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http://www.webmedcentral.com/images/Header_Logo.giftext/html2010-09-20T17:16:23+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Dr. V DuraipandiyanAntifungal activity of Rhein isolated from Cassia fistula L. flower
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/687
Antifungal activity of rhein (1, 8- dihydroxyanthraquinone- 3carboxylic acid) isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of Cassia fistula flower was studied. Rhein inhibited the growth of many fungi such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes (MIC 31.25 µg/ml), Trichophyton simii (MIC 125 µg/ml), Trichophyton rubrum (MIC 62.5 µg/ml) and Epidermophyton floccosum (MIC 31.25 µg/ml).text/html2010-09-30T16:55:41+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Prof. Lawrence O ManguroAntimicrobial Constituents Of Conyza Floribunda
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/842
The study describes the antibacterial and antifungal effects of both CH2Cl2 and MeOH crude extracts, collected fractions and pure isolates of Conzya floribunda. The antimicrobial activity tests were carried out using agar diffusion method. In vitro tests using CH2Cl2 and MeOH extracts of C. floribunda showed anti-bacterial activities against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherischia coli, and antifungal activities against Candida albicans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum gypsium. The antibacterial and antifungal principles from C. floribunda were found to be (24S)-ethylcholesta-5, 22E, 25-dien-3-O-b-glucoside and cyasterone from methanol extract, and 3-oxofriedooleanane and betullinic acid associated with CH2Cl2 extract. The results of the present study indicate that the plant could be a useful remedy for some of the disease conditions caused by the tested bacteria and fungi and the isolated compounds could be goodtext/html2010-10-22T18:13:13+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Dr. Vinod N SinghOcimum Sanctum (tulsi): Bio-pharmacological Activities
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/1046
AbstractMedicinal plants are used by the practitioners and pharmacologists to prevent and cure many diseases for the last several thousand years. Tulsi is known as “Queen of plants” “The mother medicine of nature”. Tulsi i.e. Ocimum sanctum is a plant with enormous properties for curing and preventing diseases. It is regarded as deity in Indian subcontinent. The genus Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Labiateae or Lamiaceae) comprises 30 species which are found in tropical and subtropical regions. Leaves and flowering tops are used for extracting essential oil. Oil of O. sanctum has revealed the presence of five fatty acids (stearic, palmitic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids). It is a good source of beta carotene, calcium, vitamin C and it also contains volatile substances (including estragol, linalool, eugenol, methyl chavicol and small quantities of methyl cinnamate, cineole, and other terpenes), tannins, camphor, flavonoids, triterpene: urolic acid. Leaves are diaphoretic, anti-periodic; they are also used in bronchitis, gastric and hepatic disorders. Decoction of leaves is recommended for cough, malaise and in colds. It is a good mosquito repellant as well. Oil extracted from flowers is used in skin diseases and ring worm infection. Various studies have been performed with Ocimum sanctum for its antibacterial, antioxidant, antiulceric, antimalarial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antilipidemic, anticancer and immunomodulatory properties. Present review incorporates the description of chemical and bio-pharmacological properties of Ocimum species
text/html2012-04-14T13:55:04+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Mrs. Saiprasanna BeheraEvaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Ocimum canum Hydro-alcoholic Leaf Extract in the Prevention of Hepatic Ischaemia
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/3252
The aqueous leaf extracts of Ocimum canum (OC) were studied for their antioxidant activity. The in vitro antioxidant models used were DPPH radical scavenging activity, Hydroxyl peroxide radical scavenging method, reducing power assay which proved the plant to be rich in antioxidants. The study was carried out at different concentrations (250, 500, 1000, 2000 µg/ml) and was compared with the control. Further the antioxidant activity was studied by using an in vivo method to prove its potency in preventing ischaemia by incorporating hepatic ischemia in albino rat. The animals were divided into four different groups of six rats in each group. Group-1 wasserved as Control and received oral saline only once daily for 30 days. Group-2 received (oral saline + RI), Group-3 received Ocimum canum hydroalcoholic leaf extract 100mg/kg bwt dose orally for 30 days, Group-4 and Group-5rats were pretreated with Ocimum canum hydro-alcoholicleaf extractan oral dose of 200mg/kg bwt and 300 mg/kg bwt for 30 days. The setup for group-3, 4 and 5 was maintained for 30 days and the rats were induced with ischemia on the 29th day. After the experimental period all rats were sacrificed and antioxidant defense system and oxidative stress in hepatic tissue was investigated. The significant results were obtained for all in vitro models and in vivo models. A significant increase in activity levels of Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), Malondialdehyde (MDA) was found in rats of Group-4 when comparedwith other group. The results of present study indicate that the hydro-alcoholic leaf extract of Ocimum canum has significant antioxidant activity and can prevent ischemia.text/html2012-05-14T12:20:35+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Mr. Rajeev K Singla Assessment of Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of Callicarpa Macrophylla Vahl. Roots Extracts
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/3366
Callicarpa macrophylla, an indigenous plant of India, had been the plant of study for the current research work. Aqueous as well as ethanolic extracts of its roots(at two concentrations 200 & 400 mg/kg) were evaluated for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory potentials using tail immersion test and carrageenan paw edema method in albino rats respectively. Aqueous extract of roots are having better analgesic activity than that of its ethanolic extract. Whereas ethanolic root extract have superior anti-inflammatory spectrum than aqueous one. Results are highly promising and ascertain that roots of C. macrophylla have analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential, comparable to that of standards.text/html2012-08-03T19:10:24+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Mrs. Saiprasanna BeheraEvaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Ocimum canum Hydro-alcoholic Leaf Extract in the Prevention of Hepatic Ischaemia
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/3619
