Tinospora cordifolia as a protective and immunomodulatory agent in combination with cisplatin against murine visceral leishmaniasis

Unveiling Various Facades of Tinospora cordifolia Stem in Food: Medicinal and Nutraceutical Aspects

Natural products with curative properties are gaining immense popularity in scientific and food research, possessing no side effects in contrast to other drugs. Guduchi, or Tinospora cordifolia, belongs to the menispermaceae family of universal drugs used to treat various diseases in traditional Indian literature. It has received attention in recent decades because of its utilization in folklore medicine for treating several disorders. Lately, the findings of active phytoconstituents present in herbal plants and their pharmacological function in disease treatment and control have stimulated interest in plants around the world. Guduchi is ethnobotanically used for jaundice, diabetes, urinary problems, stomachaches, prolonged diarrhea, skin ailments, and dysentery. The treatment with Guduchi extracts was accredited to phytochemical constituents, which include glycosides, alkaloids, steroids, and diterpenoid lactones. This review places emphasis on providing in-depth information on the budding applications of herbal medicine in the advancement of functional foods and nutraceuticals to natural product researchers.

Tinospora cordifolia Miers enhances the immune response in mice immunized with JEV-vaccine: A network pharmacology and experimental approach

BACKGROUND

Tinospora cordifolia Miers. (TC) (Giloya/Guduchi) is a native Indian herb, reported for its wide array of medicinal activities including immunomodulatory activity. However, the exact pharmacological mechanism of TC as an immunomodulatory agent remains unclear. Central to this, to the best of our knowledge, no study has explored the immunoadjuvant potential of TC in response to the Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccines.

PURPOSE

The study aims to explore the immunoadjuvant potential of TC ethanolic extract in response to the JE vaccine and illustrates its potential mechanism of immunomodulation using an integrated approach of network pharmacology and in-vivo experimental study.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Initially, the extract was prepared and the components of TC were identified through high-resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HR-LC/MS). The compounds were then screened for network pharmacology analysis. Next, the drug and disease targets were identified and the network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.7.2 to obtain different signalling pathways of TC in JEV. We then evaluated the immunoadjuvant potential of TC ethanolic extract in mice immunized with inactivated JE vaccine (SA-14-14-2 strain). BALB/c mice were supplemented with TC extract (30 and 100 mg/kg, i.g.), daily for 56 days, marked with immunization on 28th day of the study, by JE vaccine. Blood was collected for flow cytometry and haematological analysis (total and differential cell counts). The surface expression of immune-cell markers (CD3+, CD4+, CD19+, CD11c+, CD40+) were evaluated on day 0 (pre-immunization), day 14 and 28 post-immunization. Additionally, inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ+/IL-17A+) were evaluated post-14 and 28 days of immunization.

RESULTS

The HR-LC/MS analysis identified the presence of glycosides, terpenoids, steroids and alkaloids in the TC extract. Through network analysis, 09 components and 166 targets were obtained, including pathways that involve toll-like receptor signalling, pattern-recognition receptor signalling, cytokine receptor and cytokine mediated signalling, etc. The in-vivo results showed that preconditioning with TC ethanolic extract significantly elevated the haematological variables (leucocyte count) as well as the surface expression of CD markers (B and T cell subsets) on day 0 (pre-immunization), day 14 and 28 post-immunization. Furthermore, preconditioning of TC demonstrated a dose-dependant augmentation of immune cells (CD3+, CD4+, CD19+, CD11c+) and inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ+/IL-17A+) on day 14 and 28 post-immunization when compared to vaccine alone group.

CONCLUSION

Results showed that preconditioning with TC extract before immunization might play a potential role in enhancing the cell-mediated as well as humoral immunity. Altogether, the combinatorial approach of network pharmacology and in-vivo animal experimentation demonstrated the immunoadjuvant potential of TC in response to JEV vaccine.

Prophylactic consequences of sodium salicylate nanoparticles in cisplatin-mediated hepatotoxicity

Unintended side effects linked to the antineoplastic drug cisplatin are a major drawback in its clinical application. The underlying source of these side effects include the generation of reactive oxygen species which are toxic and damaging to tissues and organs. In the present study the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of sodium salicylate was assessed against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Sodium salicylate was used as a model drug and loading into hollow structured porous silica using ultrasound-assisted sol-gel method to produce a nanoemulsion. Transmission Electron Microscopy and Dynamic Light scattering analysis were employed to assess the structural properties and stability of this model. Liver function was assessed by measuring biomarkers including ALT, AST & GGT and oxidant/antioxidant markers including MDA, NO, PON, GSH, MCP1 & AVP in serum or liver tissue. Additionally, blood leukocyte DNA damage was evaluated. Cisplatin significantly altered the normal levels of all biomarkers confirming its hepatotoxic effects. In contrast, treatment with sodium salicylate-loaded silica nanoemulsion significantly restored the levels of these markers. The finding suggests the protective effects of this model drug in preventing cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity, and therefore may have implications in attenuating cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity.

