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The history of Ayurveda shows a long-standing relationship between Bacopa monnieri L. (Brahmi) and human health, giving the plant a valuable source for developing nontoxic medications. Traditionally, Brahmi has been primarily used to treat insomnia, epilepsy, memory loss, and anxiety. This makes the plant a valuable resource for the safe development of alternative drugs. Research on B. monnieri 's biological effects has exploded in recent years, with the herb showing promise as a neuroprotective, memory-enhancing, and most importantly chemo-preventive and anti-neoplastic drug. In this particular context, a thorough review of the literature facilitates a profound comprehension of the roles played by particular bioactive compounds and the B. monnieri entire plant extract, which has different functional molecular pathways. Recent studies conducted by researchers report Brahmi as a promising neuroprotective, memory-enhancing, anti-neoplastic, and chemo-preventive agent. Each naturally occurring chemical component isolated from Bacopa monnieri leaf extract using various solvents exhibits strong anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic, and anti-proliferative properties on several cancer cells. This thorough analysis covering the recent research showing Brahmi's anticancer effect will help one understand its role better and realize its potential as an effective anticancer drug. [Display omitted] • Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) plant has effective anti-cancer effect. • Using various solvents, each naturally occurring chemical component extracted from Bacopa monnieri leaf extract has demonstrated strong anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic, and anti-proliferative effects on various cancer cell types. • Clinical translation of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) plant extract & development as a drug should be prime focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The real-time monitoring of wheat phenology variations among different varieties and their adaptive responses to environmental conditions is essential for advancing breeding efforts and improving cultivation management. Many remote sensing efforts have been made to relieve the challenges of key phenophase detection. However, existing solutions are not accurate enough to discriminate adjacent phenophases with subtle organ changes, and they are not real-time, such as the vegetation index curve-based methods relying on entire growth stage data after the experiment was finished. Furthermore, it is key to improving the efficiency, scalability, and availability of phenological studies. This study proposes a two-stage deep learning framework called PhenoNet for the accurate, efficient, and real-time classification of key wheat phenophases. PhenoNet comprises a lightweight encoder module (PhenoViT) and a long short-term memory (LSTM) module. The performance of PhenoNet was assessed using a well-labeled, multi-variety, and large-volume dataset (WheatPheno). The results show that PhenoNet achieved an overall accuracy (OA) of 0.945, kappa coefficients (Kappa) of 0.928, and F1-score (F1) of 0.941. Additionally, the network parameters (Params), number of operations measured by multiply-adds (MAdds), and graphics processing unit memory required for classification (Memory) were 0.889 million (M), 0.093 Giga times (G), and 8.0 Megabytes (MB), respectively. PhenoNet outperformed eleven state-of-the-art deep learning networks, achieving an average improvement of 3.7% in OA, 5.1% in Kappa, and 4.1% in F1, while reducing average Params, MAdds, and Memory by 78.4%, 85.0%, and 75.1%, respectively. The feature visualization and ablation analysis explained that PhenoNet mainly benefited from using time-series information and lightweight modules. Furthermore, PhenoNet can be effectively transferred across years, achieving a high OA of 0.981 using a two-stage transfer learning strategy. Furthermore, an extensible web platform that integrates WheatPheno and PhenoNet and ensures that the work done in this study is accessible, interoperable, and reusable has been developed (https://phenonet.org/). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Water deficit exposed plants exhibited higher level of oxidative marker production. • Salicylic acid application help to revive stressed plants through triggered the antioxidative mechanism. • Salicylic acid influenced the Bacoside-A amount with integration of water deficit. Salicylic acid (SA), an eminent stress tolerance phytohormone, assists plants in dealing with abiotic stress. A pot experiment was carried out to substantiate the SA's ability to protect the medicinal herb Bacopa monnieri (L.) from exposure to water deficit. Diverse concentrations of SA (50, 75, 100, and 125 mg/l) were applied to plants as a foliar spray along with varied water levels based on reduced irrigation, WD1 (twice a week), and WD2 (once a week) against WW (once a day), with the first spray being applied after one week of water deficit treatment and the second one month later. The pool data for 2021 and 2022 demonstrated the resilience propensity of SA against water deficit in terms of oxidative markers detoxification (H 2 O 2 and MDA) via evoking the antioxidative mechanism of plants. The activity of antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPOX, and APOX) and amount of non-enzymatic antioxidants (ascorbic acid, total phenolics and, flavonoid) including osmolytes (proline and total soluble sugar) was upsurged after SA (75 mg/l conc.) administration under both stressed and non-stressed plants. Additionally, stressed plants also revealed a recovery in their relative water content with intensifying the membrane stability index. Besides that positive repercussion in terms of medicinally bioactive compound (bacoside-A) content was also achieved with 75 mg/l conc. of SA foliar spray in addition to WD2. Conclusively, the present investigation unraveled the attainment of SA to ameliorate the B. monnieri (L.) under water deficit stress at moderate doses (up to 100 mg/l) by boosting their deterrence mechanisms through counterbalance of the physio-biochemical attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Combating Alzheimer's with acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibitors as an emerging druggable target. • Bacoside-A 3 from the aerial parts of B. monnieri extract inhibiting acetylcholinesterase enzyme. • Standardization of Bacoside-A 3 by HPTLC and HPLC technique. • Competitive inhibition of bacoside-A 3 of kinetic analysis using ATCI. • Thus bacoside-A 3 could be used as a potential target to combat Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's disease has become a rapidly increasing issue of public health worldwide, and treatment strategies are of greater concern, as the population continues to rise. Medicinal plants and phytochemicals have a rich history of being utilized to treat a wide range of illnesses, including Alzheimer's disease. Plants and phytochemicals could be important target options for discovering new acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Therefore, this study standardized bacoside-A 3 isolated from Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. aqueous methanolic extract. Bacoside-A 3 was isolated, chemical structure determined, standardized, using High-Performance Thin layer Chromatography (HPTLC), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), NMR spectroscopy, and Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and its acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibitory activities was investigated using in vitro acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibitory assay. Results showed significant acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of extract, fractions, and bacoside-A 3 with IC 50 values ranging from 19.4 to 42.8 µg/ml and galantamine was utilized as a standard drug. A competitive type of inhibition was discovered in the enzyme kinetic study. In addition, based on the findings, it is believed that bacoside-A 3 could be a promising target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, plants are potential bio-reactors for the manufacture of immunotherapeutic molecules. In this study, we investigated the effect of saponin (from Bacopa monnieri) against bacterial pathogens (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Eschericia coli and Bacillus subtilis) and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The effect of Bacopa saponin was compared with commercial saponin for haemolytic activity, cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity. In the haemolytic activity, more than 84% of haemolysis occurred in the high concentration (10 µg/mL) of Bacopa saponin. In the cytotoxic activity, 83% of cell viability was observed at 1 µg/mL concentration of Bacopa and commercial saponin and the 1 µg/mL concentration of bacopa and commercial saponin are induced into PBMCs and the expression of immune-related genes (IL2, IL6, IL8, CXCL12, CXCL17, IFN-ẟ, TNF-α, IL10, IL37, and IL19) were examined using real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction. This study observed that Bacopa saponin might be used as an immunomodulator and adjuvant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease, a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly, is characterized by the accumulation of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, triggering oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal apoptosis. Current therapies focus on symptomatic treatment rather than targeting the underlying disease-modifying molecular mechanisms and are often associated with significant side effects. Bacopa monnieri , a traditional Indian herb with nootropic properties, has shown promise in neurological disorder treatment from ancient times. However, its mechanisms of action in Alzheimer's disease remain elusive. In this study, a cellular model for Alzheimer's disease was created by treating differentiated IMR-32 cells with beta-amyloid, 1–42 peptide (Aβ 42). Additionally, a recovery model was established through co-treatment with Bacopa monnieri to explore its protective mechanism. Co-treatment with Bacopa monnieri extract recovered Aβ 42 induced damage as evidenced by the decreased apoptosis and reduced reactive oxygen species production. Mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomic analysis identified 21,674 peptides, corresponding to 3626 proteins from the Alzheimer's disease model. The proteins dysregulated by Aβ 42 were implicated in cellular functions, such as negative regulation of cell proliferation and microtubule cytoskeleton organization. The enriched pathways include extracellular matrix organization and interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 signaling. Bacopa monnieri co-treatment showed remarkable restoration of Aβ 42 altered proteins, including FOSL1, and TDO2. The protein-protein interaction network analysis of Bacopa monnieri restored proteins identified the hub gene involved in Alzheimer's disease. The findings from this study may open up new avenues for creating innovative therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease. [Display