铁甲草醇提取物抑制二甲基亚硝胺诱导大鼠肝纤维化的实验研究

目的 观察铁甲草醇提取物抑制二甲基亚硝胺诱导大鼠肝纤维化形成的作用效果,并探讨其可能的作用机制.方法 将60只SD雄性大鼠,随机分为6组,每组10只,分别为正常组,模型组,铁甲草醇提取物高、中、低剂量组(12.6,4.2,1.4 g/kg)和秋水仙碱组(0.2 mg/kg),采用二甲基亚硝胺诱导的大鼠肝纤维化模型,在制备模型的同时,铁甲草高、中、低剂量组和秋水仙碱治疗组均灌胃给药,正常组和模型组均予等量生理盐水灌胃,每天1次,4周后处死大鼠,检测大鼠肝功能、血清透明质酸(HA)、层粘蛋白(LN)和Ⅲ型前胶原氨基端肽(PCⅢ)、肝组织羟脯胺酸(Hyp)含量及肝脏病理组织学改变.结果 铁甲草醇提取物各剂量组血清谷丙转氨酶(ALT)水平及铁甲草高剂量组血清谷草转氨酶(AST)水平与模型组比较,具有显著性差异(P<0.05);铁甲草醇提取物各剂量组大鼠肝组织Hyp含量均明显低于模型组,差异具有显著性(P<0.05);铁甲草醇提取物各剂量组大鼠血清HA、LN、PC Ⅲ含量明显低于模型组,具有显著性差异(P<0.05);铁甲草醇提取物各剂量组肝组织纤维化病变明显减轻,与模型组比较,差异具有显著性(P<0.05).结论 铁甲草醇提取物对二甲基亚硝胺诱导的大鼠肝纤维化形成,具有明显的抑制作用,其作用机制可能与保护肝细胞和抑制胶原纤维合成有关.     

铁甲草抑制二甲基亚硝胺诱导大鼠肝纤维化的实验研究

目的 观察铁甲草醇提取物抑制二甲基亚硝胺诱导大鼠肝纤维化形成的作用效果并探讨其作用机制.方法 采用二甲基亚硝胺诱导的大鼠肝纤维化模型,用高、中、低剂量(12.6,4.2,1.4 g/kg)的铁甲草醇提液进行干预治疗,并与秋水仙碱进行对照,检测大鼠肝功能、血清透明质酸(HA)、层粘蛋白(LN)和Ⅲ型前胶原氨基端肽(PCⅢ)、 肝组织羟脯胺酸(Hyp)含量及肝脏病理组织学改变. 结果 铁甲草高、中、低剂量组血清谷丙转氨酶(ALT)及铁甲草高剂量组血清谷草转氨酶(AST)水平与模型组比较有统计学意义(P <0.05);铁甲草各剂量组大鼠肝组织Hyp含量均明显低于模型组(P <0.05).铁甲草各剂量组大鼠血清HA 、LN、 PCⅢ含量明显低于模型组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).铁甲草高、中、低剂量组肝组织纤维化病变明显减轻,与模型组比较,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05). 结论 铁甲草对二甲基亚硝胺诱导的大鼠肝纤维化形成具有明显的抑制作用,其机制可能与保护肝细胞和抑制胶原纤维合成有关.     

Effect of Punica granatum Linn. (flowers) on blood glucose level in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats

‘Gulnar farsi’, male abortive flowers of Punica granatum L., are used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in Unani medicine. Oral administration of its aqueous-ethanolic (50%, v/v) extract led to significant blood glucose lowering effect in normal, glucose-fed hyperglycaemic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. This effect of the extract was maximum at 400 mg/kg, b.w.     

Effect of Punica granatum Linn. (flowers) on blood glucose level in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats

‘Gulnar farsi’, male abortive flowers of Punica granatum L., are used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in Unani medicine. Oral administration of its aqueous-ethanolic (50%, v/v) extract led to significant blood glucose lowering effect in normal, glucose-fed hyperglycaemic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. This effect of the extract was maximum at 400 mg/kg, b.w.     

