Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disease of the brain named after German physician Aloes Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia and affects an estimated 10 million people worldwide. The most common form of dementia is AD, which demolishes the vital brain cells, causing trouble with memory, thinking, and behavior, brutal enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies, and social life. Recognized factors in Alzheimer's disease include acetylcholine deficiency, free radicals, and inflammation of the brain tissue. Many of the current drugs taken to treat the disease, such as, donepezil, have unpleasant side effects and doctors are keen to find alternatives. There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but drugs designed to slow disease progression are available. Some herbs may help to improve brain function, but scientific evidence to prove that they can treat Alzheimer's disease, is limited. Electronic database like MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane Library, dissertation Abstract (USA), National Research Register, Current Controlled trials, Centerwatch Trials Database, and PsychINFO Journal Article bases were used to search for information related to studies done on plants in the past years. The objective here is to provide a systematic review of the ongoing evidence pertaining to the use of medicinal herbs in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its associated symptoms.

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Pomegranate (Punica granatum L), in addition to its ancient historical uses, has been used in several systems of medicine for a variety of ailments. Pomegranate juice is a polyphenol-rich juice with high antioxidant capacity. In studies of human and murine models, pomegranate juice has been shown to exert significant antiatherogenic, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory effects. In the past decade, numerous studies on the antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate constituents have been published, focusing on the treatment and prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dental conditions, and ultraviolet radiation-induced skin damage. Other potential applications include infant brain ischemia, male infertility, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, and obesity. The aim of the present review is to discuss the cumulative evidence, which suggests that pomegranate consumption possesses a diverse array of biological actions and may be helpful in the prevention of some inflammatory-mediated diseases, including cancer. The search strategy included Pubmed, using terms 'pomegranate' or 'Punica granatum'. Citations relevant to the topic were screened.

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Colocasia esculenta (CE) Linn. (Family: Araceae) is an annual herbaceous plant with a long history of usage in traditional medicine in several countries across the world, especially in the tropical and subtropical regions. The herb has been known since ancient times for its curative properties and has been utilized for treatment of various ailments such as asthma, arthritis, diarrhea, internal hemorrhage, neurological disorders, and skin disorders. The juice of CE corm is widely used for treatment of body ache and baldness. A wide range of chemical compounds including flavonoids, β-sitosterol, and steroids have been isolated from this species. Extracts from this plant have been found to possess various pharmacological activities. This contribution provides a comprehensive review of its ethnomedical uses, chemical constituents, and the pharmacological profile as a medicinal plant. Particular attention has been given to analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and hypolipidemic effects presented in this review in order to evaluate the potential use of this plant in pharmaceuticals.

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Aim: The present study was undertaken to find out the possible radioprotective efficacy of apigenin against whole body gamma (γ)-irradiation, oxidative damage and hematological alterations in Swiss albino mice. Materials and Methods: The percentage of mice surviving 30 days, of exposure to radiation dose (7-11 Gy) was used to construct survival dose response curves. Apigenin (15 mg/kg body weight) was administered intraperitonially (i.p) for 7 consecutive days, once daily, and then the mice were exposed to single dose of 7 Gy of γ-radiation. Mice were sacrificed at 24 hours post irradiation, and liver and intestine were taken for various biochemical estimations viz. lipid peroxidation (LPO) markers [thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated dienes (CD) and lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH)], antioxidant status [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH)]. Further blood was collected for the hematological studies [Haemoglobin (Hb) content, red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) count]. Results: Apigenin 15 mg/kg body weight elevated radiation LD ₅₀ from 8.2 to 10 Gy, indicating the dose modifying factor (DMF) of 1.21. It was found that there was an increased LPO level with decreased antioxidant status in 7 Gy irradiated Swiss albino mice. It has been also observed that Hb content, WBC and RBC count was decreased in irradiated Swiss albino mice. Conversely, significant decrease in LPO and restoration of antioxidant status and hematological changes was observed in apigenin pretreated group. Conclusion: Hence, apigenin pretreatment renders protection against 7 Gy radiation-induced biochemical and hematological alterations in Swiss albino mice.