omitted] • Alzheimer's disease lacks disease-modifying strategies, currently only symptomatic treatments are available. • Utilization of Alzheimer's disease and recovery model to explore molecular alterations. • Quantitative proteomics unravels the neuroprotective mechanisms of B. monnieri. • B. monnieri restored key pathways such as extracellular matrix organization and interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Betulinic acid improves the cognitive functions of zebrafish subsequent TiO 2 NP treatment. • Betulinic acid significantly decreases proinflammatory markers such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the brain of the zebrafish brain. • Betulinic acid mitigates oxidative stress via activating the Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling in the TiO 2 NP model of zebrafish confirmed from histopathology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Betulinic acid (BA) is a natural triterpenoid extracted from Bacopa monnieri. BA has been reported to be used as a neuroprotective agent, but their molecular mechanisms are still unknown. Therefore, in this study, we attempted to investigate the precise mechanism of BA for its protective effect against Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NP) induced neurotoxicity in zebrafish. Hence, our study observation showed that 10 µg/ml dose of TiO2NP caused a rigorous behavioral deficit in zebrafish. Further, biochemical analysis revealed TiO 2 NP significantly decreased GSH, and SOD, and increased MDA, AChE, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels, suggesting it triggers oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. However, BA at doses of 2.5,5,10 mg/kg improved behavioral as well as biochemical changes in zebrafish brain. Moreover, BA also significantly raised the levels of DA, NE, 5-HT, and GABA and decreased glutamate levels in TiO 2 NP-treated zebrafish brain. Our histopathological analysis proved that TiO 2 NP causes morphological changes in the brain. These changes were expressed by increasing pyknotic neurons, which were dose-dependently reduced by Betulinic acid. Likewise, BA upregulated the levels of NRF-2 and HO-1, which can reduce oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Thus, our study provides evidence for the molecular mechanism behind the neuroprotective effect of Betulinic acid. Rendering to the findings, we can consider BA as a suitable applicant for the treatment of AD-like symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacopa monnieri and Bacopa floribunda are extensively utilized in various Ayurvedic remedies because of their cognitive-enhancing properties. Phytochemicals, antioxidants, anti-diabetic, anti-acetylcholine esterase activities, and the detection of bioactive substances (triterpenoid saponins and stigmasterol) were examined using HPLC and HR-LC-MS. The results showed that the aqueous extract of B. floribunda had the highest TPC (60.44 ± 5.24 mg TAE/g extract), while the acetonitrile extract had the lowest content (9.35 ± 0.64 mg TAE/g extract). The highest TFC was found in the acetone extracts of B. monnieri and B. floribunda (63.69 ± 13.48 and 61.44 ± 2.94 mg CE/g extract, respectively). Additionally, the acetone extracts of B. floribunda and B. monnieri revealed the greatest TTC (256.8 ± 7.73 mg CE/g extract) and TSC (363.5 ± 10.6 mg DE/g extract), respectively. In antioxidant studies, the acetone and methanol extracts of B. monnieri showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging, FRAP, and MC activities (68.24 ± 1.31 mg AAE/g extract, 160.43 ± 4.34 mg Fe(II)/g extract, and 283.13 ± 1.46 mg EDTA/g extract, respectively). The acetone extract of B. floribunda had better ABTS radical scavenging and PMA (13.29 ± 0.53 mg TE/g extract and 127.7 ± 0.51 mg AAE/g extract, respectively). The acetonitrile extract of B. floribunda showed considerable inhibitory effects against α-amylase (71.89 ± 10.1%), α-glucosidase (93.89 ± 0.19%), and acetylcholine esterase (80.92 ± 0.6%) enzymes. The presence of stigmasterol and four triterpenoid saponins were also confirmed by HPLC. The total amount of triterpenoid saponins was found higher in B. floribunda (4.97 ± 0.012 mg/g DW) than B. monnieri (3.96 ± 0.012 mg/g DW). In contrast, B. monnieri (5.13 ± 0.12 mg/g DW) exhibited the highest stigmasterol content as compared to B. floribunda (3.97 ± 0.35 mg/g DW). For the first time, we report B. floribunda as a potent source of triterpenoid saponins and could be a substitute for B. monnieri. • Assessment of bacoside and stigmasterol from the methanol extract of whole plant of B. monnieri and B. floribunda. • Investigations on phytochemicals and antioxidant potential of B. floribunda. • Evaluation of anti-acetyl cholinesterase inhibitory and anti-diabetic activities from Bacopa species. • First comparative study on both Bacopa species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Total 183 samples of herbal raw drugs were analyzed. • Pesticide residue and aflatoxins were not detected in any of the samples studied. • 1.09-5.46% samples failed due to heavy metal in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India. • 0.55-72.13% samples failed due to heavy metal in different pharmacopoeia. Presence of heavy metals in herbal raw materials exceeding the safety limit have potential security risks and has proven adverse effects and its prolonged consumption may causes serious health problems. The present study was carried out to quantify the heavy metals, content in some of the herbal raw materials traded in Indian market. A total 183 samples belongings to 74 different herbal raw materials and 69 species were sampled and analyzed for the presence of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), and Lead (Pb). As per the permissible limit of Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), 5.46% samples were failed due to Cd accumulation followed by Hg (3.82%), Pb (1.09%), and As (0.55%). Higher accumulation of Cd was main reason behind higher percent of failed samples as per different safety standards such as 13.11% for World Health Organistion (WHO), 5.46% for United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and 72.13% for Health Science Authority Singapore (HSA). Hg contributed higher percent of failed sample (18.03%) as per the safety standards of Pharmacopoeia of People's Republic of China (CP). The results showed that due to higher accumulation of Cd, Pb, As, and Hg, 9.58 - 12.33%, 0.00 to 10.96%, 1.37 to 2.74%, and 8.22 to 30.14% samples were failed respectively in safety standards of different pharmacopoeias. Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst., Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb., Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D. Don) G. Don, Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume, Croton tiglium L., Curcuma longa L., Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC., Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC., Piper longum L., Pistacia chinensis Bunge, Senna alexandrina Mill., Tamarindus indica L., Teramnus labialis (L.f.) Spreng. and Valeriana wallichi DC. were among the species which failed in minimum of two or more than two pharmacopoeias due to higher concentration of one or more heavy metals. The quality of the herbal raw materials can be enhanced and the wastage of herbal raw material due to accumulation of heavy metals can be reduced by implementing WHO guidelines on Good Agricultural Practices, Good Field Collection Practice and Good Post-Harvest Processing Practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is a common illness with no definite treatment.Methods: The study involved 2 experimental periods; 45-day (P1) followed by 30-day (P2). 40 adult albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. Grp 1 received saline orally while Grp 2 reserpine inraperitoneally (ip) during P1 and P2. Grps 3 and 4 received reserpine during P1, followed by reserpine plus B. monnieri, and reserpine plus citalopram ip during P2, respectively. Forced swimming test (FST) was performed at beginning and end of P1 and P2. Animals were sacrificed by end of P2 and brain taken for histopathological examination and ELISA estimation of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, BDNF, MCP-1, FAS, and Bcl-2.Results: During P1, reserpine prolonged immobility time (IT) in FST in Grps 2, 3, and 4. IT was subsequently lowered in Grps 3 and 4 but remained elevated in Grp 2 by end of P2. Serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine were lowered in Grps 2, 3, and 4, but in Grps 3 and 4, levels were comparable to Grp1. BDNF and Bc1-2 were reduced in Grps 2, 3, and 4, with higher levels in Grps 3 and 4 than Grp 2. MCP-1 and FAS were elevated in Grps 2, 3, and 4, but levels were lower in Grps 3 and 4 than in Grp 2. Histopathology showed congested cerebral cortex in Grp 2 and normal cortex in other groups.Limitations: Only adult male rats were involved and effects of co-administration of B. monnieri and citalopram were not characterized.Conclusion: B. monnieri improves depression comparable to citalopram in reserpine-induced depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill (SC) is a traditional sedative in China, with wide applications for treating various neurological disorders. Its polysaccharide component has been gaining increased attention for its potential in nerve protection. While raw SC is the primary focus of current research, its processed products are primarily utilized as clinical medicines. Notably, limited research exists on the mechanisms underlying the effects of wine-processed Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide (WSCP) in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Therefore, this study seeks to assess the therapeutic impact of WSCP on AD mice and investigate the underlying mechanisms through biochemical and metabolomics analyses. The results demonstrate that WSCP exerts significant therapeutic effects on AD mice by enhancing learning and memory abilities, mitigating hippocampal neuronal damage, reducing abnormal amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition, and attenuating hyperphosphorylation of Tau. Biochemical analysis revealed that WSCP can increase SOD content and decrease MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α content in AD mice. Furthermore, serum metabolomic results showed that WSCP intervention can reverse metabolic disorders in AD mice. 43 endogenous metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers for WSCP treatment of AD, and the major metabolic pathways were Ala, Glu and Asp metabolism, TCA cycle. Overall, these findings will provide a basis for further development of WSCP. • The structure of WSCP was characterized. • WSCP has the potential to treat AD. • Forty-three metabolites and two metabolic pathways were identified as biomarkers and metabolic pathways for the neuroprotective effect of WSCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to evaluate whether AuNPs (gold nanoparticles) synthesized with the Cynara scolymus (CS) leaf exert protective and/or alleviative effects on arsenic (As)-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity in mice. Neurotoxicity in mice was developed