A novel role of Tinospora cordifolia in amelioration of cancer-induced systemic deterioration by taming neutrophil infiltration and hyperactivation

BACKGROUND

Cancer has emerged as a systemic disease which targets various organs thus challenging the overall physiology of the host. Recently, we have shown that hyperactive neutrophils infiltrate various organs of tumor bearing host and contribute to gradual systemic deterioration. Therefore, taming neutrophils via potent immunomodulators could be an appropriate therapeutic approach in regulating systemic damage. Tinospora cordifolia (TC), an Ayurvedic panacea, is known for its immense medicinal values in traditional literature and recent reports have also documented its immunomodulatory potential. However, whether TC can regulate neutrophils to exert its therapeutic effectiveness has not been deciphered so far.

METHODS

For the in vivo study, we utilized murine model of Dalton's Lymphoma (DL). T. cordifolia extract (TCE) treatment was scheduled at early, mid and advanced stages of tumor growth at a dose of 400 mg/kg b.w for 30 consecutive days. Effect of TCE on neutrophil infiltration was examined by immunostaining. Neutrophil elastase (NE) level in serum, ascitic fluid and various tissues was monitored by ELISA. Further, qPCR was performed to assess transcripts levels of NE, myeloperoxidase (MPO), metalloproteinases (MMP-8, MMP-9) and cathepsin G (CSTG) in various tissues. ROS level in tissue was assessed by DHE staining and organ function was assessed by histology post TCE treatment.

RESULTS

Our findings showed that TC treatment significantly reduced neutrophil count in peripheral blood and their infiltration in vital organs of tumor-bearing host. Further, it ameliorated neutrophil hyperactivation by down regulating the expression of its key cargoes including NE, MPO, MMP-8, MMP-9 and CSTG at early and mid stage of tumor growth. In addition, TC treatment prevented histopathological alterations and restored the normal serum enzyme levels at different stages of tumor growth. Importantly, TC treatment also showed significant reduction in tumor burden which was accompanied by a remarkable increase in survival of the tumor-bearing mice.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that T. cordifolia could limit systemic damage via regulating neutrophil infiltration and hyperactivation which can further lead to cancer control at both prophylactic and therapeutic level.

Fabrication and Evaluation of W/O Emulsion Loaded with Linum usitatissimum Seeds Extract for Anti-Leishmaniasis Efficacy

Leishmaniasis, remains a serious health problem in many developing countries with thousands of new cases recorded annually. Novel therapies are required as existing treatment regimens are limited by their high cost, high toxicity, increased parasite resistance, patient’s intolerance, and invasive means of long-duration administration. With several studies reporting the anti-leishmaniasis promise of medicinal plants, interest in plants and herbal drugs is attracting much attention worldwide. In this pilot study, we analysed extracts of Linum usitatissimum seeds (LU) to identify essential phytochemicals and test their activity against cutaneous leishmaniasis both in-vitro and in-vivo. We performed phytochemical screening of LU seeds extract as well as its in-vitro leishmanicidal and anti-amastigote assays. Water-in-oil cream containing 10% LU crude extract (10 mg/mL) was then prepared. The stability of the cream was evaluated for 28 days at 8 °C, 25 °C and 40 °C. In-vivo efficacy and safety of the cream was performed in 26 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis who agreed to participate voluntarily in the study. The active treatment period lasted for 3 weeks, while the follow-up period was extended to 4 months. During the active study period, images of skin lesions were taken before and after treatment. Analyses of LU seeds extract confirmed the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and polyphenols. In-vitro studies showed significant activity against promastigote and intracellular amastigote forms of Leishmaniamajor. The cream was pharmaceutically stable, although some minor changes were noticed in relation to its physical characteristics. In-vivo assessment of the cream showed a 69.23% cure rate with no side effects, allergy, or irritation. We conclude that our newly developed water in oil cream containing 10% LU seeds extract could be an effective and safe topical anti-leishmanial medication for patients with CL.

Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers: Protection mechanisms and strategies against oxidative stress-related diseases

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers (Menispermaceae) is a Mediterranean herb, used in Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani, and folk medicines. The herb is also used in conventional medicine to treat oxidative stress-related diseases and conditions, including inflammation, pain, diarrhea, asthma, respiratory infections, cancer, diabetes, and gastrointestinal disorders.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The taxonomy, botanical classification, geographical distribution, and ethnobotanical uses of T. cordifolia, as well as the phytochemical compounds found in the herb, the toxicology of and pharmacological and clinical studies on the effects of T. cordifolia are all covered in this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To gather information on T. cordifolia, we used a variety of scientific databases, including Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct. The information discussed focuses on biologically active compounds found in T. cordifolia, and common applications and pharmacological activity of the herb, as well as toxicological and clinical studies on its properties.

RESULTS

The findings of this study reveal a connection between the use of T. cordifolia in conventional medicine and its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anticancer, immunomodulatory, and other biological effects. The entire plant, stem, leaves, root, and extracts of T. cordifolia have been shown to have a variety of biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiparasitic, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective impact. Toxicological testing demonstrated that this plant may have medicinal applications. T. cordifolia contains a variety of biologically active compounds from various chemical classes, including alkaloids, terpenoids, sitosterols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Based on the reports researched for this review, we believe that chemicals in T. cordifolia may activate Nrf2, which leads to the overexpression of antioxidant enzymes such as CAT, GPx, GST, and GR, and thereby induces the adaptive response to oxidative stress. T. cordifolia is also able to reduce NF-κB signalling by inhibiting PI3K/Akt, activating AMPK and sirtuins, and downregulating PI3K/Akt.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that the pharmacological properties displayed by T. cordifolia back up its conventional uses. Antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antidiabetic, nephroprotective, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective activities were all demonstrated in T. cordifolia stem extracts. To validate pharmacodynamic targets, further research is needed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of the known compounds against gastrointestinal diseases, inflammatory processes, and microbial infections, as immunostimulants, and in chemotherapy. The T. cordifolia safety profile was confirmed in a toxicological analysis, which prompted pharmacokinetic assessment testing to confirm its bioavailability.

Antileishmanial potential of immunomodulator gallic acid against experimental murine visceral leishmaniasis

The menace of the enfeebling disease leishmaniasis prevails due to the inaccessibility of effective vaccine and chemotherapy. Hence in the pursuit of finding novel alternative options with reasonable efficacy, immunomodulation, leishmanicidal activity and fewer side effects, screening of compounds from natural sources is needed. This study was focused on in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial screening of gallic acid (GA) against Leishmania donovani infection in BALB/c mice. GA showed in vitro parasiticidal activity and IC₅₀  value of 19.59 ± 0.74 µg/ml and is able to arrest cell cycle at the sub-G0/G1 phase. The therapeutic potential of gallic acid was assessed in the L. donovani-infected BALB/c mice. GA reported a reduction in parasite burden and augmentation of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes. Also, the polarization of mouse immune status to protective Th1 response was evidenced by increased delayed-type hypersensitivity response and levels of IgG2a, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. GA was reported to be safe and non-toxic to human cell line THP-1 and also to the liver and kidney of mice. Hence, the findings of the present study indicate the possible role of GA in the strengthening of host immune system and thus facilitating the clearance of leishmanial infection and conferring protection.

Potential therapeutic applications of phytoconstituents as immunomodulators: Pre-clinical and clinical evidences

Autoimmune and infectious diseases are the major public health issues and have gained great attention in the last few years for the search of new agents with therapeutic benefits on the host immune functions. In recent years, natural products (NPs) have been studied broadly for their multi-targeted activities under pathological conditions. Interestingly, several attempts have been made to outline the immunomodulatory properties of NPs. Research on in-vitro and in-vivo models have shown the immunomodulatory activity of NPs, is due to their antiinflammatory property, induction of phagocytosis and immune cells stimulation activity. Moreover, studies on humans have suggested that phytomedicines reduce inflammation and could provide appropriate benefits either in single form or complex combinations with other agents preventing disease progression, subsequently enhancing the efficacy of treatment to combat multiple malignancies. However, the exact mechanism of immunomodulation is far from clear, warranting more detailed investigations on their effectiveness. Nevertheless, the reduction of inflammatory cascades is considered as a prime protective mechanism in a number of inflammation regulated autoimmune diseases. Altogether, this review will discuss the biological activities of plant-derived secondary metabolites, such as polyphenols, alkaloids, saponins, polysaccharides and so forth, against various diseases and their potential use as an immunomodulatory agent under pathological conditions.

