BACKGROUND:Chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) is a frequent condition among breast cancer patients who are treated with systemic chemotherapy, and is linked to fatigue, decreased functional capacity, and poor quality of life. OBJECTIVES:To determine the prevalence of chemotherapy-induced anaemia and evaluate its impact on the quality of life of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. METHODS:This cross-sectional study was performed at the Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan, from January 2024 to April 2025. The trial included 100 female patients with histopathologically confirmed breast cancer who had received a minimum of three treatment cycles. Anaemia was determined using World Health Organization guidelines (Hb<12 g/dL), and haemoglobin was assessed using an automated haematology analyser. The quality of life was evaluated via the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. The data were examined with SPSS version 27.0. RESULTS:The average age of participants was 50.7 ± 10.8 years. Anaemia produced by chemotherapy was seen in 61.0 % of patients, including mild (30.0 %), moderate (24.0 %), and severe (7.0 %) cases. Anaemic patients had a much lower global health status score than non-anaemic patients (54.3 ± 12.7 vs. 74.8 ± 10.4, p<0.001). There were significant reductions in physical, emotional, and social functioning ratings, with an elevation in tiredness scores (65.9 ± 16.1 vs. 37.8 ± 11.5, p<0.001). Moderate-to-severe anaemia independently forecasted decreased quality of life (OR=3.48, 95 % CI: 1.62-7.45, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS:Patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy often suffer from anaemia, which negatively impacts their quality of life. Appropriate management may improve treatment outcomes early on.
OBJECTIVES:Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) possess unique physicochemical and biomedical properties; however, conventional synthesis approaches often involve hazardous chemicals that may limit biocompatibility. This study aimed to synthesize AuNPs using aqueous extract of Berberis lycium, characterize their physicochemical properties, and evaluate their toxicological effects in albino mice. METHODS:AuNPs were synthesized by incubating aqueous leaf extract of B. lycium with HAuCl₄ (1 mM) in a 1:9 ratio. Characterization was performed using UV-Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). 40 albino mice were divided into four groups (n=10): control, 10 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg, and 50 mg/kg AuNPs administered intraperitoneally for 14 days. Liver and kidney tissues were examined through gross and histopathological analyses. RESULTS:UV-Visible spectroscopy confirmed AuNP formation with an absorption peak at 535 nm. XRD analysis demonstrated a face-centered cubic crystalline structure, while FTIR revealed phytochemical-mediated reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles. SEM imaging showed well-dispersed nanoparticles with predominantly cubic to hexagonal morphology and particle sizes ranging from 10-30 nm. Toxicological evaluation demonstrated no significant histopathological alterations at 10 mg/kg. Mild hepatic steatosis and renal inflammatory infiltration were observed at 25 mg/kg, whereas severe hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, including necrosis, hemorrhage, glomerular distortion, and tubular degeneration, were evident at 50 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS:Green-synthesized AuNPs derived from B. lycium are stable and relatively biocompatible at lower concentrations but produce significant dose-dependent hepatic and renal toxicity at higher doses. These findings highlight the importance of careful dose optimization and comprehensive toxicological assessment before biomedical application of plant-mediated gold nanoparticles.
OBJECTIVES:Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory potential in autoimmune disorders. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Rastrelliger kanagurta fish oil on pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and joint structural preservation in a collagen-induced arthritis rat model. METHODS:Female Wistar rats with induced arthritis were orally treated with R. kanagurta fish oil (1,000 microliters per day) for 21 days. Clinical assessments included arthritis scoring, paw thickness, and body weight measurements. Serum levels of interleukin-6 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were determined, and histopathological evaluation of joint tissues was conducted to assess synovial inflammation and cartilage integrity. RESULTS:Fish oil treatment significantly reduced arthritis scores, decreased paw thickness, and restored body weight compared with untreated arthritic controls. Serum concentrations of interleukin-6 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were markedly lowered, approaching values observed in the indomethacin-treated group. Histopathological analysis demonstrated reduced synovial inflammation and preservation of cartilage structure with minimal erosion. CONCLUSIONS:Rastrelliger kanagurta fish oil demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protective properties by downregulating interleukin-6 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 pathways. These findings indicate its potential as an affordable and safe adjunctive therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, meriting further investigation through purification, dose optimization, and clinical trials.