by orally treating 10 mg/kg/day sodium arsenite (NaAsO 2) for 21 days. 10 µg/g AuNPs, 1.6 g/kg CS, and 10 µg/g CS-AuNPs were administered orally simultaneously with 10 mg/kg As. CS and CS-AuNPs treatments showed down-regulation of TNF-α and IL-1β levels. CS and CS-AuNPs also ameliorated apoptosis and reduced the alterations in the expression levels of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors induced by As. Simultaneous treatment with CS and CS-AuNPs improved As-induced learning, memory deficits, and motor coordination in mice assessed by water maze and locomotor tests, respectively. The results of this study provide evidence that CS-AuNPs demonstrated neuroprotective roles with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, as well as improving D1 and D2 signaling, and eventually reversed neurobehavioral impairments. • Motor and non-motor dysfunction was seen after NaAsO2 administration. • D1 and D2 receptor alteration rely on the oxido-inflammation. • CS and CS-AuNPs attenuate As-induced motor and cognitive impairments. • CS and CS-AuNPs alter antioxidant and cytokine levels in PD rat brains. • Targeting D1 and D2 signaling may help to fight motor and non-motor symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • This is a research paper. This study investigated the effects of 6-gingerol-rich fraction of Zingiber officinale (6-GIRIFZO) on mercury chloride (HgCl 2)-induced neurotoxicity in Wistar rats. Thirty -five male Wistar rats weighing between (150–200 g) were divided randomly into five groups (n = 7): group 1: control, received 0.5 mL of normal saline, group 2: received HgCl 2 (5 mg/kg), group 3: received N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (50 mg/kg) as well as HgCl 2 (5 mg/kg), group 4: received 6-GIRIFZO (100 mg/kg) and HgCl 2 (5 mg/kg), group 5: had 6-GIRIFZO (200 mg/kg) and HgCl 2 (5 mg/kg), consecutively for 14 days. On the day14, the rats were subjected to behavioural tests using a Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests. The rats were then euthanized to obtain brain samples for the determination of biochemical parameters (acetylcholinesterase (AchE), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)) using standard methods. The result revealed a significant increase in escape latency and a significant decrease in recognition ratio in the rats that were exposed to HgCl 2 only. However, 6-GIRIFZO produced a significant reduction in the escape latency and (p < 0.05) increase in the recognition ratio. Similarly, HgCl 2 exposure caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the brain SOD, GPx, CAT, GSH with increased brain levels of MDA, NO, AchE, TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-1β and IL-6. Similarly to the standard drug, NAC, 6-GIRIFZO (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) increased brain SOD, GPx, CAT, and GSH levels with decreased concentrations of MDA, NO, AchE, TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-1β and IL-6. Also, pre-treatment with 6-GIRIFZO prevented the HgCl 2 -induced morphological aberrations in the rats. This study concludes that 6-GIRIFZO prevents HgCl 2 -induced cognitive deficit via reduction of brain inflammation as well as oxidative stress in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-deficit stress is the most devastating environmental factor that adversely affects plant growth causing yield losses and low crop productivity. In this study, we employed sodium nitroprusside (SNP) as a seed priming agent for the acclimation of water-deficit stress in wheat plants by invoking priming memory. The SNP-primed (75, 100, and 125 μM) and non-primed controls were allowed to grow in pots under water deficit and normal conditions. The flag leaves of 98-days mature plants were used for biochemical and physiological studies by following the well-established methods. The antioxidant and hydrolytic enzymes were upregulated while reducing sugars, total sugars, and glycine betaine increased significantly in flag leaves of wheat plants originated from SNP-treated seeds compared to control under water deficit stress. However, a significant reduction in MDA and proline contents represented a lesser ROS production which resulted in enhanced cell membrane stability. Consequently, there was a significant enhancement in yield, plant biomass and 100 grains weight of wheat plants under water deficit stress. The improvement in yield parameters indicates the induction of priming memory in SNP-primed seeds which elicit water deficit tolerance till the maturity of plants thus ensures sustainable productivity of wheat. • Si-induced priming memory enhances antioxidant potential under water-deficit conditions. • Si-mediated priming memory induced water-deficit acclimation in wheat plants. • Si-mediated priming memory improved yield parameters ensuring sustainable productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought has become a major stress for agricultural productivity in temperate regions, such as central Europe. Thus, information on how crop plants respond to drought is important to develop tolerant hybrids and to ensure yield stability. Posttranscriptional regulation through changed protein abundances is an important mechanism of short-term response to stress events that has not yet been widely exploited in breeding strategies. Here, we investigated the response to repeated drought exposure of a tolerant and a sensitive maize hybrid in order to understand general protein abundance changes induced by singular drought or repeated drought events. In general, drought affected protein abundance of multiple pathways in the plant. We identified starch metabolism, aquaporin abundance, PSII proteins and histones as strongly associated with typical drought-induced phenotypes such as increased membrane leakage, osmolality or effects on stomatal conductance and assimilation rate. In addition, we found a strong effect of drought on nutrient assimilation, especially the sulfur metabolism. In general, pre-experience of mild drought before exposure to a more severe drought resulted in visible adaptations resulting in dampened phenotypes as well as lower magnitude of protein abundance changes. • Sensitive and tolerant maize hybrids show differential physiological response to repeated drought events. • Drought-induced protein abundance changes are reverted upon rewatering. • Drought induces quantitatively higher protein abundance changes in sensitive maize hybrid. • Protein abundance changes in sulfur metabolism connect abiotic stress response to nutrient physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, studying fundamental graph problems in the Massively Parallel Computation (MPC) framework, inspired by the MapReduce paradigm, has gained a lot of attention. An assumption common to a vast majority of approaches is to allow Ω ˜ (n) memory per machine, where n is the number of nodes in the graph and Ω ˜ hides polylogarithmic factors. However, as pointed out by Karloff et al. [SODA'10] and Czumaj et al. [STOC'18], it might be unrealistic for a single machine to have linear or only slightly sublinear memory. In this paper, we thus study a more practical variant of the MPC model which only requires substantially sublinear or even subpolynomial memory per machine. In contrast to the linear-memory MPC model and also to streaming algorithms, in this low-memory MPC setting, a single machine will only see a small number of nodes in the graph. We introduce a new and strikingly simple technique to cope with this imposed locality. In particular, we show that the Maximal Independent Set (MIS) problem can be solved efficiently, that is, in O (log 3 ⁡ log ⁡ n) rounds, when the input graph is a tree. This constitutes an almost exponential speed-up over the low-memory MPC algorithm in O ˜ (log ⁡ n) rounds in a concurrent work by Ghaffari and Uitto [SODA'19] and substantially reduces the local memory from Ω ˜ (n) required by the recent O (log ⁡ log ⁡ n) -round MIS algorithm of Ghaffari et al. [PODC'18] to n ε for any ε > 0 , without incurring a significant loss in the round complexity. Moreover, it demonstrates how to make use of the all-to-all communication in the MPC model to almost exponentially improve on the corresponding bound in the LOCAL and PRAM models by Lenzen and Wattenhofer [PODC'11]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metformin significantly decreased DA neurodegeneration and recovered food-sensing behavior in 6−OHDA-induced C. elegans. Metformin inhibited α-synuclein aggregation and improved lipid deposition in C. elegans PD model. Metformin up-regulated cat-2 and sod-3 gene expressions in C. elegans PD model. • Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most progressive neurodegenerative disease causing motor impairment and defective cognitive function, has been a burden to the quality of life for decades and remain incurable. Metformin, a biguanide anti-diabetic drugs for type 2 diabetes mellitus, recently exhibits a neuroprotective effect in many neurological disorders. Ultimately, the aim of the study was to elucidate the neuroprotective effects of metformin against PD in C. elegans models of 6-hydroxydopamine-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration and α-synuclein protein aggregation. Our experiments showed that 10 mM metformin significantly decreased neurodegeneration in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced worms, and recovered its food-sensing behavior without an affect to the nematode development. Moreover, 10 mM metformin also inhibited α-synuclein aggregation and recovered the lipid deposition. Gene expression analysis revealed that metformin could upregulate cat-2 gene expression and GFP-tagged SOD-3 expression. However, metformin did not significantly alter mean or maximum lifespan of the PD model organism. Therefore, this study highlighted the neuroprotective effects of metformin on dopaminergic neurons and α-synuclein, while its precise mechanism should be conducted in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent experimental studies reported that the bamboo-grained oligocrystalline shape memory alloy (SMA) microwire showed excellent two-way shape memory effect (TWSME) and elastocaloric effect (eCE) due to the reduced constraints from grain boundary. In this paper, a theoretical model is established to predict the TWSME and eCE of such a kind of SMAs. At single crystal scale, an anisotropic thermo-mechanically coupled constitutive model is proposed to describe the thermo-elastic martensitic transformation based on the crystal plasticity theory. The driving force of martensite transformation, the internal heat release/absorption, and the evolutions of internal variables and temperature are deduced within the framework of irreversible thermodynamics. To calculate the temperature, stress and strain fields in the bamboo-grained oligocrystalline SMA microwire and obtain the overall thermo-mechanical response of the microwire, the proposed constitutive model is implemented into the finite element program ABAQUS/Explicit by writing a user-defined material subroutine. Meanwhile, to reduce the computational cost faced in the fully coupled thermo-mechanical analysis by using the finite element method, a scale transition rule from single crystal scale to macroscopic oligocrystalline one is constructed based on a new proposed sub-region integral method by considering the special geometric characteristics of the microwire. The capability of proposed model to describe the TWSME and eCE of bamboo-grained oligocrystalline SMA microwire is validated by comparing the predictions with the experimental data. In addition, the effect of grain orientation is discussed. The proposed model can provide a theoretical guidance for the optimal design of grain microstructures to obtain the SMAs with excellent TWSME and eCE. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV is a topic that has been greatly discussed and researched due to its impact on human population. Many campaigns have been put into place, and people have been made aware of the various effects of the disease. This paper considers a fractional-order HIV epidemic model with the inclusion of prostitution in the population and its consequences on the disease transmission. The model describes the spread of HIV disease in a system consisting of a population of susceptible males and the female sex workers. The focus is on the spread of HIV by female sex workers through prostitution, because in the present world sexual transmission is the major cause of the HIV transmission. The fractional derivatives are taken in Caputo sense and the numerical solution of the model is obtained by L1 scheme which involves the memory trace that can capture and integrate all past activity. Positivity and boundedness of the solution and the stability conditions of the fractional-order system are determined. Moreover, model equilibria are determined, and their stability analysis are considered by using fractional Routh-Hurwitz stability criterion and fractional La-Salle's invariant principle. The threshold quantity namely basic reproduction number R 0 is calculated and analyzed for the disease status. On the basis of R 0 , the disease progress can be determined i.e., the population is free from the disease if R 0 < 1 and disease spreads in the population if R 0 > 1. Meanwhile, by using Lyapunov functional approach, the global dynamics of the endemic equilibrium point is discussed. Further, numerical simulations of the model and their graphical presentations are performed to visualize the effectiveness of our theoretical results and to observe the impact of the arbitrary order derivative. The results obtained show the effectiveness and strength of the applied L1 scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant memory refers to the phenomenon where past environmental experiences influence the responses of plants to current/future events. Drought stress has a mostly significant negative impact on wheat, which is a vital crop for global food security. In the context of germination, plant memory can manifest as 'transgenerational priming', where mother plants exposure to drought stress alters the germination behavior of the next-generation seeds. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the genetic factors underpinning transgenerational drought tolerance in wheat using a diverse collection of 111 by the Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS). In the seed germination test, all genotypes had higher Germination Percentage (G%) and Germination Pace (GP) from seeds of Stressed Plants (OSP) than those of Non-Stressed Plants (ONP) by 16% and 29%, respectively), indicating that Transgenerational Stress Memory (TSM) may manifest through appearing to possess a more persistent stress memory. For root length, OSP had a greater Root Length (RL) than ONP by 45%, suggesting a more highly developed root system in the OSP seeds. The time at which TSM manifests during the plant life cycle could reflect disparate strategies of TSM duration among genotypes from OSP and ONP. Genetic associations of TSM showed highly significant QTNs for all of the studied traits. For instance, a highly significant QTN (BS00068042_51) located on chromosome 2B at position 107,381,860 bp inside the gene TraesCS2B02G140800 encodes Cytochrome P450 (CYPs) that was found to be associated with the traits of FW and SMC for OSP. CYPs play a significant role in wheat response to environmental stresses. Therefore, further research into the specific alleles/candidate genes and their functions in wheat transgenerational stress memory will provide valuable insights for developing strategies to enhance drought tolerance in wheat crops through genetic manipulation or targeted interventions. • Drought stress has a mostly significant negative impact on wheat, which is a vital crop for global food security. • Plant stress memory can manifest as 'transgenerational priming' alters the germination behavior of the next-generation seeds. • Understanding the role of transgenerational stress memory is important to determine the fitness of the next–generation seeds and applying that knowledge to screening for stress-adapted genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with an average size of about 17.5 nm have been synthesized using 5-amino uracil as a reducing and capping agent. The concentration of these AgNPs was worked out to be 48 nM. These AgNPs served as a highly selective optical sensor against an important neurotransmitter like dopamine (DA) at its nano molar level (94 nM) with the linearity range of 1–5 µM. The quantification of DA in one of its injection sample was also achieved with a recovery of 91 %. Studies like FTIR, UV–Vis, XPS, SEM, TEM, EDX, DLS and Zeta potential measurements have supported our findings. Significant amplification in the Raman signal of DA was also observed upon its addition into as prepared AgNPs solution. Moreover, these AgNPs seemed to augment the activity of cytokinin (BAP) in synergistic fashion and enhanced in vitro high frequency shoots regeneration in B. monnieri L. and also led to increment in its antioxidant metabolite contents like phenol and flavonoid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Aqueous fraction of ethanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri (BM-AF) was found to have potent anticancer potential against oral cancer cells. • BM-AF induced PARKIN dependent mitophagy in oral cancer cells. • BM-AF inhibited arecoline-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in both in-vitro and in-vivo oral cancer model. • BM-AF mediated NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition was mitophagy dependent. Bacopa monnieri (BM) is traditionally used in human diseases for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. However, its anticancer potential has been poorly understood. The aim of this study was to explore the detailed anticancer mechanism of BM against oral cancer and to identify the bioactive BM fraction for possible cancer therapeutics. We performed bioactivity-guided fractionation and identified that the aqueous fraction of the ethanolic extract of BM (BM-AF) had a potent anticancer potential in both in vitro and in vivo oral cancer models. BM-AF inhibited cell viability, colony formation, cell migration and induced apoptotic cell death in Cal33 and FaDu cells. BM-AF at low doses promoted mitophagy and BM-AF mediated mitophagy was PARKIN dependent. In addition, BM-AF inhibited arecoline induced reactive oxygen species production in Cal33 cells. Moreover, BM-AF supressed arecoline-induced NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation through mitophagy in Cal33 cells. The in vivo antitumor effect of BM-AF was further validated in C57BL/6J mice through a 4-nitroquinolin-1-oxide and arecoline-induced oral cancer model. The tumor incidence was significantly reduced in the BM-AF treated group. Further, data obtained from western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis showed increased expression of apoptotic markers and decreased expression of inflammasome markers in the tongue tissue obtained from BM-AF treated mice in comparison with the non-treated tumor bearing mice. In conclusion, BM-AF exhibited potent anticancer activity through apoptosis induction and mitophagy-dependent inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in both in vitro and in vivo oral cancer models. Moreover, we have investigated apoptosis and mitophagy-inducing compounds from this plant extract having anticancer activity against oral cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global market demand for plant-derived products has increased significantly due to their extensive use in the treatment and prevention of various diseases. However, mislabeling of commercial herbal products poses a major safety concern and affects their efficacy. Differentiating species among Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., Hydrocotyle umbellata L., Bacopa monnieri L., and Bacopa caroliniana (Walter) B.L.Rob, which share morphological features and common local names is challenging. To address this issue, DNA barcoding coupled with high-resolution melting (Bar-HRM) analysis was performed using ITS, matK , and rbcL loci. Suitable primer sets were designed based on nucleotide diversity analysis from multiple alignments of each barcode. Our findings showed that multiplex Bar-HRM (mBar-HRM) using matK1 and rbcL1 successfully discriminated C. asiatica from the other species and enabled contamination detection of C. asiatica and species specificity of various medicinal plants. Analytical sensitivity determined the minimal DNA concentration to generate melting patterns at 0.01 ng per reaction. mBar-HRM was also tested for adulteration detection by mixing DNA from C. asiatica with H. umbellata or B. monnieri at more than 75%. Results demonstrated the potential of mBar-HRM as a reliable method for species authentication in C. asiatica -derived commercial products. [Display omitted] • mBar-HRM using matK and rbcL enable species authentication of C. asiatica. • mBar-HRM enabled adulteration detection of C. asiatica in B. monnieri. • Limit of detection of Bar-HRM was 0.01 ng per reaction. • mBar-HRM achieved to species detection in commercial products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of seed priming with sodium hydro sulfide (NaHS) and CaCl 2 as well as the possible relationship between them in inducing post-germinative cross-adaptation in zucchini seedlings (cv Courgette d'Italie) were investigated. Results showed that Ni toxicity reduced plant growth and photosynthetic pigments, decreased the content of ascorbate (AsA) and total thiols, increased hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) content and electrolyte leakage (EL), up-regulated the transcription levels of Ca2+-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) and phytochelatin (PCs) genes and elevated H 2 S content in leaves of zucchini seedlings. Individual or combined seed priming with Ca2+ and NaHS improved the content of photosynthetic pigments and seedling biomass, reduced H 2 O 2 content and EL, increased the content of AsA and total thiols, decreased ascorbate peroxidase activity and enhanced glutathione reductase activity in leaves. These findings suggest the last time effect of seed priming with Ca2+ and NaHS on inducing cross-adaptation in seedlings under Ni stress. H 2 S accumulation and other responses induced with