Total Phenolic Fraction (TPF) from Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Induction of apoptotic-like cell death in Leishmania spp. promastigotes and in vivo potential of therapeutic immunomodulation

BACKGROUND

Leishmaniasis is a serious multifactorial parasitic disease with limited treatment options. Current chemotherapy is mainly consisted of drugs with serious drawbacks such as toxicity, variable efficacy and resistance. Alternative bioactive phytocompounds may provide a promising source for discovering new anti-leishmanial drugs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), a key-product in the Mediterranean diet, is rich in phenols which are associated with anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-microbial effects. In this study, we investigate the anti-leishmanial effect of Total Phenolic Fraction (TPF) derived from EVOO in both in vitro and in vivo systems by investigating the contributing mechanism of action.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We tested the ability of TPF to cause apoptotic-like programmed cell death in L. infantum and L. major exponential-phase promastigotes by evaluating several apoptotic indices, such as reduction of proliferation rate, sub-G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest, phosphatidylserine externalization, mitochondrial transmembrane potential disruption and increased ROS production, by using flow cytometry and microscopy techniques. Moreover, we assessed the therapeutic effect of TPF in L. major-infected BALB/c mice by determining skin lesions, parasite burden in popliteal lymph nodes, Leishmania-specific antibodies and biomarkers of tissue site cellular immune response, five weeks post-treatment termination. Our results show that TPF triggers cell-cycle arrest and apoptotic-like changes in Leishmania spp. promastigotes. Moreover, TPF treatment induces significant reduction of parasite burden in draining lymph nodes together with an antibody profile indicative of the polarization of Th1/Th2 immune balance towards the protective Th1-type response, characterized by the presence of IFN-γ-producing CD4+ T-cells and increased Tbx21/GATA-3 gene expression ratio in splenocytes.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

TPF exhibits chemotherapeutic anti-leishmanial activity by inducing programmed cell death on cell-free promastigotes and immunomodulatory properties that induce in vivo T cell-mediated responses towards the protective Th1 response in experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis. These findings enable deeper understanding of TPF's dual mode of action that encourages further studies.

In vitro antitubercular, anticancer activities and IL-10 expression in HCT-116 cells of Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merr. leaves extract

Considering the importance of Tinospora sinensis in folklore as immunomodulant, the leaves subjected to cold maceration using ethanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane and then screened for their antitubercular, anticancer and IL-10 expression (HCT-116) properties using luciferase reporter phage, MTT and flow cytometry assay methods, respectively. The results revealed that ethyl acetate and n-hexane extracts demonstrated the promising (p < 0.05) antitubercular activity with inhibition (%) of 92% and 86%, at 100 µg/ml, respectively and the respective IC₅₀ values of 63.99 and 113.7 µg/ml on HeLa and HCT-166 cells. The n-hexane extract demonstrated the significant (p < 0.05) IL-10 expression (44.12 MFU) in HCT-116 cells against the control cells (8.48 MFU). The GC-MS analyses of n-hexane extract showed presence of tembatarine, berberine, cordifoliside E, and magnoflorine as major constituents. Among all extracts, n-hexane leaf extract was found to be potent against inhibition of colon cancer cells (HCT-116) and Mycobacteria, with significant immunostimulant activity.

Tinospora cordifolia protects against inflammation associated anemia by modulating inflammatory cytokines and hepcidin expression in male Wistar rats

Systemic iron homeostasis dysregulation is primarily associated with inflammation- associated anemia (AI) due to hepcidin up-regulation. Tinospora cordifolia (TC) has shown remarkable anti-inflammatory properties and has been found useful in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. However, the effects and mechanisms of TC on AI have not been studied yet. We conducted in vivo and in vitro studies to evaluate the effect of TC on AI. HPLC studies were also carried out to find out active constituents in TC extract. Model system exhibiting AI was developed by repeated injections of HKBA in Wistar rats. TC treated groups showed significantly higher levels of Hb and RBC count compared to the inflammatory control group. TC treatment showed reduction in the expression of the HAMP (hepcidin) gene in the rat liver. TC extract also inhibited gene expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and decreased NO production in RAW 264.7 cells. The HPLC analysis revealed the presence of tinosporaside, which could have synergistically contributed to the above findings. Overall results indicate that TC therapy was able to maintain circulating iron through reduction of inflammatory cytokines and expression of hepcidin in rats.