Effect of aqueous leaf extract of Cassia alata (Linn.) on some haematological indices in albino rats

The effect of an aqueous leaf extract of Cassia alata (Linn.) on haematological indices in albino rats was studied. Increasing doses (10, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg body weight) of the extract were administered orally to different groups of rats daily for a period of 14 days. Significant dose-dependent decreases in the levels of haemoglobin (Hb) and erythrocyte count (p < 0.05) were observed. In addition, increased packed cell volume (PCV) mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were also observed. However, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) did not show any change. Clinical symptoms of loss of appetite, emaciation and loss of weight in the treated rats indicated toxicity. The observed symptoms of toxicity have been discussed in relation to the saponin content of the plant extract. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

七叶树属药用植物资源调查

七叶树为高大落叶乔木,以干燥成熟种子——娑罗子入药,具有疏肝理气、和胃止痛之功效,是我国珍稀濒危中药材。本文采用文献调查结合实地考察的方法,对中国境内七叶树资源种类、分布概况、适生生境、资源现状进行分析和总结,阐明了对七叶树属药用植物资源规范化种植和系统化研究的必要性和紧迫性,并提出资源可持续利用的重要性,以期为娑罗子药材的开发和合理利用提供借鉴。     

Effect of Cassia nomame on Small Intestine Movement, Diuresis, and Anti-inflammation in Rats

Objective To investigate the preliminary pharmacological screening of Cassia nomame.Methods The effect of aqueous extract from C.nomame on gastrointestinal motor function was investigated by assessing the intestinal transit rate(ITR)of charcoal modeled into gastrointestinal motility dysfunction(GMD)by the administration of dopamine,atropine,or noradrenaline to the rats,respectively.Diuresis was studied in vivo by estimating the urine output.The anti-inflammatory activity was expressed as the percentage of swelling reduction by comparison on the mean thickness of ear swelling in mice.Results The ITR in these GMD animals was significantly retarded compared to that in normal animals.The retardation,however,was significantly inhibited by the ig administration of C.nomame(2 g/kg)for all GMD animals.The results suggested that C.nomame had the potential for development into a prokinetic agent that could prevent or alleviate GMD in patients.C.nomame increased urine output and suppressed significantly ear swelling induced by dirnethyl benzene in mice.Conclusion C.nomame could increase the gastrointestinal contractile activity of rats and has the effects of diuresis and anti-inflammation.     

Effect of Tectona grandis Linn. on dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The bark of Tectona grandis Linn. is traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes.

Aim

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of ethanolic extract of bark of Tectona grandis Linn. (TG) in dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance in mice.

Materials and methods

Mice were treated with prestandardised dose of dexamethasone for 22 days and effect of TG at the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. on plasma blood glucose level, serum triglyceride level, glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, levels of hepatic antioxidant enzymes (GSH, SOD, catalase and LPO), and body weight were observed.

Results

TG showed significant decrease in plasma glucose and serum triglyceride levels (p < 0.01) at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. and also stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. The levels of antioxidant enzymes GSH, SOD, and catalase were significantly increased (p < 0.01) and there was significant decrease (p < 0.01) in level of LPO.

Conclusion

Hence it can be concluded that Tectona grandis may prove to be effective in the treatment of Type-II Diabetes mellitus owing to its ability to decrease insulin resistance.     

Effect of Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) on mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage in epididymal sperm of streptozotocin induced diabetic rat

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Mucuna pruriens Linn. (M. pruriens) is a leguminous plant that has been recognized as an herbal medicine for improving fertility and related disorders in the Indian traditional system of medicine, however without proper scientific validations.

Aim of the study

To study the effect of ethanolic seed extract of M. pruriens on mitochondrial dysfunction and the DNA damage in hyperglycemic rat epididymal spermatozoa.

Materials and methods

Male Wistar albino rats were divided as control (Sham), diabetes induced [streptozotocin 60 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.) in 0.1 M citrate buffer] (STZ), diabetic rats administered with 200 mg/kg b.w. of extract (STZ+MP) and normal rats administered with 200 mg/kg b.w. of extract (Sham+MP). M. pruriens was administered (gavage) once daily for a period of 60 days. On 60th day animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation sperm were collected from epididymis and subjected various analysis like antioxidants, ROS, lipid peroxidation (LPO), DNA damage, chromosomal integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP).