Ca2+ in leaves were weakened with hypotaurine (HT as H 2 S scavenger), denoting seed priming with Ca2+ established cross-adaptation in a H 2 S-dependent manner. Seed priming with NaHS amplified CDPK transcripts in leaves of seedlings and seed priming with ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (as Ca2+ chelator), lanthanum chloride and verapamil (as plasma membrane channel blockers) reduced transcript levels of CDPK and PCs genes and reversed impacts of seed priming with NaHS. These results indicated that the cross-adaptation induced with NaHS is mediated through Ca2+ signaling. Overall our findings suggest that two-side cross-talk between Ca2+ and H 2 S is involved in the acquisition of a signal memory in seed embryo cells which can be employed upon a later Ni-exposure and more strongly enhance AsA-GSH cycle, redox homeostasis and phytochelatin transcripts in leaves of zucchini seedlings grown from primed seeds. • Calcium and NaHS induce adaptation to Ni stress through enhancing AsA-GSH cycle, redox homeostasis and expression of PC s genes in seedlings. • Two-side cross-talk between Ca2+ and H 2 S is involved in the acquisition of signal memory and cross-adaptation against Ni stress. • Stress memory mechanisms induced by seed priming can offer the strategies for enhancing heavy metal tolerance in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological processes may exhibit memory to past disturbances affecting the resilience of ecosystems to future disturbance. Understanding the role of ecological memory in shaping ecosystem responses to disturbance under global change is a critical step toward developing effective adaptive management strategies to maintain ecosystem function and biodiversity. We developed EcoMem, an R package for quantifying ecological memory functions using common environmental time series data (continuous, count, proportional) applying a Bayesian hierarchical framework. The package estimates memory functions for continuous and binary (e.g., disturbance chronology) variables making no a priori assumption on the form of the functions. EcoMem allows users to quantify ecological memory for a wide range of ecosystem processes and responses. The utility of the package to advance understanding of the memory of ecosystems to environmental drivers is demonstrated using a simulated dataset and a case study assessing the memory of boreal tree growth to insect defoliation. • An R package (EcoMem) is introduced to model ecosystem responses to disturbance • EcoMem quantifies the memory of ecological processes to environmental drivers • Memory functions reflect changes in ecosystem resilience over repeated disturbances • Tools are provided to visualize ecological memory and effects on ecosystem function [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug discovery process includes screening of potential compounds to propose as drug and identification of potential targets to be inhibited in order to combat disease prognosis. A combined approach of phytochemistry and bioinformatics is used to deal with drug discovery against antimicrobial resistance by identifying potential targets and candidate drugs. The work includes evaluation of antimicrobial activity of terpenoid-based plant extracts against antibiotic resistant microorganisms. The study was conducted to explain possible new perspective of drug discovery. Phytocompounds from herbal medicinal plants Bacopa monnieri and Andrographis paniculata were employed. Phytochemical tests were performed for both the plants to screen the presence of phytocompounds. Antimicrobial activities of the crude extracts of two medicinal plants (Bacopa monnieri and Andrographis paniculata) were screened. Best reported zone of inhibition observed with Andrographis paniculata was 1.5 cm in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 1.0 cm in Bacillus subtilis. The least inhibition was shown by Bacopa monnieri , i.e. 0.7 cm in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 0.6 cm in Bacillus subtilis. In silico analysis of phytochemicals is studied against multidrug resistant (MDR) strains of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus using computer-aided drug discovery. Identification of target proteins was performed using database mining. Subsequently, molecular docking was done to depict the interaction of chosen terpenoid (Bacoside, Bacopa saponin, andrographin and β-sitosterol) against the identified target proteins (PDB entry 2X4K & 2IHY) of MRSA. Andrographin and bacoside has more specificity towards the target protein identified for Staphylococcus aureus. This justifies them as potential compound with antimicrobial property. This study concludes the antimicrobial property of medicinal extracts of Bacopa monnieri and Andrographis paniculata against methicillin resistance Staphylococcus aureus and establishes the interaction of current phytochemicals involved in antimicrobial activity through an in-silico approach to reduce the cost incurred in experimental efforts. • Identification of antimicrobial terpenoid compounds of herbal medicinal plants Bacopa monnieri and Andrographis paniculata. • In-silico Drug discovery approach from medicinal plant extracts. • Biochemical tests of herbal plant extracts. • Target identification from methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). • Molecular docking to identify the interaction between identified targets and screened ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• l -alanine and l -phenylalanine feeding can improve the bioactive compounds in Brahmi. • Mixed precursors enhanced the bioactive compounds higher than control (3.4-fold). • Blue and red light increased the bioactive compounds higher than control (1.5–1.7-fold). Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst is widely used in Ayurveda treatment for improving memory and reducing anxiety. Triterpenoid saponin glycosides are the bioactive compounds in this plant. This study aimed to investigate the influence of precursor feeding and LED light exposure on the enhancement of bioactive compounds in in vitro cultures of B. monnieri. Precursor feeding l -alanine and l -phenylalanine significantly enhanced the accumulation of triterpenoid saponin glycosides in all treatments. The optimal duration for precursor feeding was obtained after treatment for 6 days. Total triterpenoid saponin glycosides production increased 2.4-fold to 46.98 ± 0.19 mg/g dry wt. and 2.6-fold to 49.41 ± 0.12 mg/g dry wt. by adding 5 mM l -alanine and 150 μM l -phenylalanine for 6 days, respectively. In addition, triterpenoid saponin glycosides reached the maximum level (58.53 ± 0.74 mg/g dry wt.) after treatment with a combination of precursors (1.0 mM l -alanine and 100 μM l -phenylalanine for 6 days). Furthermore, blue and red light on day 28 of treatment increased triterpenoid saponin glycosides (24.11 ± 0.07, 22.18 ± 0.19 mg/g dry wt.) 1.7-fold and 1.5-fold higher than that obtained with white light. This study indicated that bioactive compounds in B. monnieri in vitro cultures can be enhanced by feeding precursors and LED light exposure. These techniques can be applied at the industrial level of crops and food supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was designed to evaluate the role of various plant polyamines (PAs) on in-vitro multiplication and regeneration in the Ayurvedic memory enhancer Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. Natural populations of B. monnieri were collected, sterilized and micropropagated in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with different concentration and combination of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and PAs. MS media supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) (2.0 mg/l) + spermidine (spd) (1 mM) and in another set, kinetin (kin) (2.0 mg/l) + spd (1 mM) were found to be the best multiplication media whereas MS + indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (1.0 mg/l) + spermine (spm) (1.0 mM) produced highest average number of roots per shoot. After 4–6 weeks of incubation, nodal explants cultured in MS media supplemented with various PGRs and PAs produced green compact or white friable nodular base calli (NBC). The NBC showed organogenic potential when subjected to MS media supplemented with cytokinins and PAs. Clonal fidelity of the regenerated plants was assessed using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and random-amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Out of the 60 clear and reproducible bands recorded, 54 were found to be monomorphic displaying high degree of monomorphism (90%) and lower polymorphic level (10%) between the mother plant and in-vitro regenerants. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed total bacoside content in B. monnieri grown in-vitro (PA-treated) and the mother plant (MP) grown in nature to be 27.89 and 25.46 mg/g respectively. The phytochemical analysis of the PA-treated micropropagated plants also revealed significantly higher levels of phenolics and flavonoids with comprehensively higher antioxidant potentials in PA-treated in-vitro grown plants (PATP) and the subsequently acclimatized plants (PATP-A) over the PA-untreated in-vitro grown plants (with/no PGR) (PAUP) and the mother plant (MP). • Bacopa monnieri was micropropagated in plant growth regulator and polyamine supplemented media. • Clonal fidelity of micropropagated plants was assessed using inter-simple sequence repeat and random-amplified polymorphic DNA primers. • Antioxidant assays were performed in natural and micropropagated plants. • Bacoside A was estimated by high-performance liquid chromatography in natural and micropropagated plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Water deficit during vegetative growth impacts seed vigor in peanut. • Two subspecies of peanut differ in when transgenerational stress memory manifests. • Transgenerational stress memory altered root architecture in two genotypes. • Phenotypes associated with stress memory cannot be generalized within species. Recent studies in plants and other organisms have suggested that 'memories' of stress events can be inherited from parent to offspring through a process known as transgenerational stress memory (TSM). However, TSM has not been adequately studied in many plant species, despite its potential role in stress adaptation. The objective of this study was to identify the effects of TSM on the development and vigor of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seedlings of five genotypes. Seeds were collected from parents that received two water regimes representing contrasting TSM: 1) offspring from non-stressed parents and 2) offspring from stressed parents. Seed weight and vigor were tested using traditional methods, and both above- and belowground seedling vigor were analyzed using a rhizotron bioassay. There was a high variability between genotypes in how and when TSM was expressed, as illustrated by an interaction of offspring type and genotype in characteristics such as initial seed weight, germination, and rooting characteristics. These results contribute important documentation of the existence of TSM in plants and the need to further examine TSM capacity in plant adaptation to