The frequency of sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE) in mouse bone marrow exposed to gamma-irradiati... more The frequency of sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE) in mouse bone marrow exposed to gamma-irradiation was used to assess the radiomodifying effect of camphor. Hoechst 33258 plus Giemsa was used for SCE analysis. The radiation-induced SCE frequency was significantly low after a single dose of camphor (0.5 microM/g b.w.) administered 30, 45 or 60 min before irradiation; the effect was enhanced with increasing time intervals.
Plants are an abundant source of medicinal compounds, some of which are useful in combating free ... more Plants are an abundant source of medicinal compounds, some of which are useful in combating free radical-mediated oxidative stress. In the present study, initially two fractions designated REC-1001 (flavonoid-rich fraction) and REC-1002 (flavonoid-poor fraction) of Hippophae rhamnoides were screened on the basis of their reducing power in the aqueous phase. REC-1001 was selected for further study, since it exhibited 27.38 times higher antioxidant activity than REC-1002. REC-1001 also showed significant (P < .05) membrane protection potential at 50 microg/mL, which was attributed to its ability to scavenge peroxyl radicals (64.82 +/- 1.25% scavenging within 1,440 min). A significant (P…
Ocimum sanctum fixed oil produced hypotensive effect in anaesthetised dog, which seems to be due ... more Ocimum sanctum fixed oil produced hypotensive effect in anaesthetised dog, which seems to be due to its peripheral vasodilatory action. The oil increased blood-clotting time and percentage increase was comparable to aspirin and could be due to inhibition of platelet aggregation. The oil also increased pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time in rats indicating probable inhibitory effect of oil towards cytochromic enzyme responsible for hepatic metabolism of pentobarbitone.
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology B-biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 2004
Cytosolic alanine aminotransferase (c-AAT) was purified up to 203- and 120-fold, from the liver o... more Cytosolic alanine aminotransferase (c-AAT) was purified up to 203- and 120-fold, from the liver of two freshwater teleosts Clarias batrachus (air-breathing, carnivorous) and Labeo rohita (water-breathing, herbivorous), respectively. The enzyme from both fish showed similar elution profiles on a DEAE-Sephacel ion exchange column. SDS-PAGE of purified enzymes revealed two subunits of 54 and 56 kDa, in both fish. The apparent Km values for l-alanine were 18.5+/-0.48 and 23.55+/-0.60 mM, whereas for 2-oxoglutarate the Km values were observed to be 0.29+/-0.023 and 0.33+/-0.028 mM for the enzyme from C. batrachus and L. rohita, respectively. With l-alanine as substrate, aminooxyacetic acid was found to act as a competitive inhibitor with KI values of 6.4 x 10(-4) and 3.4 x 10(-4) mM with c-AAT of C. batrachus and L. rohita, respectively. However, when 2-oxoglutarate was used as substrate, aminooxyacetic acid showed uncompetitive inhibition with similar KI values for purified c-AAT from both fish. Temperature and pH profiles of the enzyme did not show any marked differences between the two fish examined. These results suggest that liver c-AAT, isolated from these two fish species adapted to different modes of life, remain unaltered structurally. However, at the kinetic level, liver c-AAT from C. batrachus exhibits significantly higher affinity for the substrate l-alanine and decreased affinity for its metabolic inhibitor, in comparison to that of the enzyme purified from L. rohita. Such functional changes seem to be of physiological significance and also provide preliminary evidence for subtle changes in the enzyme as a mark of metabolic adaptation in the fish to different physiological demands.
Ocimum sanctum L. (Labiatae), popularly known as “Tulsi” in Hindi and “Holy Basil” in English, is... more Ocimum sanctum L. (Labiatae), popularly known as “Tulsi” in Hindi and “Holy Basil” in English, is a sacred plant of Hindus. In traditional literature, prep-arations of various parts of the plant have been claimed to be valuable in treating a wide spectrum of diseas-
Large cardamom (fruit of Amomum subulatum Roxb, N.O. Zingiberaceae) commonly known as ‘Heel kalan... more Large cardamom (fruit of Amomum subulatum Roxb, N.O. Zingiberaceae) commonly known as ‘Heel kalan’ or ‘Bari Ilaichi’ is used in Unani system of medicine in gastrointestinal disorders. A crude methanolic extract and its different fractions, viz. essential oil, petroleum ether (60–80°), ethyl acetate and methanolic fractions, were studied in rats for their ability to inhibit the gastric lesions induced by aspirin, ethanol and pylorus ligature. In addition their effects on wall mucus, output of gastric acid and pepsin concentration were recorded. The crude methanolic extract of A. subulatum and its fractions, viz. essential oil, petroleum ether and ethyl acetate, inhibited gastric lesions induced by ethanol significantly, but not those which were induced by pylorus ligation and aspirin. However, ethyl acetate fraction increased the wall mucus in pylorus ligated rats. The results suggest a direct protective effect of ethyl acetate fraction on gastric mucosal barrier. While the observation of decrease in gastric motility by essential oil and petroleum ether fractions suggests the gastroprotective action of the test drug. These investigations validate the use of ‘Heel kalan’ in gastrointestinal disorders by Unani physicians.
