Comprehensive review on Alzheimer's Disease: Pathophysiology and its Treatment

Neurodegenerative disorders are marked by the loss of brain neuron activity, resulting in gradual cognitive impairment. The effects of neurodegenerative diseases are severe in terms of pathology and the cost of patient care. The aged, in general, are the most vulnerable. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a brain ailment that causes cell degradation and is the leading cause of dementia, identified by a loss of thinking ability and independence in daily tasks. The amyloid cascade hypothesis, which attributes clinical signs/symptoms to an abundance of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides, enhanced deposition into amyloid plaques, and eventually neuronal destruction, is one theory for pathogenesis AD. The use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in AD treatment is based on their favorable effects on the disease's functional, cognitive and behavioral symptoms. However, their involvement in AD pathogenesis is uncertain. This comprehensive review will provide an overview of AD, including the pathophysiology, causes, treatments, and future treatment.

A Review on the Anti-Viral Activity of Houttuynia cordata: A Possible Herb for the Management and Treatment of COVID-19

Plants are an important source of natural products and they play a vital role in the field of medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical science. Traditional medicines have been practiced and used for thousands of years, mostly in Asian countries, where plants are the main sources of medicine. Houttuynia cordata, a herb that belongs to the family Saururaceae, has a wide range of pharmacological activities and is used traditionally in conditions like anisolobis sores, heatstroke, lung carbuncles, malaria, scrotal abscess, tonsillitis, salammoniac poison and has also been widely accepted to possess anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-hypertension, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-purulent activity. Moreover, it is one of the herbs that was recognized during pandemic outbreaks, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS CoV) in China, virulent Newcastle Disease Virus (VNDV) in Java (Indonesia) and Newcastle (England). In this review, we briefly discuss the role of H. cordata as an anti-viral agent and the possibility of developing a dosage form against Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19).

A brief study of mechanism, animal models, and management for obesity

Obesity appears as fat accumulation in adipose tissue from high energy intake and insufficient energy consumption. It is accompanied by several factors such as genetics, environmental, fetal nutrition, energy intake and expenditure, and culture. These factors stimulate several other mechanisms that contribute to obesity and obesity-related disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, etc. In the present article, we have examined the main factors, symptoms, and special problems associated with obesity, mechanisms of obesity, and the relation of important parameters with obesity. We have also depicted the various animal models for obesity research. Lastly, we have described the management of obesity.

Larvicidal activity of ethanolic leaf and seed extract of Croton tiglium against Aedes aegypti

Aim and objectives: Mosquitoes are the transmitters of serious human diseases that cause millions of deaths every year. The use of synthetic insecticides causes harmful side effects to the environment and human health. So a natural alternative way is needed to solve this problem. Extracts from the various parts of plants like leaves, seeds, barks and roots can be used to control mosquitoes. This study aims to evaluate the larvicidal activity of ethanolic seed and leaf extracts of a traditionally used medicinal plant Croton tiglium, against Aedes aegypti, the vector of dengue fever. Material and methods: In this study, extracts from the dried leaf and seed powder of the Croton tiglium plant were extracted using ethanol in a soxhlet apparatus. Different concentrations were prepared from the extracts. Third instar larvae of Aedes aegypti were collected from the mosquito culture laboratory of the Life Sciences Department of Dibrugarh University. Prepared concentrations of the extracts were tested against the larvae of Aedes aegypti to evaluate the larvicidal activity by calculating percent mortality. Result: The ethanolic leaf and seed extracts of the selected plant were found effective against the larvae of Aedes aegypti. The 250 ppm concentration of both leaf and seed extracts showed the highest mortality of mosquito larva. The seed extract of this plant was found more effective in killing mosquito larva. Conclusion: From the study, it can be concluded that the ethanolic leaf and seed extracts of Croton tiglium possess larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti. Hence, it could be useful in controlling mosquitoes without any harmful effects. However, further study and investigation will be needed to isolate and characterize bioactive components from this plant with larvicidal activity and the development of drugs for dengue from the components

Formulation by Design (FbD) approach to develop pharmaceutically amended Diclofenac Sodium hydrogel as compared to marketed gel

The aim of the present study was to develop pharmaceutically better performing Diclofenac Sodium hydrogel through FbD approaches as compared to marketed gel. The quality target product profile was set for the critical quality attributes of the gel. The key material variables like Carbopol 934P, propylene glycol and Triethanolamine (TEA) were optimized using design of experiments. A response surface central composite design was used considering viscosity, pH and cumulative percentage permeation of the drug up to 120 min as responses. TEA had a significant effect on the pH at concentrations of 0.3182-3.6818% (w/w). The applicability of the optimized formulations was influenced by both Carbopol 934P (0.6591-2.3409%; w/w) and propylene glycol (PG; 6.591-23.409%; w/w) content due to their ability to alter the formulation viscosity. The optimized formulation, determined mathematically, contained 1.5% (w/w) Carbopol 934P. 2.0% (w/w) TEA and 15% (w/w) PG. The optimized hydrogel and marketed gel were evaluated for viscosity, spreadability, skin irritation, homogeneity and grittiness, texture analysis, in vitro release and ex vivo permeation studies. When these evaluation parameters were compared with a marketed gel in respect of all the evaluating tests, the optimized hydrogel was found to be far better formulation than the marketed one.