The hydro-alcoholic leaf extract of Ocimum canum (OC) – Kala Tulsi was studied for its antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity. The in vitro antioxidant models employed were DPPH (di (phenyl)-(2, 4, 6-trinitrophenyl) iminoazanium) radical scavenging assay and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity which proved the plant to be rich in antioxidants. The study was carried out at different concentrations (250, 500, 1000, 2000 µg/ml) and was compared with the control Ascorbic Acid. Further the plant’s antioxidant potential was studied by using an in vivo method to prove its potency in preventing ischemia by incorporating hepatic ischemia-reperfusion in albino rats. Ocimum canum (OC) hydro-alcoholic leaf extract were administered in doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg/day, orally for 29 days before I/R injury respectively and repeated before the reperfusion period. After the experimental period all rats were sacrificed and antioxidant defense system and oxidative stress in hepatic tissue was investigated. Liver samples were taken for histological examination and determination of hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were determined to assess liver functions. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was assayed in serum samples for the evaluation of generalized tissue damage. Ischemia/reperfusion caused a significant decrease in hepatic SOD and significant increase in MDA levels. Serum AST and ALT levels, as well as LDH activity levels were also elevated in the I/R group Treatment with OC hydro-alcoholic leaf extract reversed all these biochemical parameters as well as histological alterations induced by I/ R. In all the in vitro testing, a significant correlation existed between concentrations of the extract and percentage inhibition of free radicals. Simultaneously, all in vivo tests showed a significant correlation between concentrations of the extract and alteration in the biochemical and histological parameters. These findings suggest that the hydro-alcoholic extracts are able to scavenge free radicals, and can therefore act as primary antioxidants. OC hydro-alcoholic leaf extract reduced I/R-induced organ injury through its ability to balance the oxidant–antioxidant status. The results of present study indicate that the hydro-alcoholic leaf extract of Ocimum canum has significant antioxidant activity and can prevent ischemiatext/html2014-07-05T05:40:37+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Mr. Nilesh M PrashadA Critical Review of the Drug Discovery Process and Properties of Capecitabine (Xeloda)
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/4658
The path to curing cancer has been a long and expensive one. While the discovery of a universal cure is currently being strongly pursued, several treatments have been created to treat the various subtypes of this disease. One of these treatments includes the drug capecitabine. Capecitabine otherwise known as xeloda is a chemotherapeutic agent that is taken orally. The ability of this chemotherapeutic agent to be taken orally instead of intravenously is convenient to patients and also indicates that the stomach is able to absorb this drug. Xeloda falls under the classification of a prodrug in which it enters the body as an inactive compound that is later converted into an active compound upon metabolism. Xeloda enters the body as pentyloxycarbonyl-5′-deoxy-5-fluorocytidine (CAP). This compound is designed to pass through mucosal membranes unaltered and capitalize on the enhanced enzymatic activity found in cancer cells to better produce the active form of this drug. Many of these enzymes operate optimally in cancerous cell therefore xeloda specifically targets cancerous cells. This drug undergoes three enzyme modulated conversion reactions (Mainly in the liver) in which carboxylesterase converts 5′-deoxy-5-fluorouridine to 5′-deoxy-5-fluorocytidine (5’-DFCR). Cytidine deaminase then converts 5’-DFCR to 5′-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5’-DFUR). Lastly circulating 5’-DFUR is converted to the active 5-fluorouracil compound (5-FU) through the use of thymidine phosphorylase. This product will prevent the manufacture of new DNA and RNA thereby inhibiting DNA replication and slowing the rate of cell growth and cancer (Desmoulin et al., 2002).text/html2010-09-20T17:21:25+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Prof. Hari AggarwalPriapism Induced With Single Oral Dose Of Sildenafil: A Rare Case Report
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/676
Phosphodiesterase enzyme inhibitors like Sildenafil citrate and tadalafil has revolutionised the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Priapism as a side effect of Sildenafil has been reported very rarely. We report a case of priapism caused by usual dose of Sildenafiltext/html2010-10-01T10:26:37+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Dr. Alfonso Duenas-GonzalezParadigms on Biogeneric Drugs - Some views
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/801
The paradigm claimed by brand-name biopharmaceutical manufacturers that “the process is the drug” hence the need for performing clinical trials for introducing biogenerics, is scientifically unsound. It comes to no surprise then, that brand-name biological manufacturers all of a sudden are tremendously concerned on the potential toxicity and potential lower efficacy of biogeneric drugs. This “concern” is traduced in supporting strong regulations including clinical trials, precluding the entrance of competitor drugs in the market despite emerging preclinical and clinical data speak on the therapeutic efficacy and comparable toxicity of biogeneric drugs. Whether all these regulatory affairs for “having effective and safe biologicals” possess a market-driven or a science-driven rationale is a provocative thought, after all, although we must bear in mind that the market of biological drugs will be overwhelmingly superior to that of small-molecule.Key words: Biopharmaceuticals, biogenerics, paradigms.Main: Plant-based drugs have been used around the world for thousands of years. Drugs based on chemical synthesis have been with us since the latter half of the 1800s. Now, the era of biologics—genetically engineered protein drugs made in living cells arrived to stay. Recombinant DNA is a form of artificial DNA that is created by combining two or more sequences that would not normally occur together. In terms of genetic modification, it is created through the introduction of relevant DNA into an existing organismal DNA, such as the plasmids of bacteria, to code for or alter different traits for a specific purpose, such as antibiotic resistance. A recombinant protein therefore, is one derived from recombinant DNA technology [1]. The commercial potential of molecular biology and its kindred disciplines was first recognized in the mid-1970s. In the following years capitalist enterprises in the United States and abroad adopted the techniques of molecular biology, a scientific discipline. In the process, molecular biology has transformed an engineering discipline, bioprocess engineering, and spawned an industrial field, biotechnology. Biotechnology as a business arises out of an intersection of the scientific practices of molecular biology—formerly undertaken only in universities — and the engineering practices of biochemical engineering and other technologies necessary to produce biological commodities [2].One breakthrough in recombinant DNA technology was the manufacture of biosynthetic "human" insulin, which was the first medicine made via recombinant DNA technology ever to be approved by the FDA. Insulin was the ideal candidate because it is a relatively simple protein and was therefore relatively easy to copy, as well as being extensively used to the extent that if researchers could prove that biosynthetic "human" insulin was safe and effective, the technology would be accepted as such, and would open opportunities for other products to be made in this fashion [3]. Thus, the first-generation biopharmaceuticals including insulin are copies of endogenous human proteins, such as erythropoietin (EPO), growth hormones and cytokines. These compounds have revolutionized the treatment of many diseases, including anemia, diabetes, cancer, hepatitis and multiple sclerosis [4]. Biologics now account for 20% of the global drug market, according to market research firm IMS Health. In 2000, only one biologic made the top ten list of worldwide drug sales (Amgen’s recombinant erythropoietin in 4th place). By 2008, five of the top 10 drugs in sales were biologics, and by 2014 biologics are expected to occupy six of the top ten positions, according to EP Vantage [5]. Small molecules or conventional chemical drugs eventually go off patent, as do biologics. This loss of patent protection leads to the introduction of generic drugs, which are usually priced at a small fraction of the cost of the branded drug. These conventional generics are considered to be therapeutically equivalent to a reference, once pharmaceutical