stress. Further, these results suggest that, for certain genotypes, water availability in the parent generation could be responsible for increased seed quality and vigor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacopa monnieri (L.) - (BM) is a perennial, creeping herb which is widely used in traditional ayurvedic medicine as a neural tonic to improve intelligence and memory. Research into the biological effects of this plant has burgeoned in recent years, promising its neuroprotective and memory boosting ability among others. In this context, an extensive literature survey allows an insight into the participation of numerous signaling pathways and oxidative mechanism involved in the mitigation of oxidative stress, along with other indirect mechanisms modulated by bioactive molecules of BM to improve the cognitive action by their synergistic potential and cellular multiplicity mechanism. This multi-faceted review describes the novel mechanisms that underlie the unfounded but long flaunted promises of BM and thereby direct a way to harness this acquired knowledge to develop innovative approaches to manipulate its intracellular pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical Abstract Highlights • TANOS capacitor with poly-Si channel was fabricated at different annealing conditions. • Effect of grain size variation in different annealing conditions on memory properties was examined. • Reduced trap density at poly-Si/SiO 2 interface by D 2 and H 2 passivation improved memory properties. Abstract This study presents the improved memory properties of TiN/Al 2 O 3 /Si 3 N 4 /SiO 2 /poly-Si (TANOS) capacitors after rapid thermal annealing (RTA) and high-pressure annealing processes (HPAP) using H 2 and D 2 molecules. First, it was confirmed that the recrystallization rate, and thus the grain size of the poly-silicon (poly-Si) film, increased with an increase of the RTA temperature, eventually improving the performance of the TANOS capacitor by reducing the trap densities at the poly-Si/SiO 2 interface. Then, it was found that device performance parameters, such as program/erase speed and data retention, could be further improved through HPAP owing to the passivation of band gap states at the poly-Si channel grain boundary. Finally, it was confirmed that these improvements can be observed at a transistor level in the same fashion using the Silvaco TCAD simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • The ethanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri (BME) abrogates alcohol abstinence-induced anxiety-like behavior on the elevated plus maze test (EPM) and light-dark test in rats. • The escalated levels of alcohol-intake biomarkers were also reversed by BME. • BME significantly reversed the down-regulated Gabra1 , Gabra4 , Gabra5 gene expression of GABAA receptors subunits in the hippocampus as well as amygdala during ethanol abstinence comparable to diazepam. Abstract Evidence has revealed a high degree of comorbidity of excessive alcohol intake and abstinence anxiety-like behavior. The ethanolic extracts of Bacopa monnieri (BME) are used in Indian traditional medicines for the management of alcoholic disorders. However, the underlying mechanism(s) associated with the influence of BME on alcohol abstinence-induced anxiety-like behavior have not been adequately addressed. Therefore, the present study was planned to examine the beneficial effects of BME in alcohol abstinence-induced anxiety-like behavior and the underlying mechanism of action subsequent to long-term voluntary drinking of alcohol. For the assessment of the effects of BME, Wistar rats were exposed to voluntary ingestion of 4.5%, 7.5% and 9% v/v alcohol for 15 days. The doses (100, 200, and 500 mg/kg) of BME and diazepam (2 mg/kg) were administered via gavage for three consecutive days in the alcohol abstinence period on the days 16, 17, and 18. The behavioral studies were conducted employing the elevated plus maze test (EPM), and light-dark test on day 18 to determine the effects of BME and diazepam in the ethanol abstinence-induced anxiety-like behavior. Alcohol biomarkers like ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, and MCV were estimated using commercially available kits. The expression of Gabra1 , Gabra2 , Gabra3 , Gabra4 , Gabra5 genes of the GABA A receptors subunits in the hippocampus as well as amygdala were also examined by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The HPLC analysis demonstrated that BME contained 9.9% bacoside-A as a major component. The results revealed that alcohol abstinence group depicted a reduction in the time spent on the open arms, numbers of entries in the open as well as closed arms in EPM test and similarly decrease in latency to the dark chamber, time spent in light chamber and numbers of transitions in LDT. Further, BME at the doses of 200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg alleviated anxiety-like behavior which was escalated during alcohol abstinence. However, BME (100 mg/kg) exhibited insignificant protection against alcohol abstinence-induced syndrome. The escalated levels of alcohol-intake biomarkers were also reversed by BME at the dose of 200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg. The down-regulation of Gabra1 , Gabra4 , and Gabra5 gene expression following alcohol abstinence were also reversed with a higher dose of BME (200 and 500 mg/kg) treatment. These results show that BME abrogates anxiety-like behavior by modulating alcohol markers and Gabra1 , Gabra4 , Gabra5 gene expression of GABA A receptor signaling pathway in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Paraquat (PQ) is an organic chemical compound and a member of redox active family of heterocycles. In spite of its high toxicities, it is used as one of the potent herbicide throughout the world. Though its toxic manifestations are observed in different organs, its principal toxic effect is manifested in the brain leading to the development of Parkinsonian symptoms. PQ exposure adversely affects dopaminergic (DA-ergic) neuron-rich region in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNPC) of brain in the animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD), thereby mimicking PD like symptoms. Currently, lack of a potential drug to counter the toxic effect of PQ makes the management difficult. Bacopa monnieri extract (BME) has been shown to have promising effect against neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, the present study evaluated the role of BME against PQ induced toxicity in Drosophila model of PD, the results of which are reproducible in higher animal models including human subjects. Here, we showed that BME treatment attenuates acute PQ induced toxicity in Drosophila by decreasing mortality and improving climbing ability. BME functions by optimizing redox equilibrium, mitochondrial function and depreciating apoptosis level. The underlying mechanisms were attributed to optimization of active JNK and cleaved Caspase-3 activity along with transcriptional stabilization of the genes regulating oxidative stress and apoptosis (jnk, caspase-3, damb and nrf-2). These results showed therapeutic efficacy of BME against PQ toxicity in the brain. Our results pave the way for further detailed analysis of BME to combat the development of Parkinson's like symptoms following exposure to PQ toxicity in the brain of higher animal models. Highlights • Acute exposure of PQ elevates ROS & mitochondrial dysfunction. • PQ exposure induces transcriptional upregulation of the apoptotic genes. • BME alleviates behavioral alteration in PQ exposed Drosophila model. • BME optimizes mitochondrial respiration and ROS equilibrium. • BME optimizes active JNK and cleaved caspase-3 in acute PQ exposed flies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Entrepreneurs involved in the commercialization of natural products are currently displaying significant interests in herbal drugs, medicines, and natural product-based herbal products. A broad range of bioactive chemical compounds have been derived from medicinal plants, either in their pure form or as homogenous extracts. As these compounds have broad structural and functional diversities, they offer pharmaceutical companies numerous opportunities for the development of new drug leads. They also represent an excellent source of molecules for the production of food additives, functional foods, nutritional products, and nutraceuticals for the growing number of natural food companies. Scope and approach A number of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, are present in high concentrations in plant species whereas a number of other important compounds such as saponin are present at very low levels. Several identification, extraction, and isolation techniques are currently used to extract bioactive compounds from plants. However, as these techniques are generally laborious and very expensive, there is an urgent need for new advanced techniques for identification, extraction, and isolation of plant bioactive compounds in quantities sufficient for their potential applications in various sectors. Key findings and conclusions The aim of this review is to collate and present information on the identification, extraction, and isolation of the most widely used bioactive compounds from selected commercial medicinal plants, thereby providing a useful resource for medicinal scientists and pharmaceutical and food-related industries seeking to generate high yields at low cost to meet market requirements. Highlights • Few medicinal plants are effective and commercially beneficial. • Identification, isolation, & extraction of bioactive compounds is tedious task. • A number of techniques are currently utilized to extract these bioactive compounds. • Current procedure for extraction & characterization from selected commercial plant. • Documentation of suitable techniques for increasing yield with future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bacoside-A is the main bioactive metabolite present in Bacopa monnieri L. The yield of bacoside-A from plant sources is too less to meet industrial demand. This study investigated the effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on metabolic profiles and bacoside-A biosynthesis in greenhouse-grown plants of B. monnieri. The greenhouse-grown plants were kept inside a closed plastic container and then elicited with MeJA vapour. It was found that MeJA treatment (200 µM for 2 h on day zero) followed by harvesting leaves on day three was the optimum treatment, resulting in an increase of 1.8-fold, 2.2-fold, 3.1-fold, and 2.5-fold in bacoside A3, bacopaside II, bacopaside X, and bacopasaponin C in comparison with control plants, respectively. The transcript levels of squalene synthase (SQS), a key gene involved in bacoside-A biosynthesis was transiently induced by MeJA and reached a peak of up to 3.7-fold at 24 h. The relationships between bacosides content and primary metabolites in plants treated with MeJA were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. MeJA enhances glycolysis and TCA cycles, generating acetyl-CoA, which acts as a precursor for bacosides synthesis, as revealed by untargeted metabolomics. Therefore, in planta application of MeJA