Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by pain and inflammation. Electroacupuncture (EA) and swimming (SW) are non-pharmacological interventions recommended for treating OA. The study evaluated the benefits of electroacupuncture (EA) and swimming (SW) association when compared with isolated protocols in an OA rodent model. Experimental.

An ankle monoarthritis model was induced in rats by applying Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA). After seven days of induced OA, the groups were submitted to EA (ST36 and the GB 30 Acupoint), SW, or the EA+SW protocol. The nociceptive behavior was measured by the Von Frey test, the Cold Stimulation test, and the Paw Flick Immersion test. Inflammatory activity was evaluated by measuring TNF levels, myeloperoxidase, NAGase, immunological parameters and the histology from the subcutaneous tissue.

Compared to CFA group, EA decreased the nociceptive scores in the cold stimulation test (p<0.05), and it also increased the latency time in thermal cold (p<0.01) and heat hyperalgesia (p<0.001). Also, EA reduced NAGase (p<0.01). SW reduced the edema (p<0.05) and did not increase the inflammatory infiltrates or congestion, neither in the histological measurements nor by analyzing the levels of TNF. The association of EA+SW decreased the neutrophils and the monocytes, MPO (p<0.05), and the glutamate levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF, p<0.001).

There were statistical differences between combination therapy and monotherapy as seen by the inflammatory parameters, which could be associate to the delay of the chronification osteoarthritis retardation. However, EA+SW did not show benefits when compared to isolated protocols in nociceptive behavior.

There were statistical differences between combination therapy and monotherapy as seen by the inflammatory parameters, which could be associate to the delay of the chronification osteoarthritis retardation. However, EA + SW did not show benefits when compared to isolated protocols in nociceptive behavior.

Hibalactone (HB) is a lignan related to the anxiolytic-like effects of

L. However, there is a need to understand better the mechanism of action of this lignan to support the ethnopharmacological uses of the species. This work aimed to evaluate by

and

analysis the mechanism of action of HB involved in its anxiolytic-like effects.

The effects of HB in mice were evaluated on light-dark box (LDB) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. The participation of 5-HT

receptor and the benzodiazepine site of GABA

receptor was evaluated to investigate the possible mechanism of action.

tools were used to better elucidate the anxiolytic-like effects of HB.

Oral treatment with HB at a dose of 33mg/kg showed an anxiolytic-like effect in the LDB and EPM tests. Besides that, the treatment altered the ethological parameters, frequency of head dips, and stretched-attend postures (SAP), important to better describe the anxiolytic profile of HB. Pretreatment with flumazenil (2mg/kg) reverted the anxiolytic-like effect of HB on LDB and EPM tests. On the other hand, pretreatment with NAN-190 (0.5mg/kg) not reverted the activity observed.

predictions revealed the potential of HB to increase GABAergic neurotransmission. Pharmacophore modelling and docking simulations showed that HB might interact with the α1β2γ2 GABA

receptor.

Together, the results presented herein suggest that activation of the benzodiazepine site of the GABA

receptor contributes to the anxiolytic-like effect of HB.

Together, the results presented herein suggest that activation of the benzodiazepine site of the GABAA receptor contributes to the anxiolytic-like effect of HB.

The present study investigated the effects of orally administered α-tocopherol-loaded polycaprolactone nanoparticles on the articular inflammation and systemic oxidative status of middle-aged

rats with Freund’s adjuvant-induced polyarthritis, a model for rheumatoid arthritis. Intraperitoneally administered free α-tocopherol provided the reference for comparison.

Two protocols of treatment were followed intraperitoneal administration of free α-tocopherol (100mg/kg i.p.) or oral administration of free and nanoencapsulated α-tocopherol (100mg/kg p.o.). Animals were treated during 18 days after arthritis induction.

Free (i.p.) and encapsulated α-tocopherol decreased the hind paws edema, the leukocytes infiltration into femorotibial joints and the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the tibial anterior muscle of arthritic rats, but the encapsulated compound was more effective. Free (i.p.) and encapsulated α-tocopherol decreased the high levels of reactive oxygen species in the brain and liverd form should be preferred because the oral administration route does not be linked to the evident discomfort that is caused in general by injectable medicaments. Consequently, α-tocopherol-loaded polycaprolactone nanoparticles may be a promising adjuvant to the most current approaches aiming at rheumatoid arthritis therapy.

The emergence of widespread drug-resistant strains of the malaria parasites militates against strives for more potent antimalarial drugs.

The present study evaluated the antimalarial activity of

ethanolic crude extract

and

against

-infected mice in anticipation of acquiring scientific evidence for it used by mangrove dwellers to treat malaria in Ghana.

The pulverized dried leaves were extracted with 70% ethanol (v/v) and screened for phytochemicals using standard protocols. The

antimalarial activity was investigated against chloroquine-sensitive

(Pf3D7 clones), MRA-102, Lot70032033, via SYBR® Green I fluorescent assay method using positive control Artesunate (50-1.56×10

μg/mL). In the i

studies, doses (200-1500mg/kg) of AAE were used in the 4-day suppressive and curative tests, using

-infected mice. Artemether/lumefantrine (1.14mg/kg) and normal saline were used as positive and negative control respectively.

