Neuropharmacological and antibacterial effects of the ethyl acetate extract of Diospyros malabarica (Ebenaceae) seeds

Nigella sativa Oil Improves Motor Skill Learning of Albino Mice: In Vivo and In Silico Investigations

Experimental evidences demonstrated that Nigella sativa oil (NSO) can restore neuronal integrities and processes by increasing the neuronal density, decreasing apoptosis, preventing inflammatory processes, and improving the neurogenic cells in the hippocampus. This refurbishment enhances the learning process and memory. The antioxidant defense mechanism of NSO slows down the process of neurodegeneration and motor deficit. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of NSO on motor skill learning using the single pellet reaching task method on Swiss albino mice, followed by in silico studies. Mice (total of 16) were randomly divided into the control group and treatment group (n = 8). The treatment group received 1 ml/kg b.w. NSO orally once daily for 7 days, and a control group received 1 ml/kg normal saline instead of NSO in a similar manner. The average success rate due to ingestion of NSO in the treatment group mice increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared to controlled mice. Molecular docking analysis revealed that thymoquinone, carvacrol, thymohydroquinone, p-cymene, and t-anethole have binding affinities for the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPA-R) that ranges from (-5.1 to -6.2) kcal/mol, which is comparable to the reference ligand glutamic acid binding affinity with AMPA-R (-6.6 kcal/mol). Thymoquinone and carvacrol formed hydrogen bonds with AMPA receptor at TYR61, SER142, and SER143 residues, comparable to the binding affinity of glutamic acid. ADMET analysis reported that all the compounds have higher bioavailability (>90%) and can cross the BBB easily (logBB> 0.3). Based on our experimental data and in silico report, we concluded that the enhanced motor skill learning effects of NSO are due to presence of potent antioxidants-thymoquinone and carvacrol-which might serve as AMPA receptor agonists. These phytoconstituents may play role in synaptic strengthening and promote experience-dependent motor skill learning.

Extraction of phytochemicals and study of its antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of Helicteres isora L

Background

Herbal medicines are used for the treatment of many infectious diseases throughout the history of mankind. The increasing antibiotic resistance exhibited by microorganisms has led to the phytochemical screening of medicinal plants for antimicrobial activity. Many infections can be treated by phytochemicals possessing potent antibacterial efficiency. The pharmacological activities of any plant is because of the presence of primary metabolites, secondary metabolites and its secretary products, comprising the phenolic compounds, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, carbohydrates, glycosides, flavanoids, steroids, etc. Helicteres isora L. is a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine. The root and bark are expectorant, demulcent, astringent to the bowels, antigalactagogue, lessen gripping; a cure for scabies when applied topically.

Method

Soxhlet extraction or hot continuous extraction: In this method, finely ground sample was placed in thimble chamber of the Soxhlet apparatus. Extraction solvents was heated in the bottom flask, vaporizes into the sample thimble, condenses in the condenser and drip back. When the liquid content reaches the siphon arm, the liquid contents emptied into the bottom flask again and the process is continued. Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus NCIM 2079, Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli NCIM 2109, Fungi (Yeast) Candida albicans NCIM 3471, Fungi (Mould) Aspergillus niger NCIM 545 are used as reference Strain for antimicrobial activity. Antioxidant activity was tested by DPPH method.

Result

Chloroform Extracts of leaves, Stem and fruits of Helicteres isora L. exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Aspergillus, niger. The stem extract showed highest antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli with zone of inhibition of 19.24 mm and leaves lowest activity against Candida albicans with zone of inhibition of 11.26 mm. Antioxidant activity was tested by DPPH method.

Conclusion

The use of herbal crude drugs, in tracts and their remedies have significantly increased throughout the world. Efforts must be made to ensure safe, effective and affordable treatments for wide range of diseases by traditional methods which use locally available medicinal plants. The scientific and authentic researches on these aspects are to be done in order to exploit traditional knowledge of medicinal plants.