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Abstract: The production of biodiesel from non-edible vegetable oil using ultrasonication, calls for an efficient solid catalyst to make the process fully ecologically and economically friendly. The methodology allows for the reaction to be run under atmospheric conditions. Solid catalyst and ultrasonication reduced the reaction time comparing to the conventional batch processes and we found 98.53% biodiesel yield. The optimal conditions for biodiesel production is the molar ratio oil to methanol 1:9, Catalyst conc. 3wt.% of oil and 15min reaction time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Biodiesel is a renewable fuel, consistituting an alternative to petroleum-based diesel fuel. It is non-toxic and biodegradable and has a low emission profile, is better from environmentally sensitive areas. Research study on alternative fuels is essential for increased energy security. Presently, biodiesel is produced mainly is batch reactor. In this process the required energy is given by heating accompanied by mechanical stirring which has several disadvantages because of time consuming high labour cost. Being methanol is a toxic chemical; the objective of this work is to produce coconut oil ethyl ester by using ultrasonic irradiation. The advantages of ethanol are non-toxic domestic all available, having higher carbon atoms which provide higher heat content. The optical conditions for biodiesel production is the molar ratio oil to ethanol 1:6, KOH catalyst 0.75wt.% of oil and 7min reaction time. The reaction time reduced 15–40 times comparing to the conventional batch processes and found ⩾98% biodiesel yield. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A unique extreme acute breathing syndrome emerged in China and spread rapidly globally due to a newly diagnosed human coronavirus and declared a pandemic. COVID-19 was formally named by WHO, and the Global Committee on Taxonomy referred to it as extreme Acute respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Currently there is no efficient method to control the extent of SARS-CoV-2 other than social distancing and hygiene activities. This study aims to present a simple medicinal strategy for combating fatal viral diseases like COVID-19 with minimum effort and intervention. Different Ayurveda medicines ( Curcuma longa , green tea, and Piper nigrum ) inhibit virus entrance and pathogen transmission while also enhancing immunity. Piperine (1-piperoylpiperidine), as well as curcumin, combine to create an intermolecular complex (π- π) that improves curcumin bioavailability by inhibiting glucuronidation of curcumin in the liver. The receptor- binding domains of the S-protein and also the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor of the recipient organism are directly occupied by curcumin and catechin, respectively, thereby preventing viruses from entering the cell. As a result, the infection will be tolerated by the animal host., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Astragaloside IV (AST IV), a major saponin component and active ingredient isolated from Astragalus membranaceus, has been well known to exhibit neuroprotective effects on diverse models of neurological diseases. Accumulating evidence suggests that dynamic balance of microglia/macrophages and astrocytes plays a vital role in neuroprotection and remyelination. However, dysregulation of microglia/macrophages and astrocytes orchestrate the pathogenesis of nervous system disorders. Therefore, we hypothesized that switching the transformation of microglia/macrophages and astrocytes into the neuroprotective M2 and A2 phenotypes, respectively, could be a potential target for therapeutic intervention. In the present study, we evaluate the efficacy of AST IV intervention on the effects of microglia/macrophages and astrocytes in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. AST IV improved paralysis and pathology of EAE by inhibiting the neurotoxic M1 microglia/macrophage phenotype, promoting M2 phenotype, shifting astrocytes towards a neuroprotective A2 phenotype, and protecting neurons from apoptosis through inhibition of TLR4/Myd88/NF-kB signalling pathway. Our study showed that AST IV could be a potential and promising drug for multiple sclerosis treatment.

Neuropathy is a terrible disorder that has a wide range of etiologies. Drug-induced neuropathy, which happens whenever a chemical agent damages the peripheral nerve system, has been linked here to the iatrogenic creation of some drugs. It is potentially permanent and causes sensory impairments and paresthesia that typically affects the hands, feet, and stockings; motor participation is uncommon. It might appear suddenly or over time, and the long-term outlook varies. The wide range of chronic pain conditions experienced by people has been one of the main obstacles to developing new, more effective medications for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Animal models can be used to examine various neuropathic pain etiologies and symptoms. Several models investigate the peripheral processes of neuropathic pain, whereas some even investigate the central mechanisms, such as drug induce models like vincristine, cisplatin, bortezomib, or thalidomide, etc., and surgical models like sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI), sciatic nerve ligation through spinal nerve ligation (SNL), sciatic nerve damage caused by a laser, SNI (spared nerve injury), etc. The more popular animal models relying on peripheral nerve ligatures are explained. In contrast to chronic sciatic nerve contraction, which results in behavioral symptoms of less reliable stressful neuropathies, (SNI) spared nerve injury generates behavioral irregularities that are more feasible over a longer period. This review summarizes the latest methods models as well as clinical ideas concerning this mechanism. Every strongest current information on neuropathy is discussed, along with several popular laboratory models for causing neuropathy., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Astrocytes play multifaceted and vital roles in maintaining neurophysiological function of the central nervous system by regulating homeostasis, increasing synaptic plasticity, and sustaining neuroprotective effects. Astrocytes become activated as a result of inflammatory responses during the progression of pathological changes associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Reactive astrocytes (neurotoxic A1 and neuroprotective A2) are triggered during disease progression and pathogenesis due to neuroinflammation and ischemia. However, only a limited body of literature describes morphological and functional changes of astrocytes during the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The present review investigated the detrimental and beneficial roles of astrocytes in neurodegenerative diseases reported in recent studies, as these cells have promising therapeutic potential and offer new approaches for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases., Competing Interests: None

