Rats

Volume/Issue : 2014;2(7)

Page No : 648-653

Traditional plants have many medicinal values including the treatment of different infectious diseases. In the assessment of conventional claims, scientific research is foremost. For this reason the methanolic extract of Atropa Belladonna were evaluated at different concentration for antimicrobial activity against medically important bacteria viz. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia. The in vitro antimicrobial activity was performed by agar well diffusion method. The methanolic extract of Atropa belladonna exhibit considerable degree of antimicrobial activity against the tested gram negative and gram positive bacterial strains.

Keywords : antimicrobial activity, Atropa Belladonna

Author : Tajwar Sultana, Huda kafeel and Safila Naveed

Title : In-vitro anti-microbial activity of methanolic extract of Atropa belladonna using the agar well diffusion method

Volume/Issue : 2014;2(7)

Page No : 654-656

The emergence of microbial strains resistant to the present antibiotics highlights the need for search of new antimicrobial agents. In continuation to this, present work deals with the synthesis and antimicrobial activity of 2 amino-3-(benzo[d] thiazol-2-yl)-4-phenyl pyrano [3,2-c] chromen-5(4H)-one derivatives. The newly synthesized compounds were screened for in vitro antimicrobial activity against four Gram positive bacteria, four Gram negative bacteria and four fungi in the solvent Dimethylsulphoxide. Some of the synthesized compounds exhibited better antibacterial activity against Gram positive bacteria than Gram negative bacteria. None of the synthesized compounds showed antifungal activity against the selected fungal strains.

Keywords : Antibacterial activity, Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria, Dihydropyrano [c]chromenes Dimethylsulphoxide

Author : Pooja Moteriya, Tejas Rathod, Ankita Bhalu, Shipra Baluja, Sumitra Chanda

Title : Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity of some new coumarine derivatives

Volume/Issue : 2014;2(7)

Page No : 657-660

So far, it has been very difficult to express that any particular antidiabetic drug is more effective in terms of nephroprotection. Present study was conducted to evaluate the potential of rosiglitazone and acarbose in minimizing diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes. 40 Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups. Group I was alloxan-treated diabetic control. Groups II, III, IV were treated with acarbose , acarbose along with cooked cornstarch diet and rosiglitazone respectively. Diabetes was induced with single dose of alloxan monohydrate intraperitoneally. After induction drug samples were administered orally and effects were studied on day 7, 15 and 30 for determination of renal functions. Highly significant decrease (p<0.001) in creatinine level after 7 days and then significant increase (p<0.001) was observed after 15 and 30 days in all treated groups. BUN level of groups II and III were significantly decreased (p<0.001) after 7 and 15 days. Group III showed a highly significant (p<0.001) increase after 30 days. Group IV showed an initially elevated BUN level after 7 days. The levels were then decreased after 15 and 30 days. Acarbose use is associated with less risk of drug-induced nephropathy.

Keywords : Diabetic nephropathy, drug-induced interstitial nephritis, acarbose, rosiglitazone.

Author : Humera Khatoon , Rahila Najam, Bushra Riaz

Title : Effects of acarbose (with and without corn starch diet) and rosiglitazone on kidney functions in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Volume/Issue : 2014;2(7)

Page No : 661-664

When ethyl 2-cyano-3,3-bis(methylthio)acrylate (2) on treatment with 2-amino benzimidazole (1) in N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) and catalytic amount of anhydrous potassium carbonate, gives 3-cyano-2-metylthio-4-oxo-4H- pyrimido [1,2-a] benzimidazole (3).The latter were further reacted with selected N-,O- and C- nucleophiles such as aryl amines, heteryl amines, substituted phenols and compounds containing an active methylene group to afforded 2-cyano-3-metylthio-4-oxo-4H-pyrimido [1,2-a] benzimidazole and their 2-substituted derivatives. All newly synthesized compounds were evaluated and characterized by spectroscopic techniques and screened their very excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

Keywords : 2-Amino benzimidazole, ethyl cyano bismethylthio acrylate, DMF, Anhydrous K2CO3.

Author : S. P. Vartale, P. N. Ubale, S. G. Sontakke, N. K. Halikar and M. M. Pund

Title : Antioxidant and antimicrobial evaluation of pyrimido [1, 2-a] benzimidazoles

Volume/Issue : 2014;2(7)

Page No : 665-670

A simple, selective, rapid, precise and economical reverse phase high-pressure liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the simultaneous estimation of Paracetamol, Thiocolchicoside and Diclofenac Sodium. The method was carried out on a Kromasil, C18 ODS (100 mm x 4.8 m, 5μ), with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile: Phosphat buffer adjusted pH 3 with Ortho Phoosphoric acid at flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. Detection was carried out at 228 nm. This method has been applied to formulation also and it gives expected results without interference of excipients of formulation. The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots showed a good linear relationship over the concentration range of 100 - 500 μg/mL for Paracetamol, for Thiocolchicoside and for Diclofenac Sodium. The mean values of the correlation coefficient, slope and intercept were found to be 0.99, 80865 and 34739 for Paracetamol and 0.99, 10284 and 41683 for Thiocochicoside and 0.99, 59407, 29275 for Diclofenac Sodium respectively. The method was validated for precision, robustness and Linearity. Stability indicating method also performed for the formulation and for the mixture of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients by using 0.1 N HCl, 0.1 N NaOH, 1% H2O2, % H2O2. Thermal degradation was performed at 105 C for 48 hr. and Photolytic degradation were also performed for 48 hrs. Validation data showed that the method is repeatable and selective for the estimation of Paracetamol, Thiocolchicoside and Diclofenac Sodium.

Keywords : Paracetamol, Diclofenac Sodium, Thiocolchicoside, RP-HPLC, Validation, Stability indicating assay Method, PTD (Paracetamol, Thiocolchicoside, Diclofenac Sodium).

Author : Shirish Deshpande, Ankit R Patel

Title : Stability indicating Simultaneous estimation of Thiocolchicoside, Paracetamol and Diclofenac sodium in bulk drug and formulation by RP-HPLC

Volume/Issue : 2014;2(7)

Page No : 671-680

Standardization describes all measures taken during manufacturing process and quality control leads to reproducible quality of particular product. Growing need for standardization and quality control of herbal medicines is recognized by WHO that specifies guidelines for the assessment of the safety and quality of herbal medicines as a prerequisite for global harmonization. The present study was focused on an exhaustive standardization of a Herbo-mineral capsule preparation namely “Trichup Capsule” which was carried out employing the basic organoleptic test, physico-chemical tests, and bio-assays by sophisticated instruments like HPLC and HPTLC. HPTLC fingerprinting, assays of marker compounds were carried out to confirm the quantitative presence of the raw materials in the finished product which in turn reflects the quality and potency of product. The study results revealed that the Capsule formulation was well standardized at various levels such as Physical consistency, Chemical profile, Microbial and Heavy metal limits.

Keywords : Standardization, Herbo-mineral Capsule Formulation, HPLC, HPTLC, Trichup Capsule

Author : Ekta Rabadiya, Hardik Soni, Kruti Pandya, Ghanshyam Patel, Maitreyi Zaveri, Sonal Patel

Title : A detail phyto-chemical evaluation of ayurvedic capsule formulation used for hair care

Volume/Issue : 2014;2(7)

Page No : 681-692