The analgesic activity of fixed oil from the seeds of Oci-mum sanctum (Tulsi) was studied after i... more The analgesic activity of fixed oil from the seeds of Oci-mum sanctum (Tulsi) was studied after intraperitoneal injecrion in mice and rats using the tailflick, tail clip, tail immersion and acetic acid-induced writhing methods; re-sults were compared with morphine and aspirin. It was ...
Podophyllum hexandrum Royale (Himalayan mayapple), a high-altitude Himalayan plant, has been show... more Podophyllum hexandrum Royale (Himalayan mayapple), a high-altitude Himalayan plant, has been shown to provide over 80 % whole-body radioprotection in mice. To investigate the radioprotective potential of P. hexandrum at the molecular level, expression patterns of various proteins associated with apoptosis were studied in the spleen of male Swiss albino strain A mice by immunoblotting. Treatment with P. hexandrum [200 mg/ kg of body weight; an ethanolic 50 % (w/v) extract delivered intraperitoneally] 2 h before irradiation resulted in MAPKAP (mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein) kinase-2 activation along with HSF-1 (heat-shock transcription factor-1), leading to upregulation of HSP-70 (heat-shock protein-70) as compared with sham-irradiated (10 Gy) mice. Strong inhibition of AIF (apoptosis-inducing factor) expression was observed in the mice treated with P. hexandrum 2 h before irradiation as compared with the shamirradiated group. Inhibition in the translocation of free NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) from cytoplasm to nucleus was observed upon P. hexandrum pretreatment 2 h before irradiation when compared with radiationtreated mice. P. hexandrum pre-treatment (2 h before irradiation) resulted in inhibition of NF-κB translocation, and the expression of tumour suppressor protein p53 was observed to be down-regulated as compared with sham-irradiated control. An increase in the expression of proteins responsible for cell proliferation [Bcl-2 (B-cell chronic lymphocytic lymphoma 2), Ras-GAP (Ras-GTPase-activating protein) and PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen)] was observed in the P. hexandrum-pretreated irradiated mice as compared with sham-irradiated controls. Caspase 3 activation resulted PARP [poly(ADP-ribose) DNA polymerase] cleavage, and DNA degradation was strongly inhibited in the mice treated with P. hexandrm (+/− irradiation) as compared with the mice treated with radiation (+/− heat shock). The present study thus clearly demonstrated that P. hexandrum extract provides protection from γ -radiation by the modu-lation of expression of proteins associated with cell death.
The fixed oil of Ocimum sanctum L. (Labiatae) was found to possess significant antiulcer activity... more The fixed oil of Ocimum sanctum L. (Labiatae) was found to possess significant antiulcer activity against aspirin-, indomethacin-, alcohol-, histamine-, reserpine-, serotonin- and stress-induced ulceration in experimental animal models. Significant inhibition was also observed in gastric secretion and aspirin-induced gastric ulceration in pylorus ligated rats. The lipoxygenase inhibitory, histamine antagonistic and antisecretory effects of the oil could probably have contributed towards antiulcer activity. O.sanctum fixed oil may be considered to be a drug of natural origin which possesses both anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activity.
