Acacia Catechu Willd. Extract Protects Neuronal Cells from Oxidative Stress-Induced Damage

Oxidative stress (OS) and the resulting reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and inflammation play a pivotal role in the neuronal loss occurring during the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, promising future drugs that would prevent or slow down the progression of neurodegeneration should possess potent radical-scavenging activity. Acacia catechu Willd. heartwood extract (AC), already characterized for its high catechin content, is endowed with antioxidant properties. The aim of the present study was to assess AC neuroprotection in both human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and rat brain slices treated with hydrogen peroxide. In SH-SY5Y cells, AC prevented a decrease in viability, as well as an increase in sub-diploid-, DAPI positive cells, reduced ROS formation, and recovered the mitochondrial potential and caspase-3 activation. AC related neuroprotective effects also occurred in rat brain slices as a reversal prevention in the expression of the main proteins involved in apoptosis and signalling pathways related to calcium homeostasis following OS-mediated injury. Additionally, unbiased quantitative mass spectrometry allowed for assessing that AC partially prevented the hydrogen peroxide-induced altered proteome, including proteins belonging to the synaptic vesicle fusion apparatus. In conclusion, the present results suggest the possibility of AC as a nutraceutical useful in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

A Comprehensive Review on the Chemical Composition and Pharmacological Activities of Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd.

With the emergence of epidemics, pandemics, and infectious diseases, several research activities have been carried out on natural products to tackle them. As there are structural diversities in natural products, researchers are focused on exploring them for treatment and/or management of various infections and/or diseases. Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd. belonging to the order Fabales and family Fabaceae shows a wide range of pharmacological functions in the management of diseases in humankind. This review was carried out to gather and provide information about the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of A. catechu through the literature survey of scientific articles. On preliminary assessments, A. catechu is demonstrated as a significant wellspring of bioactive compounds with a wide range of biological and pharmaceutical applications such as antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, and so on. Although the metabolites from the plant are reported with diverse pharmacological applications, there is little information in regards to toxicity and clinical trials on bioactive compounds of this plant. Further research on diverse bioactive compounds from the plant is required to develop them as a successful potent drug.

Anti-inflammatory activity of acacia catechu-bark aqueous solution in aspirin induced gastric ulcer in rodents

Background: Aspirin is amongst the most widely used drugs and has many adverse effects on gastric mucosa. Anti-inflammatory properties of Acacia catechu have been established already. Objective was to evaluate the histopathological changes induced by aspirin in the stomach of albino rats and to assess the protective effect of different doses of Acacia catechu.Methods: Experimental study Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore for 21 days. Forty-eight adult albino rats, both males and female, were divided into four groups A, B, C and D randomly; each comprising of 12 rats. Group A was control, group B was given aspirin 100 mg/kg and group C and D were given aspirin 100 mg/kg along with Acacia catechu 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg respectively by oral route. The rats from individual group were sacrificed on 3rd day, 7th day and 14th day and stomachs were examined under light microscope to observe the inflammatory cells infiltration.Results: Gross and microscopic findings on days 3, 7 and 14 were similar. Control groups A1, A2 and A3 showed normal healthy gastric mucosa and the least number of inflammatory cells. In group B, aspirin produced ulcerations and linear breaks; with highest inflammatory infiltrates. On microscopic examination, numerous inflammatory cells were noted. Group C and D rats had minimum ulcer index and fewer inflammatory cells.Conclusions: Acacia catechu has protective role against gastric injury by inhibiting inflammation.

Identification of Suitable Plant Species for Vegetation Restoration at Manthali, Nepal

The present study aims to find out the suitable native plant species for restoring degraded land in the mountain from 450 m asl to 819 m asl in Khurkot of Manthali. Altogether thirty quadrats were laid to observe frequency, density and coverage of plant species present there, and ultimately, IVI was calculated. Eight plant species – 3 trees like Acacia catechu, Aegle marmelos and Annona squamosa; 3 shrubs like Rhus parviflora, Cipadessa baccifera and Abrus precatorius (woody climber), and 2 herbs like Uraria lagopodiodes and Polypogon monospeliensis were considered for the detailed study based on their high IVI values. Altogether fourteen traits (growth form, life-span, phenology, Raunkiaer’s life-form, canopy height, stem density, mean ramet distance, leaf size, specific leaf area, leaf thickness, seed mass, propagules mass, seed shape and nitrogen fixation) were studied in those eight species. Based on these traits, through this protocol, the plants were again categorized into five syndromes, i.e., establishment syndrome, dispersal syndrome, biomass producing syndrome, persistence syndrome and effect on environment syndrome. From this study, Annona squamosa and Abrus precatorius can be suggested as candidate species for early succession. Similarly, Aegle marmelos, Acacia catechu, Annona squamosa, Rhus parviflora and Abrus precatorius can be recommended to plant for restoration of degraded bushy lands, which are in the phase of secondary succession.