Ellagic acid ameliorates cisplatin induced hepatotoxicity in colon carcinogenesis

The clinical application of cisplatin (CP), one of the most extensively used antineoplastic drug, is restricted by its numerous side effects. CP's antitumor potential resides in the free generation of reactive oxygen species leading to oxidative stress. This stress is a source of the side effects associated with its use. Ellagic acid (EA), a polyphenol is known to possess multiple health benefits owing to its antioxidant properties. EA is largely metabolized by the colon microbiota of different mammals and therefore was a polyphenol of choice in the present study. The present study was thus carried out to explore the protective potential of EA on CP induced hepatotoxicity in colon tumor bearing mice. The administration of EA (10 mg/kg bwt po daily for 6 weeks) significantly ameliorated the toxicity caused by CP (5 mg/kg bwt ip once a week for 4 weeks). Activities of liver marker enzymes and lactate dehydrogenase were brought back to normal. EA cotreatment also led to a marked reduction in the extent of peroxidative damage to liver tissue as was evident from the improvement in the histopathological changes observed and FT-IR analysis. The present study, therefore, suggests that the administration of EA reduces the CP-induced hepatotoxicity, thereby emerging out as a potential candidate for chemopreventive action.

Improved antitumor activity of cisplatin combined with Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides in U14 cervical carcinoma-bearing mice

Research on anticervical cancer is urgently required to enhance clinical outcomes. As a main anticancer drug for cervical carcinoma, cisplatin (CIS) has been used for a lot of years in clinical therapy. However, serious adverse effects including nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity limit its long-term treatment. Our main goal of this study is to investigate the improvement of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GPS) on CIS-induced antitumor effect of in U14 cervical carcinoma-bearing mice. The results showed that GPS + CIS could not only inhibit the growth of the tumor but also improve the spleen and thymus indexes. Moreover, little toxicological effects were observed on hepatic function and renal function in GPS + CIS treated mice bearing U14 tumor cells. Further analysis of the tumor inhibition mechanism indicated that the number of apoptotic tumor cells increased significantly, the expression of Bax increased and the expression of Bcl-2 decreased dramatically in cervical cancer sections after oral administration of GPS + CIS for 14 days. This GPS/CIS combined therapy represents intriguing therapeutic strategy for U14 cervical carcinoma providing not only superior efficacy but also a higher safety level.

Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial potential of bergenin rich Bergenia ligulata (Wall.) Engl. root extract against visceral leishmaniasis in inbred BALB/c mice through immunomodulation

BACKGROUND

Medicinal plants with immunomodulatory properties can provide good alternative therapeutics for curing visceral leishmaniasis. Bergenia ligulata (Wall.) Engl. is an interesting plant with strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective properties.

AIM

The present study was planned to determine the antileishmanial activity of plant extract by modulating the immune responses of inbred BALB/c mice.

METHODOLOGY

Bergenin, the principle active component of B. ligulata, was quantitated in crude extract by performing RP-HPLC. The therapeutic potential was assessed through in vitro antileishmanial activity and in mice model through parasite load, cytokine assays, IgG antibody levels, DTH responses, histopathology and biochemical enzyme assays.

RESULTS

B. ligulata showed the presence of glycosides, saponins, carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids and bergenin which contributed to the antileishmanial activity of extract with IC50 of 22.70 μg/mL. Furthermore, the higher dose significantly reduced the parasite load by 95.56 %. The reduction was further associated with significant enhancement of IL-12 and IFN-γ levels in comparison to IL-10 and IL-4 cytokines. The switching towards Th1 type of immune response was also confirmed by elevated antibody levels of IgG2a isotype as compared to IgG1 as well as increased DTH responses. The histology of liver and kidney further complimented the non toxic nature of plant extract in addition to its negligible toxicity on HeLa cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study revealed the significant antileishmanial and immunomodulatory properties of this plant extract against murine visceral leishmaniasis. Further, the bioactive components will be explored to assess their efficacy for the development of safe and cost effective drug.

Genus Tinospora: Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology

The genus Tinospora includes 34 species, in which several herbs were used as traditional medicines by indigenous groups throughout the tropical and subtropical parts of Asia, Africa, and Australia. The extensive literature survey revealed Tinospora species to be a group of important medicinal plants used for the ethnomedical treatment of colds, headaches, pharyngitis, fever, diarrhea, oral ulcer, diabetes, digestive disorder, and rheumatoid arthritis. Indian ethnopharmacological data points to the therapeutic potential of the T. cordifolia for the treatment of diabetic conditions. While Tinospora species are confusing in individual ingredients and their mechanisms of action, the ethnopharmacological history of those plants indicated that they exhibit antidiabetic, antioxidation, antitumor, anti-inflammation, antimicrobial, antiosteoporosis, and immunostimulation activities. While the clinical applications in modern medicine are lacking convincing evidence and support, this review is aimed at summarizing the current knowledge of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, biological activities, and toxicities of the genus Tinospora to reveal its therapeutic potentials and gaps, offering opportunities for future researches.