OBJECTIVES:Diabetes mellitus leads to many complications in long term. This study aims to assess the effect of betanin on complications like diabetic kidney disease (DKD), diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and dyslipidemia in a streptozotocin (40 mg/kg)-nicotinamide (100 mg/kg) induced rodent models of type 2 DM. METHODS:A total of 48, 4 months old Wistar rats were equally into six groups: Group 1 = Control, group 2 = Disease control, group 3 = metformin (70 mg/kg) treated, group 4 = betanin (50 mg/kg) treated, group 5 = betanin (100 mg/kg), group 6 = metformin (70 mg/kg) + betanin (100 mg/kg). To induce type 2 DM Inj. Nicotinamide (100 mg/kg) i.p. followed by Inj. Streptozotocin (40 mg/kg) i.p. were administered to all rats except control group. On day 7th rats showing blood glucose levels above 300 mg/dL were considered type 2 diabetic. DKD and DPN were assessed by renal function test and thermal allodynia by using hot and cold plate method respectively; while dyslipidemia by monitoring the serum cholesterol. RESULTS:At day 60 and 120, treatment with metformin and betanin individually and as combination therapy caused significant decrease in serum urea levels compared to disease control. Betanin showed significant increase in withdrawal time on hot plate compared to the healthy control, indicating it did not reverse the sensory deficit. Combination group showed promising results for cold plate allodynia against disease control. Treatment with betanin showed a significant decrease in TC and TG levels than disease control rats. CONCLUSIONS:Betanin shows promising therapeutic effect on diabetic kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy and dyslipidemia.
INTODUCTION:Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype that lacks hormone receptors and HER2 amplification, limiting targeted therapy options. Chemotherapeutics like cisplatin and taxol are commonly used but lack selectivity, often causing harsh side effects. These limitations have led to increased interest in natural health products (NHPs) as complementary treatments due to their potential anticancer benefits and lower toxicity. Black Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa), used in traditional Chinese medicine, contains polysaccharides with reported anticancer activity. However, further research is needed on the whole extract, its mechanism, and its interaction with chemotherapy. OBJECTIVES:This study assessed the anticancer effects of Black Maitake Odaira Extract - Prothera (BMOE; manufactured by Shogun Maitake Canada, London, ON) on the MDA-MB-231 TNBC cell line. BMOE was evaluated alone and in combination with chemotherapeutic agents cisplatin and taxol using both 2D and 3D in vitro models. METHODS:Apoptosis was evaluated using Hoechst 33342, Annexin V, and propidium iodide staining. Mitochondrial membrane depolarization was assessed via TMRM. A wound-healing assay measured cell migration. Structural effects were examined in 3D spheroid cultures following treatment. RESULTS:BMOE induced dose- and time-dependent apoptosis and mitochondrial depolarization. In 3D models, BMOE disrupted spheroid structure. The wound-healing assay showed impaired TNBC cell migration. Most importantly, BMOE significantly enhanced chemotherapeutic efficacy when combined with cisplatin or taxol. CONCLUSIONS:These findings highlight the potential of BMOE as a non-toxic adjunct that enhances the efficacy of standard chemotherapies to contribute to the development of safer, more targeted treatment strategies for TNBC.