Habitat use and conservation threats to Wild Water Buffalo Bubalus arnee (Mammalia: Artiodactyla: Bovidae) in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal

Wild Water Buffalo (WWB) Bubalus arnee is an endangered species and a protected animal in Nepal. The remaining WWB population is located in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR), and it appears to have low viability under prevailing conditions. We assessed the habitat use and conservation threats to wild water buffalo in KTWR. For habitat analysis the quadrant method was used. Eighty-four quadrants of 25 m2 for trees, 168 quadrants of 10m2 for shrubs and 336 quadrants of 1 m2 for herbs were laid out in the study area. Ivlev’s electivity index (IV) was calculated to assess the use of different habitat components. The important Value Index (IVI) was used for vegetation assessment. A relative threat ranking method was used to assess conservation threats for wild buffalo and their habitats. Wild buffalo mostly preferred habitats with distance to water resources less than 500 m (IV= 0.4), less than 25 % crown coverage (IV= 0.39) and more than 75 % ground coverage (IV= 0.42). The trees species Phyllanthus emblica, Acacia catechu, shrub species Mimosa pudica and the herb species Brachiaria distachya, Vetiveria zizanioides, Imperata cylindrica, and Saccharum spontaneum were preferred by WWB in the study area. Among the different plant categories, we found that Acacia catechu was the most preferred tree species (IVI= 156.95), Mimosa pudica the most preferred shrub species (IVI= 58.68), and Imperata cylindrica the most preferred herb species (IVI= 64.73). Major conservation threats perceived by local stakeholders for wild buffaloes were overgrazing by cattle and genetic swamping through crossbreeding with domestic buffalo. Therefore, conservation of grass species through control of grazing, and prevention of cross breeding are measures supported by this study. Additionally, site-specific conservation strategies should be adopted, based on identified threats in the study area.

A CRITICAL REVIEW STUDY ON MADHUMEHA (DIABETES MELLITUS) AND ITS PREVENTIVE APPROACH

Madhumeha is a clinical entity described in Ayurveda under the types of Vataja Prameha. It is caused by the ag- gravation of Vata, the patient passes excess urine, which is sweet, astringent in taste, slightly turbid and pale in colour. Madhumeha can be correlated with an identical disease delineated in modern medical sciences as Diabetes Mellitus. DM has turned out to be the considerable silent killer today within the world. In Ayurveda it is de- scribed in Vataja Pramehas and can be managed conservatively with Modifications in diet, exercise, medication and lifestyle are all important factors in the successful treatment of type 2 diabetes and are assimilated into the ancient Indian medicinal practice of Ayurveda. Drugs like Chandraprabha (Curcuma zedoaria), Gudmar (Gymnema sylvestre), Asana (Pterocarpus marsupium), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Shilajit (Purified Bitumen), Khadir (Acacia catechu), Vacha (Acorus calamu), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Jambu (Syzygium cumini) are effective in controlling hyperglycemia. This study is consists of a brief classical picture of Madhumeha and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus along with its burden on society and classical management. Keywords: Chandraprabha, Diabetes Mellitus, Madhumeha, Prameha, Vataja.

AMAZING ANTIMICROBIAL AND WOUND HEALING POTENTIAL OF ACACIA CATECHU BARK EXTRACTS- A REVIEW

Plants are not only the source of food, oxygen, and shelter, but the same are also a potential foundation of medicines. Many natural and plant-derived antimicrobial and wound healing compounds have been recognized. In the present review, we have studied the main bioactive components of Acacia catechu with their medicinal roles. Most of these bioactive components are secondary metabolites which are produced by plants as side products of certain physiological reactions and are of no use for the plant itself. These components have been reported for their medicinal properties. In this review, we have mentioned some antibacterial, antifungal, and wound healing properties of A. catechu with its known bioactive components. The aim of this review article is, to enlist the possible potent bioactive components of the plant, against pathogenic microbes that can replace the use of chemicals and synthetic antibiotics for the treatment of skin infections and other diseases.

A High-Content Screen for the Identification of Plant Extracts with Insulin Secretion-Modulating Activity

Bioactive plant compounds and extracts are of special interest for the development of pharmaceuticals. Here, we describe the screening of more than 1100 aqueous plant extracts and synthetic reference compounds for their ability to stimulate or inhibit insulin secretion. To quantify insulin secretion in living MIN6 β cells, an insulin–Gaussia luciferase (Ins-GLuc) biosensor was used. Positive hits included extracts from Quillaja saponaria, Anagallis arvensis, Sapindus mukorossi, Gleditsia sinensis and Albizia julibrissin, which were identified as insulin secretion stimulators, whereas extracts of Acacia catechu, Myrtus communis, Actaea spicata L., Vaccinium vitis-idaea and Calendula officinalis were found to exhibit insulin secretion inhibitory properties. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were used to characterize several bioactive compounds in the selected plant extracts, and these bioactives were retested for their insulin-modulating properties. Overall, we identified several plant extracts and some of their bioactive compounds that may be used to manipulate pancreatic insulin secretion.