Results

Significant reduction in the sperm count, motility, viability and significant increase in the number of abnormal sperm in STZ compared to sham was noticed. STZ rat sperm showed significant increase in LPO and DNA damage. Both the enzymic and non-enzymic were decreased; MMP and the mitochondrial functions were severely affected in STZ group. The diabetic rats supplemented with M. pruriens showed a remarkable recovery in antioxidant levels and reduced LPO with well preserved sperm DNA. MMP and mitochondrial function test were also preserved in STZ+MP rat sperm.

Conclusion

The present study has clearly demonstrated the potency of M. pruriens to reduce the diabetic induced sperm damage induced by oxidative stress (OS). These observations are encouraging to perform similar studies in human.     

决明子蛋白质和蒽醌苷对D-半乳糖衰老小鼠学习记忆及代谢产物的影响

目的：观察决明子蛋白质和蒽醌苷对D-半乳糖所致衰老小鼠学习记忆与相关酶及代谢产物的影响。方法：选用长期皮下注射D-半乳糖形成的衰老小鼠模型。结果：三等分辐射式迷宫(即Y-迷宫)及一次性被动回避反应测试,证实决明子蛋白质和蒽醌苷对衰老小鼠的学习记忆障碍有显著的改善作用；决明子蛋白质和蒽醌苷可显著降低衰老小鼠脑组织中脂质过氧化产物丙二醛(MDA)的含量、提高脑组织超氧化物岐化酶(SOD)水平和减少肝组织中脂褐素(LF)含量。决明子蛋白质尚能显著降低衰老小鼠脑组织中单胺氧化酶(MAO)含量。结论：决明子蛋白质和蒽醌苷具有抗衰老及促进学习记忆能力的作用。     

Effect of Bacopa monniera Linn. extract on murine immune response in vitro

The study was to investigate and compare the effects of the Bacopa monniera Linn. extract and bacoside A on the ICR mice immune system in vitro. Splenocyte proliferation without or with mitogen (lipopolysaccharide, pokeweed mitogen, phytohaemagglutinin and concanavalin A) and phagocytic activity were assayed. The results showed that B. monniera extract at 0.001-1 mg/mL slightly suppressed splenocyte proliferation (SI 0.7) and decreased T-lymphocyte proliferation (SI 0.4) at 0.001 and 0.1 mg/mL with concanavalin A. Bacoside A at 0.001 mg/mL gave the highest splenocyte proliferation (SI 1.5) and strongly increased T-lymphocyte proliferation (SI 2.0) at 0.1 mg/mL with concanavalin A. Thus, it is possible to attribute the effect of B. monniera extract on splenocyte proliferation to the presence of bacoside A with other combined components. However, only B. monniera extract at 10 mg/mL produced a slight increase in lysosomal enzyme activity (PI 1.2), indicating a weak effect on phagocytic activation. It might be concluded that B. monniera manifests various effects on the murine immune system depending on the immune cell types, in accordance with its folklore uses. New assays are being carried out to study its mechanisms and to further investigate its applications in the treatment of human immune mediated diseases.     

Effect of Salvia officinalis L. leaves on serum glucose and insulin in healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The leaves of sage (Salvia officinalis L., Lamiaceae) are reported to have a wide range of biological activities, such as anti-bacterial, fungistatic, virustatic, astringent, eupeptic and anti-hydrotic effects. To determine the hypoglycaemic effect of sage leaves, we investigated the effects of essential oil and methanolic effect of the plant on healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The animals were made diabetic using by streptozotocin (70 mg/kg, i.p.). The methanolic extract (100, 250, 400 and 500 mg/kg) and essential oil (0.042, 0.125, 0.2 and 0.4 ml/kg) were injected intraperitoneally. The control groups were administered water and sunflower oil as vehicles of methanolic extract and essential oil, respectively. Blood samples were obtained from retro-orbital sinus before administration and 1, 3 and 5 h after administrations. The serum glucose was measured by the enzymatic method of glucose oxidase. The results showed that the essential oil of sage did not change serum glucose, while the plant extract significantly decreased serum glucose in diabetic rats in 3 h without effect on insulin releasing from the pancreas but not in healthy rats. Also, the LD₅₀ of the methanolic extract is measured (4000 mg/kg, i.p.). The present data indicate that sage extract has hypoglycaemic effect on diabetic animals and the plant should be considered in future therapeutic researches.     

