Acharya Brojendra Nath Seal College popularly known as ABN Seal, earlier Victoria College, is a state-government owned co-educational college in Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India. It was established in 1888 and offers undergraduate and postgraduate education. The college is affiliated to the Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University and accredited as A by NAAC. The college has been conferred "Centre of Excellence" status by the University Grants Commission.
Bryophyllum, a genus of succulent plants, has been employed as traditional medicine for centuries. Phytochemical analysis has demonstrated a diverse spectrum of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and bufadienolides. These compounds contribute to various pharmacological properties. The widely studied B. pinnatum exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities, making it a potential treatment alternative for various health issues. The anti-diabetic properties of B. pinnatum have been demonstrated through enhanced insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. The plant also has beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, with vasodilatory and antihypertensive properties. Furthermore, B. pinnatum has been found to possess anti-cancer properties, inducing apoptosis and inhibiting tumor growth. Its neuroprotective effects have also been reported, with potential applications in neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, the anti-ulcerogenic and wound-healing properties of B. pinnatum have been documented. Overall, the phytochemistry and pharmacology of B. pinnatum highlight its potential as a versatile medicinal agent. Further research is warranted to fully explore its therapeutic applications in many other health-related issues.
Alzheimer’s disease is a state of chronic neuronal degeneration that progressively affects neuronal cells, resulting in an impairment in cognitive function and memory over the years. Being the most common type of dementia worldwide, it is responsible for no less than two-thirds of incidences in adults who are 65 years and older. Alzheimer’s disease is clinically marked by cholinergic dysfunction, buildup of aberrant neuritic plaques, and fibrillary tangles in the brain. To date, there is no concrete medication or therapeutic approach for reversing Alzheimer’s disease that may fully restore the degenerated brain functioning. Spices are a very important component of Indian cuisine and have been used as food seasonings or home remedies for mild ailments for many generations. Interestingly, emerging research findings suggests that spices may reduce the likelihood of developing neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. The growing acceptance of spices is primarily due to their perceived efficacy, affordability, and safety. Many Indian spices, such as turmeric, cinnamon, and members of the pepper family, have been reported to have the ability to reduce inflammatory cascades, function as antioxidants, and inhibit acetylcholinesterase and amyloid β aggregation. This review offers a summary of the phytochemistry, biological and cellular activities, and potential therapeutic usage of various spices in the therapeutic management of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Antioxidants are important to the cells as they are involved in scavenging free radicals. When the rate of free radical production in the cells is greater than the rate of clearance, the cell is considered to be under oxidative stress. A number of disease conditions, including several inflammatory diseases, cancer progression, and cardiovascular diseases, are associated with oxidative stress. Indian cuisine is famous for its extensive use of spices, which are used to enhance the taste, aroma, and colour of the preparation. Interestingly, spices are also a rich source of antioxidants. The phytochemicals, primarily consisting of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, sulfurcontaining compounds, phenolic diterpenes, alkaloids, tannins, and vitamins present in spices, exhibit antioxidant properties. Their antioxidant function is brought about by redox properties and their ability to obstruct Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production. Therefore, many phytochemicals are of great interest to modern researchers, who aim to explore their therapeutic potential for tailored clinical applications. This paper reviews a multitude of spice compounds that have been corroborated as exogenous antioxidants, which have been shown to control cellular oxidative stress and show immense potential in ameliorating concomitant disease conditions.