The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, terpenoids and phytosterols. The extract showed an IC

of 49.30±4.40μg/mL

and demonstrated complete parasite clearance at dose 1500mg/kg

with a suppressive activity of 100% (p<0.0001) in the 4-day suppressive test. The extract demonstrated high curative activity (p<0.0001) at 1500mg/kg with 100% parasite inhibition and the oral LD

>5000mg/kg in mice.

The results demonstrated that

crude extract has antimalarial activity both

and

supporting the traditional use of the plant to treat malaria.

The results demonstrated that A. africana crude extract has antimalarial activity both in vitro and in vivo supporting the traditional use of the plant to treat malaria.

Orange colored tubular calyx of the flowers of

contains an apocarotenoid crocin as a major ingredient, which is originally detected to be major colouring principle of saffron stigma. Saffron stigma exhibits good wound healing activity owing to the presence of crocin. The present study is aimed at isolation of crocetin, from tubular calyx of N. arbortristis and improve stability through entrapping in vesicles followed by evaluation of wound healing activity of the topical formulation thereof.

Crocetin was isolated by treating ethanolic extract of tubular calyx of

with sodium bicarbonate followed by regeneration of crocetin using hydrochloric acid. The phytosomes were prepared by lipid film hydration technique. The gel containing phytosomes equivalent to crocetin 1% w/w, was then evaluated for wound healing activity through applications on incision and excision wounds inflicted in Wister albino rats.

Stability of crocetin was found to be increased due to entrapment into phytosomes. The studies revealed that both types of wounds upon treatment with gel containing crocetin phytosomes, indicated good wound healing potential, as the epithelization period was significantly (P<0.001)decreased as compared to the control group from 26 to 9 days, in excision wound model and significant (P<0.001)increase in breaking strength of repaired skin, as compared to control from 328.8 to 857.0gm in incision wound model.

Crocetin from tubular calyx of

indicated to be potential wound healing phytoconstituent.

Crocetin from tubular calyx of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis indicated to be potential wound healing phytoconstituent.

Exposure to chronic stress induces oxidative damage which alters the dynamic balance between antioxidant and pro-oxidant activities in the brain. Tualang honey (TH) is a Malaysian wild multifloral honey which has been shown to contain high amount antioxidants. DHA-rich fish oil is a form of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish which also possesses some antioxidant activity. This study aimed to evaluate anti-stress activity of DHA-rich fish oil, TH and their combination on several parameters of oxidative stress in chronic stress rat model.

Fifty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into (i) control, (ii) stress-exposed, (iii) stress-exposed and treated with TH (1g/kg body weight twice daily), (iv) stress-exposed and treated with DHA-rich fish oil (450mg/kg body weight twice daily), and (v) stress-exposed and treated with a combination of TH and DHA-rich fish oil. The chronic stress regimen consisted of a combination of restraint stress and a swim stress test for 28 days.

DHA-rich fish oil and TH significanvide an additional benefit compared to consuming them separately.

Chronic stress is a major common cause of male infertility. Many species of velvet beans are shown to be rich in l-DOPA. In Thai folklore medicine, seeds of

(L.) DC. var. pruriens (Thai Mhamui or T-MP) have been used for treating erectile dysfunction. This study aimed to determine l-DOPA levels in T-MP seed extract and investigate its preventive on sexual behaviors and reproductive parameter damages including essential proteins in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice.

Mice were divided into 4 groups (I) control, (II) CUMS, (III) T-MP300+CUMS, and (IV) T-MP600+CUMS. Groups I and II received DW while groups III and IV were pretreated with the seed extracts (300 and 600mg/kg BW) for 14 consecutive days before co-treatment with a randomly different CUMS/day (from 12 mild stressors) for 43 days.

T-MP seed extract contained l-DOPA approximately 10% of total dried weight. A dose of 600mg/kg improved sexual performances and degenerative seminiferous epithelium in CUMS mice. Sperm qualities and testosterone level were elevated while corticosterone was decreased in co-treatment groups. SB239063 research buy T-MP-CUMS cotreated groups also improved expressions of AKAP4, AR, and TyrPho proteins in testis, epididymis, and sperm. T-MP increased StAR and CYP11A1 expressions in testis. It also suppressed testicular apoptosis via decreased expressions of Hsp70, caspases 3, and 9. T-MP seeds containing l-DOPA could improve sexual behaviors and essential reproductive proteins caused by CUMS.

Natural Products.

Traditional Herbal Medicine; Animal Model; Histopathology.

Traditional Herbal Medicine; Animal Model; Histopathology.

Comm ex Lamm (Araliaceae) is one of these plants sufficiently exploited in traditional African medicine for its hypotensive effect. However, the pharmacological effects of those plants on cardiac functions are not well known. The potassium currents IKs and IKr, responsible for the repolarization of cardiac cell action potential, strongly influence the human cardiac rhythm. Therefore, modulators of these currents have a beneficial or undesirable medical importance in relation to cardiac arrhythmias. In order to optimize the therapeutic use of this medicinal plant, we studied the effects of hydro-ethanolic leaf extract of

s on both potassium currents.

The patch clamp experiments for IK currents recording were performed on the HEK 293 (Human Embryonic Kidney 293) cell line, stably transfected with either KCNQ1 and KCNE1 genes encoding the channel responsible for the „IKs“ current (HEK293 IKs), or with hERG (human ether-a-go-go related gene) gene encoding „IKr“ current (HEK293 IKr).

This study revealed that the hydro-ethanolic leaf extract of

significantly inhibits the slow potassium component (IKs) without altering the fast potassium component (IKr).