appears to have a great impact on enhanced bacoside-A accumulation, in the greenhouse-grown plants of B. monnieri. In this study, farmers and the pharmaceutical industry will have access to a simple and time-saving elicitation strategy for improving bacosides production from greenhouse-grown plants without the need for expensive and time-consuming in vitro culture techniques. [Display omitted] • A simple elicitation method was developed for enhanced 'bacoside-A′ accumulation. • Plants of Bacopa monnieri were treated with MeJA elicitor in a specially designed box. • Through metabolic reprogramming, MeJA enhanced bacoside-A biosynthesis. • SQS gene expression is enhanced prior to increased bacoside-A biosynthesis. • A simple analytical method was developed to separate bacosides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High domestic and export demands are prompting the uncontrolled collection of the nootropic herb Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. (BM) from its natural habitats in India; therefore, selection and cultivation of elite genotypes is one of the priorities for generating its quality biomass for industrial purposes. Here sixty BM accessions collected from diverse geographical regions of south India were screened for the two major bioactive dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins, bacoside A (BA) and bacopaside I (BI), by HPTLC-densitometry. Among these sixty accessions, BA, BI and (BA+BI) contents ranged from 0.36 ± 0.05 to 5.68 ± 0.18%, 0.00 ± 0.00 to 1.53 ± 0.12% and 0.41 ± 0.13 to 7.17 ± 0.35%, respectively. Industries consider BM accessions with (BA+BI) ≥ 5.5% as elite lines; this study identified eight elite accessions (1/Bm-11, 2/Bm-55, 3/Bm-57, 11/Bm-68, 19/Bm-76, 33/Bm-90, 36/Bm-93, 44/Bm-102) of BM, satisfying this benchmark. In bi-location trials, six BM elite genotypes were cultivated at two geographical locations (plot 1, low altitude and plot 2, high altitude). In Plot 1, highest (BA+BI) contents and biomass yields were observed in 2/Bm-55 (6.60 ± 0.09%) and 19/Bm-76 (4090.28 Kg/ha, fresh wt.), respectively. Elite accession 2/Bm-55 was subjected to agrotechnology standardization trails at Plot 1 with 10 combinations of nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium (N-P-K), cow dung, cocopeat and soil (only) treatments. Two treatments, N:P:K 150:90:90 and soil (only), gave elite contents of BA+BI (≥ 5.5%) (5.89%, 6.62%) and high biomass yields (64152.84 Kg/ha, fresh wt., 63076.45 Kg/ha, fresh wt.). Significantly, five of the eight elite BM accessions identified viz. , 1/Bm-11, 3/Bm-57, 44/Bm-102, 36/Bm-93, 19/Bm-76, were collected from ≤ 10 m altitude locations; this study provides experimental evidence to the preference of BM to low altitude, wet and marshy habitats. Briefly, this study reports conservation, sustainable utilization and edaphic-ecological preferences of the natural resources of this high value memory enhancing herb. [Display omitted] • Sixty Bacopa monnieri field accessions from south India were collected. • Quantified bacoside A and bacopaside I contents using HPTLC-densitometry. • Discovered eight elite accessions, bi-location trials were conducted. • Two treatments in agro-trials gave elite bioactive and biomass yields. • B. monnieri display preferences to low altitude wet, muddy and marshy habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy is a persistent neurological disorder characterized by epileptic seizures. Medication is often unable to regulate epileptic episodes, and surgery is the only cure for epilepsy. Therefore, localizing the epileptic zone is crucial for effective epileptic surgery. This surgical area can be identified through the presence of cerebral intracranial focal electroencephalogram (FEEG) signals. This article proposes a mixed approach based on higher-order statistics (HOS) with sensitivity analysis and residual wavelet transform (RWT). The sensitivity analysis method examines only the portions of the brain signal dominated by transient and burst events, and measuring a set of frequencies associated with underlying nonlinear dynamics. The suggested approach assesses the brain output in two distinct spaces based on these frequency benchmarks. The RWT investigates transient and impulsive changes in a non-stationary time series by evaluating it in time-scale space. Additionally, the HOS explores nonlinear dynamics in higher-dimensional space without loss of generality. The data are then mapped and ranked using a data-reduction method, LSDA (locality sensitivity discrimination analysis). The pertinent and delicate information was decoded using a deep learning method based on bidirectional long-short term memory (bi-LSTM). The results reveal that the presented algorithm has yielded a better discrimination accuracy of 99.76% on the Bern Barcelona EEG database. The proposed algorithm enables a clinician to locate the epileptogenic zone, which is essential for effective brain surgery. [Display omitted] • The Sensitivity analysis method measures a set of frequencies which maximize the probability of seizures onset. • EEG signals are assess in the RWT and HOS spaces on these frequencies benchmark. • The RWT investigate the transient and impulsive changes of a non-stationary time series by evaluating it in time-scale space. • While, the HOS is introduced to explore the non-linear dynamics in higher-dimensional space without loss of generality. • The examined data have been mapped and ranked according to the likelihood of discrimination using a data-reduction method, namely, locality sensitivity discrimination analysis (LSDA). • A bi-LSTM based deep learning method is used to analyze Bern Barcelona EEG database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specific mechanisms underlying gut microbiota alterations in schizophrenia remain unknown. We aimed to compare gut microbiota between patients with schizophrenia and controls, taking into consideration exposure stress across lifespan, dietary habits, metabolic parameters and clinical manifestation. A total of 142 participants, including 89 patients with schizophrenia and 52 controls, were recruited. Gut microbiota were analyzed using the 16 S rRNA sequencing. Additionally, biochemical parameters related to glucose homeostasis, lipid profile and inflammation were assessed. Increased abundance of Lactobacillus and Limosilactobacillus as well as decreased abundance of Faecalibacterium and Paraprevotella were found in patients with schizophrenia. The machine learning analysis demonstrated that between-group differences in gut microbiota were associated with psychosocial stress (a history of childhood trauma, greater cumulative exposure to stress across lifespan and higher level of perceived stress), poor nutrition (lower consumption of vegetables and fish products), lipid profile alterations (lower levels of high-density lipoproteins) and cognitive impairment (worse performance of attention). Our findings indicate that gut microbiota alterations in patients with schizophrenia, including increased abundance of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus and Limosilactobacillus) and decreased abundance of bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids (Faecalibacterium and Paraprevotella) might be associated with exposure to stress, poor dietary habits, lipid profile alterations and cognitive impairment. • The abundance of Lactobacillus and Limosilactobacillus is increased in schizophrenia. • The abundance of Faecalibacterium and Paraprevotella is reduced in schizophrenia. • Stress exposure and poor diet might contribute to these alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indian pennywort (Centella asiatica L. Urban; Apiaceae) is a herbaceous plant used as traditional medicine in several regions worldwide. An adequate supply of fresh water in accordance with crop requirements is an important tool for maintaining the productivity and quality of medicinal plants. The objective of this study was to find a suitable irrigation schedule for improving the morphological and physiological characteristics, and crop productivity of Indian pennywort using high-throughput phenotyping. Four treatments were considered based on irrigation schedules (100, 75, 50, and 25% of field capacity denoted by I 100 [control], I 75 , I 50 , and I 25 , respectively). The number of leaves, plant perimeter, plant volume, and shoot dry weight were sustained in I 75 irrigated plants, whereas adverse effects on plant growth parameters were observed when plants were subjected to I 25 irrigation for 21 days. Leaf temperature (T leaf) was also retained in I 75 irrigated plants, when compared with control. An increase of 2.0 °C temperature was detected in the T leaf of plants under I 25 irrigation treatment when compared with control. The increase in T leaf was attributed to a decreased transpiration rate (R2 = 0.93), leading to an elevated crop water stress index. Green reflectance and leaf greenness remained unchanged in plants under I 75 irrigation, while significantly decreased under I 50 and I 25 irrigation. These decreases were attributed to declined leaf osmotic potential, increased non-photochemical quenching, and inhibition of net photosynthetic rate (P n). The asiatic acid and total centellosides in the leaf tissues, and centellosides yield of plants under I 75 irrigation were retained when compared with control, while these parameters were regulated to maximal when exposed to I 50 irrigation. Based on the results, I 75 irrigation treatment was identified as the optimum irrigation schedule for Indian pennywort in terms of sustained biomass and a stable total centellosides. However, further validation in the field trials at multiple locations and involving different crop rotations is recommended to confirm these findings. • I 75 (irrigation schedules at 75% of field capacity) was found optimum for Indian pennywort to achieve stable plant morphological traits derived from high throughput phenotyping platform. • Sustainable physiological and biochemical characteristics were demonstrated under I 75 treatment. • A regulation on the content of centellosides was observed in Indian pennywort when plants were subjected to I 50 and I 75 treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. is a well documented nootropic plant, extensive known for alleviating symptoms of neurological disorder, along with other symptomatic relief. This property is attributed to the active phytocompounds, saponins (bacoside A) present in the plant. However, lack of stringent validation guidelines in most of the countries bring to the market, formulations differing in phytocompounds yield, thereby suggesting possible variation in therapeutic efficacy. The in-vitro suspension cultures of the Bacopa monnieri , provide an ease of scale-up, but regulating saponin yield is a stringent task. The aim of the study is to explore the effects of different concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0 ppm) of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP) (24 nm in size), in regulating growth rate, bacoside yield and transcriptional profile of HMG CoA reductase gene in the suspension cells of Bacopa monnieri . Results showed a linear correlation between Bacoside A yield and