Comparison and Evaluation of Different Seed Extracts of Trachyspermum ammi for Immunomodulatory Effect on Cell-Mediated Immunity through Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Assay Skin Thickness Method

Isolation of Thymol from Trachyspermum ammi Fruits for Treatment of Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy in STZ-Induced Rats

Terpenoids and phenols from Trachyspermum ammi (T. ammi) have reported some pharmacological actions. The objective of the work was to isolate the active constituent, its identification by spectroscopic techniques, and evaluation of the antidiabetic and neuroprotective activity from T. ammi on STZ Wistar rats. The dried fruits of T ammi were kept in a hydrodistillation apparatus to collect essential oil. The isolated fraction went through TLC, UV, FTIR, HPLC, HRMS, C¹³, and ¹H NMR for characterization. Two dosage concentrations from the isolated compound were prepared as 10 and 20 mg/kg for treatment groups. The groups were tested for thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, writhing, grip strength, spontaneous locomotor test, neuromuscular coordination tests, and histopathological and lipid profile analysis. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (45 mg/kg i.p.) and 12 weeks of treatment-induced diabetic neuropathy in Wistar rats. Biomarkers were evaluated to understand the neuropathic protection of thymol on STZ-treated Wistar rats. The biomarker studies (SOD, NO, LPO, Na⁺K⁺ATPase, and TNF-α) further confirmed thymol's diabetic neuropathy protective action. This study suggests that isolated compound thymol was antidiabetic and neuroprotective as it has shown controlled glucose levels defensive nerve damage in STZ Wistar rats. P < 0.05 level of significance was observed in the levels of endogenous biomarkers, fasting blood glucose levels, actophotometer response, and response latency in treated groups compared to the diabetic group, whereas P < 0.001 level of significance during lipid profile levels, thermal algesia, and neuromuscular comparison tests was noted in treated groups compared to the diabetic group.

Scientific rationale of Indian AYUSH Ministry advisory for COVID-19 prevention, prophylaxis, and immunomodulation

The current outbreak of COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has affected > 210 countries. Various steps are taken by different countries to tackle the current war-like health situation. In India, the Ministry of AYUSH released a self-care advisory for immunomodulation measures during the COVID-19 and this review article discusses the detailed scientific rationale associated with this advisory. Authors have spotted and presented in-depth insight of advisory in terms of immunomodulatory, antiviral, antibacterial, co-morbidity associated actions, and their probable mechanism of action. Immunomodulatory actions of advised herbs with no significant adverse drug reaction/toxicity strongly support the extension of advisory for COVID-19 prevention, prophylaxis, mitigations, and rehabilitation capacities. This advisory also emphasized Dhyana (meditation) and Yogasanas as a holistic approach in enhancing immunity, mental health, and quality of life. The present review may open-up new meadows for research and can provide better conceptual leads for future researches in immunomodulation, antiviral-development, psychoneuroimmunology, especially for COVID-19.

Effects of a Traditional Caraway Formulation on Experimental Models of Vitiligo and Mechanisms of Melanogenesis

Background

Kursi Karwiya or caraway tablet (CWT), a traditional medicine formula, is widely used in Xinjiang, China, for treating vitiligo, a common autoimmune disease for which there is currently no satisfactory cure. Clinical interventions include pharmacological treatment with psoralens, often in conjunction with UVA radiation, but toxic side effects limit this application. Studies on the activities and mechanisms of CWT are scarce.

Objective

To investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of CWT in B16 cell line and in animal models of vitiligo, further exploring its mechanisms of regulating melanogenesis.

Methods

Effects of CWT on melanin synthesis in B16 cells and mushroom tyrosinase activity were investigated in vitro. The signaling pathway of melanogenesis in murine B16 melanoma cells was examined by Western blotting. Two different animal models were used, vitiligo induced by hydroquinone in the mouse model and by hydrogen peroxide in the guinea pig model. Relevant biochemical parameters in blood and skin tissue were measured, and visual inspection, histopathology, and immunohistochemical analysis of treated areas were carried out.

Results

CWT produced changes in biochemical parameters including TYR, MDA, MAO, AChE, IL-6, INF-α, β-EP, and cAMP in blood and/or skin tissue and in regulating melanogenesis. After treatment with CTW, skin color, melanin containing hair follicles, and expression of TYR, TRP-1, and TRP-2 in the skin of animals were significantly affected.

Conclusions

CWT alleviated many of detrimental effects in both models of vitiligo. Tyrosinase activity and melanin content in B16 cells were increased, at least in part, via activation of the PKA p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Our results show that CWT produces beneficial effects on parameters of vitiligo and is worthy of further investigation for use in this distressing autoimmune disorder which currently has no effective cure.