Radioprotective potential of an herbal extract of Tinospora cordifolia

Determination of genoprotection against cyclophosphamide induced toxicity in bone marrow of Swiss albino mice by Moringa oleifera leaves and Tinospora cordifolia stem

The present study aimed to determine the genoprotective activity and safety of Moringa oleifera leave and Tinospora cordifolia stem extracts against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced genotoxicity utilizing Swiss albino mice. Animals were divided into 14 groups for subacute treatment with either M. oleifera or T. cordifolia extracts daily for 28 days. The extract doses selected were 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg b.w administered orally alone or combined with CP (50 mg/kg b.w. intraperitoneally daily for 5 days). Analyses performed included the comet assay, micronucleus test (MN) in bone marrow cells and sperm head abnormality assay (SHA). M. oleifera and T. cordifolia extracts induced no significant genotoxic effects on somatic and germ cells. In contrast, for all cells examined M. oleifera and T. cordifolia extracts inhibited DNA damage initiated by CP. Taken together data demonstrated that both plant extracts did not exhibit marked genotoxic effects but displayed potential chemoprotective properties against CP-induced genotoxicity in Swiss mice.

Indian herb Tinospora cordifolia and Tinospora species: Phytochemical and therapeutic application

Clinical investigations are increasingly focusing on natural materials with medical benefits because, in contrast to medicines, they have extremely few adverse effects. Tinospora species of the Menispermaceae family has many bioactive principles for plant nutraceuticals. A thorough assessment of the existing literature revealed that Indian Tinospora species are an important group of medicinal herbs used for a variety of pharmacological activities. While, Tinospora cordifolia is widely recognized as a significant herb in the Indian System of Medicines (ISM) due to its bioactive components and has been used in the treatment of diabetes, cancer, urinary problems, fever, jaundice, helminthiasis, leprosy, dysentery, skin diseases, and many more. Using the search phrases "phytochemistry," "traditional uses," and "pharmacological evaluation of Indian Tinospora species," appropriate articles were carefully extracted from the MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and WOS databases. Around 180 articles, related to the India Tinospora species, were selected from a pool of 200 papers published between 1991 and 2023. T. cordifolia has received a lot of scientific attention because of its diverse therapeutic characteristics in treating various diseases. Our present study in this review encompasses 1.) Phytochemistry, traditional uses and pharmacological potential of T. cordifolia as well as other Indian Tinospora species. 2.) Safety and toxicity study and available marketed formulation of T. cordifolia for the treatment of various diseases. The chemical constitution and pharmacological characteristics of other Tinospora species must also be investigated, indicating a need for further scientific research.

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.

Development of DNA markers using next-generation sequencing approach for molecular authentication of Boerhavia diffusa L. and Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers

The adulteration of plants and their materials used in herbal formulations poses a severe health concern. Hence, there is a need to establish a reliable, cost-effective, and robust molecular biomarker to distinguish among species and identify herbal plants and raw drugs from adulterants. The present study used suppressive subtractive hybridization and next-generation sequencing technology to identify novel DNA markers for Boerhavia diffusa L. and Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers. We identified two primer sets for B. diffusa and one for T. cordifolia. The DNA markers were validated in different accessions of B. diffusa and T. cordifolia and their common adulterants to determine the sensitivity and specificity of developed DNA markers. The designed DNA markers showed 100% sensitivity and specificity in detecting B. diffusa and T. cordifolia from their adulterants. The strategy described here can be extrapolated for developing DNA markers to authenticate other plant species.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03732-7.

Modulation of radiation-induced intestinal injury by radioprotective agents: a cellular and molecular perspectives

The gastrointestinal (GI) system has rapidly proliferating and differentiating cells, which make it one of the most radiosensitive organs in the body. Exposure to high dose of ionising radiation (IR) during radiotherapy may generate a variety of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) including radicals, cause some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, pain, ulceration, mal-absorption etc. Irradiation disrupts GI system by damaging proliferating stem cells of the crypts that alters the histology and physiology of intestine. Radiation damage reflects the qualitative and quantitative changes in intestinal epithelial stem cells like enterocytes, enteroendocrine cells, goblet cells and Paneth cells. The damaging effects of radiation to bio-molecules and cellular structures can alter gene signalling cascades and grounds genomic instability, protein modifications, cell senescence and cell death. The signalling pathways of GI tract includes Wnt, BMP, Hedgehog, PTEN/PI3K and Notch plays an important role in self-renewal of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and maintaining the balance between self-renewal and differentiation of ISCs. Various radiation countermeasures including radioprotectors and mitigators are under development phase globally but still not approved for clinical applications during any radiation emergencies. In view of above, present review highlights cellular and molecular interruptions of GI system due to acute and chronic GI radiation injury, role of radioprotectors in signalling cascade modulations in GI epithelium and involvement of ISC markers in radioprotection.