INTODUCTION:Persistent subclinical inflammation is a hallmark of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), the most common autoinflammatory disease. Among the key mediators implicated in this chronic inflammatory state are tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL), and apolipoprotein C-II (APOC2), which contribute to the dysregulated immune response characteristic of FMF. The present study aims to evaluate the potential role of TNF-α, OxLDL, and APOC2 as diagnostic biomarkers of disease severity in patients with FMF. METHODS:The study enrolled 66 patients diagnosed with FMF and 60 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) were quantified using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. However, the apolipoprotein C-II (APOC2) concentrations were measured using an automated biochemistry analyzer. Furthermore, the Carotid intima media was assessed. RESULTS:Serum TNF-α levels were significantly higher in FMF patients than in the control group, emphasizing the protein's role as an important marker of chronic inflammation. Levels of low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) and apolipoprotein C-II (APOC2) were also notably altered in the FMF cohort. Notably, OxLDL, APOC2 and TNF-α demonstrated strong positive correlation with attack frequency, multiple linear regressions analysis showed that OxLDL (β=1.53, p=0.002) and TNF-α (β=1.38, p=0.003) were significant predictors for higher number of attacks, suggesting their potential role involvement in the inflammatory cascade and their utility as complementary biomarkers in FMF. The carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) of patients and control subjects did not differ statistically significantly. CONCLUSIONS:TNF-α, oxidized LDL, and APOC2 are key pro-inflammatory mediators that may serve as novel biomarkers for assessing chronic inflammatory status in FMF patients. Their elevated levels could provide valuable insights into disease progression and help guide personalized treatment strategies.
OBJECTIVES:Nephrolithiasis is a prevalent urinary condition that often leads to the development of secondary stones. The biological activity of red beetroot (Beta vulgaris rubra) and its potential as a disease-prevention and health-promoting agent have garnered considerable attention in recent years. Our objective was to investigate the impact of B. vulgaris Ethanolic Extract (EEBV) in the nephrolithiasis rat model. METHODS:Thirty Wistar Kyoto rats were used and randomly divided into five groups. Except for the normal control group, 1 % ethylene glycol (EG) and 1 % ammonium chloride (AC) were added to drinking water for 14 days to induce nephrolithiasis. The intervention was administered to all animal groups except the normal controls. All animals were: a normal control group(Na CMC), a nephrolithiasis group (EG 1 %), the EEBV 125 group (nephrolithiasis rats given EEBV 125 mg/Kg BW per oral), the EEBV 250 group (nephrolithiasis rats given EEBV 250 mg/Kg BW), and the EEBV 500 group (nephrolithiasis rats given EEBV 500 mg/Kg BW). Biochemical assessments were performed on blood and urine samples. Crystal deposition and renal tissue damage were assessed using haematoxylin and eosin staining. RESULTS:EEBV administration significantly improved serum and urine parameters. Histopathological analysis revealed that EEBV administration decreased renal alteration and crystal deposition. EEBV 125 and EEBV 250 have the greatest effect on reducing crystal deposition and improving renal function. CONCLUSIONS:The study demonstrates that EEBV has beneficial effects in reducing the incidence of kidney stones and improving kidney function.
OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of combined nutritional supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and biotin, alone and in combination with half-dose fluoxetine, in a Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS) model of depression in rats. METHODS:Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: control, disease control, fluoxetine-treated (5 mg/kg), nutrient combination (omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and biotin), and nutrient combination with half-dose fluoxetine (2.5 mg/kg). Depression was induced using the CUMS model for four weeks. Behavioral assessments were performed using the sucrose preference test and elevated plus maze (EPM). Biochemical parameters including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, thiol levels, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were estimated. Histopathological examination of hippocampus and dentate gyrus was conducted. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS:The nutrient combination and half-dose fluoxetine with nutrient combination groups showed significant behavioral improvement vs. the disease control group, with higher sucrose preference and greater open-arm time in the EPM. Catalase activity was significantly higher in the nutrient combination group (2.50 ± 0.71 vs. 0.16 ± 0.03 pmol/min), while the half-dose fluoxetine with nutrient combination group demonstrated significantly higher SOD (2.11 ± 0.03 vs. 0.07 ± 0.01 milliunit/mg protein) and lower MDA (1.35 ± 0.10 vs. 4.70 ± 0.09 μM/L) compared with disease control. Both these groups showed increased healthy neurons in the hippocampus and dentate gyrus in histopathological analysis, suggesting neuroprotection and neuronal regeneration. CONCLUSIONS:Combined nutrient supplementation demonstrated significant antidepressant-like effects compared to fluoxetine alone, indicating potential adjunctive benefits requiring further validation.