To evaluate the clinical profiles, image findings and surgical outcome of 155 cases of spinal dys... more To evaluate the clinical profiles, image findings and surgical outcome of 155 cases of spinal dysraphism. 155 patients were studied prospectively (143) or retrospectively (12). The male to female ratio was 1.5:1. Mean age at presentation was 5.7 years. Out of 155 cases of spinal dysraphism, 119 had open spina bifida [meningomyelocele (MMC) in 113 (72%), meningocele in 3 (2%) and myelocystocele in 3 (2%)] and 36 had occult spina bifida [split cord malformation (SCM) without overt MMC sac (pure SCM) in 29 (19%) and midline dermal sinus in 7 (4.5%)]. Lipomeningomyelocele constituted 73 of the 113 cases of MMC (65%). Twenty cases of MMC (18%) had associated SCM (complex spina bifida). The total number of cases with SCM was 49 (32%). Twenty-four children with MMC presented with an operative scar from previous surgery, performed at the periphery. After a detailed clinical evaluation of all patients, craniospinal MRI was the preferable mode of investigation. All patients underwent surgery and were clinically assessed over a mean follow-up period of 3.6 years. MMC sac was the commonest skin manifestation seen in 89/155 cases (57%). Hypertrichosis and previous operative scar were noticed in 24 cases each (15%). Cutaneous hemangioma, skin tag and multiple neurofibroma were the other common superficial skin manifestations. Clinically, 103 patients (66.5%) had variable weakness of the lower limbs, and muscle atrophy was noticed in 56 cases (41%). Graded sensory loss, sphincteric dysfunction, trophic ulcer and backache were present in 89 (57%), 64 (36%), 17 (11%) and 9 cases (6%), respectively. Significant scoliosis in 56 cases (36%) and congenital talipes equinovarus in 51 cases (33%) were the most frequent neuroorthopedic deformities apart from high-arched foot, leg length discrepancy and flat foot. Common image findings were low-lying cord in 101 (65%), neural placode in 76/113 (49%), hydrosyrinx in 42 (27%), hydrocephalus in 71 (46%) and Chiari malformation in 62 cases (45%). The lumbosacral region in 56 cases (38%), followed by the lumbar region in 47 (30%), were the most common sites of occurrence of spina bifida. Of 71 hydrocephalic patients, 39 (55%) needed shunting before definitive surgery and 21 (30%) after the surgery. Eleven patients (15%) did not require shunting at all. CSF leak in 51 patients (33%), pseudomeningocele in 26 (17%), wound infection in 22 (14%) and meningitis in 13 (8%) were the most common postoperative complications. Two patients died in the postoperative period. During an average follow-up of 3.6 years (range 1.5-8 years), motor weakness improved in 47 children (45%) and remained static in 53 (52%), and 3 children showed deterioration in motor power. Sensory dysfunction improved in 43 (48%), remained static in 42 (47%) and deteriorated in 4 patients (4%). Sphincteric function clinically improved in 26 patients (41%) and was static in 38 (59%), and 6 patients (4%) had deterioration. Backache was dramatically relieved in all 9 patients with this complaint (100%). In 13 children with trophic ulcer (76%), it completely healed. A significant proportion of patients with open spinal dysraphism harbor an underlying SCM, an entity coined complex spina bifida (in our previous study). The incidence of hydrocephalus in spinal dysraphism is low in India in comparison to the Western world. Some patients with mild hydrocephalus on scan may not require a shunt operation. Surgical intervention should be early after entire neural axis screening by MRI.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the neurobehavioral protective efficacy of a hydr... more The aim of the present study was to investigate the neurobehavioral protective efficacy of a hydroalcoholic extract of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) in mitigating gamma radiation-induced conditioned taste aversion in Sprague-Dawley rats. Administration of Zingiber extract 1 h before 2-Gy gamma irradiation was effective in blocking the saccharin avoidance response for 5 post-treatment observational days, both in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with 200 mg/kg b.w. i.p. being the most effective dose. Highest saccharin intake in all the groups was observed on the fifth post-treatment day. The potential of ginger extract to inhibit lipid peroxidation induced by radiation (2 Gy) and ascorbate-ion stress in brain homogenate and its ability to scavenge highly reactive superoxide anions were evaluated. The 1000-microg/ml and 2000-microg/ml concentration of ginger extract showed the highest efficiency in scavenging free radicals and in inhibiting lipid peroxidation. The lipid peroxidation and superoxide-anion scavenging ability of the extract further supports its radioprotective properties. The results clearly establish the neurobehavioral efficacy of ginger extract and the antioxidant properties appear to be a contributing factor in its overall ability to modulate radiation-induced conditioned taste aversion. Ginger extract has tremendous potential for clinical applications in mitigation of radiation-induced emesis in humans.
The anti-asthmatic activity of a 50% aqueous ethanol extract of dried and fresh leaves, and the v... more The anti-asthmatic activity of a 50% aqueous ethanol extract of dried and fresh leaves, and the volatile and fixed oils of Ocirnurn sanctum was evaluated against histamine-and acetylcholine-in-duced pre-convulsive dyspnea (PCD) in guinea pigs. The 50% ethanol ...