Alpha-thiol deoxynucleotide triphosphates (S-dNTPs) as radioprotective agents: A novel approach

In this study, the ability of a mixture of four different alpha-thiol deoxynucleotide triphosphates (S-dNTPs) each at a concentration of 10μM when incorporated into the genomic DNA of proliferating human HL-60 and Mono-Mac-6 (MM-6) cells in vitro to provide protection from 2, 5, and 10 Gy of gamma radiation was investigated. Incorporation of the four different S-dNTPs into nuclear DNA at 10 μM concentration for five days was validated by agarose gel electrophoretic band shift analysis. S-dNTP-treated genomic DNA reacted with BODIPY-iodoacetamide demonstrated a band shift to higher molecular weight to confirm the presence of sulfur moieties in the resultant phosphorothioate DNA backbones. No overt signs of toxicity or obvious morphologic cellular differentiation were noted in the presence of 10 μM S-dNTPs even after 8 days in culture. Significantly reduced radiation-induced persistent DNA damage measured at 24 and 48 h post-exposure by γ-H2AX histone phosphorylation using FACS analysis in S-dNTP incorporated HL-60 and MM6 cells indicated protection against radiation-induced direct and indirect DNA damage. Statistically significant protection by S-dNTPs was noted at the cellular level by CellEvent™ Caspase-3/7 assay, which assess the extent of apoptotic events, and by trypan blue dye exclusion to assed cell viability. The results appear to support an innocuous antioxidant thiol radioprotective effect built into genomic DNA backbones as the last line of defense against ionizing radiation and free radical-induced DNA damage.

Mechanism of Action of Diallyl Sulphide in Ameliorating the Hematopoietic Radiation Injury

Diallyl sulphide (DAS), the pungent component of garlic, is known to have several medicinal properties and has recently been shown to have radiomitigative properties. The present study was performed to better understand its mode of action in rendering radiomitigation. Evaluation of the colonogenic ability of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) on methocult media, proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and transplantation of stem cells were performed. The supporting tissue of HSCs was also evaluated by examining the histology of bone marrow and in vitro colony-forming unit–fibroblast (CFU-F) count. Alterations in the levels of IL-5, IL-6 and COX-2 were studied as a function of radiation or DAS treatment. It was observed that an increase in proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells occurred by postirradiation DAS administration. It also resulted in increased circulating and bone marrow homing of transplanted stem cells. Enhancement in bone marrow cellularity, CFU-F count, and cytokine IL-5 level were also evident. All those actions of DAS that could possibly add to its radiomitigative potential and can be attributed to its HDAC inhibitory properties, as was observed by the reversal radiation induced increase in histone acetylation.

Magical bullets from an indigenous Indian medicinal plant Tinospora cordifolia: An in silico approach for the antidote of SARS-CoV-2☆

World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. Till now, a diverse array of drugs failed to combat. There is an immense need of novel lead molecules on a urgent basis. Medicinal plants are the reservoir of secondary metabolites. In silico approach has been carried out to dock the ligands (various secondary metabolites from Tinospora cordifolia) to the target (SARS-CoV-2 main protease) and compared its efficacy against standard drugs (Azithromycin, Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine, Favipiravir, Remdesivir). In silico molecular docking approach provides insight into the screened molecules that might prove to be an effective inhibitor for SARS-CoV-2. Out of five standard drug molecules, two widely used antiviral drugs (Favipiravir and Remdesivir) are ascribed as the most potent molecules based on their highest docking score in the present study. Columbin, Tinosporide, N-trans-feruloyl-tyramine-diacetate, Amritoside C, Amritoside B, Amritoside A, Tinocordifolin, Palmatoside G, Palmatoside F, and Maslinic acids are other molecules considered to be the key molecules based on their docking score (range between -5.02 to −5.72).

Orthobiologics with phytobioactive cues: A paradigm in bone regeneration

Bone injuries occur due to various traumatic and disease conditions. Healing of bone injury occurs via a multi-stage intricate process. Body has the potential to rectify most of the bone injuries but some severe traumatic cases with critical size defects may require interventions. Autografts are still considered the "gold standard" for fracture healing but due to limitations associated with it, new alternatives are warranted. The field of orthobiologics has provided novel approaches using scaffolds, bioactive molecules, stem cells for the treatment of bone defects. Phyto-bioactives have been widely used in alternative medicine and folklore practices for curing bone ailments. It is believed that different bioactive constituents in plants work synergistically to give the therapeutic efficacy. Bioactives in plants extracts act upon different signal transduction pathways aiding in bone healing. The present review focuses on the use, chemical composition, mode of delivery, mechanism of action, and possible future strategies of three medicinal plants popularly used in traditional medicine for bone healing: Cissus quadrangularis, Withania somnifera and Tinospora cordifolia. Plants extracts seem to be a natural and non-toxic therapeutic alternative in treating bone injuries. Most of the studies on bone healing for these plants have reported oral administration of the extracts and presented them as a safe alternative without any side effects despite giving higher doses. Forthcoming studies could be directed towards the local delivery of extracts at the defect site. Unification of herbal extracts and orthobiologics could be an interesting direction in the field of bone healing in future. The present review intends to provide a bird's eye view of different strategies used in bone healing, mechanisms involved and future direction of advancements using phytobioactives and orthobiologics.