OBJECTIVES:Lung cancer constitutes a global health crisis that leads to mortality. The cellular signaling and cell cycle are disrupted in lung cancer. From time immemorial, plants have been a major source of medications. Notably, cardiac glycosides (CGs) potently bind to Na+/K+-ATPase in cardiac tissue. CGs show promising potential as anticancer activity. Peruvoside belongs to the cardiac glycosides, Peruvoside derived from Thevetia peruviana. Noteworthy, Peruvoside has shown promising interest due to its powerful effect toward several cancer types. The presented study evaluates Peruvoside's effects on the proliferation as well as cell cycle progression of lung cancer A549 cells to validate its anticancer potential. METHODS:A549 cells were cultured and allocated into two groups: treated with Peruvoside and an untreated control group. Viability of A549 cells was assessed by WST-8 assay; cell cycle analysis was performed by flow cytometry; CDK6 and cyclin D1 protein expression was determined by Western blot; and real-time PCR analysis was performed to identify the expression of CHK1, CHK2, PI3K, AKT, and mTOR genes. RESULTS:Peruvoside at a concentration of 68.77 nM was associated with a notable anti-proliferative effect and the induction of an apoptotic cascade. Peruvoside induces cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, validated by Western blot and real-time PCR analysis, confirming that inhibition of proteins and genes related to cell cycle progression and expansion of the lung cancer, indicating that Peruvoside has antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects. CONCLUSIONS:Within this research, the data showed the arrest of the cell cycle and the inhibition of the proliferation regulatory gene by Peruvoside were associated with suppression of lung cancer survival, proliferation, metastatic dissemination, and promotion of cell death.
OBJECTIVES:Black maitake odaira extract-prothera (Grifola frondosa; BME), a β-glucan-rich natural product, has demonstrated anticancer activities including immunomodulation, inhibition of metastasis, enhanced chemotherapy sensitivity, and induction of apoptosis. This study investigated the effects of BME on human colorectal cancer cell lines HCT-116 and HT-29, evaluated its interaction with FOLFOX chemotherapy, and assessed selectivity using the healthy human colon epithelial cell line NCM-460. METHODS:Anticancer activity was evaluated in two- and three-dimensional colorectal cancer cell models by measuring apoptosis and mechanism of action using fluorogenic markers, cell viability via formazan reduction, and migration through wound-healing assays. Selectivity was assessed in healthy NCM-460 colon epithelial cells. In vivo antitumour efficacy was examined using xenografted immunocompromised mouse models. RESULTS:BME induced time- and dose-dependent apoptosis, reduced viability and migration, increased reactive oxygen species, and mediated mitochondrial dysfunction. Positive interactions were observed with FOLFOX chemotherapy. In vivo, BME enhanced antitumour activity, while no apoptotic effects were detected in normal NCM-460 colon epithelial cells, indicating selectivity. CONCLUSIONS:These findings suggest BME may have potential as an adjunct to colorectal cancer therapy and justify further clinical evaluation.