equivalence (i.e. identical active substances) and bioequivalence (i.e. comparable pharmacokinetics) have been established and do not require formal clinical efficacy and safety studies. When small molecules lose their patent protection (or their patents are successfully challenged in court), their sellers can lose significant market share within days or weeks when they face a flood of competition from cheaper generic copies. Big Pharma’s solution to the generics issue has been to establish “pay for delay” agreements with generics manufacturers. They pay these companies not to challenge their patents and sell competing drugs, thereby preserving market share. The legality of this practice has come into question, since it is obviously anti-competitive and is designed to keep prices high for consumers. What about biologics? The barrier to entry in making biogenerics is significantly higher than with small molecules, due to much higher production costs as well as by the legal and regulatory pathways bringing biogenerics to the market. In this regard, the EMEA has forged ahead in providing guidance for national regulatory bodies in Europe. The EMEA guidelines are, however, a work in progress currently being updated (www.emea.eu.int). Some sections of the guidelines are still controversial. For instance, it is stated that comparative clinical trials can be foregone if the biogeneric can be characterized in detail by physicochemical and in vitro techniques, or alternatively that comparative pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) studies can replace clinical trials. The annex to the insulin concept paper echoes this: efficacy data need not be provided if equivalence can be concluded from PK and PD data. In contrast, the other three concept papers regard comparative clinical studies as a necessity.The emphasis on adequate screening for immunogenicity events is well-warranted, given the incidence of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). Post-marketing monitoring is an essential component in tracking rare but serious adverse events like these. The guidelines state that immunogenicity analyses should be performed especially in cases where repeated administration is proposed. A useful addition to the guidelines would be to require branding of biogenerics, to allow optimal and accurate pharmacovigilance.Currently, no legal framework exists in the US for the approval of biogenerics, and the FDA has released no guidance documents. The EMEA has provided a valuable base for EU legislation to evolve from. However, if we wish to ensure patient safety with the arrival en masse of biogenerics to the market, it is imperative that their unique characteristics be recognized. Accrued experience will then allow regulatory authorities to optimally match guidelines to the genuine risks and benefits associated with biogenerics.In contrast to generic versions of small molecules or conventional drugs which are introduced onto the marketplace without doing clinical trials, running clinical trials are required for biogenerics prior to approval, thus raising the bar higher to keeping out competitors. Even if biogenerics do make it onto the market, they will not be priced as cut-rate bargains like traditional small-molecule generics, because the biologics will cost more to manufacture, and develop. Partly because of their higher prices, biogenerics are predicted to capture much less market share than small molecule generics. As a result, makers of biologics will be much less concerned than makers of small molecules about a potential loss of revenue once the patents expire on their molecules. The main question, therefore, is whether there is genuine interest based on scientific arguments or whether this is solely in the interest of just obey to economical interests of Big Pharma to keep competitors out by raising the bar higher for entrance into the market.Paradigms:1. The active substance of a biopharmaceutical is a collection of large protein isoforms and not a single molecular entity, which is generally the case with conventional small-molecule drugs. Thus, it is highly unlikely that the active substances are identical between two products.2. Small changes in, or differences between, manufacturing processes may have a significant impact on the quality, purity, biological characteristics and clinical activity of the final product. Even when biogenerics are produced from the same genetic construct, using the same technique, formulation and packaging as the innovator product, there is no guarantee that they will be comparable with the reference product. Structural differences between proteins may arise for a number of reasons, including oligomerization, modification of the protein primary sequence, glycosylation patterns or the conformational state.3. The primary safety concern for biogeneric agents is their potential immunogenicity. Although these proteins are designed to closely mimic human proteins, they have the potential to induce an immune response, especially when administered as multiple doses over prolonged periods.Facts: The manufacturing process for biopharmaceuticals is several orders of magnitude more complex than that for small-molecule pharmaceuticals. Conventional pharmaceutical agents are small-molecule chemicals with a defined molecular weight typically between 100 and 1000 Da. In contrast, biopharmaceuticals are large, complex and heterogeneous proteins with more variable molecular weights, commonly ranging from 18 000 to 145 000 Da. Compared to the manufacture of small molecular entities, the manufacture of biopharmaceuticals requires a greater number of batch records (>250 versus <10); more product quality tests (>2000 versus <100); more critical process steps (>5000 versus <100) and more process data entries (>60 000 versus <4000). The molecular size and complexity of biopharmaceuticals and their production in living cells makes the final product very sensitive to changes in production conditions. Changes may occur to the expression systems used for production, culture conditions (e.g. temperature and nutrients), purification and processing, formulation, storage and packaging. Taken from Shellekens [24,25].Despite it is beyond doubt that the manufacturing process are different between a conventional chemical drug and a biogeneric [24,25], there is no convincing evidence that current analytical techniques are unable to establish biopharmaceutical equivalence neither information in most recent techniques for characterization and purification of recombinant proteins has been critically analyzed by brand-name manufacturer supporters [6-16]. The following paragraphs are taken from a statement made by Theresa L. Gerrard TLG Consulting Inc. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Safe and Affordable Biotech Drugs — The Need for a Generic Pathway, in March 26, 2007 [17].Every biological product is subjected to rigorous analytical testing. The same would hold true for biogenerics. Analytical testing consists of multiple tests that are used to assess the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the product. Many more tests are used to assess a biologic than are typically used to assess a drug. This battery of tests is conducted for every batch of biopharmaceutical product manufactured and is also used to monitor the product during the manufacturing process. In the field of biopharmaceuticals both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and industry rely on analytical testing to ensure consistency so that every batch of the biopharmaceutical will be deemed safe and effective for its intended use.Many biologics, including almost all of the biotech products, can be now defined by chemical and physical attributes. This fact can be attributed to two scientific advances. The first is the increasing purity of biological products, especially recombinant biotech products. The production of human proteins through recombinant technology continuously improves, providing ever more highly purified human proteins. The second advance is the