Protection to immune system of mice by N-acetyl tryptophan glucoside (NATG) against gamma radiation induced immune suppression

Immune system is a critical modulator of radiation-induced biological effects. In this study, we have assessed protective potential of N-acetyl tryptophan glucoside (NATG) pre-treatment in bone marrow of gamma radiation challenged mice. Isolated bone marrow cells were analysed for cell cycle progression by flow cytometry, while various pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles were performed by ELISA method. Overall radioprotective ability of NATG in ensuring protection against gamma radiation-induced damage was assessed by evaluating whole body survival analysis and haematological studies on 9 Gy irradiated mice with/without NATG pre-treatment. Results exhibited pre-treatment with 150 mg/kg b.wt oral administration of NATG as most effective against 9 Gy radiation exposure. Moreover, NATG showed non-interfering effect on cell cycle progression in pre-treated irradiated mice group when compared to radiation alone group. In addition, cytokine expression analysis indicated significant (p > 0.05) elevation in levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12, IL-13 and IL-17 in NATG pre-treated irradiated mice in comparison to radiation alone group. On the contrary, NATG pre-treatment was observed to alleviate levels of TNF-α and IL-10 significantly (p < 0.05) in radiated group as compared to only irradiated mice group. Furthermore, NATG pre-treatment to 9 Gy radiation exposed mice aided in restoring their haematological parameters in terms of haemoglobin counts, RBC counts, WBC counts, hematocrit levels, platelets and granulocyte levels in comparison to irradiated alone mice, thus enhancing their immune system and contributing towards a better survival against gamma radiation-induced deleterious effects. Conclusively, this study highlights the potential of NATG as a prospective radiation countermeasure agent against ionizing radiation-induced assaults to the immune system.

The chemical constituents and diverse pharmacological importance of Tinospora cordifolia

Tinospora cordifolia is a popular medicinal plant which is used in several traditional medicines to cure various diseases. The common names are Amrita and Guduchi and belong to the family of Menispermaceae. It is considered an essential herbal plant of Indian system of medicine (ISM) and has been used in the treatment of fever, urinary problem, dysentery, skin diseases leprosy, diabetes, and many more diseases. The plant reported containing chemical compound including Alkaloids, Terpenoids, Lignans, Steroids and others that establish the phytochemistry and pharmacological activity of Tinospora cordifolia. The present review highlights the pharmacological importance viz antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, antibacterial activity, antifungal activity, anti-diabetic activity, antistress activity, hypolipidaemic effect, hepatic disorder, anticancer anti HIV potential, antiosteoporotic effects, antitoxic effects, wound healing, anticomplementary activity, and immunomodulating activity, systemic infection and Parkinson's disease.

Chemistry and Pharmacology of Tinospora cordifolia

Tinospora cordifolia (Menispermaceae) is an Ayurvedic medicinal plant distributed throughout the Indian subcontinent and China. The whole plant is used in folk and the Ayurvedic system of medicine alone and in combination with other plants. Due to its commercial importance, T. cordifolia has been of intense research interest for the last four decades with the isolation of diverse compounds such as alkaloids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, phenolics, steroids, aliphatic compounds and polysaccharides, along with the discovery of a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties like immunomodulation, anticancer, hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic. Although pharmacological activities of extracts and compounds of T. cordifolia have been studied both in vitro and in vivo, only few mechanisms of action have been explored and need further elaboration. In the present review, the pharmacological activities of compounds and different extracts of T. cordifolia are highlighted, along with those of the marketed products, showing the relevance of phytochemicals and the standardization of the marketed products for medicinal use. This compilation of the extensive literature of T. cordifolia here will be a referral point for clinical study and the development of standardized phytomedicines in healthcare.

In Vivo Delivery of Tinospora cordifolia Root Extract Preventing Radiation-Induced Dystrophies in Mice Ovaries

Unconscious and unplanned radiation exposures are a severe threat to gonads particularly ovaries. The present study aims at finding radioprotective effect of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers root extract (TCRE) in ovaries. Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups: Group 1 served as “normal” and is administered double distilled water and Group 2 is given TCRE with optimum dosage selected as 75 mg/mice. Group 3 serving the purpose of “irradiated control” were exposed to 2.5 Gy gamma radiation. Group 4 (experimental) were administered optimum dosage of TCRE with prior exposure to 2.5 Gy gamma radiation. Follicle cell counts were scored at autopsy intervals of 24 hrs, 3 days, 7 days, 15 days, and 30 days after gamma irradiation. To understand the mechanism of radioprotection, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione (GSH) levels were also measured in all groups. TCRE supplementation rendered significant protection to ovaries by restoring follicle counts; it also reduced LPO levels and increased GSH levels in ovaries. It implies that TCRE administration protects ovaries against radiation exposure.

Positive effects on hematological and biochemical imbalances in patients with metastatic breast cancer stage IV, of BP-C1, a new anticancer substance

A benzene-poly-carboxylic acid complex with cis-diammineplatinum(II) dihydrocholride, BP-C1 is currently used in clinical trials in treating metastatic breast cancer. BP-C1 controls tumor growth with a few mild side-effects, improving quality of life.