OBJECTIVES:Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that leads to motor and non-motor challenges, significantly impacting the quality of life. Research highlights body's antioxidant systems role in mitigating PD. This study investigated neuroprotective capabilities of Tinospora sinensis stem extract (TSSE) in a rat model of PD induced by rotenone. METHODS:PD was induced in rats by subcutaneous rotenone injections (2 mg/kg/day) for 35 days. TSSE was administered orally at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses, with levodopa-carbidopa as the standard reference. Motor impairments were assessed through catalepsy, locomotor activity, and rotarod tests. Biochemical evaluations included oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes (glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase), and dopamine levels, and monoamino oxidase-B (MAO-B). Histopathological examination of brain assessed neuronal integrity. RESULTS:Rotenone administration led to significant motor impairments, increased oxidative stress, reduced dopamine levels, and neuronal damage. Treatment with TSSE resulted in notable, dose-dependent enhancements in motor abilities and restored antioxidant enzyme activities, while also reducing lipid peroxidation, as indicated by decreased malondialdehyde levels. Additionally, TSSE decreased MAO-B level and increased brain dopamine level and maintained neuronal structure. The TSSE 400 mg/kg exhibited neuroprotective effects comparable to those of standard. CONCLUSIONS:TSSE shows significant neuroprotective effects, likely by enhancing endogenous antioxidant defenses and restoring dopaminergic neurotransmission. These findings suggest, TSSE could serve as a complementary therapeutic approach that targets oxidative and neurodegenerative mechanisms in PD.
BACKGROUND:Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) such as monk fruit sweetener (MFS) are increasingly adopted as sugar alternatives due to their high sweetening potency and low caloric content. Despite their widespread use, the metabolic and hepatic safety profiles of these agents remain underexplored. This study investigates the effect of MFS on the liver histology and key biochemical markers; alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in adult male adult Wistar rats. METHODS:Twenty adult male Wistar rats were assigned into four groups (n=5/group). Group A served as the control, while Groups B, C, and D received 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg body weight of MFS orally for four weeks. Liver histology was studied using H&E and Masson trichrome stained sections of the liver. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed. Data obtained was analyzed using one way ANOVA. RESULTS:MFS administration resulted in significant elevations in ALT (p=0.001) and MDA (p=0.002), consistent with hepatocellular injury and increased oxidative stress. Although AST levels were elevated, the change did not reach statistical significance. Histological evaluation demonstrated dose-dependent hepatic alterations, including hepatocellular vacuolation, necrosis, sinusoidal and central vein congestion, and increased collagen deposition. CONCLUSIONS:Exposure to MFS was associated with biochemical and structural hepatic alterations in a dose-dependent manner, raising concerns regarding its hepatic safety under conditions of sustained use. Further mechanistic and long-term studies are warranted to clarify the translational relevance of these findings in humans.
OBJECTIVES:Boldenone undecylenate (Bold), a synthetic anabolic steroid, poses health risks including testicular damage. Thymoquinone (TQ), from Nigella sativa, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. To evaluate TQ's protective effects against Bold-induced testicular impairment. METHODS:Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (control, TQ 25 mg/kg orally, Bold 5 mg/kg intramuscularly, and Bold + TQ) for 8 weeks. Serum FSH, LH, and free testosterone, and testicular IL-1β, MCP-1, TNF-α, MDA, and NO were measured. Testes were examined histologically and for AR expression. RESULTS:Bold decreased FSH, LH, and testosterone, increased oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, caused histological damage, and reduced AR expression. TQ co-treatment significantly mitigated these effects. CONCLUSIONS:TQ protects against Bold-induced testicular injury by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting its potential as a preventive supplement.
Melanoma is one of the deadliest skin cancers, characterized by high metastatic potential and poor prognosis in advanced stages. While chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide (TMZ) is the standard treatment, its clinical utility is hindered by toxicity and limited specificity. OBJECTIVES:This study evaluates Black Maitake Odaira Extract Prothera (BME) from the Grifola frondosa mushroom as a complementary treatment for melanoma, examining its apoptotic, anti-migratory, and anti-proliferative effects in 2D and 3D models. We aim to investigate the therapeutic potential of BME alone and in combination with standard chemotherapy in A375 melanoma cells. METHODS:A375 melanoma cells were treated with BME alone and in combination with TMZ. Cell viability was quantified via Trypan Blue exclusion assays. Apoptosis was assessed using Hoechst 33342, Annexin V, and propidium iodide staining, while mitochondrial depolarization was evaluated using TMRM staining. Cancer cell migration was analyzed through wound healing assays, and 3D spheroid cultures were used to evaluate how BME disrupts complex tumour-like structures. RESULTS:BME induced dose-dependent apoptosis in 2D cell models. BME enhanced the efficacy of TMZ in inducing apoptosis when treated in combination. Wound healing assays revealed a marked reduction in cell migration, particularly in combination treatments with TMZ. In 3D cell cultures, BME with TMZ exhibited increased mitochondrial depolarization. CONCLUSIONS:BME demonstrates pro-apoptotic and anti-migratory activity in melanoma cells, while improving the efficacy of standard chemotherapy. These findings support its potential as an effective adjuvant natural health product for melanoma treatment.
