Effect of Withania somnifera on physical and cardiovascular performance induced by physical stress in healthy human volunteers

Background: Withania somnifera (WS) rejuvenates, increases vigour, vitality and immunity. The antistress effects of WS on physical performance and cardiovascular parameters during exercise were evaluated in healthy volunteers.Methods: Prospective, open label, randomized, placebo controlled, comparative, pilot study was designed in healthy adult volunteers. After Ethics committee approval 30 consented participants were randomly assigned into three equal groups to receive single capsule for 28 days containing maize starch (placebo group), WS aqueous extract 330mg (WS 330 gr) and 500mg (WS 500 gr). They were assessed at day 0, day 14, day 28 with physical stressors (six minute exercise test, YMCA Submaximal Test, Fixed workload exercise on cycle ergometer), Jammers' hand held dynamometer test and cold pressor test in each visit. Physical performance was evaluated as maximum distance, speed, oxygen consumption, hand grip strength. Cardiovascular response was assessed by heart rate and blood pressure measurements.Results: On day 28, both WS 330 and WS 500 groups showed significant increase in mean distance travelled and average speed compared to placebo (p<0.005). WS 330 and 500 groups showed significant decrease in mean systolic BP on fixed workload exercise, compared to placebo (p<0.05).Conclusions: WS increased physical performance when participants were subjected to physical stress but it did not increase the activity of sympathetic system thus contributing to its anti-stress activity

Adaptogenic and nootropic activities of aqueous extract of Vitis vinifera (grape seed): an experimental study in rat model

BACKGROUND: The aerial parts of Vitis vinifera (common grape or European grape) have been widely used in Ayurveda to treat a variety of common and stress related disorders. In the present investigation, the seed extract of V. vinifera was evaluated for antistress activity in normal and stress induced rats. Furthermore, the extract was studied for nootropic activity in rats and in-vitro antioxidant potential to correlate its antistress activity. METHODS: For the evaluation of antistress activity, groups of rats (n = 6) were subjected to forced swim stress one hour after daily treatment of V. vinifera extract. Urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and ascorbic acid were selected as non-invasive biomarkers to assess the antistress activity. The 24 h urinary excretion of vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and ascorbic acid were determined by spectrophotometric methods in all groups under normal and stressed conditions. The nootropic activity of the extract as determined from acquisition, retention and retrieval in rats was studied by conditioned avoidance response using Cook's pole climbing apparatus. The in vitro antioxidant activity was determined based on the ability of V. vinifera to scavenge hydroxyl radicals. RESULTS: Daily administration of V. vinifera at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight one hour prior to induction of stress inhibited the stress induced urinary biochemical changes in a dose dependent manner. However, no change in the urinary excretion of VMA and ascorbic acid was observed in normal animals at all the doses studied. The cognition, as determined by the acquisition, retention and recovery in rats was observed to be dose dependent. The extract also produced significant inhibition of hydroxyl radicals in comparison to ascorbic acid in a dose dependent manner. CONCLUSION: The present study provides scientific support for the antistress (adaptogenic), antioxidant and nootropic activities of V. vinifera seed extract and substantiate the traditional claims for the usage of grape fruits and seeds in stress induced disorders

Acanthus montanus: An experimental evaluation of the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunological properties of a traditional remedy for furuncles