METHODS

The data consisted of prospectively collected laboratory results from 47 patients in two controlled clinical trials of daily intramuscular injections of BP-C1 for 32 days. Study I was performed as an open, nonrandomized, Phase I dose-response, multicenter study with a three-level, between-patient, response surface pathway design. The second study was a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, multicenter study with a stratified semi-crossover design.

RESULTS

Hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) increased significantly (P<0.01) during BP-C1 treatment, while red blood cell (RBC) count increased but not significantly. The most pronounced increase in Hb, RBC, Hct, and white blood cell (WBC) was in anemic patients (P≤0.01). WBC count and neutrophils increased significantly (P=0.01) in the overall data. WBCs and neutrophils (P<0.01), eosinophils (P=0.05) and monocytes (P<0.01) increased significantly and markedly in patients with lowest baseline levels. Additionally, low levels of thrombocytes significantly increased. No changes in liver parameters, amylase, glucose, creatinine, or albumin, were detected except for albumin in the subgroup with low baseline levels, where levels increased significantly (P=0.04). An increase in K(+), Ca(2+), and PO4 (3-) was most pronounced in patients with low baseline levels (P≤0.02). A similar pattern detected for Mg(2+), prothrombin time (PT), coagulation factors II, VII, X (KFNT), and C-reactive protein (CRP), which increased significantly (P≤0.05) in the groups with the lowest values.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support the safety profile of BP-C1 use in cancer patients. BP-C1 did not induce anemia, infection, bleeding, hepatic insufficiency or electrolyte imbalances. In contrast, BP-C1 corrected abnormalities. No hematological and biochemical toxicity was observed.

Radioprotective and cytoprotective activity of Tinospora cordifolia stem enriched extract containing cordifolioside-A

Objectives:

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the radioprotective and cytoprotective potential of cordifolioside-A, a primary active constituent of n-butanol fraction of Tinospora Cordifolia (NBTC) against 4 Gy-γ radiation in mice and cyclophosphamide induced genotoxicity.

Materials and Methods:

Presence of cordifolioside-A in NBTC stem ethanolic extract was confirmed by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis. Radioprotective activity was evaluated at 80 and 120 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose of NBTC administered 15 days prior to whole body radiation exposure by observing survival rate, change in body weight, hematology, spleen colony forming unit (CFU), and micronucleus (MN) expression. Cytoprotective activity of NBTC was evaluated at 5, 10, and 15 mg/ml concentrations on Allium cepa root meristem growth against cyclophosphamide.

Results:

HPTLC analysis of standard cordifolioside A, and NBTC confirmed the presence of cordifolioside-A in NBTC with the retention factor value of 0.86. Administration of NBTC (120 mg/kg, i.p.) produced significant protection against radiation in terms of increased survival rate, body weight retention, hematological parameters, spleen CFU assay (P < 0.01), and decreased MN expression (P < 0.01). Cytoprotectivity was observed maximally at 10 mg/ml NBTC concentration with significant increase in root growth (P < 0.01), non-toxic mitotic index (MI) (65.9%) and lesser chromosomal aberrations (15.4%). NBTC at 10 mg/ml concentration showed very few C-anaphase compared to aberrations like fragmentation, C-anaphase, multipolarity and sticky chromosome in cyclophosphamide alone.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that enriched NBTC containing cordifolioside-A has a potential in vivo radioprotective effect as well as in vitro cytoprotective activity.

The traditional Chinese medical compound Rocaglamide protects nonmalignant primary cells from DNA damage-induced toxicity by inhibition of p53 expression

One of the main obstacles of conventional anticancer therapy is the toxicity of chemotherapeutics to normal tissues. So far, clinical approaches that aim to specifically reduce chemotherapy-mediated toxicities are rare. Recently, a number of studies have demonstrated that herbal extracts derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may reduce chemotherapy-induced side effects. Thus, we screened a panel of published cancer-inhibiting TCM compounds for their chemoprotective potential and identified the phytochemical Rocaglamide (Roc-A) as a candidate. We show that Roc-A significantly reduces apoptotic cell death induced by DNA-damaging anticancer drugs in primary human and murine cells. Investigation of the molecular mechanism of Roc-A-mediated protection revealed that Roc-A specifically blocks DNA damage-induced upregulation of the transcription factor p53 by inhibiting its protein synthesis. The essential role of p53 in Roc-A-mediated protection was confirmed by siRNA knockdown of p53 and by comparison of the effects of Roc-A on chemoprotection of splenocytes isolated from wild-type and p53-deficient mice. Importantly, Roc-A did not protect p53-deficient or -mutated cancer cells. Our data suggest that Roc-A may be used as an adjuvant to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy in patients with p53-deficient or -mutated tumors.