The analgesic activity of fixed oil from the seeds of Oci-mum sanctum (Tulsi) was studied after i... more The analgesic activity of fixed oil from the seeds of Oci-mum sanctum (Tulsi) was studied after intraperitoneal injecrion in mice and rats using the tailflick, tail clip, tail immersion and acetic acid-induced writhing methods; re-sults were compared with morphine and aspirin. It was ...
Ocimum sanctum L. (Labiatae), popularly known as “Tulsi” in Hindi and “Holy Basil” in English, is... more Ocimum sanctum L. (Labiatae), popularly known as “Tulsi” in Hindi and “Holy Basil” in English, is a sacred plant of Hindus. In traditional literature, prep-arations of various parts of the plant have been claimed to be valuable in treating a wide spectrum of diseas-
Objective: To see the difference in clinical profiles, radiological findings and surgical outcome... more Objective: To see the difference in clinical profiles, radiological findings and surgical outcome of the group 1 split cord malformation and meningomyelocele (SCM with MMC) from group 2 (SCM without MMC).Methods: 46 patients of SCM were selected from a total of 138 cases of spinal dysraphism. They were divided into two groups, based on presence or absence of MMC. Group I (SCM with MMC) n=19 patients and Group II (SCM without MMC) n=27 patients. A detail clinical evaluation and MR screening of whole spine of all cases was performed. All patients underwent surgical detethering of cord. After an average follow-up of 1.7 years, the operative results were clinically assessed and statistical significance was calculated.Results: Male to female ratio was 1:09. Mean age of presentation was 3.6 years. Cutaneous markers like tuft of hair, cutaneous haemangioma, etc, had a higher incidence in group II in comparison to group I (50% vs 10.5%). The incidence of motor deficits was significant in group I in comparison to group II (63% vs 40%). The incidences of sensory loss, trophic ulcers, sphincteric dysfunction and muscle atrophy were relatively more common in group I patients, while neuro-orthopedic deformities such as congenital telepes equinovarus (CTEV), scoliosis and limb shortening were more frequent (67%) in group II children as compared to group I (53%). Type I SCM has higher incidence in group I children. Low lying conus were found in 47% patient of group I, while in group II it was noticed in 69%. The associated cranial anomalies like hydrocephalus, ACM and syrinx, were slightly higher in group I patients. At surgery, dysgenetic nerve roots, neural placode, arachnoid bands and atrophic cord were seen mainly in group I. Postoperative complications like, CSF leak, pseudomeningocele and meningitis were more commonly encountered in group I patients. The patients of group II showed better operative outcome compared to group I cases.Conclusion: Incidence of SCM with MMC amount to 41% of total SCM cases. Progressive neurological deficit was higher in this group (SCM with MMC) in comparison to the group harboring SCM without MMC. In view of a significant association of SCM in MMC cases, associated with other craniospinal anomalies, a thorough screening of neuraxis (by MRI) is recommended to treat all treatable anomalies simultaneously for desired outcome.
Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics, 2012
To study the effect of acute and repeated dose administration of lyophilized aqueous extract of t... more To study the effect of acute and repeated dose administration of lyophilized aqueous extract of the dried fruits of Tribulus terrestris (LAET) on sexual function in sexually sluggish male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Aphrodisiac activity of the test drug was evaluated in terms of exhibited sexual behavior. In order to assess the effect of chronic T. terrestris exposure on the hypothalamus--pituitary--gonadal axis, testosterone level estimation and sperm count were carried out. Twenty-eight-day oral toxicity studies were carried out to evaluate the long-term effects of the LAET administration on different body systems. Results: A dose-dependent improvement in sexual behavior was observed with the LAET treatment as characterized by an increase in mount frequency, intromission frequency, and penile erection index, as well as a decrease in mount latency, intromission latency, and ejaculatory latency. The enhancement of sexual behavior was more prominent on chronic administration of LAET. Chronic administration of LAET produced a significant increase in serum testosterone levels with no significant effect on the sperm count. No overt body system dysfunctions were observed in 28-day oral toxicity study. Conclusions: Findings of the present study validate the traditional use of T. terrestris as a sexual enhancer in the management of sexual dysfunction in males.
Coriandrum sativum L. (Apiaceae) is a small, perennial herb widely distributed in India, Pakistan... more Coriandrum sativum L. (Apiaceae) is a small, perennial herb widely distributed in India, Pakistan, West Asia, Mediterranean, and America. All parts of the plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are commonly used in cooking. The chemical constituents of C. sativum seed (CS) are essential oil, sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose), alkaloids, flavones, resins, tannins, anthraquinones, sterols (beta-sitosterol and beta-sitosteroline), and fixed oils 1 .