益肾活血胶囊对糖耐量低减大鼠的血糖及空腹血清胰岛素水平的影响

目的：研究益肾活血胶囊（yishenhuoxue capsule,YSHXC）、二甲双胍（metformin,met）对D-半乳糖（D-galactose,D-gal）诱导大鼠糖耐量减退（Impaired Glucose Tolerance,IGT）的影响。方法：以ip D-gal 150mg kg-1,qd×56d诱导胰岛素抵抗（insulin resistance,IR）,IGT大鼠模型,测其空腹血糖（fasting blood glucose,FBG）和口服葡萄糖耐量试验（Oral Glucose Tolerancetest,OGTT）后2h血糖（2-hours Blood Glucose,2h BG）含量及空腹血清胰岛素水平（fasting serum insulin,FINS）;并观察YSHXC2个剂量、met对病鼠FBG、2h BG及FINS的效应。结果：正常对照组、YSHXC 2个剂量和met与模型组相比较,FBG均未见明显影响,差异未见显著性（P〉0.05）;而OGTT后2hBG,模型组明显高于正常对照组（P〈0.01）,说明D-gal致大鼠IGT模型成立;YSHXC 2个剂量和met均能抑制OGTT后2h BG的升高,差异均有高度显著性（P〈0.01）,FBG与OGTT后2H BG间差值降低,差异均有高度显著性（P〈0.01）,同时YSHXC 2个剂量同模型组相比均降低了病鼠的FINS水平,差异均有高度显著性（P〈0.01）,说明各药均能改善D-gal致IR模型大鼠的IGT。结论：D-gal可诱导以IGT为表现的IR,其机制可能与D-gal诱导蛋白非酶糖基化-氧化应激-自由基损伤作用和直接干扰糖脂代谢有关;益肾活血胶囊与met一样,能改善D-gal诱导IR大鼠的糖耐量以及由糖耐量低减所引起的高胰岛素血症。     

黄药子醇提物致大鼠肝损伤血清总胆汁酸早期变化研究

目的 :探讨血清总胆汁酸(TBA)作为黄药子醇提物致肝损伤早期敏感标志物的可能性。方法:取Wistar大鼠随机分为对照组和黄药子醇提物组(以下简称黄药子组),黄药子组每天灌胃给予醇提物5 g/kg,对照组灌服蒸馏水,于给药后1 d、7 d、16 d分批处理动物。乌拉坦麻醉动物,取血,测定常规血液生化指标-丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、总胆红素(TB)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、总蛋白(TP)、白蛋白(ALB)和文献报道的血清早期敏感指标-总胆汁酸(TBA)的水平,取肝,称重,计算肝脏指数并进行HE染色观察肝组织病理形态学变化。结果:与同时间点对照组相比,黄药子组常规生化指标AST和TB的变化较为明显,AST于给药1d～7d升高(P<0.01),TB于给药7 d有升高的趋势(P>0.05),16 d升高(P<0.01);肝脏指数于给药7d～16d升高(P<0.05或0.01),肝组织病理形态学检查显示16 d开始出现细胞肿大和单细胞坏死。血清早期敏感指标TBA于给药1d、7d、16d升高(P<0.05或0.01),与AST比较,TBA表现出良好的时效关系,较TB变化更早;与同时间点对照组相比,TBA数值的变化倍数均高于AST和TB。结论:TBA可作为黄药子致肝损伤的早期敏感生物标志物之一。     

葛根素与葡萄糖耐量因子分子水平配伍对肥胖大鼠体质量及血脂的影响

目的:中药葛根提取物葛根素与葡萄糖耐量因子(GTF)均参与并调节糖代谢和脂代谢,本实验旨在观察葛根素与GTF分子水平络合物对饮食诱导肥胖大鼠的影响。方法:将肥胖模型大鼠按体质量随机分为5组,每组12只。分为肥胖模型组、阳性药组、葛根素+GTF小、中、大剂量组,另设正常对照组。同时给药4周,测定每周体质量及血脂水平。结果:给予葛根素与GTF分子水平络合物4周后,肥胖大鼠的体质量增长减慢,甘油三酯、总胆固醇水平降低,高密度脂蛋白水平升高,与肥胖模型组比较有差异(P<0.05)。结论:中药葛根提取物葛根素与GTF分子水平配伍后可缓解肥胖大鼠的体质量增长,降低血脂水平。     

Vasorelaxant and antihypertensive effect of Cocos nucifera Linn. endocarp on isolated rat thoracic aorta and DOCA salt-induced hypertensive rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The fruits of Cocos nucifera Linn. (Arecaceae) have long been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of cardio-metabolic disorders.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the ethanolic extract of Cocos nucifera Linn. endocarp (CNE) for its vasorelaxant activity on isolated rat aortic rings and antihypertensive effects in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt-induced hypertensive rats.