Effect of Tinospora cordifolia on the reduction of ultraviolet radiation-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage in PC12 cells

The safety of Tinospora cordifolia and its potential to protect against ultraviolet radiation-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage in PC12 cells were investigated. To evaluate the safety of T. cordifolia, cell viability and agarose gel electrophoresis were carried out using PC12 cells treated with 0 to 100 μg mL(-1) of methanol extract of T. cordifolia. T. cordifolia extracts did not show cytotoxicity ranging 0 to 100 μg mL(-1). In addition, T. cordifolia extracts significantly increased cell viability at 1 ng, 10 ng and 1 μg mL(-1) concentrations in serum-deprived medium compared to control. To confirm the protective role against UV-induced damage, PC12 cells alone or in the presence of 10 ng, 100 ng, or 1 μg mL(-1) of T. cordifolia extract were exposed to 250, 270 and 290 nm of UV radiation, which corresponded to doses of 120, 150 and 300 mJ cm(-2), respectively. Treatment with T. cordifolia extracts significantly increased the cell survival rate irradiated at 290 nm. In addition, T. cordifolia extracts significantly reduced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer formation induced by UV irradiation at all wavelengths. In conclusion, T. cordifolia is not toxic and safe for cells. Our findings can support its application as phototherapy in the medical sector.

Efficacy and safety of Tinospora cordifolia lotion in Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis-infected pediatric patients: A single blind, randomized controlled trial

Objective:

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Tinospora cordifolia lotion including its cure rate and clearance time compared with permethrin lotion.

Materials and Methods:

A single blind, randomized, controlled, pilot clinical study was performed in three government institutions to investigate clinical efficacy of T. cordifolia lotion in sixty-six clinically-diagnosed scabies-infected patients. The patients were treated with T. cordifolia or permethrin lotions for three consecutive days for two weeks and clinical assessment of each patient was performed for five weeks.

Results:

T. cordifolia lotion and permethrin significantly reduced the mean global evaluation score after four weeks of treatment. The two lotions showed comparable effects as anti-scabies agent. Moreover, the clearance time (days) and cure rate using the two lotions did not differ. Clinical improvement, mean clearance time and cure rate of T. cordifolia lotion are comparable with permethrin.

Conclusions:

Tinospora cordifolia lotion exhibits anti-scabies activity comparable with permethrin. Its incorporation as therapeutic reagent in Sarcoptes scabiei infections is highly recommended.

Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook. f. and Thoms. (Guduchi) - validation of the Ayurvedic pharmacology through experimental and clinical studies

T. cordifolia (Guduchi) is a large, glabrous, perennial, deciduous, climbing shrub of weak and fleshy stem found throughout India. It is a widely used plant in folk and Ayurvedic systems of medicine. The chemical constituents reported from this shrub belong to different classes, such as alkaloids, diterpenoid lactones, glycosides, steroids, sesquiterpenoid, phenolics, aliphatic compounds and polysaccharides. Various properties of T. cordifolia, described in ancient texts of Ayurveda, like Rasayana, Sangrahi, Balya, Agnideepana, Tridoshshamaka, Dahnashaka, Mehnashaka, Kasa-swasahara, Pandunashaka, Kamla-Kushta-Vataraktanashaka, Jwarhara, Krimihara, Prameha, Arshnashaka, Kricch-Hridroganashak, etc., are acquiring scientific validity through modern research adopting "reverse pharmacological" approach. Potential medicinal properties reported by scientific research include anti-diabetic, antipyretic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antioxidant, anti-allergic, anti-stress, anti-leprotic, antimalarial, hepato-protective, immuno-modulatory and anti-neoplastic activities. This review brings together various properties and medicinal uses of T. cordifolia described in Ayurveda, along with phytochemical and pharmacological reports.

Cinnamon extract ameliorates ionizing radiation-induced cellular injury in rats

The present study aimed to investigate the protective role of cinnamon extract against inflammatory and oxidative injuries in gamma irradiated rats. Rats were subjected to fractionated doses of gamma radiation. Cinnamon extract were daily administrated before starting irradiation and continued after radiation exposure. The results obtained revealed that the administration of cinnamon extract to irradiated rats significantly ameliorated the changes induced in liver antioxidant system; catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities as well as reduced glutathione concentration. The liver's lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation indices were significantly decreased when compared with their equivalent values in irradiated rats. Furthermore, the changes induces in xanthine oxidoreductase system were significantly diminished. In addition, the changes in liver nitric oxide contents, serum tumor necrosis factor alpha and C-reactive protein levels were markedly improved. In conclusion, the administration of cinnamon extract might provide substantial protection against radiation-induced oxidative and inflammatory damages.

