Nitin Bansal

Cordia dichotoma Forst. (Family Boraginaceae) is a tree of tropical and sub-tropical regions, grows in the sub-Himalayan tract and outer ranges, ascending upto about 1500 m elevation. It found in a variety of places like, the dry deciduous forests of Rajasthan and moist deciduous forest of western Ghat and tidal forests in Myanmar. The common name of the plant is Lasura, Borla, Bhokar etc. Phytochemically it consists of carbohydrates, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. Chemical screening of both fruit and leaves shows the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, coumarines, flavonoids, saponins, terpenes and sterol. Pharmacologically proved activities are anti-ulcer, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetic and hepatoprotective activity.

The present study explored the neuroprotective role of d-Limonene in the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice. Swiss Albino mice (either sex), weighing between 20-30 g were divided in different groups (n≥6). The animals were anaesthetized using Chloral hydrate (400 mg/kg; i.p.) and cerebral blood supply was occluded for 10 min and afterwards reperfusion for 24 h. d-Limonene has been administered in 3 doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg; p.o.) successively to mice for 30 days before surgery. Edaravone (3 mg/kg, i.p.) was used as standard drug. The effect of surgery on memory, anxiety, muscle relaxant and locomotor was estimated by using passive avoidance paradigm, elevated zero maze, rota rod apparatus, and actophotometer. After behavioural evaluation, the animals were sacrificed and brains were isolated, homogenized and centrifuged for TBARS, GSH, catalase and brain nitrite estimations. Ishemia-reperfusion injury caused decrease in locomotor, motor-co-ordination, decreased the time spent in open arm, no. of entries and increased in latency time in elevated zero maze and memory of mice. Ischemic mice showed higher brain TBARS and nitrite levels and lower GSH and catalase levels. However, d-Limonene administration significantly attenuated (p

This study explored the effect of bark of Holarrhena antidysenterica Linn in management of diabetic neuropathy in experimental animals. Adult Wistar rats (either sex; 250-275 g) were injected with streptozotocin (50 mg/kg; i.p.) to induce diabetes. Methanol extract of bark of Holarrhena antidysenterica was administered in 3 doses (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg; p.o.) to rats for 28 successive days daily after 4 weeks of STZ administration. After 8 weeks, the neuropathic activity was evaluated using Open field test, Tail Flick test, Cold Allodynia and Formalin test. Afterwards, sciatic nerve was used for TBARS, GSH, Nitrite, Catalase and protein estimations. STZ induced diabetic neuropathy caused decrease in tail-flick latency time in radiant heat test and decreased allodynic response in tail-immersion (cold water) test. STZ caused increase in blood glucose, Glycosylated Haemoglobin and blood Cholesterol levels. Furthermore, activity of endogenous antioxidants like GSH and catalase significantly decreased; however, TBARS and nitrite levels were increased. Administration of MEHA for 28 days prevented the development of diabetic neuropathy as evident from reversed (p< 0.05) cold allodynia and tail flick latency (p< 0.05) as compared to diabetic control group. Glycosylated haemoglobin and cholesterol levels were significantly decreased (p< 0.05) in rats as compared to diabetic control group. MEHA treated rats showed significant decreased TBARS and nitrite levels and increased GSH and Catalase level. Thus, Holarrhena antidysenterica not only improved the diabetic condition but also reversed neuropathic pain through modulation of oxidative–nitrosative stress.