Materials and methods

Cocos nucifera Linn. endocarp was extracted with ethanol and characterized by HPLC. CNE was examined for its in vitro vascular relaxant effects in isolated norepinephrine, phenylephrine or potassium chloride pre-contracted aortic rings (both intact endothelium and denuded). In vivo anti-hypertensive studies were conducted in DOCA salt-induced uninephrectomized male Wistar rats.

Results

Removal of endothelium or pretreatment of aortic rings (intact endothelium) with l-NNA (10 μM) or ODQ (10 μM) followed by addition of contractile agonists prior to CNE significantly blocked the CNE-induced relaxation. Indomethacin (10 μM) and atropine (1 μM) partially blocked the relaxation, whereas glibenclamide (10 μM) did not alter it. CNE significantly reduced the mean systolic blood pressure in DOCA salt-induced hypertensive rats (from 185.3 ± 4.7 mmHg to 145.6 ± 6.1 mmHg). The activities observed were supported by the polyphenols, viz. chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid and ferulic acid identified in the extract.

Conclusions

These findings reveal that the vasorelaxant and antihypertensive effects of CNE, through nitric oxide production in a concentration and endothelium-dependent manner, is due to direct activation of nitric oxide/guanylate cyclase pathway, stimulation of muscarinic receptors and/or via cyclooxygenase pathway.     

健脾化痰活血法对糖耐量减低患者血糖和血脂水平的影响

目的观察健脾化痰活血法对糖耐量减低（IGT）患者血糖和血脂水平的影响及临床疗效。方法将140例IGT患者随机分为2组,对照组60例予常规饮食、运动干预,治疗组80例在对照组治疗基础上予健脾化痰活血法干预。2组均4周为1个疗程,3个疗程后统计临床疗效,检测2组空腹血糖（FPG）、2 h血糖（2 h PG）、胆固醇（TC）及甘油三酯（TG）变化情况。结果治疗组总有效率76.25%,对照组总有效率48.33%,2组总有效率比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,治疗组疗效优于对照组。治疗组干预后2 h PG、TC及TG与本组干预前比较均明显下降（P〈0.05）,且与对照组干预后比较差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。对照组干预后2 h PG与本组干预前比较明显下降（P〈0.05）。结论健脾化痰活血法可明显改善IGT患者血糖和血脂水平,且疗效确切,无副作用。     

逍遥散对肠易激综合征大鼠血清皮质醇变化的影响

目的:观察逍遥散对IBS模型大鼠内脏高敏感性的影响及其作用机制。方法:实验动物随机分为6组:正常组、模型组、阳性对照组、逍遥散高、中、低剂量组,采用慢性束缚+夹尾刺激作为心理应激原诱导IBS大鼠模型,观察逍遥散对IBS大鼠内脏高敏感性及血清皮质醇水平的影响。结果:与正常组比较,IBS模型大鼠肠运动功能增强(P<0.01),内脏敏感性明显增高(P<0.01),血清皮质醇含量明显增高(P<0.01)。而逍遥散能增高大鼠腹部收缩反射最小容量阈值(P<0.05),降低皮质醇含量(P<0.05~0.01),且有一定的量效关系。结论:逍遥散可降低IBS大鼠内脏高敏感性,其机制可能在于通过下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺皮质系统轴(HPA轴)调节皮质醇的分泌与释放。     

SDF7, a group of Scoparia dulcis Linn. derived flavonoid compounds,stimulates glucose uptake and regulates adipocytokines in 3T3-F442a adipocytes

Ethnopharmacology relevance

Adipocytes are major tissues involved in glucose uptake second to skeletal muscle and act as the main adipocytokines mediator that regulates glucose uptake mechanism and cellular differentiation. The objective of this study were to examine the effect of the SDF7, which is a fraction consists of four flavonoid compounds (quercetin: p-coumaric acid: luteolin: apigenin=8: 26: 1: 3) from Scoparia dulcis Linn., on stimulating the downstream components of insulin signalling and the adipocytokines expression on different cellular fractions of 3T3-F442a adipocytes.