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Acanthus montanus </it>(Nees) T. Anderson (Acanthaceae) is a shrub widespread in Africa, the Balkans, Romania, Greece and Eastern Mediterranean. It is used in African traditional medicine for the treatment of urogenital infections, urethral pain, endometritis, urinary disease, cystitis, leucorrhoea, aches and pains. In southeastern Nigeria, the root is popular and acclaimed highly effective in the treatment of furuncles. This study was undertaken to experimentally evaluate the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of the root extract as well as its effect on phagocytosis and specific cell-mediated immune response which may underlie the usefulness of the roots in treatment of furuncles.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The aqueous root extract (obtained by hot water maceration of the root powder) was studied for effects on the growth of clinically isolated strains of <it>Pseudomonas aeruginosa </it>and <it>Staphylococcus aureus</it>. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using acute topical edema of the mouse ear induced by xylene, acute paw edema induced by agar in rats, formaldehyde arthritis in rats, vascular permeability induced by acetic acid in mice and heat- and hypotonicity-induced haemolysis of ox red blood cells (RBCs). Also evaluated were the effects on <it>in vivo </it>leukocyte migration induced by agar, phagocytic activity of macrophages on <it>Candida albicans </it>and specific cell-mediated immune responses (delayed type hypersensitivity reaction (DTHR) induced by sheep red blood cell (SRBC)). The acute toxicity and lethality (LD₅₀) in mice and phytochemical constituents of the extract were also determined.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The extract moderately inhibited the growth of the test organisms and significantly (<it>P </it>< 0.05) inhibited (57%) topical acute edema in the mouse ear. It significantly (<it>P </it>< 0.05) suppressed the development of acute edema of the rat paw in a non-dose-related manner and was not effective in inhibiting the global edematous response to formaldehyde arthritis. It also inhibited vascular permeability induced by acetic acid in mice and the haemolysis of ox RBCs induced by heat- and hypotonicity. The extract increased total leukocyte and neutrophil counts and caused a significant (<it>P </it>< 0.05) dose-related increase in the total number of macrophages at the 800 mg/kg dose. On phagocytic activity, the extract evoked a significant (<it>P </it>< 0.05) increase in the number of macrophages with ingested <it>C. albicans </it>at 800 mg/kg dose, and significantly (<it>P </it>< 0.05) inhibited DTHR in a dose-related manner. Phytochemical tests on the extract revealed an abundant presence of alkaloids and carbohydrates while saponins, glycosides, and terpenoids occurred in trace amounts. Acute toxicity test established an oral and intraperitoneal LD₅₀greater than 5,000 mg/kg.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The effectiveness of the root of <it>A. montanus </it>in the treatment of furuncles may largely derive from mobilization of leukocytes to the site of the infection and activation of phagocytic activity as well as suppression of exacerbated immune responses by its constituents. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities are likely contributory mechanisms. Phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids and carbohydrates may be responsible for these pharmacological activities.</p

Ethics Forum - ICH Harmonised Tripartite Guideline: Guideline For Good Clinical Practice

International Conference On Harmonisation Of Technical Requirements For Registration Of Pharmaceuticals For Human Use Recommended for Adoption at Step 4 of the ICH Process on 1 May 1996 by the ICH Steering Committee This Guideline has been developed by the appropriate ICH Expert Working Group and has been subject to consultation by the regulatory parties, in accordance with the ICH Process. At Step 4 of the Process the final draft is recommended for adoption to the regulatory bodies of the European Union, Japan and USA.

Education Forum - Evolution of Medical Education Technology Unit in India

It has been observed that nature is at its selective best, mediating quality control in human reproduction. This is evident from the fact that 50% of the pregnancies with chromosomal aberrations abort spontaneously. As early as 1859, Charles Darwin in his book, "The Origin of Species", stated about natural selection of species

Drug Review - Atorvastatin: In The Management Of Hyperlipidaemia

The proved association between hypercholesterolaemia with development of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease warrants reduction in high levels of serum cholesterol (TC) and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Since the discovery, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are considered as one of the most effective classes of drugs for reducing LDL-C and TC.1 Recently in India, atorvastatin calcium has been added to the list of available HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (lovastatin and simvastatin)

Effect of Withania somnifera on physical and cardiovascular performance induced by physical stress in healthy human volunteers

Background: Withania somnifera (WS) rejuvenates, increases vigour, vitality and immunity. The antistress effects of WS on physical performance and cardiovascular parameters during exercise were evaluated in healthy volunteers.Methods: Prospective, open label, randomized, placebo controlled, comparative, pilot study was designed in healthy adult volunteers. After Ethics committee approval 30 consented participants were randomly assigned into three equal groups to receive single capsule for 28 days containing maize starch (placebo group), WS aqueous extract 330mg (WS 330 gr) and 500mg (WS 500 gr). They were assessed at day 0, day 14, day 28 with physical stressors (six minute exercise test, YMCA Submaximal Test, Fixed workload exercise on cycle ergometer), Jammers' hand held dynamometer test and cold pressor test in each visit. Physical performance was evaluated as maximum distance, speed, oxygen consumption, hand grip strength. Cardiovascular response was assessed by heart rate and blood pressure measurements.Results: On day 28, both WS 330 and WS 500 groups showed significant increase in mean distance travelled and average speed compared to placebo (p&lt;0.005). WS 330 and 500 groups showed significant decrease in mean systolic BP on fixed workload exercise, compared to placebo (p&lt;0.05).Conclusions: WS increased physical performance when participants were subjected to physical stress but it did not increase the activity of sympathetic system thus contributing to its anti-stress activity