OBJECTIVES:Mitochondrion is an organelle involved in cellular energy generation and cell death. The mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) pore plays a crucial role in the execution of mitochondrial-dependent cell death. Several medicinal plants evoke their therapeutic potential against tumor and cancer by instigating mitochondrial-dependent cell death. This research consequently explored the effect of chloroform fraction of Chenopodium ambrosioides (CFCA) on mitochondrial-dependent cell death via mPT pore. METHODOLOGY:Rats were equally assigned into four groups; A (control), B (50), C (100) and D (200) mg/kg CFCA. Mitochondria were isolated by differential centrifugation. The mPT pore opening, mitochondrial ATPase (mATPase) activity and mitochondrial-lipid peroxidation (mLPO) were assessed spectrophotometrically. Caspases 9 and 3 levels, hepatic DNA fragmentation, histology and immunohistochemical analysis of Bax, Cytochrome c, P53 and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins were determined. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of CFCA was carried out. RESULTS:The CFCA dose-dependently induced mPT pore opening, enhanced mATPase activity, reduced malondialdehyde generation, increased Caspases 9 and 3 levels and effected hepatic DNA fragmentation. The histological assessment showed mild to moderate steatosis and infiltration of the hepatocytes. The CFCA upregulated the expression of Bax, Cytochrome c and P53 proteins while anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein was downregulated. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of certain pharmacologically reactive compounds including Tridecanoic acid, 12-methyl ester, Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, 11-Octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester, Pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine and 6-Undecyl-5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-one. CONCLUSIONS:This study suggests the presence of phytochemicals in CFCA that could execute mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis via induction of mPT pore opening, caspases and apoptotic machinery.
OBJECTIVES:Peperomia pellucida (Indonesian name: Suruhan) is a tropical plant easily found throughout Indonesia. This plant is used as a food ingredient and to treat various diseases due to its phytoconstituent content. This study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant effect of the ethanol extract of the Suruhan herb. METHODS:Mice were exposed to chronic mild stress using the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) method for 21 days, followed by a sucrose preference test. The antidepressant effect was assessed by behavioral changes in the tail suspension test (TST), forced swimming test (FST), and locomotor tests. Oxidative stress levels were measured using malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase levels, and the evaluation was complemented by histopathological analysis. The antidepressant effect of the Suruhan extract (ES) was compared with that of normal controls, stress controls, and fluoxetine controls. RESULTS:In the behavioral test, there was no significant difference in immobility time and number of line crossings in the test group compared to the fluoxetine control (p>0.05). ES significantly increased the sucrose preference value of the test group. Oxidative stress parameter analysis showed that the extract reduced MDA levels in mice, no different from the fluoxetine control group (p>0.05), and increased catalase levels, but not as effectively as the standard drug (p<0.05). Histopathological analysis found a significant increase in the thickness of the granular layer in the dentate gyrus of mice treated with ES and fluoxetine compared to the stress group. CONCLUSIONS:Suruhan herb has antidepressant-like effects and has the potential to be used as a functional food and complementary medicine in the treatment of depression.