Material and methods

Morphology and lipid accumulation of differentiated 3T3-F442a adipocytes by 100 nM insulin treated with different concentrations of SDF7 and rosiglitazone were examined followed by the evaluation of glucose uptake activity expressions of insulin signalling downstream components (IRS-1, PI3-kinase, PKB, PKC, TC10 and GLUT4) from four cellular fractions (plasma membrane, cytosol, high density microsome and low density microsome). Next, the expression level of adipocytokines (TNF-α, adiponectin and leptin) and immunoblotting of treated 3T3-F442 adipocytes was determined at 30 min and 480 min. Glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation of 3T3-F442a adipocytes membrane was also determined. Lastly, mRNA expression of adiponectin and PPAR-γ of 3T3-F442a adipocytes were induced and compared with basal concentration.

Results

It was found that SDF7 was able to induce adipocytes differentiation with great extends of morphological changes, lipid synthesis and lipid stimulation in vitro. SDF7 stimulation of glucose transport on 3T3-F442a adipocytes are found to be dose independent, time-dependent and plasma membrane GLUT4 expression-dependent. Moreover, SDF7 are observed to be able to suppress TNF-α and leptin expressions that were mediated by 3T3-F442a adipocytes, while stimulated adiponectin secretion on the cells. There was a significant expression (p<0.01) of protein kinase C and small G protein TC10 on 3T3-F442a adipocytes upon treatment with SDF7 as compared to the control. SDF7 was also found to be effective in stimulating adiponectin and PPAR-γ mRNA upregulation at 50 µg/ml.

Conclusion

SDF7 exhibited good lipogenesis, adiponectinesis and glucose uptake stimulatory properties on 3T3-F442a adipocytes.     

The effect of Nigella sativa Linn. seed on memory,attention and cognition in healthy human volunteers

Background

Experimental evidences have demonstrated that Nigella sativa Linn. seed (NS) has positive modulation effects on aged rats with memory impairments, prevents against hippocampal pyramidal cell loss and enhances consolidation of recall capability of stored information and spatial memory in rats. NS has neuroprotective, nephroprotective, lung protective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective activities as established by previous studies on animals. Several clinical trials with NS on human have also demonstrated beneficial effect.

Aim of the study

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of NS on memory, attention and cognition in healthy elderly volunteers. Furthermore, safety profile of NS was assessed during the nine-week study period.

Methods

Forty elderly volunteers were recruited and divided randomly into group A and group B—each consisting of 20 volunteers. The treatment procedure for group A was 500 mg NS capsule twice daily for nine weeks and Group B received placebo instead of NS in the similar manner. All the volunteers were assessed for neuropsychological state and safety profile twice before treatment and after nine weeks. The neuropsychological tests were logical memory test, digit span test, Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test, letter cancellation test, trail making test and stroop test. Safety profile was assessed by measuring biochemical markers of Cardiac (total cholesterol, triglycerides and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, creatine kinase-MB); Liver (aspartate aminotransferase, alanin aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, bilirubin) and Kidney (creatinine and blood urea nitrogen) through using commercial kits.

Results

There was significant difference (p<0.05) in the score of logical memory test-I and II, total score of digit span, 30 min delayed-recall, percent score in Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test, time taken to complete letter cancellation test, time taken in trail making test-A and test-B, score in part C of stroop test due to ingestion of NS for nine weeks. There were not statistically significant changes (p>0.05) in any of the biochemical markers of cardiac, liver, kidney function during this nine-week study period.

Conclusions

The current study demonstrates the role of NS in enhancing memory, attention and cognition. Therefore, whether NS could be considered as potential food supplement for preventing or slow progressing of Alzheimer disease needs further investigations. However, study with Alzheimer′s patients with large population size for longer period of time is recommended before using NS daily and extensive phytochemical investigations are recommended for novel drug discovery from NS for treating cognitive disorders.