increasing sophistication of the analytical technology that allows a very detailed characterization of these products. Although the cells that are used to produce biopharmaceuticals are complex living organisms, all finished biopharmaceutical products used to treat patients are highly purified human proteins that are produced consistently using advanced manufacturing technologies. The large array of sophisticated analytical tools that exist today now allow for the characterization of biopharmaceuticals to ensure safety and efficacy.The advances in analytical characterization and the ability to assess the specified or well-characterized biologicals by analytical tests allowed FDA to develop scientific policies on comparability in the early 1990s. These policies gave brand manufacturers the ability to change the manufacturing process without the need for clinical trials if the new product was shown to be comparable to the previous product. Prior to this time, every change in a manufacturing process necessitated the need for new clinical data. It was the innovator biotech manufacturers who pressed FDA for this change, because they rightly claimed that their biopharmaceuticals were so well characterized. They proved this through their ability to identify potential product changes with analytical testing technology.The brand companies fought for these policies because the need to make manufacturing changes for biotech products was common and manufacturers wanted to make changes to the manufacturing process without the need to repeat clinical trials. FDA agreed that the nature of the products allowed manufacturing changes to be assessed predominantly by analytical testing for characterization. In fact, and this is a critically important point, FDA recognized that analytical testing was far more sensitive in the ability to detect product changes than a typical clinical trial. For the past 15 years, manufacturers of well-characterized biopharmaceuticals have been able to make manufacturing changes without repeating clinical trials if they demonstrate that the product made after the manufacturing change is comparable to the product made before the change.It is therefore at least surprising that now, brand-name companies of biotechnological medicinal products point on the need of performing clinical trials for biogenerics to demonstrate efficacy and safety. If it is assumed to be true (that small differences in the process require clinical trials to demonstrate equivalent therapeutic efficacy), then the same would apply for “innovator” products as small changes in the process of manufacturing are likely to occur, as well as potential changes on subsequent steps (storage, transport, etc) occurring from the process of manufacturing until the product is administered to the patient. Nevertheless, the regulatory processes favor the “reference” product. In fact, the commonly cited example of the impact of variability between biological products on safety is the large increase in the incidence of Antibody-mediated PRCA (Pure Red Cell Aplasia) that occurred between 1998 and 2003 in chronic renal failure patients using the reference epoetin alfa Eprex® marketed by Johnson & Johnson [17-20].There is no reason for giving by granted that the “reference” product is free of immunogenicity or any other potential serious side-effect therefore identical regulatory issues and quality testing should be applied to reference and biogeneric products particularly when the reference biological has been evaluated in distinct populations. Although any two humans are 99.9% identical at the nucleotide sequence level many phenotypic differences are apparent in individuals within the same and from distinct human populations. Genetic diversity underlying the remaining 0.1% nucleotide differences has been postulated to contribute to phenotypic diversity among humans, and to population-specific susceptibility to disease and variability in the response to pharmacological treatments [21-23].So far, there are several biogenerics approved or in clinical trials. These include a number of epoetins and granulocyte-colony stimulating factors, interferons, activated factor VII, and ready-to-use liquid formulations of human growth hormone. Against all concerns, all these products have demonstrated safety and efficacy with no unexpected adverse events, comparable to the reference biological product [26-44].text/html2010-11-08T22:14:09+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Mr. Vivek K SharmaClinical Complexities Of Parkinson\'s Disease: An Updated View
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/1132
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the neurodegenerative diseases of which we can by certainty identify its pathology; however, this confidence disappears when we talk about the cause and clinical complications of the disease. Dopamine deficiency, caused by the degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, is the cause of the major clinical motor symptoms of PD and these symptoms can be treated successfully with a range of drugs that include levodopa, inhibitors of the enzymatic breakdown of levodopa and dopamine agonists. However, PD involves degeneration of non-dopaminergic neurons and result in broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, extending beyond movement disorders. These include cardiovascular, olfactory, gastrointestinal, sleep, autonomic, sensory, cognitive dysfunction, as well as psychiatric manifestations. Thus treatment of the resulting predominantly non-motor features remains a multifacteted challenge for the physicians. Clinical complications mentioned in this review deserve a special address and attention by the research community as well as by the clinicians as they may help to understand the complexity of disorder as well as may serve to diagnose and manage PD.text/html2010-11-23T16:54:07+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Mr. Dinesh LuthraOcimum Sanctum (Tulsi): A Potent Medicinal Herb
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/1210
The medicinal plants are widely used by the traditional medicinal practitioners for curing various diseases in their day to day practice. In traditional system of medicine, different parts (leaves, stem, flower, root, seeds and even whole plant) of Ocimum sanctum Linn. have been recommended for the treatment of bronchitis, malaria, diarrhea, dysentery, skin disease, arthritis, eye diseases, insect bites and so on. The O. sanctum L. has also been suggested to possess anti-fertility, anticancer, antidiabetic, antifungal, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, analgesic, antispasmodic and adaptogenic actions. Eugenol (1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene), the active constituents present in O. sanctum L. have been found to be largely responsible for the therapeutic potentials. The pharmacological studies reported in the present review confirm the therapeutic value of O. sanctum L. The results of the above studies support the use of this plant for human and animal disease therapy and reinforce the importance of the ethno-botanical approach as a potential source of bioactive substances.text/html2010-12-11T14:15:29+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Dr. Abdalrahim F AishaScreening For Antiangiogenesis Activity In Natural Products: A Review
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/1315
Angiogenesis is a process of new blood vessel development that plays a vital role in embryonic development and numerous pathological conditions including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration (AMD) and neurological disorders such as Parkinson and Alzheimer Disease. Recently a number of agents that inhibit angiogenesis have been approved to treat diseases such as cancer and AMD. The potential use of natural products to target angiogenesis is beginning to be appreciated especially their role in chemoprevention. This review will address some of the technical aspects in screening for antiangiogenic activity in natural products.