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Background: Cypermethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid commonly used in agriculture, veterinary, and household insects/pests management. Resveratrol a polyphenolic phytoalexin abundantly found in grapes and red wine is a potent antioxidant and cytoprotective agent. Objectives: Neurotoxicity of cypermethrin is well-known. The aim of this study was to evaluate neurotoxic effects of cypermethrin and protective role of resveratrol in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group A served as control. Rats of Group B were treated with cypermethrin at the dose of 3.83 mg/kg body weight (bw) for 7 days. Group C and D were post- and pretreatment of resveratrol (20 mg/kg bw) along with cypermethrin exposure. In Group E, resveratrol served as control. Results: Cypermethrin treated group showed elevation in lipid peroxidation (LPO 83.99%) and inhibition in glutathione (GSH 12.81%), superoxide dismutase (SOD 17.08%), catalase (CAT 11.51%), glutathione-S-transferase (GST 12.12%), glutathione reductase (GR 77.55%), glutathione peroxidase (GPX 23.78 %), total protein (42.95%), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity (47.64%) in rat brain. Posttreatment, pretreatment, and treatment with resveratrol reversed the toxic effect induced by cypermethrin. Conclusion: Our findings strongly suggest that cypermethrin-induced neurotoxicity may be mediated through free radical formation, reduced antioxidant defense mechanism, and inhibition of acetylcholinestrase (AChE) activity. Cypermethrin may be showing AChE inhibitory activity by interacting with the anionic substrate binding site. Administration of resveratrol increased AChE activity and ameliorated cypermethrin-induced brain damage in Wistar rats.

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Anemia is the most widespread nutrition problem in the world and has predominance in developing countries like India, particularly in children and women. The magnitude of the anemia has been well-documented in pregnant women and infants, however, there is no data on the prevailing occurrence of anemia in school children. The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of anemia and its correlation to variables such as age, gender and body mass index in school children of Kattangulathur, Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 900 children in the age group of 8-16 years were included in this study. Parental consent was obtained in the written format. Blood was collected by finger prick and the hemoglobin was determined by cyanmethemoglobin method. A preplanned questionnaire was used to collect the health details of the children. The children were grouped according to the age. Prevalence of anemia as per the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended cutoff value of hemoglobin, among these children was 52.88%. The frequency of the prevalence of anemia was significantly higher amongst girls as compared to the boys. Results of the study population reveal that 52.88% were anemic, girls (67.77%) were 32.2% higher than the boys (35.55%) and anemic children were underweight. Therefore our study results suggest that all the school children should be screened periodically and appropriate measures should be taken..

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Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus), a cosmopolitan weed, is found in all tropical, subtropical and temperate regions of the world. In India, it is commonly known as Nagarmotha and it belongs to the family Cyperacea. The major chemical components of this herb are essential oils, flavonoids, terpenoids, sesquiterpenes, cyprotene, cyperene, aselinene, rotundene, valencene, cyperol, gurjunene, trans-calamenene, cadalene, cyperotundone, mustakone, isocyperol, acyperone, etc., Research studies have shown that it possesses various pharmacological activities such as diuretic, carminative, emmenagogue, anthelminthic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-dysenteric, antirheumatic activities. An extensive review of the ancient traditional literature and modern research revealed that the drug has numerous therapeutic actions, several of which have been established scientifically, which may help the researchers to set their minds for approaching the utility, efficacy and potency of nagarmotha.

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Objectives: This study analyzes the research output of India in Parkinson's disease (PD) during 2002-2011 on several parameters including the growth, rank, and global publications share, citation impact, share of international collaborative papers, contribution of major collaborative partner countries, contribution of various subject-fields, contribution and impact of most productive institutions and authors, media of communication, and characteristics of high-cited papers. Materials and Methods: The Scopus Citation Database has been used to retrieve the data for 10 years (2002-2011) by searching the keywords PD in the combined Title, Abstract, and Keywords fields. Results: Among the top 20 most productive countries in PD, India ranks 16 ^th (with 458 papers) with a global publication share of 1.47% and an annual average publication growth rate of 26.05% during 2002-2011. Its global publication share has increased over the years, rising from 1.08% during 2002-2006 to 1.74% during 2007-2011. Its citation impact per paper was 5.77 during 2002-2011, which decreased from 8.40 during 2002-2006 to 4.64 during 2007-2011. Its international collaborative publications share was 26.18% during 2002-2011, which marginally increased from 26.17% during 2002-2006 to 26.18% during 2007-2011. Conclusion: It can be concluded that India's research performance in PD is quite good in the global context, despite the low prevalence of PD in the country. However, India needs to intensify its innovative strategies and international collaboration to strengthen its research output, human resources, funds, public-health awareness through local campaigns, and initiatives for the prevention and treatment of PD.