ZnO NP concentrations with around 2 fold increase in total bacoside A concentration at 1 ppm. Also, ZnO NP supplemented suspension cells showed variation in the specific growth rate. Neuroprotective properties, analyzed using methanolic extracts of suspension cells again obtrude the extract of ZnO NP supplemented (0.75 ppm and 1 ppm) culture for better response in alleviating oxidative stress mediated damage to neuronal cells. ZnO NP supplemented system showed lower expression of HMG CoA reductase gene (the rate limiting step in bacoside A biosynthesis) but higher concentration of bacoside A, suggesting possible role of ZnO NP in isoprenoid pathway than MVA pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective and rapid method for propagating genetically true plantlets of a pharmaceutically important plant Bacopa monnieri L. was developed from thidiazuron (TDZ) pulse treated nodal segment explants. Explants treated for 24 h with different concentration of 0.0, 5.0, 10, 20 or 40 μM thidiazuron (TDZ) prepared in liquid Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium induces multiple shoot on MS basal medium without growth regulators. The highest frequency 95.3 ± 2.3% of regeneration and maximum number 43.7 ± 2.0 of shoots per explants with an average shoot height of 5.4 ± 0.29 cm were achieved after 08 weeks of culture from the explants treated with 20 μM TDZ. Simultaneously, the regenerated microshoots were rooted on the same growth regulator free media. Elongated shoots with roots were successfully acclimated to ex vitro condition with a 97% survival rate. Genomic stability of in vitro developed plants of B. monnieri was first time determined using flow cytometry and single primer amplification reaction (SPAR) methods viz., random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), intersimple sequence repeat polymorphic DNA (ISSR) and directed amplification of minisatellite DNA (DAMD) and compared with donor plant. Nuclear DNA (nDNA) content of in vitro propagated B. monnieri plants has been estimated as 2.08 pg/2C based on the flow cytometric investigation of nuclei isolated from leaf tissues. No significant variations in nDNA content, plant genome size and ploidy level were observed between micropropagated plants and field grown donor plants. Likewise, the SPAR markers also revealed monomorphic banding profiles in micropropagated plantlets of B. monnieri and similar with to that of the donor plants verifying their genomic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microtubule affinity regulating kinase 4 (MARK4) is known to hyperphosphorylate tau protein, which subsequently causes Alzheimer's disease (AD). MARK4 is a well-validated drug target for AD; thus, we employed its structural features to discover potential inhibitors. On the other hand, complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) have been used for the treatment of numerous diseases with little side effects. In this regard, Bacopa monnieri extracts have been extensively used to treat neurological disorders because of their neuroprotective roles. The plant extract is used as a memory enhancer and a brain tonic. Bacopaside II is a major component of Bacopa monnieri ; thus, we studied its inhibitory effects and binding affinity towards the MARK4. Bacopaside II show a considerable binding affinity for MARK4 (K = 107 M−1) and inhibited kinase activity with an IC 50 value of 5.4 μM. To get atomistic insights into the binding mechanism, we performed Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies for 100 ns. Bacopaside II binds strongly to the active site pocket residues of MARK4 and a number of hydrogen bonds remain stable throughout the MD trajectory. Our findings provide the basis for the therapeutic implication of Bacopaside and its derivatives in MARK4-related neurodegenerative diseases, especially AD and neuroinflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of biochar in acidic mine spoils contaminated areas has been suggested for buffering and improving the fertility as well as the reduction in the metal bioavailability. This study evaluated the effect of biochar on reducing the heavy metal content in the Bacopa monnieri L. grown in the biochar amended acidic mine spoil and associated toxicological risks. The mine spoil (overburden) was treated with a biochar made from the fast pyrolysis of waste of Cymbopogon flexuosus at 450 °C at application rates of 15% and 20%. Plant analysis (biomass, chlorophyll, protein and lipid peroxidises), metabolite content and metal levels (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe and Pb) in the Bacopa monnieri L. herb. Hazardous quotient and acute oral toxicity of plant and its extract cultivated was carried out. The results showed that biochar amendment significantly improved biomass of the plant as well as reduced the metal content in plant tissues. The concentrations of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe and Pb in the plant tissues were within the international permissible limits. The risk assessment for bacopa consumption showed that the hazard quotients values were lower than the threshold level for herb (<1). Application of biochar further reduced hazard quotients values the indicating safe to the consumers. In vivo toxicity also suggests that no toxic effect of bacopa extract on the albino mice. It is concluded that the application of biochar in acidic mine spoils can be not only useful for the plant growth, but also for reduction in the metal toxicity of Bacopa monnieri L., if consumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurodegenerative diseases are the consequences of imbalance between the production of oxidative stress and its nullification by cellular defense mechanisms. Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), a precursor of deleterious reactive oxygen species, elicits oxidative stress, resulting in severe brain injuries. Bacopa monnieri is well known for its nerve relaxing and memory enhancing properties. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of extracts from Bacopa monnieri against H 2 O 2 induced oxidative stress using a cellular model, neuroblastoma IMR32 cell line. The protective potential of methanolic, ethanolic, and water extracts of B. monnieri (BM-MEx, BM-EEx, and BM-WEx) was evaluated using MTT assay. Although, all the B. monnieri extracts were found to protect cells against H 2 O 2 -mediated stress but BM-MEx showed significantly greater protection. UPLC analysis of BM-MEx revealed various polyphenols, including quercetin, catechin, umbelliferone, and caffeic acid predominance. Further, BM-MEx was found to possess considerable greater neuroprotective potential in comparison to the standard polyphenols such as quercetin, catechin, umbelliferone, and caffeic acid. The levels of antioxidant enzymes were significantly elevated after the pretreatment of BM-MEx and quercetin. The expression levels of oxidative stress markers, such as NF200, HSP70, and mortalin, were significantly alleviated after the pretreatment of BM-MEx as shown by immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated the protective effects of BM-MEx, suggesting that it could be a candidate for the development of neuropathological therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an attempt to improve the solubility and permeability of Standardized Bacopa Extract (SBE), a complexation approach based on phospholipid was employed. A solvent evaporation method was used to prepare the SBE-phospholipid complex (Bacopa Naturosome, BN). The formulation and process variables were optimized using a central-composite design. The formation of BN was confirmed by photomicroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD). The saturation solubility, the in-vitro dissolution, and the ex-vivo permeability studies were used for the functional evaluation of the prepared complex. BN exhibited a significantly higher aqueous solubility compared to the pure SBE (20-fold), or the physical mixture of SBE and the phospholipid (13-fold). Similarly, the in-vitro dissolution revealed a significantly higher efficiency of the prepared complex (BN) in releasing the SBE (> 97%) in comparison to the pure SCE (~ 42%), or the physical mixture (~ 47%). The ex-vivo permeation studies showed that the prepared BN significantly improved the permeation of SBE (> 90%), compared to the pure SBE (~ 21%), or the physical mixture (~ 24%). Drug-phospholipid complexation may thus be a promising strategy for solubility enhancement of bioactive phytoconstituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease which causes rigidity, resting tremor and postural instability. The neuroprotective effects of an ethanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri (BM) were evaluated in a Parkinsonian mice model induced by the MPTP. The present study investigates the mechanisms of neuroprotection elicited by BM, an herb traditionally recognized by the Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda. An ethanolic extract of BM was co-treated with the MPTP induced mouse model of PD and was shown to significantly rescue the motor behaviour (Rotarod, Grip Strength and Foot Printing test). Furthermore, on biochemical parameters too BM significantly showed protective effect as Catalase, LPO, Nitrite, SOD, GR, GPx parameters showed marked improvement and levels of Dopamine, DOPAC and HVA were enhanced significantly. There was a significant reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity in the substantia nigra (SN) in MPTP treated group, which was considerably restored by the use of BM extract. BM also facilitated neuroprotection by creating an anti-apoptotic environment indicated by reduced apoptotic (Bax and caspase-3) and increased levels of anti-apoptotic (Bcl2) protein expression, respectively. Altogether, the present study suggests that BM treatment provides nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuroprotection against MPTP induced Parkinsonism by the modulation of oxidative stress and apoptotic machinery possibly accounting for the behavioural effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and apoptosis are implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of Bacopa monnieri on thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, allodynia, motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and oxidative-nitrosative stress in Streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes. Diabetic rats developed neuropathy which was evident from a marked hyperalgesia and allodynia; reduced MNCV associated with increased formation of AGEs and ROS. Chronic treatment with B. monnieri alcohol extract (BA; 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) and Bacosine (BS; 5 and 10 mg/kg) for 30 days starting from the 60th day of STZ-administration significantly attenuated behavioral and biochemical changes associated with diabetic neuropathy. Present study suggested that BA and BS corrected hyperglycemia and partially reversed the pain response in diabetic rats through modulation of oxidative-nitrosative stress and reduction in AGEs formation in the diabetic rats and thus it may find clinical application to treat neuropathic pain in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]