The frequency of sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE) in mouse bone marrow exposed to gamma-irradiati... more The frequency of sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE) in mouse bone marrow exposed to gamma-irradiation was used to assess the radiomodifying effect of camphor. Hoechst 33258 plus Giemsa was used for SCE analysis. The radiation-induced SCE frequency was significantly low after a single dose of camphor (0.5 microM/g b.w.) administered 30, 45 or 60 min before irradiation; the effect was enhanced with increasing time intervals.
Plants are an abundant source of medicinal compounds, some of which are useful in combating free ... more Plants are an abundant source of medicinal compounds, some of which are useful in combating free radical-mediated oxidative stress. In the present study, initially two fractions designated REC-1001 (flavonoid-rich fraction) and REC-1002 (flavonoid-poor fraction) of Hippophae rhamnoides were screened on the basis of their reducing power in the aqueous phase. REC-1001 was selected for further study, since it exhibited 27.38 times higher antioxidant activity than REC-1002. REC-1001 also showed significant (P < .05) membrane protection potential at 50 microg/mL, which was attributed to its ability to scavenge peroxyl radicals (64.82 +/- 1.25% scavenging within 1,440 min). A significant (P…
Ocimum sanctum fixed oil produced hypotensive effect in anaesthetised dog, which seems to be due ... more Ocimum sanctum fixed oil produced hypotensive effect in anaesthetised dog, which seems to be due to its peripheral vasodilatory action. The oil increased blood-clotting time and percentage increase was comparable to aspirin and could be due to inhibition of platelet aggregation. The oil also increased pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time in rats indicating probable inhibitory effect of oil towards cytochromic enzyme responsible for hepatic metabolism of pentobarbitone.
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology B-biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 2004
Cytosolic alanine aminotransferase (c-AAT) was purified up to 203- and 120-fold, from the liver o... more Cytosolic alanine aminotransferase (c-AAT) was purified up to 203- and 120-fold, from the liver of two freshwater teleosts Clarias batrachus (air-breathing, carnivorous) and Labeo rohita (water-breathing, herbivorous), respectively. The enzyme from both fish showed similar elution profiles on a DEAE-Sephacel ion exchange column. SDS-PAGE of purified enzymes revealed two subunits of 54 and 56 kDa, in both fish. The apparent Km values for l-alanine were 18.5+/-0.48 and 23.55+/-0.60 mM, whereas for 2-oxoglutarate the Km values were observed to be 0.29+/-0.023 and 0.33+/-0.028 mM for the enzyme from C. batrachus and L. rohita, respectively. With l-alanine as substrate, aminooxyacetic acid was found to act as a competitive inhibitor with KI values of 6.4 x 10(-4) and 3.4 x 10(-4) mM with c-AAT of C. batrachus and L. rohita, respectively. However, when 2-oxoglutarate was used as substrate, aminooxyacetic acid showed uncompetitive inhibition with similar KI values for purified c-AAT from both fish. Temperature and pH profiles of the enzyme did not show any marked differences between the two fish examined. These results suggest that liver c-AAT, isolated from these two fish species adapted to different modes of life, remain unaltered structurally. However, at the kinetic level, liver c-AAT from C. batrachus exhibits significantly higher affinity for the substrate l-alanine and decreased affinity for its metabolic inhibitor, in comparison to that of the enzyme purified from L. rohita. Such functional changes seem to be of physiological significance and also provide preliminary evidence for subtle changes in the enzyme as a mark of metabolic adaptation in the fish to different physiological demands.
Ocimum sanctum L. (Labiatae), popularly known as “Tulsi” in Hindi and “Holy Basil” in English, is... more Ocimum sanctum L. (Labiatae), popularly known as “Tulsi” in Hindi and “Holy Basil” in English, is a sacred plant of Hindus. In traditional literature, prep-arations of various parts of the plant have been claimed to be valuable in treating a wide spectrum of diseas-
Large cardamom (fruit of Amomum subulatum Roxb, N.O. Zingiberaceae) commonly known as ‘Heel kalan... more Large cardamom (fruit of Amomum subulatum Roxb, N.O. Zingiberaceae) commonly known as ‘Heel kalan’ or ‘Bari Ilaichi’ is used in Unani system of medicine in gastrointestinal disorders. A crude methanolic extract and its different fractions, viz. essential oil, petroleum ether (60–80°), ethyl acetate and methanolic fractions, were studied in rats for their ability to inhibit the gastric lesions induced by aspirin, ethanol and pylorus ligature. In addition their effects on wall mucus, output of gastric acid and pepsin concentration were recorded. The crude methanolic extract of A. subulatum and its fractions, viz. essential oil, petroleum ether and ethyl acetate, inhibited gastric lesions induced by ethanol significantly, but not those which were induced by pylorus ligation and aspirin. However, ethyl acetate fraction increased the wall mucus in pylorus ligated rats. The results suggest a direct protective effect of ethyl acetate fraction on gastric mucosal barrier. While the observation of decrease in gastric motility by essential oil and petroleum ether fractions suggests the gastroprotective action of the test drug. These investigations validate the use of ‘Heel kalan’ in gastrointestinal disorders by Unani physicians.