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Introduction: Nootropic agents, including cholinesterase inhibitors are being used to improve memory, mood and behavior, but the side-effects associated with these agents have made their use limited. The present study has therefore been undertaken to assess the synergistic effects of Celastrus paniculatous and Angelica glauca on scopolamine induced dementia in rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were treated with scopolamine (1 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) alone and with donepezil (2 mg/kg body weight p.o.), C. paniculatous (150 mg/kg body weight, p.o) and A. glauca (150 mg/kg body weight, p.o.). The changes in behavioral and biochemical parameters were assessed in rats. Results: Scopolamine treated rats showed impaired learning and memory, increased activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (18%), lipid peroxidation (60%), protein carbonyls (47%) and decreased levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) (35%), activity of superoxide dismutase (34%) and catalase (42%) in hippocampus as compared with control. Simultaneous treatment of C. paniculatous and A. glauca with scopolamine also caused an improvement in the learning and memory activity associated with AChE activity in hippocampus of rats as compared to those treated with scopolamine alone. Combined treatment of C. paniculatous, A. glauca and scopolamine significantly improved the learning and memory function and AChE activity (30%) associated with decreased lipid peroxidation (33%), protein carbonyls (27%) and increased levels of antioxidant enzymes like reduced GSH (46%), activity of superoxide dismutase (50%) and catalase (62%) in hippocampus of rats as compared with those treated with scopolamine alone. Conclusion: The results of the present study exhibit protective efficacy of combined treatment of C. paniculatous and A. glauca in scopolamine induced dementiaand promising as a memory enhancing agents that is associated with its strong antioxidant potential.

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Objectives: Sulfated chitosan was prepared from the shell of donacid clam Donax scortum by following demineralization, deproteinization, deacetylation and sulfating with chlorosulfonic acid. Results: FT-IR spectrum proved the structure of sulfated chitosan. The yield, sulfate content and molecular weight was found 80.30%, 14.2% and 18.65 × 10 ⁴ Da. Their anticoagulant activity was determined for human plasma with respect to the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) and it was 6.45 and 1.73 IU, respectively. The antioxidant activity of sulfated chitosan was evaluated as radical scavengers against superoxide anion (71.46% at 0.5 mg/ ml) and hydroxyl radicals (64.73% at 3.2 mg/ml). The antioxidant activity of sulfated chitosan was evaluated as radical scavengers against superoxide anion and hydroxyl radicals of 71.46% at 0.5 mg/ml and 64.73% at 3.2 mg/ml. The chelating ability and reducing power of sulfated chitosan was 43.24 at 10 mg/ml and 0.578 at 0.75 mg/ml. IC ₅₀ values of scavenging abilities on superoxide anion and hydroxyl radicals were 0.398 and 0.527 mg/ml whereas those of chelating ability and reducing power were 5.01 and 0.728 mg/ml. Conclusion: These results indicated that sulfated chitosan from D. scortum had potent anticoagulant and antioxidant activities.

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Background : There is mounting evidence that flavonoid consumption is potentially beneficial to those suffering from neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. These beneficial properties are largely attributed to their medicinal values. Objectives: In this study, we evaluated the neuro-protective effect of black hesperidin against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induced behavioral deficits, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Results: Behavioral analyses showed that hesperidin ameliorates MPTP-induced motor dysfunction. Elevated level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase with deprived levels of reduced glutathione and activities of glutathione peroxidase in MPTP group was attenuated significantly in hesperidin-treated group. Administration of MPTP-induced glial activation observed by primary marker Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein increased the release of pro-oxidant Cyclooxygenase - 2 and inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin-1β, Tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-10 in striatum and substania nigra. Treatment of hesperidin significantly protects microglia activation and reduces the release of inflammatory cytokines proving the anti-inflammatory effect of hesperidin. Conclusion: These findings suggest that hesperidin partially attenuates MPTP-induced neurotoxicity through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

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Objectives: The study seeks to evaluate the effect of chrysin; a natural, biologically active compound extracted from plants, honey or propolis, on the tissues and circulatory antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in N^ω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced hypertensive rats. Materials and Methods: Male albino rats were divided into four groups. Control (Group I) and chrysin supplementation of the control (Group II) received normal diet. Groups III and IV received L-NAME (40 mg/kg B.W). Groups II and IV received chrysin (25 mg/kg B.W) dissolved in 0.2% dimethylsulfoxide solution after the 4 ^th week. Results and Discussion: The results showed significantly elevated levels of tissue and circulatory thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, conjugated dienes and lipid hydroperoxides, and significantly lowered enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats compared with those in control group. From chrysin administration to rats with L-NAME-induced hypertension leads to tissue damage which significantly decreases the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, lipid hydroperoxides and conjugated dienes, and significantly elevates the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E in the tissues and circulation compared with those on the unsupplemented L-NAME induced hypertensive group. Conclusions: Chrysin offers protection against free radical-mediated oxidative stress in rats with L-NAME-induced hypertension.