Keywords: Angiogenesis, Screening models, Rat aortic rings, Endothelial cells, Medicinal plants.text/html2011-01-31T13:20:00+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Dr. Rehab M ElghrabawyProtection Against Schistosomiasis-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis By Modulating The Immune System
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/1498
Objectives: Hepatic Schistosomiasis resulted in the morbidity from infection due to its complications of liver fibrosis. However, there are few medicines or means available to control and treat fibrosis in Schistosomiasis. The aim of this study was to assess the beneficial effects of immunomodulating agents in hepatic schistosomal fibrosis.Methods: Three hundred male Swiss albino mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni live cercariae were divided into seven groups: Control; infected (Schistosoma mansoni live cercariae); Praziquantel (500 mg/kg/day); Rosiglitazone (4 mg/kg/day); Propolis (250 mg/kg/day); Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) (30 mg/kg/day); combination of Praziquantel plus Propolis, Praziquantel plus Rosiglitazone, Praziquantel plus BADGE, Rosiglitazone plus BADGE. Blood samples, Liver and intestine were taken for determination of serum interleukin-2, interleukin-10, immunoglobulin E and G, Alanine aminotransferas, Aspartate aminotransferase, hepatic hydroxyproline, immunohistochemical examination of liver tissues and tissue egg count (in liver and colon).RESULTS: Serum level of IL-2 showed significant increase in mice treated with Praziquantel and Praziquantel plus Propolis, plus Rosiglitazone or plus BADGE and decrease in Rosiglitazone group. Serum IL-10 showed significant decrease in all treated groups except Rosiglitazone and BADGE showed no significant change. Serum IL-10 showed significant decrease in all treated groups except Rosiglitazone and BADGE showed no significant change. Serum IgE, IgG, ALT, AST and hepatic hydroxyproline, showed significant decrease in all treated groups except BADGE showed no significant change.Conclusions: We can concluded that combination of chemotherapy plus immunomodulating agents modulate cellular and humoral immune responses led to significant reduction in hepatic hydroxyproline content and liver pathology in schistosomal infected mice.
text/html2011-02-27T18:43:20+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Prof. Ali A HemmatiPharmacologic Effects of Nicotine on Isolated Aorta, Trachea and Lung Function of Rat.
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/1602
Nicotine is one of the most important substances in cigar and the cigarrete Smoke. Smoking may cause an increase in blood pressure and affecting respiratory functions. In this study the effect of nicotine on isolated aorta and trachea of rat and also it's effect on the bronchial resistance, was investigated. In the in vitro experiments, trachca or aorta was removed and placed in an isolated tissue organ bath containing Krebs Henseleit solution at pH 7.2-7.4 at 37°C and aerated with 95% 02 and 5% CO2. Epineprine (for aorta) and acetylcholine (for trachea) were used as Standard Stimulating agents. They elicit a dose dependent contracture in those tissues. Dose-response curve was established for each drug. Then different concentrations of nicotine solution ( 10-8 to 10-2 M) was tested on either aorta or trachea. Results showed that nicotine with such concentrations can not elicit contraction in isolated rat aorta and trachea. In the in vivo experiments, different doses of drugs were directly nebulized in the rat trachea and their effects on the bronchial resistance were measured. Barium chloride (BACl2) was used as standard stimulating agent and changes in bronchial resistance was recorded. Epinephrine was used to reverse the bronchospasm induced by BaCb. Then different concentrations of nicotine solution (10-5 to 10-1M) was nebulized. According to the results of this study nicotine with these concentrations had no bronchoconstriction effect in rat. Therfore it can be conclouded that nicotine alone has no direct effect on isolated bonchia, aorta or bronchial resistance. However its adverse effect on human health may be due to other adjuant ingredients in cigarrete smoke.text/html2011-06-16T22:19:47+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Dr. William KentAn Interesting Case of Amiodarone-Induced Thyrotoxicosis
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/1982
An interesting case of a known side effect of a common medication. Providing an evidenced based structure for assessment and management of this condition.text/html2011-11-16T06:30:46+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Dr. P Ravi ShankarBook Review: The Role of Education in the Rational use of Medicines
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/2475
Book Review: The Role of Education in the Rational use of Medicines text/html2011-12-04T16:32:17+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Dr. Kundan K SinghExperimental Study of Anticonvulsive Effects of Euphorbia Pulcherrima in Mice
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/2572
Background: Euphorbia pulcherrima belongs to the family: Euphorbiaceae and Genus: Euphorbia. Many species of Euphorbia have been reported as having beneficial properties like anticonvulsive effect. However, little study has been done and published on Euphorbia pulcherrima (Lalupate). In the present study we evaluated the anticonvulsant properties of Euphorbia pulcherrima by using various convulsive experimental models.Objective: To observe and evaluate anticonvulsive effects of Euphorbia pulcherrima in mice.Methods: Experiments were performed on adult albino mice (n = 100) weighing 20-30g. Maximal Electroshock Seizure test model and Pentylenetetrazole induced seizure model were used to assess the anticonvulsant effect of Euphorbia pulcherrima in mice and ratsafter oral administration of Euphorbia pulcherrima crude dried extracts in three different doses (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg).Results: EP crude extract reduce the duration of duration of tonic hind limb extension in Maximal Electroshock Seizure test model in mice treated with EP (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg).There was also an increase in the latency to convulsions with the use of EP in three different doses (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) in Pentylenetetrazole induced seizure model. EP in all three doses (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) significantly increased the latency and decrease the incidence of convulsions induced by Pentylenetetrazole induced seizure model.Conclusion: This study showed EP crude dried extracts to possess anticonvulsant properties in Maximal Electroshock Seizure test model and Pentylenetetrazole induced seizure model. In the present study provides evidence supporting anticonvulsive properties of other related Euphorbia species.text/html2011-12-14T08:49:27+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Prof. Hayder M AlkuraishyIn Vitro Antibacterial Effects Of Selective Histaminic Receptor Type 2 Blockers: A Novel Study