Hypoglycemic activity of alkaloidal fraction of Tinospora cordifolia

The stem of Tinospora cordifolia (TC) is widely used in the therapy of diabetes in traditional folk medicine of India. In the present study, isoquinoline alkaloid rich fraction (AFTC) derived from stem of TC and three alkaloids viz., palmatine, jatrorrhizine and magnoflorine were evaluated for insulin-mimicking and insulin-releasing effect in vitro and in vivo. Their effect on hepatic gluconeogenesis was examined in rat hepatocytes. Insulin releasing effect was detected in vitro using rat pancreatic β-cell line, RINm5F. Furthermore, effects of AFTC and isolated alkaloids on serum glucose and insulin level were studied in fasted and glucose challenged normal rats. AFTC significantly decreased gluconeogenesis in rat hepatocytes as insulin did and it increases insulin secretion in RINm5F cells similar to tolbutamide. In acute 30 min test in vitro, AFTC, palmatine, jatrorrhizine and magnoflorine stimulated insulin secretion from the RINm5F cell line. As in vivo results, administration of AFTC (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg), palmatine, jatrorrhizine and magnoflorine (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg each) orally significantly decreased fasting serum glucose, and suppressed the increase of blood glucose levels after 2 g/kg glucose loading in normal rats. In vivo study further justified their insulin secreting potential by raising the serum insulin level in glucose fed rats. These results demonstrate the alkaloid present in TC contributed for antihyperglycemic activity. AFTC may have hypoglycemic effects via mechanisms of insulin releasing and insulin-mimicking activity and thus improves postprandial hyperglycemia.

Evidences for the Involvement of Monoaminergic and GABAergic Systems in Antidepressant-like Activity of Tinospora cordifolia in Mice

The present study was taken up to investigate the effect of petroleum ether extract of Tinospora cordifolia (Wild.) Miers, on depression in mice. The extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered for 14 successive days to Swiss young albino mice (either sex) and evaluated for antidepressant-like activity using tail suspension test and forced swim test. Petroleum ether extract at all three doses produced significant antidepressant-like effect in tail suspension test as well as in forced swim test and their efficacies were found to be comparable to imipramine (15 mg/kg, p.o.) and sertraline (20 mg/kg, p.o.). The extract at a dose of 50 mg/kg showed most potent effect and did not show any significant change in locomotor functions of mice as compared to control. The antidepressant-like effect of the extract was significantly reversed by pretreatment of animals with prazosin (a α₁-adrenoceptor antagonist), sulpiride (a selective dopamine D₂-receptor antagonist), p-CPA (a serotonin synthesis inhibitor) and baclofen (GABA-B agonist), when tested in tail suspension test. Moreover, petroleum ether extract also reduced the mouse whole brain monoamine oxidase (MAO-A and MAO-B) activities as compared to control, resulting in increase in the levels of brain monoamines. Therefore, the extract may have potential therapeutic value for the management of depressive disorders.

Radioprotective Potential of Plants and Herbs against the Effects of Ionizing Radiation

Ionizing radiations produce deleterious effects in the living organisms and the rapid technological advancement has increased human exposure to ionizing radiations enormously. There is a need to protect humans against such effects of ionizing radiation. Attempts to protect against the deleterious effects of ionizing radiations by pharmacological intervention were made as early as 1949 and efforts are continued to search radioprotectors, which may be of great help for human application. This review mainly dwells on the radioprotective potential of plant and herbal extracts. The results obtained from in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that several botanicals such as Gingko biloba, Centella asiatica, Hippophae rhamnoides, Ocimum sanctum, Panax ginseng, Podophyllum hexandrum, Amaranthus paniculatus, Emblica officinalis, Phyllanthus amarus, Piper longum, Tinospora cordifoila, Mentha arvensis, Mentha piperita, Syzygium cumini, Zingiber officinale, Ageratum conyzoides, Aegle marmelos and Aphanamixis polystachya protect against radiation-induced lethality, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. The fractionation-guided evaluation may help to develop new radioprotectors of desired activities.

Alteration in the radiosensitivity of HeLa cells by dichloromethane extract of guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)

Exposure of HeLa cells to TCE (dichloromethane extract of Tinospora cordifolia) for 4 hours before exposure to 2-Gy γ-radiation caused a significant decrease in the cell viability (approximately 50%). The surviving fraction (SF) was reduced to 0.52 after 4 hours of TCE treatment; thereafter, clonogenecity of HeLa cells declined negligibly with treatment duration up to 6 hours posttreatment. Exposure of HeLa cells to different doses of γ-radiation resulted in a dose-dependent decline in the viability of HeLa cells, whereas treatment of HeLa cells with various doses of TCE further decreased the cell viability depending not only on the irradiation dose but also on the concentration of TCE. Treatment of HeLa cells with various doses of TCE caused a significant decline in cell viability after exposure to 1 to 4 Gy γ-radiation. The increase in TCE concentration before irradiation caused a concentration-dependent reduction in the SF, and a lowest SF was observed for 4 μg/mL TCE for all exposure doses. HeLa cells treated with TCE showed an increase in lactate dehydrogenase and decrease in glutathioneS-transferase activity at all postirradiation times. Lipid peroxidation increased up to 4 hours postirradiation and declined gradually up to 12 hours postirradiation.