The analgesic activity of fixed oil from the seeds of Oci-mum sanctum (Tulsi) was studied after i... more The analgesic activity of fixed oil from the seeds of Oci-mum sanctum (Tulsi) was studied after intraperitoneal injecrion in mice and rats using the tailflick, tail clip, tail immersion and acetic acid-induced writhing methods; re-sults were compared with morphine and aspirin. It was ...
Podophyllum hexandrum Royale (Himalayan mayapple), a high-altitude Himalayan plant, has been show... more Podophyllum hexandrum Royale (Himalayan mayapple), a high-altitude Himalayan plant, has been shown to provide over 80 % whole-body radioprotection in mice. To investigate the radioprotective potential of P. hexandrum at the molecular level, expression patterns of various proteins associated with apoptosis were studied in the spleen of male Swiss albino strain A mice by immunoblotting. Treatment with P. hexandrum [200 mg/ kg of body weight; an ethanolic 50 % (w/v) extract delivered intraperitoneally] 2 h before irradiation resulted in MAPKAP (mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein) kinase-2 activation along with HSF-1 (heat-shock transcription factor-1), leading to upregulation of HSP-70 (heat-shock protein-70) as compared with sham-irradiated (10 Gy) mice. Strong inhibition of AIF (apoptosis-inducing factor) expression was observed in the mice treated with P. hexandrum 2 h before irradiation as compared with the shamirradiated group. Inhibition in the translocation of free NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) from cytoplasm to nucleus was observed upon P. hexandrum pretreatment 2 h before irradiation when compared with radiationtreated mice. P. hexandrum pre-treatment (2 h before irradiation) resulted in inhibition of NF-κB translocation, and the expression of tumour suppressor protein p53 was observed to be down-regulated as compared with sham-irradiated control. An increase in the expression of proteins responsible for cell proliferation [Bcl-2 (B-cell chronic lymphocytic lymphoma 2), Ras-GAP (Ras-GTPase-activating protein) and PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen)] was observed in the P. hexandrum-pretreated irradiated mice as compared with sham-irradiated controls. Caspase 3 activation resulted PARP [poly(ADP-ribose) DNA polymerase] cleavage, and DNA degradation was strongly inhibited in the mice treated with P. hexandrm (+/− irradiation) as compared with the mice treated with radiation (+/− heat shock). The present study thus clearly demonstrated that P. hexandrum extract provides protection from γ -radiation by the modu-lation of expression of proteins associated with cell death.
The fixed oil of Ocimum sanctum L. (Labiatae) was found to possess significant antiulcer activity... more The fixed oil of Ocimum sanctum L. (Labiatae) was found to possess significant antiulcer activity against aspirin-, indomethacin-, alcohol-, histamine-, reserpine-, serotonin- and stress-induced ulceration in experimental animal models. Significant inhibition was also observed in gastric secretion and aspirin-induced gastric ulceration in pylorus ligated rats. The lipoxygenase inhibitory, histamine antagonistic and antisecretory effects of the oil could probably have contributed towards antiulcer activity. O.sanctum fixed oil may be considered to be a drug of natural origin which possesses both anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activity.
