Search

Ambroxol (ABX) is used to manage excessive production of mucus in the respiratory system. The present study sought to assess the neuroprotective potential of ambroxol by influencing the amyloidogenic, nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB), and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) induced by scopolamine. The AD pathology was induced by chronic administration of scopolamine. The rats were given scopolamine at a dose of 2 mg/kg via intraperitoneal injection daily for 14 days, followed by treatment (ABX 121.5, 135, and 180 mg/kg orally and 5 mg/kg orally of donepezil) for the next 28 days while continuing to receive daily scopolamine injection. The behavior of the rats was evaluated using Modified Y‐Maze and Novel object recognition tasks. Analyses were carried out on AD pathological markers [Amyloid beta peptide 1‐40, Amyloid beta peptide 1‐42, acetylcholinesterase, beta‐secretase 1 (BACE1), total tau, and p‐tau], inflammatory markers [NF‐κB, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), and interferon γ], antioxidant markers (Nrf2 and heme Oxygenase 1 (HO‐1)], along with synaptophysin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemistry and histopathological assessment of the hippocampus. Our findings indicated that ABX reduced impairment in behavior. Levels of Acetylcholinesterase, BACE1, amyloid beta 1‐40, amyloid beta 1‐42, total tau, p‐tau, NF‐κB, IFN‐γ, IL‐6, and TNF‐α decreased significantly. There was a significant increase in the levels of HO‐1 and Nrf2. It stopped the neuronal degeneration, raised synaptophysin immunoreactivity, and lowered GFAP immunoreactivity. The current research indicates that ambroxol may possess senomorphic properties by impacting the transcription factors NF‐κB and senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Consequently, it could provide neuroprotection through alterations in the Nrf2 and NF‐κB signaling pathways in AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Oral cancers are found to have high risk in South Central Asia due to exposure of various risk factors. Euphoria longana Lam. (EL) has been traditionally used to relieve insomnia, prevent amnesia, and treat palpitation. In addition, EL has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant activities. The investigation was aimed to evaluate the mechanism of action and antitumor activity of polyphenol-rich EL seeds extract against oral cancer induced by 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO)., Materials and Methods: Seven groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were formulated: normal animals, oral cancer induced with 4-NQO, EL-treated normal control, EL-treated disease control from 0-day, EL-treated disease control from 60 days, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-treated disease control from day 60, and combined EL- and 5-FU-treated disease control animals from day 60. The animal tongue was smeared with 0.5% 4-NQO at frequency of thrice a week for 12 weeks to induce oral cancer. At the end of treatment, excised tongues were used for biochemical and tumour-specific parameters along with histopathology assessment., Results: Treatment with EL, 5-FU, and combination of both in diseased animals exhibited significant improvement in interleukin-6, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) levels, antioxidant status together with histoarchitecture of the tongue tissue. In addition, the combination of both was slightly more effective than EL and 5-FU alone., Conclusion: Our data suggest antitumor activity of Euphoria longana Lam. Extract against 4-NQO induced oral cancer in rats, which could be attributed to alteration in the VEGF and TGF-β signaling axis., Competing Interests: None

Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the trends and rationale of use of memory and vitality-enhancing medicines (MVEM) in the Gujarat region., Materials and Methods: A prospective pharmacoepidemiological study involving pharmacists of Gujarat region was carried out in the year 2005. Pharmacists (n = 351) working in general and Ayurvedic medical stores were selected from 12 districts of Gujarat region. The pharmacists were explained about the objective of the study and were given a pretested, validated questionnaire., Outcome Measures: The questionnaire included the questions regarding herbal MVEM used most commonly, percentage sale of herbal MVEM - sold with or without prescriptions - age group of patients and professional groups who used these drugs most commonly., Results: The number of individuals using MVEM was highest in the age group of 11-20 years (17.54%), followed by the 21-40 years group (17.12%), supporting the results that the professional group of students (17.29%) and the persons of business or service class (15.29%) are the highest users of these medicines. Evaluation of various constituents in the marketed polyherbal MVEM revealed that Brahmi (Bacopa monniera), Shankhpushpi (Evolvulus alsinoides), Ashwangandha (Withania somnifera), Jatamansi (Nardostychos jatamansi), Vacha (Acorus calamus) and Amla (Phyllanthus emblica) were the common ingredients in the polyherbal preparations., Conclusions: This study highlights commonly used Ayurvedic medicines that can be explored for safely enhancing memory and vitality performance. Hence, detailed and scientifically designed research on these drugs would help to identify safe and effective drugs for enhancing the same.