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/2636
Selective antihistamine receptor type 2 blockers are widely used for treatment of peptic ulcer, these drugs are famotidine,cimetidine,nizatidine and ranitidine and because many nonantibiotics agents have antibacterial activity so this study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effects of selective H2 blockers.Tewnty two of bacterial strains were slected 5 Staphylococcus aureus,5 Escherichia coli,6 Pseudomonas aeruginosa and (6)Klebsiella pneumoniae. The drug's effects determined by Agar disc diffusion and Agar well diffusion methods,then evaluation done through measurment of zone of inhibition and minimal inhibitory concentration(MIC).Results showed that cimetidine and ranitidine have insignificat and negligable antibacterial effects, while famotidine have significant antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli (MIC8mg/ml and inhibition zone25mm) and moderately against Staphylococcus aureus.In conclusion famotidine have significant antibacterial activity specially against Escherichia coli.text/html2012-02-03T15:59:00+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Prof. Hayder M AlkuraishyBeneficial Effects of Silymarin on Lipid Profile in Hyperlipidemic Patients: Placebo Controlled Clinical Trail
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/2966
The study was designed to evaluate the effect of silymarin alone on hyperlipidaemia within short interval (2 weeks) period on the lipid profile.20 patients with hyperlipidaemia of various etiologies are involved in this study (13 males, 7 females) randomized into two groups, 10 patients received placebo and 10 patients received silymarin 600mg oral capsule once daily. The lipid profile was measured before the treatment and after two weeks of treatment with silymarin and placebo for comparison.Results of this study showed that silymarin produce significant reduction in triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, VLDL but significant elevation in HDL level.Therefore, silymarin can be used alone for effective treatment of different etiologies hyperlipidaemia.text/html2012-02-20T07:17:53+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Dr. Y R RamaniAntiarthritic Activity of Acetone Extract of Terminalia Chebula
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/3057
Objective: To study the anti-arthritic activity of Acetone Extract of fruits of Terminalia chebula (TCE) in wistar rats in an experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis.Materials and methods: After necessary approval from Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC), 28 wistar albino rats of either sex (150-200gm) were randomly divide into 7 groups. Arthritis was induced in all animals by intradermal injection of Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) 0.1ml in plantar surface of left hind paw. The vehicle, TCE (graded doses) and indomethacin (reference standard) was administered p.o from day1 to day13. Changes in paw edema, joint thickness and body weight were measured every alternate day till 21st day. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and rheumatoid factor (RF) were measured on day0 and day 21.Results: In this current study the Acetone Extract of Terminalia chebula fruits had a better effect on controlling CFA induced arthritis. TCE showed good reduction in paw edema and joint thickness. It produced a reduction of ESR values and RF values comparable to the dexamethasone treated group. Therefore an Acetone Extract of Terminalia chebula fruit has got definite effect in reducing the inflammatory components as well as the above cited results also focus on its immunomodulatory role.Conclusion: The results of the present study empirically indicate that Terminalia chebula may be effective in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and that it supports the common belief prevailing in traditional medicines world wide.Key words: Terminalia chebula, CFA induced arthritis, arthritic index, Rheumatoid factor.text/html2012-05-07T16:20:22+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Dr. Pramod K SinghAntibacterial activity of essential oils of Seseli indicum a wild weed of family Apiaceae
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/3333
The antibacterial activity of essential oils and their derivatives has been recognized for a long time. In the present study, the antibacterial properties of the essential oils obtained from the seeds of Seseli indicum, of Apiaceae family a wild weed found in the flood prone area of river Tapti, Gorakhpur (India). The essential oil obtained from seed was 3.4%. Essential oils were investigated for activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis using a punched-hole method. Essential oils inhibited all bacteria at both, low and high concentration. The results of this study confirmed the possibility of using Seseli indicum essential oils in broad spectrum antibacterial activities.text/html2012-05-14T12:18:49+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Dr. William KentThe Pharmacokinetics of Alcohol in Healthy Adults
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/3291
Alcohol is a commonly used drug that has many important health consequences. To understand its physiological effects and predict drug interactions it is important to understanding alcohol’s pharmacokinetics and the factors that influence it. A brief review of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of alcohol is provided. Along with a discussion of important factors that influence these stages of alcohol pharmacokinetics.text/html2012-05-14T12:16:51+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Dr. William KentWhy Adverse Drug Events occur and what can be done to avoid them.