To evaluate the clinical profiles, image findings and surgical outcome of 155 cases of spinal dys... more To evaluate the clinical profiles, image findings and surgical outcome of 155 cases of spinal dysraphism. 155 patients were studied prospectively (143) or retrospectively (12). The male to female ratio was 1.5:1. Mean age at presentation was 5.7 years. Out of 155 cases of spinal dysraphism, 119 had open spina bifida [meningomyelocele (MMC) in 113 (72%), meningocele in 3 (2%) and myelocystocele in 3 (2%)] and 36 had occult spina bifida [split cord malformation (SCM) without overt MMC sac (pure SCM) in 29 (19%) and midline dermal sinus in 7 (4.5%)]. Lipomeningomyelocele constituted 73 of the 113 cases of MMC (65%). Twenty cases of MMC (18%) had associated SCM (complex spina bifida). The total number of cases with SCM was 49 (32%). Twenty-four children with MMC presented with an operative scar from previous surgery, performed at the periphery. After a detailed clinical evaluation of all patients, craniospinal MRI was the preferable mode of investigation. All patients underwent surgery and were clinically assessed over a mean follow-up period of 3.6 years. MMC sac was the commonest skin manifestation seen in 89/155 cases (57%). Hypertrichosis and previous operative scar were noticed in 24 cases each (15%). Cutaneous hemangioma, skin tag and multiple neurofibroma were the other common superficial skin manifestations. Clinically, 103 patients (66.5%) had variable weakness of the lower limbs, and muscle atrophy was noticed in 56 cases (41%). Graded sensory loss, sphincteric dysfunction, trophic ulcer and backache were present in 89 (57%), 64 (36%), 17 (11%) and 9 cases (6%), respectively. Significant scoliosis in 56 cases (36%) and congenital talipes equinovarus in 51 cases (33%) were the most frequent neuroorthopedic deformities apart from high-arched foot, leg length discrepancy and flat foot. Common image findings were low-lying cord in 101 (65%), neural placode in 76/113 (49%), hydrosyrinx in 42 (27%), hydrocephalus in 71 (46%) and Chiari malformation in 62 cases (45%). The lumbosacral region in 56 cases (38%), followed by the lumbar region in 47 (30%), were the most common sites of occurrence of spina bifida. Of 71 hydrocephalic patients, 39 (55%) needed shunting before definitive surgery and 21 (30%) after the surgery. Eleven patients (15%) did not require shunting at all. CSF leak in 51 patients (33%), pseudomeningocele in 26 (17%), wound infection in 22 (14%) and meningitis in 13 (8%) were the most common postoperative complications. Two patients died in the postoperative period. During an average follow-up of 3.6 years (range 1.5-8 years), motor weakness improved in 47 children (45%) and remained static in 53 (52%), and 3 children showed deterioration in motor power. Sensory dysfunction improved in 43 (48%), remained static in 42 (47%) and deteriorated in 4 patients (4%). Sphincteric function clinically improved in 26 patients (41%) and was static in 38 (59%), and 6 patients (4%) had deterioration. Backache was dramatically relieved in all 9 patients with this complaint (100%). In 13 children with trophic ulcer (76%), it completely healed. A significant proportion of patients with open spinal dysraphism harbor an underlying SCM, an entity coined complex spina bifida (in our previous study). The incidence of hydrocephalus in spinal dysraphism is low in India in comparison to the Western world. Some patients with mild hydrocephalus on scan may not require a shunt operation. Surgical intervention should be early after entire neural axis screening by MRI.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the neurobehavioral protective efficacy of a hydr... more The aim of the present study was to investigate the neurobehavioral protective efficacy of a hydroalcoholic extract of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) in mitigating gamma radiation-induced conditioned taste aversion in Sprague-Dawley rats. Administration of Zingiber extract 1 h before 2-Gy gamma irradiation was effective in blocking the saccharin avoidance response for 5 post-treatment observational days, both in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with 200 mg/kg b.w. i.p. being the most effective dose. Highest saccharin intake in all the groups was observed on the fifth post-treatment day. The potential of ginger extract to inhibit lipid peroxidation induced by radiation (2 Gy) and ascorbate-ion stress in brain homogenate and its ability to scavenge highly reactive superoxide anions were evaluated. The 1000-microg/ml and 2000-microg/ml concentration of ginger extract showed the highest efficiency in scavenging free radicals and in inhibiting lipid peroxidation. The lipid peroxidation and superoxide-anion scavenging ability of the extract further supports its radioprotective properties. The results clearly establish the neurobehavioral efficacy of ginger extract and the antioxidant properties appear to be a contributing factor in its overall ability to modulate radiation-induced conditioned taste aversion. Ginger extract has tremendous potential for clinical applications in mitigation of radiation-induced emesis in humans.
The anti-asthmatic activity of a 50% aqueous ethanol extract of dried and fresh leaves, and the v... more The anti-asthmatic activity of a 50% aqueous ethanol extract of dried and fresh leaves, and the volatile and fixed oils of Ocirnurn sanctum was evaluated against histamine-and acetylcholine-in-duced pre-convulsive dyspnea (PCD) in guinea pigs. The 50% ethanol ...