Background: Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor of coronary heart disease. Currently available hypolipidemic drugs have been associated with number of side effects. Arogyavardhini vati, an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation has been used for liver disorders. Therefore, present study was designed to evaluate the effect of Arogyavardhini vati in Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemia in rats., Objectives: Anti-hyperlipidemic activity evaluation of Arogyavardhini vati against Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemia in rats., Materials and Methods: Overnight fasted male Wistar rats (150-200 g) were randomly divided into normal control group [4% Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO), i.p.], positive control group (Triton WR-1339 in 4% DMSO, 400 mg/kg, i.p.), standard drug treated (fenofibrate 65 mg/kg, p.o. for 7 days after inducing hyperlipidemia) and Arogyavardhini vati treated (50, 100, 200 mg/kg, p.o. for 7 days after inducing hyperlipidemia). Rat doses were calculated by extrapolating the equivalent human dose (therapeutic dose, sub-maximum, and maximum dose). Serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein HDL, liver malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) levels were estimated at end of experiments., Results: Arogyavardhini vati significantly decreased serum cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, and C-reactive protein (CRP) and significantly increased serum HDL in a dose-dependent manner. Decreased MDA and increased GSH levels in liver were observed at all doses of Arogyavardhini vati (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) and fenofibrate-treated groups when compared with Triton-treated group. Atherogenic Index (AI) level was significantly decreased in fenofibrate and Arogyavardhini vati (200 mg/kg) treated rats when compared with normal control., Conclusion: Arogyavardhini vati, a traditionally used Ayurvedic medicine may be a useful therapy for hypercholesterolemia through reducing oxidative stress (decreasing MDA and increasing GSH) and lipid levels.

Cardiovascular disease has multifaceted in which dyslipidemia, inflammation, and immunity play an important role. Arjuna powder and Arogyavardhini Vati used for centuries has potential for combating these factors. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment (Arjuna powder and Arogyavardhini Vati) for dyslipidemia patients. Total of 108 patients were screened at CGHS Ayurvedic Hospital, New Delhi. Ninety-six patients satisfied inclusion criteria, and signed informed consent and detailed medical history was recorded. Arjuna powder (5 g, BD) for 3 weeks and then Arogyavardhini Vati (500 mg, BD) for 4 weeks were prescribed to the patients. The primary efficacy endpoint was reduction in serum total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and increased HDL levels. Secondary endpoints included reduction in serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and blood glucose levels. Safety assessments included hepatic function (aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, and β(2) microglobulin), renal function (urea and creatinine and NGAL) tests, and urine mercury level. The study was completed by 87 patients. The male and female patients were 65.5% (57/87) and 34.5% (30/87), respectively. There was a significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, CRP, and blood glucose. However, raised HDL level was also observed. Safety assessment results showed no significant change in serum ALT, AST, ALP and bilirubin, urea, creatinine β(2) microglobulin, and NGAL levels at the end of study as compared to the baseline levels. In conclusion, the results of the present prospective cohort study showed that Ayurvedic treatment (Arjuna powder and Arogyavardhini Vati) is safe and effective for dyslipidemia.

Cough is the most common symptom of respiratory diseases. When cough becomes serious, opioids are effective, but they have side effects like sedation, constipation, some addiction liability and also compromise the respiratory function. Therefore, there is need to have effective anti-tussive agent which do not have respiratory suppressant activity. The present study was carried out to evaluate anti-tussive activity of combination of herbal drugs as formulations in sulphur dioxide (SO2)-induced cough model in mice. Albino mice of either sex, weighing 25-30 g were divided into eight groups, (n = 6). Group 1 served as normal control, group 2 mice were given distilled water, group 3 was positive control and received codeine sulphate (10 mg/kg, p.o.) and group 4, 5, 6, 7 received coded 1 formulations 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively at a dose of 0.3 ml/mice, orally, while group VIII was the vehicle control. Thirty minutes later, the mice were exposed to sulphur dioxide again for 45 sec. The mice were then placed in an observation chamber for counting of cough bouts, by two independent observers, for five minutes. All the formulations used showed significant antitussive activity in sulphur dioxide induced cough model. Thus, these formulations can prove to be useful for alleviating cough.