Radiation-Induced Testicular Injury and Its Amelioration by Tinospora cordifolia (An Indian Medicinal Plant) Extract

The primary objective of this investigation is to determine the deleterious effects of sub lethal gamma radiation on testes and their possible inhibition by Tinospora cordifolia extract (TCE). For this purpose, one group of male Swiss albino mice was exposed to 7.5 Gy gamma radiation to serve as the irradiated control, while the other group received TCE (75 mg/kg b. wt./day) orally for 5 consecutive days half an hr before irradiation to serve as experimental. Exposure of animals to 7.5 Gy gamma radiation resulted into significant decrease in body weight, tissue weight, testes- body weight ratio and tubular diameter up to 15 days of irradiation. Cent percent mortality was recorded by day 17th in irradiated control, whereas all animals survived in experimental group. TCE pretreatment rendered significant increase in body weight, tissue weight, testes- body weight ratio and tubular diameter at various intervals as compared to irradiated group. Radiation induced histological lesions in testicular architecture were observed more severe in irradiated control then the experimental. TCE administration before irradiation significantly ameliorated radiation induced elevation in lipid peroxidation and decline in glutathione concentration in testes. These observations indicate the radio- protective potential of Tinospora cordifolia root extract in testicular constituents against gamma irradiation in mice.

Radioprotective activity of Gentiana lutea extract and mangiferin

Radioprotective/sensitizing actions of Gentiana lutea aqueous-ethanol extract and mangiferin on radiation-induced effects on different types of cells were investigated. The study focused on the decreasing survival of normal human immunocompetent cells, the survival of the malignant cells in vitro, and the survival of ex vivo irradiated cells before and after consumption of the extract by healthy volunteers. The in vitro experiments showed that mangiferin could inhibit cytotoxic action of ionizing irradiation (doses of 6 and 8 Gy) only on normal resting human PBMC, not stimulated for proliferation. Orally consumed G. lutea extract showed the potential to reduce the cytotoxic effect of x-ray irradiation on normal human immunocompetent cells PBMC of some healthy people, without changing the susceptibility of malignant cells to be destroyed by irradiation. Since the radioprotective effect was individually dependent, further clinical studies are needed.

Acidic polysaccharide of Panax ginseng as a defense against small intestinal damage by whole-body gamma irradiation of mice

An acidic polysaccharide of Panax ginseng (APG), ginsan, has been reported to protect the hematopoietic system by increasing the number of bone marrow cells and spleen cells. Therefore, we evaluated the ability of APG to protect mice from radiation-induced damage of the small intestine. APG treatment caused the lengthening of villi and a numerical increase of crypt cells in the small intestine at 3.5 days after 7Gy irradiation compared to irradiated, non-treated controls. In addition, APG significantly inhibited irradiation-induced apoptosis by decreasing the amount of pro-apoptotic p53 and Bax as well as augmenting that of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 at 24h after irradiation. These results indicate that APG might be a useful adjunct to therapeutic irradiation as a protective agent for the gastrointestinal tract of cancer patients.

Modifying radiation damage

Radiation leaves a fairly characteristic footprint in biological materials, but this is rapidly all but obliterated by the canonical biological responses to the radiation damage. The innate immune recognition systems that sense "danger" through direct radiation damage and through associated collateral damage set in motion a chain of events that, in a tissue compromised by radiation, often unwittingly result in oscillating waves of molecular and cellular responses as tissues attempt to heal. Understanding "nature's whispers" that inform on these processes will lead to novel forms of intervention targeted more precisely towards modifying them in an appropriate and timely fashion so as to improve the healing process and prevent or mitigate the development of acute and late effects of normal tissue radiation damage, whether it be accidental, as a result of a terrorist incident, or of therapeutic treatment of cancer. Here we attempt to discuss some of the non-free radical scavenging mechanisms that modify radiation responses and comment on where we see them within a conceptual framework of an evolving radiation-induced lesion.

Protection of mitochondrial system by Hippophae rhamnoides L. against radiation-induced oxidative damage in mice

The whole extract of the fresh berries of Hippophae rhamnoides L. (RH−3), which has been reported to provide protection to whole mice, various tissues, cells and cell organelles against lethal irradiation, was further investigated for its effects on mitochondria isolated from mouse liver. Superoxide anion, reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels, NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I), NADH-cytochrome c oxidoreductase (complex I/II), succinate-cytochrome c oxidoreductase (complex II/III), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), lipid peroxidation (LPx) and protein oxidation (PO) were determined for RH-3-mediated radioprotective manifestation. Pre-irradiation treatment of mice with RH-3 (30 mg kg−1, i.p.; single dose; −30 min) significantly inhibited the radiation-induced increase in superoxide anions, GSSG, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), complex I, complex I/III activity and MMP maximally at 4 h (P &lt; 0.05). This treatment inhibited the oxidation of proteins (P &lt; 0.05) at all the time periods studied here. This study suggests that pre-irradiation treatment of mice with RH-3 protects the functional integrity of mitochondria from radiation-induced oxidative stress.

Can the therapeutic gain of radiotherapy be increased by concurrent administration of Asian botanicals?