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/3288
This article reviews the prevalence and importance of adverse drug events. The mechanisms that lead to ADE are explored and strategies to prevent them are discussed.text/html2012-07-31T18:25:31+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Mrs. Saiprasanna BeheraEvaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Ocimum canum Hydro-alcoholic Leaf Extract in the Prevention of Hepatic Ischaemia
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/3584
The hydro-alcoholic leaf extract of Ocimum canum (OC) – Kala Tulsi was studied for its antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity. The in vitro antioxidant models employed were DPPH (di (phenyl)-(2, 4, 6-trinitrophenyl) iminoazanium) radical scavenging assay and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity which proved the plant to be rich in antioxidants. The study was carried out at different concentrations (250, 500, 1000, 2000 µg/ml) and was compared with the control Ascorbic Acid. Further the plant’s antioxidant potential was studied by using an in vivo method to prove its potency in preventing ischemia by incorporating hepatic ischemia-reperfusion in albino rats. Ocimum canum (OC) hydro-alcoholic leaf extract were administered in doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg/day, orally for 29 days before I/R injury respectively and repeated before the reperfusion period. After the experimental period all rats were sacrificed and antioxidant defense system and oxidative stress in hepatic tissue was investigated. Liver samples were taken for histological examination and determination of hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were determined to assess liver functions. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was assayed in serum samples for the evaluation of generalized tissue damage. Ischemia/reperfusion caused a signi?cant decrease in hepatic SOD and signi?cant increase in MDA levels. Serum AST and ALT levels, as well as LDH activity levels were also elevated in the I/R group Treatment with OC hydro-alcoholic leaf extract reversed all these biochemical parameters as well as histological alterations induced by I/ R. In all the in vitro testing, a significant correlation existed between concentrations of the extract and percentage inhibition of free radicals. Simultaneously, all in vivo tests showed a significant correlation between concentrations of the extract and alteration in the biochemical and histological parameters. These findings suggest that the hydro-alcoholic extracts are able to scavenge free radicals, and can therefore act as primary antioxidants. OC hydro-alcoholic leaf extract reduced I/R-induced organ injury through its ability to balance the oxidant–antioxidant status. The results of present study indicate that the hydro-alcoholic leaf extract of Ocimum canum has significant antioxidant activity and can prevent ischemiatext/html2012-08-03T19:09:48+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Dr. Giovan Giuseppe MatteraDetecting Drug-induced QT Interval Prolongation in Healthy Dogs: A Practical Approach
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/3615
Safety assessment of new chemical entities (NCE) is essential to provide Drug Company‘s Management with data to inform decision making to discontinue development of unsafe drugs early or to convince the Regulatory Authority that an efficacious NCE is also safe. These considerations imply that a modern company must to create an efficient Safety Pharmacology Department equipped with up to date instruments and validated methodologies. In that process, particular attention must be paid to the risk assessment of drug-induced QT interval prolongation, as biomarker of Torsade de Point (TdP), a potentially lethal arrhythmia. In fact, a specific guideline has been dedicated to this particular aspect (ICH S7B, 2005).So far, some critical challenges to pre-clinical Cardiovascular Safety Pharmacology (CSF)Specialists (Guth et al, 2009) exist: 1. The choice of a predictive test system 2. The accuracy in ECG traces recording 3. A reliable waveform measurement and ECG analysis system 4. The correct assessing of QT interval prolongation. Furthermore, there is little documentation about standardization and validation of currently commercially-available and employed hardware/software (HR/SW) systems to ECG analysis methods in pre-clinical studies (Chui and Vargas, 2009).Actually, animal models are anymore an issue, due to the wide consensus about dogs and monkeys as suitable animal models (Batey et al., 2002; Holzgrefe et al., 2006). In fact, together with the use of chronically telemetry-instrumentation, their use are recommended by the regulatory guidelines (ICH S7A, 2000; S7B, 2005). In such models, drug-related hemodynamic and ECG changes can be evaluated in the same animal and in real time for long period, without restrain or anaesthesia interference. Because of its advantages, and with the amelioration of implant techniques, telemeter-implanted animals are now the best alternative to “traditional” animal ECGs recording techniques also in term of traces quality. In fact, the first need for a successful electrocardiographic study is availability of high quality ECG traces that allow a precise evaluation of the waveform segments. Of course, the availability of high volume of ECG data due to the digital data recording improvement, pointed out the necessity for investigators of an accurate, efficacious and quick system for ECG analysis. The implementation of potent algorithms for measurement of ECG wave’s segments in commercial SW, releases the company to the necessity of development of “home-made” ECG analysis SW. This availability, together with the impressive increment of personal computers performances, allows investigators to manage huge amount of data in a relatively simple way. As a result, automated ECG analysis is becoming a mainstream method to optimize hemodynamic and ECG data analysis. Commercially available applications offer different approaches to automated ECG analysis for quantifying cardiac intervals, i.e. attribute-based or pattern-recognition-based platforms, or a combination. Recently, a report comparing these approaches concluded that the pattern-recognition-based platform was the most suitable to adapt to ECG morphology changes observed in long term ECG study (Chui and Vargas, 2009).Despite dramatic improvement of data analysis power, the issue of a method to assess QT interval prolongation, however, is not yet resolved and there is no general consensus about the best method to use. Numerous factors are implicated in duration and variability of ventricular repolarization. This has obvious consequences on the understanding of pharmacologically induced modifications. The QT interval duration in fact, is strongly dependent on heart rate (HR) and thus, directly varies with changes in the RR interval. Noteworthy is the fact that QT interval rate-adaptation is not precisely regulated on a beat-to-beat basis. In fact, it is strongly influenced by the preceding HR history, a well-described phenomenon referred as “QT hysteresis” (Pueyo et al, 2003). Moreover, QT interval duration is also partly conditioned by autonomic activity