Abstract Objectives Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor dysfunction and loss of dopaminergic neurons. Oxidative stress, defined as detrimental imbalance between free radicals and body’s defense mechanism, is a critical contributing factor. This study evaluated the neuroprotective and antioxidant properties of methanolic extract of Mucuna monosperma seeds (MMMS) in haloperidol induced rat model of PD. Methods PD was induced in rats by intraperitoneal administration of haloperidol (HPD, D 2 blocker) at 1 mg/kg for 21 days. MMMS was administered orally at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Motor abilities were assessed using the catalepsy bar test, actophotometer test, and rotarod test. Biochemical assessments measured markers of oxidative stress, and brain dopamine levels. Histopathological analysis was used to evaluate neuronal integrity. Results Motor abilities were tested weekly for 21 days, followed by biochemical and histological analysis. HPD caused motor deficits, raised oxidative stress, and lowered dopamine. MMMS (400 mg/kg) improved motor function by decreasing catalepsy, increasing locomotion, and prolonging rotarod time (p < 0.0001). It also reduced oxidative stress, nearly normalized dopamine. Also, the levels of endogenous antioxidants like glutathione (GSH), super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) are also boosted and reduction of malonaldehyde (MDA), indicator of lipid peroxidation which may help in prevention of degradation of dopaminergic neurons. Histology showed better neuron preservation in MMMS rats. Conclusions This study found MMMS is neuroprotective in HPD-induced PD. Its effects likely stem from antioxidant properties, and dopamine restoration. MMMS may merit further research for PD management.
Abstract Background ‘Gentisic acid is a phenolic compound that contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics and could help prevent oxidative stress and damage to the liver caused by MASLD. Gentisic acid’s medicinal potential is poorly investigated and not widely studied.’ Objectives ‘To evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of gentisic acid in rats fed high fat and high fructose (HFHFr) diet, physical, biochemical and histopathological parameters were studied in experimental rats.’ Methods ‘Male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups: Normal Control (NC), Disease Control (DC; HFHFr diet), Standard (pioglitazone, 3 mg/kg, p.o.), GA I (40 mg/kg, p.o.), and GA II (80 mg/kg, p.o.). Treatments were administered during the final 14 days of the study. At the end, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis, while visceral fat and liver tissues were excised for histopathological evaluation.’ Results GA significantly improved metabolic and liver abnormalities in HFHFr diet-induced MASLD rats. It reduced weight gain, liver weight, visceral fat, blood glucose, lipidic markers, liver enzymes and inflammatory markers; increasing the HDL levels. Histopathological study also revealed decreased steatosis, inflammation, lipid, and hepatocellular damage and restored the normal liver architecture demonstrating a dose-dependent response. Results confirm that GA has hepatoprotective and antihyperlipidemic effects in the treatment of MASLD, which are supported by scientific evidence. Conclusions GA II at dose of 80 mg/kg revealed strong hepatoprotective action against HFHFr diet induced MASLD in rats by improving biochemical and histopathological parameters. The results show some good preclinical support for use in the treatment of MASLD.
Abstract Background Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer associated with high mortality. This study evaluated the safety and antitumor efficacy of Annona muricata Linn leaf extract (AME) in a melanoma model in Swiss albino mice. Methods Acute toxicity of AME was assessed in healthy mice. Melanoma was induced by subcutaneous implantation of B16-F10 cells into immunocompetent or cyclophosphamide-immunosuppressed mice. Animals received oral AME (200 mg/kg), topical AME (20 mg/mL), or a combination regimen (100 mg/kg orally + 10 mg/mL topically). Tumor progression was monitored weekly and histological analysis was performed at study completion. Results The estimated LD 50 of AME was 2,180.28 ± 84.76 mg/kg. B16-F10 tumor growth was detectable from Day 1 in immunodeficient mice and peaked at Week 3. Compared with the untreated group, AME treatment reduced tumor burden and delayed progression, with the combination regimen showing the most pronounced effect (p<0.01). However, histopathological analysis revealed persistent vascular invasion and subcutaneous infiltration, indicating incomplete suppression of tumor invasiveness. Conclusions AME demonstrated antitumor activity in this melanoma model, particularly with combined oral and topical administration. However, only a limited number of predefined dose levels were evaluated, precluding assessment of dose-response relationships and therapeutic index. These findings should be considered preliminary, and further studies are required to optimize dosing strategies and elucidate underlying mechanisms.
Abstract Objectives To evaluate a standardized humid-heat-aged black Allium chinense G.Don extract and Sonneratia apetala Banks polysaccharide as a preclinical natural health product strategy for pain, fever, and inflammation. Methods AC-70E was standardized by HPLC-DAD, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF)/S-allyl cysteine (SAC) marker control, and LC-MS profiling. SA-PS was quality-controlled for purity, endotoxin, monosaccharide profile, and molecular weight. Efficacy and interaction were assessed in murine nociception, pyrexia, and edema models using fixed-ratio Chou-Talalay analysis and inflammatory biomarkers. Results The combination showed synergy mainly in inflammation-dominant endpoints, including formalin phase II and carrageenan edema AUC, with CI values of 0.60–0.78 and DRI values of 1.30–2.10 at Fa=0.50–0.75. Responses were accompanied by lower IL-6/PGE 2 and MPO/COX-2-linked readouts. Conclusions These findings support a processing-informed natural health product framework with preclinical dose-sparing relevance for inflammation-dominant pain, fever, and edema, warranting further validation.
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.