Therapeutic gain by radiotherapy can be achieved through improved targeting, selectively sensitizing malignant cells, or protecting normal tissue. The majority of synthetic chemical radiation sensitizers and normal tissue protectors have proved to be too toxic at effective clinical doses. However, Asian botanicals (from both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine) are being evaluated for their ability to improve therapeutic gain through the modulation of reactive oxygen species. An increase in the efficacy of radiotherapy on tumor tissue allows a reduction in the dose applied to normal tissues. In addition, some botanicals may selectively protect normal tissue or increase its repair following radiation therapy. The results are promising enough to consider clinical trials.

Radioprotective effects of fucoidan in mice treated with total body irradiation

The effects of fucoidan on the survival rate of mice treated with total body irradiation were examined. BALB/c mice were pretreated with various doses of fucoidan prior to total-body irradiation and were monitored for 30 days. A significant improvement of survival was observed by pretreatment with fucoidan at 100 mg/kg body weight. Using this optimal dosage, survival was examined by radiation dose reduction analysis and a dose reduction factor (DRF) of 1.20 was determined at 30 days post-irradiation. Mice pretreated with fucoidan also exhibited dose-dependent increases in the number of bone marrow cells and endogenous spleen cell colonies at day 9 post-irradiation. It is concluded that the increased survival of whole-body irradiated mice pretreated with fucoidan may be attributable to the radioprotective effects of fucoidan on hematopoietic cell viability, proliferation and/or mobility, possibly through antioxidation or antiinflammatory mechanisms.

Elaeocarpus sylvestris modulates gamma-ray-induced immunosuppression in mice: implications in radioprotection

The study investigated the potential of Elaeocarpus sylvestris var. ellipticus (E.S.), which contains 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (PGG), to protect mice from radiation injury by single whole-body irradiation (WBI) in vivo. The results from the present study demonstrate that the E.S. extract significantly improved the rate and duration of survival beyond that of untreated, irradiated control mice. The counts of endogenous colony forming units (CFU) increased in E.S.-treated mice, indicating that E.S. induced the regeneration of hematopoietic cells. E.S. treatment also accelerated the proliferation and recovery of lymphocytes and granulocytes, compared with those levels in untreated, irradiated controls. These results suggest that E.S. extract increases the survival time of mammals exposed to ionizing radiation by intensifying the victims' hematopoietic repair capacities. Therefore, it is concluded that the E.S. extract may be an effective agent of protection from radiation-induced injuries.

Modulation of apoptosis of eckol against ionizing radiation in mice

To investigate the radioprotective potential of eckol, a component of the seaweed Ecklonia cava, against radiation in vivo, we evaluated the effect of eckol on cyto- and histo-protective capability of the lymphocytes and intestine against damage induced by a single whole body irradiation (WBI) in vivo. Here, we ascertained that eckol protected the lymphocytes' viability and rescued intestinal cells from radiation-induced apoptosis by decreasing the amount of pro-apoptotic p53 and Bax and increasing that of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. These findings indicate that the overexpression of anti-apoptotic protein, which may lead to resistance to DNA damage, is involved deeply in protection of gastrointestinal cells after irradiation. Thus, eckol that can protect cells and tissues against ionizing radiation may have considerable potential as adjuncts to successful radiotherapy.

Protective effects of extracts of Vernonia amygdalina, Hibiscus sabdariffa and vitamin C against radiation-induced liver damage in rats

The radioprotective efficacy of methanolic extracts of leaves of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) and Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS), and vitamin C (VIT C) against gamma radiation (4 Gy) induced liver damage was studied in male Wistar albino rats. VIT C was administered at a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight, while VA and HS were administered at doses; 200, 400 and 800-mg/kg body weight, orally for 4 weeks prior to radiation and 5 weeks after irradiation. The rats were sacrificed at 24 hours and 5 weeks after irradiation. Treatment with VIT C and VA (800 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the gamma radiation-induced increases in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities at 24 hours after irradiation, whereas, HS (400 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the serum ALT activity only. Similarly, treatment with VIT C and VA (800 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the serum conjugated bilirubin levels by 56% and 29%, respectively at 24 hours. Furthermore, VIT C, VA and HS significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the levels of serum lipid peroxidation (LPO) and increased the hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities at 24 hours. Treatment for 5 weeks after irradiation with VITC, VA and HS significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the levels of unconjugated bilirubin, while VIT C and VA alone decreased the levels of conjugated bilirubin. Furthermore, treatment with VA (400 and 800 mg/kg) decreased the serum ALT activities by 25% and 34%, respectively, at 5 weeks after irradiation. Similarly, alkaline phosphatase and LPO levels were significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated following treatment with VIT C and VA (400 and 800 mg/kg) at 5 weeks after irradiation. In addition, treatment with VIT C, VA (800 mg/kg) and HS (400 and 800 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) elevated the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) by 61%, 56%, 41% and 44%, respectively, at 5 weeks. Similar elevation of antioxidant enzymes; SOD, glutathione-s-transferase and catalase were obtained in animals treated with VIT C and extracts at 5 weeks. Taken together, the results suggest that the extracts of VA and HS, and VIT C could increase the antioxidant defense systems and may probably protect animals from radiation-induced liver damage.