Antioxidant and Nephroprotective Activities of Aconitum heterophyllum Root in Glycerol Induced Acute Renal Failure in Rats

AIM

The present study was to evaluate the antioxidant and nephroprotective activities of ethanolic extract of Aconitum heterophyllum root (EEAHR) in glycerol induced acute renal failure (ARF) in Wistar albino rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro antioxidant activity of EEAHR was assessed using the 2, 2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH assay), nitric oxide radical scavenging (NO assay), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 assay) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) scavenging activity assays. In vivo study, rats were divided into four groups of six each for assessing the nephroprotective activity. Group-1 received normal saline, group-2 received 50% glycerol (10 ml/kg) alone, group-3 received glycerol and 250 mg/kg of EEAHR and group-4 received glycerol and 500 mg/kg of EEAHR. The renal injury and recovery was measured by serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total proteins, albumin, urine output and histopathological changes.

RESULTS

In vitro antioxidant activity of root extract was found to be equal to Vitamin C and in an in vivo study root extract treated animals showed significant attenuation of biochemical parameters and histopathological changes of the kidney compared to glycerol treated group and it was found to be more significant with the extract at 500 mg/kg than 250mg/kg.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that Aconitum heterophyllum root has shown antioxidant and nephroprotective activities.

Immucillins ImmA and ImmH Are Effective and Non-toxic in the Treatment of Experimental Visceral Leishmaniasis

BACKGROUND

Immucillins ImmA (IA), ImmH (IH) and SerMe-ImmH (SMIH) are synthetic deazapurine nucleoside analogues that inhibit Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi and Leishmania (L.) amazonensis multiplication in vitro without macrophage toxicity. Immucillins are compared to the Glucantime standard drug in the chemotherapy of Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi infection in mice and hamsters. These agents are tested for toxicity and immune system response.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

BALB/c mice were infected with 107 amastigotes, treated with IA, IH, SMIH or Glucantime (2.5mg/kg/day) and monitored for clinical variables, parasite load, antibody levels and splenocyte IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 expression. Cytokines and CD4+, CD8+ and CD19+ lymphocyte frequencies were assessed in uninfected controls and in response to immucillins. Urea, creatinine, GOT and GPT levels were monitored in sera. Anti-Leishmania-specific IgG1 antibodies (anti-NH36) increased in untreated animals. IgG2a response, high levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α and lower levels of IL-10 were detected in mice treated with the immucillins and Glucantime. Immucillins permitted normal weight gain, prevented hepato-splenomegaly and cleared the parasite infection (85-89%) without renal and hepatic toxicity. Immucillins promoted 35% lower secretion of IFN-γ in uninfected controls than in infected mice. IA and IH increased the CD4+ T and CD19+ B cell frequencies. SMIH increased only the proportion of CD-19 B cells. IA and IH also cured infected hamsters with lower toxicity than Glucantime.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Immucillins IA, IH and SMIH were effective in treating leishmaniasis in mice. In hamsters, IA and IH were also effective. The highest therapeutic efficacy was obtained with IA, possibly due to its induction of a TH1 immune response. Low immucillin doses were required and showed no toxicity. Our results disclose the potential use of IA and IH in the therapy of visceral leishmaniasis.

Natural Products: Insights into Leishmaniasis Inflammatory Response

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease that affects several populations worldwide, against which there are no vaccines available and the chemotherapy is highly toxic. Depending on the species causing the infection, the disease is characterized by commitment of tissues, including the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs. Despite the relevance of host inflammatory mediators on parasite burden control, Leishmania and host immune cells interaction may generate an exacerbated proinflammatory response that plays an important role in the development of leishmaniasis clinical manifestations. Plant-derived natural products have been recognized as bioactive agents with several properties, including anti-protozoal and anti-inflammatory activities. The present review focuses on the antileishmanial activity of plant-derived natural products that are able to modulate the inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo. The capability of crude extracts and some isolated substances in promoting an anti-inflammatory response during Leishmania infection may be used as part of an effective strategy to fight the disease.