OBJECTIVES:Ficus capensis (FCE) is widely used in Ghana and some other West African countries to treat gastrointestinal diseases. This study examines the antiulcerogenic properties of the ethanol-based FCE root extract in rats using acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis model. METHODS:Rats were arbitrarily assigned to 6 groups (n=5) and given either oral normal saline (10 mL/kg), sulfasalazine (500 mg/kg), or FCE (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) for 7 days. To induce colitis, 500 μL of acetic acid (4 % v/v) was given intrarectally on day 2. On the 8th day, rats were euthanized. Hematology, antioxidant, and histopathological investigations were assessed. RESULTS:FCE significantly prevented body weight loss and reduced the colon weight/length ratio to 0.106 ± 0.004 g/cm relative to the control. Additionally, FCE reduced DAI to 2.035 ± 0.1216 compared to the control. The histopathology showed that FCE-treated colons reduced inflammatory scores compared to the control. Levels of NF-κB and TNF-α, gross colonic damage and epithelial cell loss were reduced. FCE elevated colonic SOD and CAT activity to 12.60 ± 1.327 and 9.60 ± 0.6713, correspondingly. Furthermore, the amount of MDA decreased to 29.72 ± 1.974 compared to the control. FCE increased levels of RBC and HGB, respectively, to 8.64 ± 0.48 (×106/µL) and 9.36 ± 0.62 g/dL and lowered WBC and NEU to 10.27 ± 0.36, 9.35 ± 0.62, 20.43 ± 0.82, and 18.47 ± 0.47, respectively, compared to the control. CONCLUSIONS:Hydroethanolic root extract of FCE possesses antiulcerogenic effects.
BACKGROUND:Crataegus azarolus (hawthorn) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for various health benefits and culinary reasons, although its psychiatric effects remain poorly studied. This study aimed to assess the volatile chemical composition and ionic profile of C. azarolus, and to integrate these findings with a targeted review of the literature to propose potential psychiatric implications. METHODS:Methanolic extracts of dried flowers, leaves, and berries were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), with compounds identified using reference libraries. Ion chromatography (IC) with anion and cation columns was used to quantify inorganic ions, expressed as mg per 100 g dried material. RESULTS:GC-MS tentatively identified 13 major compounds, including flavonoids, fatty acids, sterols, vitamin D derivatives, and digitoxin. Many of these constituents have been suggested having anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and antidepressant-like activities in preclinical studies. Among the compounds, the flavonoids quercetin and lucenin-2 were particularly notable due to their proposed roles in central nervous system function, neuroprotection and possible psychiatric effects. IC analysis additionally revealed the presence of various inorganic ions, although their overall concentrations were low. CONCLUSIONS:The biochemical complexity of C. azarolus highlights its potential relevance for mental health, yet direct preclinical and clinical evidence remains lacking. Future investigations are needed to clarify its psychiatric applications.
OBJECTIVES:Schizophrenia is a persistent and devastating mental illness that affects around 1 % of the population. Despite the availability of antipsychotic drugs, their limited efficacy and significant adverse effect profiles have sparked an increased interest in finding well-tolerated, safer alternatives. Recently the bioactive compounds that are produced from natural sources as possible supplementary therapy to reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia. This study seeks to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of Bougainvillea spectabilis (B. spectabilis) in alleviating oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory pathways associated with ketamine-induced biochemical and histopathological changes. METHODS:Rats were administered ketamine (30 mg/kg, s.c.) to cause neurotoxicity. B. spectabilis extract at dosages of 50 and 100 mg/kg, were administrated 30 min later. RESULTS:B. spectabilis extract significantly decreased oxidative stress, including homocysteine and malondialdehyde (MDA), while increasing endogenous antioxidant defenses such as reduced glutathione (GSH) and folic acid levels. The extract also attenuated neuroinflammatory responses through downregulation of TNF-α and NF-κB expression and markedly improved the histopathological architecture of brain tissue. CONCLUSIONS:The study demonstrates that B. spectabilis extract exerts neuroprotective effects through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. These findings suggest that the extract may represent a promising adjunct therapeutic strategy for mitigating neurotoxicity associated with oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