oscillations (Ahnve & Vallin, 1982), electrolyte disorders (Jackman et al. 1988), exercise, changes in cardiac after load, stressful situations, etc.For these reasons, linear regression based-formulae had been proposed to correct the QT interval (QTc) for HR changes since 1920 (Bazett, 1920; Fridericia, 1920). However, despite the general consensus in clinical practice to use these, and others, formulae generally they provide satisfactory QTc only within a narrow range of heart rates (60/80 bpm). In the animal models like dog, however, usually a wider and less stable RR intervals range than in humans is present (&lt;60 up to >150 bpm). As consequence, QTc formulae like Bazett or Fridericia, or other single-coefficient models, fail to properly describe the QT/RR relationship in the dog. Consequently, this unresolved imprecision in QT rate-correction methodology has fostered newer mathematical approaches. A number of different ECG analysis approaches based on individual correction, proposed by many authors (Batey et al., 2002; Fossa et al., 2002; Matsunaga et al., 1998; Holzgrefe et al., 2006), are currently available. Compared to standard formula-based approaches, it is now clear that individually tailored QTc offers improved, but still imperfect solutions (Batchvarov et al., 2002; Malik, et al., 2002) and often, they are too complex to apply in routine testing, specifically for the heavy data processing and analysis, and/or sometime, the need of development of specific computer applications. One of the alternative methods recently under consideration is dynamic beat-to-beat QT/RR relationship (QTbtb) analysis (Fossa et al, 2002; Batey and Doe, 2002). Using all sequentially collected beats from ECG, this method of analysis allows to compare QT intervals to individual cardiac cycles, from all normal autonomic states, at similar RR intervals, thereby eliminating potential sources of error from the use of correction functions. Recently, the efficacy of this method to differentiate changes of QT interval duration due to heart rate or autonomic state, from impaired repolarization, it has been reported (Fossa et al, 2005). But in the lack of a “golden standard”, and in the absence of consensus about the best QT correction method(s), QT interval measurement and analysis method choice play the role of key issue in daily CSF Specialist work. At the actual State-of-Art, in vitro data plus the combination of different in vivo QT analysis methodologies could give un-ambiguous answer to the Company Management if a NCE can be developable and/or fulfil the safety standard required by Regulatory Authority.text/html2013-02-11T07:54:07+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Prof. Maria S VenetikouBromocriptine: Past and present : From the In Vitro and In Vivo Experimental Studies to the Clinical Data
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/4010
Bromocrriptine is a drug introduced in the medical therapeutics in 1967, and since then it has been widely used in the treatment of hyperprolactinaemia. In experimental animals and in vitro experiments it inhibits prolactin secretion and the phasic secretion of gonadotrophins, while it does not seem to have an effect on growth hormone, or vasopressin secretion. Various central nervous effects, autonomic effects and cardiologic actions of bromocriptine have been reported on experimental animals during the first studies. After the initial evaluations, bromocriptine has been used in preventing lactation and galactorroea, in treating infertility, especially when related to hyperprolactinaemia, in prolactinomas of various sizes, in acromegaly and in Parkinson’s disease. Through the years of its clinical use, various acute and chronic side effects has been reported and closely monitored. Due to its need for continuous use and frequent dosage, effort has been undertaken to develop newer compounds with longer action and similar or better clinical effects. Although this has been achieved, bromocriptine due to its long clinical application and experience remains the drug with whom the actions of newer compounds are still compared. Resistance to prolactin level suppression and tumour size reduction is also frequently estimated for all dopamine agonists used in comparison with these seen after bromocriptine treatment. We present here the most important points of the numerous pharmaceutical studies on bromocriptine.text/html2014-03-10T06:06:10+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Dr. Poornima KistigariEvaluating the knowledge of interns in prescribing basic drugs used in dentistry- A cross-sectional study
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/4540
Background: Interns would be treating patients on their own once they graduate, so it is important that they be aware of correct prescribing.
Aim: To assess the knowledge of interns in prescribing basic drugs which are used in dentistry.
Methods: A cross-sectional study involving a sample of 227 interns in various dental colleges in and around Hyderabad city, Andhra Pradesh, India. A pretested questionnaire was used as a tool. Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS version 17.0.
Results: Amoxicillin (46.3%) and Diclofenac sodium (37.8%) were the most commonly prescribed antibiotic and analgesic, respectively. 57.3% had a habit of referring to the drug index book. Only 9.7% and 12.3% were confident in prescribing antibiotics and analgesics respectively. Majority (77.5%) prescribed to pregnant patients only during their second trimesters. Eighty percent had difficulty memorizing drug dosages and 88% felt that training courses in clinical Pharmacology were needed. Conclusion: Majority of the interns had moderate knowledge and female interns demonstrated better knowledge in prescribing basic drugs used in dentistry than their male counterparts. text/html2015-11-04T11:44:29+01:00http://www.webmedcentral.com/Mrs. Ghazaleh BehnammaneshPharmacological Actions and Potential Neuroprotective Effects of Rhus coriaria L. and Echium amoenum L.: A Brief Review
http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/5008
In the present paper two plants (Rhus coriaria L. and Echium amoenum L.) have been reviewed for their pharmacological aspects. Rhus coriaria L. is a traditional medicinal herb belonging to the family of Anacardiaceae and variously known as Sicilian Sumac, Elm-Leaved Sumach, Tanner's Sumach. Historically, Rhus coriaria L. has possessed remarkable medicinal value. The leaves and berries of this herb have been used extensively as remedies in folk medicine. Echium amoenum L. is an annual herb belonging to the family of Boraginaceae. Flowers, stems, roots and leaves from this plant are used for medicinal purposes. Since, they have long been used in traditional medicine; it represents an interesting source to search for various pharmacological activities. The significant antioxidant efficacy of these herbs has been reported in previous studies. Antioxidants may have neuroprotective and neuroregenerative functions, by reducing or reversing cellular damage and by slowing the progression of neuronal cell loss. In conclusion, the plants contain antioxidant principles that may explain their neuroprotective properties and can be considered as a topic for future research studies.