The analgesic activity of fixed oil from the seeds of Oci-mum sanctum (Tulsi) was studied after i... more The analgesic activity of fixed oil from the seeds of Oci-mum sanctum (Tulsi) was studied after intraperitoneal injecrion in mice and rats using the tailflick, tail clip, tail immersion and acetic acid-induced writhing methods; re-sults were compared with morphine and aspirin. It was ...
Ocimum sanctum L. (Labiatae), popularly known as “Tulsi” in Hindi and “Holy Basil” in English, is... more Ocimum sanctum L. (Labiatae), popularly known as “Tulsi” in Hindi and “Holy Basil” in English, is a sacred plant of Hindus. In traditional literature, prep-arations of various parts of the plant have been claimed to be valuable in treating a wide spectrum of diseas-
Objective: To see the difference in clinical profiles, radiological findings and surgical outcome... more Objective: To see the difference in clinical profiles, radiological findings and surgical outcome of the group 1 split cord malformation and meningomyelocele (SCM with MMC) from group 2 (SCM without MMC).Methods: 46 patients of SCM were selected from a total of 138 cases of spinal dysraphism. They were divided into two groups, based on presence or absence of MMC. Group I (SCM with MMC) n=19 patients and Group II (SCM without MMC) n=27 patients. A detail clinical evaluation and MR screening of whole spine of all cases was performed. All patients underwent surgical detethering of cord. After an average follow-up of 1.7 years, the operative results were clinically assessed and statistical significance was calculated.Results: Male to female ratio was 1:09. Mean age of presentation was 3.6 years. Cutaneous markers like tuft of hair, cutaneous haemangioma, etc, had a higher incidence in group II in comparison to group I (50% vs 10.5%). The incidence of motor deficits was significant in group I in comparison to group II (63% vs 40%). The incidences of sensory loss, trophic ulcers, sphincteric dysfunction and muscle atrophy were relatively more common in group I patients, while neuro-orthopedic deformities such as congenital telepes equinovarus (CTEV), scoliosis and limb shortening were more frequent (67%) in group II children as compared to group I (53%). Type I SCM has higher incidence in group I children. Low lying conus were found in 47% patient of group I, while in group II it was noticed in 69%. The associated cranial anomalies like hydrocephalus, ACM and syrinx, were slightly higher in group I patients. At surgery, dysgenetic nerve roots, neural placode, arachnoid bands and atrophic cord were seen mainly in group I. Postoperative complications like, CSF leak, pseudomeningocele and meningitis were more commonly encountered in group I patients. The patients of group II showed better operative outcome compared to group I cases.Conclusion: Incidence of SCM with MMC amount to 41% of total SCM cases. Progressive neurological deficit was higher in this group (SCM with MMC) in comparison to the group harboring SCM without MMC. In view of a significant association of SCM in MMC cases, associated with other craniospinal anomalies, a thorough screening of neuraxis (by MRI) is recommended to treat all treatable anomalies simultaneously for desired outcome.
Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics, 2012
To study the effect of acute and repeated dose administration of lyophilized aqueous extract of t... more To study the effect of acute and repeated dose administration of lyophilized aqueous extract of the dried fruits of Tribulus terrestris (LAET) on sexual function in sexually sluggish male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Aphrodisiac activity of the test drug was evaluated in terms of exhibited sexual behavior. In order to assess the effect of chronic T. terrestris exposure on the hypothalamus--pituitary--gonadal axis, testosterone level estimation and sperm count were carried out. Twenty-eight-day oral toxicity studies were carried out to evaluate the long-term effects of the LAET administration on different body systems. Results: A dose-dependent improvement in sexual behavior was observed with the LAET treatment as characterized by an increase in mount frequency, intromission frequency, and penile erection index, as well as a decrease in mount latency, intromission latency, and ejaculatory latency. The enhancement of sexual behavior was more prominent on chronic administration of LAET. Chronic administration of LAET produced a significant increase in serum testosterone levels with no significant effect on the sperm count. No overt body system dysfunctions were observed in 28-day oral toxicity study. Conclusions: Findings of the present study validate the traditional use of T. terrestris as a sexual enhancer in the management of sexual dysfunction in males.
Coriandrum sativum L. (Apiaceae) is a small, perennial herb widely distributed in India, Pakistan... more Coriandrum sativum L. (Apiaceae) is a small, perennial herb widely distributed in India, Pakistan, West Asia, Mediterranean, and America. All parts of the plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are commonly used in cooking. The chemical constituents of C. sativum seed (CS) are essential oil, sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose), alkaloids, flavones, resins, tannins, anthraquinones, sterols (beta-sitosterol and beta-sitosteroline), and fixed oils 1 .
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