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Background: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) comprises a wide variety of damage, starting from steatosis to liver cancer. ALD results from a multifactorial interaction between behavioral, ecological, and hereditary factors. The aim of this study was to identify whether zingerone ameliorates liver and renal damage in alcohol-induced toxicity in experimental rats. Materials and Methods: Group 1 rats received isocaloric glucose and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) every day, Group 2 rats received zingerone (40 mg/kg body weight [b.w.] in DMSO postorally [p.o]) everyday during the past 30 days of the experimental period, Groups 3-6 received 30% ethanol (6 g/kg b.w. p.o) everyday for 60 days. In addition, Groups 4-6 received different doses of zingerone (10, 20 or 40 mg/kg b.w. in DMSO) every day for the past 30 days of the experimental period. Results: Our results revealed significant elevation in the activities/levels of liver marker enzymes, hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase, serum total bilirubin, renal markers and decreased levels/activities of serum total proteins, albumin, globulin, hepatic aldehyde dehydrogenase and significant changes in the liver and kidney histology of ethanol treated rats as compared to the control rats. Supplementation with zingerone to ethanol-fed rats reversed the ethanol-induced alterations in the liver marker enzymes, serum total bilirubin, serum total proteins, albumin, globulin, hepatic alcohol metabolizing enzymes, renal markers and also restored the histological changes in the liver and kidney. Conclusion: Thus, zingerone can be suggested to offer distinct protection against ethanol-induced organ damage.

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Introduction: Malnutrition not only blights the lives of individuals and families, but also acts as a major barrier to social and economic progress In India, particularly in the EAG states. Under this backdrop, this study aims to assess degree of chronic energy deficiency and its determinants and to investigate the impact of low BMI of women on children's health status. Materials and Methods: Data drawn from the National Family Health Survey-III, conducted 2005-06, from Empowered Action Group (EGA) states. A multiple linear regression analysis was done to see the relation between CED status of women and different socioeconomic factors and to find out the influence of CED on children's health status. Results: The 20th century witnessed a significant proportion of overweight and obese individuals coexist with the undernourished in many developing countries however the EAG states experiencing high prevalence of under-nutrition (34percent) and low incidence of overweight (13percent). Jharkhand, Bihar and Chhattisgarh reported significantly higher profession of chronic energy deficiency than the rest of the EAG states. The results of the multivariate logistic regression analyses show that age of women, place of residence, caste, women's education, and wealth index are significantly associated with underweight. The chronic energy deficiency women produce more number of anaemic children than the counterparts. Around forty percent of the low weight babies are born to the chronic energy deficit women. Conclusion: The burden of chronic energy deficiency indicates that there is a need for special public health programs that are able to address chronic energy deficiency.

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Andrographis paniculata [Burm. F] Nees is a potent drug used in Ayurveda, Siddha and Homoeopathy in many formulations and is effective in the treatment of various diseases like malaria, diabetes, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, etc. For the long-term use in these conditions, establishment of safety of any given intervention is crucial. Hence in the present review the various journals, e-books, monographs, books, data base on medicinal plant, etc. from 1986 to 2010 and Ayurvedic classical text/ earliest literature on Indian Medicine like Charaka Samhita (400-500 A.D.), Sushruta Samhita (400-500 A.D.), Nighantus (500-1600 A.D.), etc. were searched manually and electronically for extracting the complete information about the plant. The particulars of pharmacological activities, drug interactions and contraindications were extracted from the published preclinical and clinical study reports focusing on the keywords, i.e. reported adverse effects and safety profile of the plant. Finally, the therapeutic safety of the plant extracts was concluded. The literature showed that in some preclinical animal studies, due to the bitter taste when the herb was given in very high dose it caused gastric discomfort, vomiting, loss of appetite, etc. However there are no adverse effects reported clinically when the plant is administered in human beings.

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Diabetes has exploded in a majority of areas in the world. Healthy eating, as a strategy for controlling diabetes, and promoting walking, exercise, and other physical activities is advised. The main aim of the treatment of both types of diabetes is to achieve near normal blood glucose and blood pressure levels. This, together with a healthy lifestyle, will help to improve the well-being of the patients, as also protect them against long-term damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and major arteries. An attempt has been made in this review to focus on traditional uses and their multivalent actions as being health promoting, as well as putative therapeutic agents, especially in diabetes mellitus. Fruits, vegetables, and dietary spices represent a hope that is potentially very high, to limit harmful effects of them. They also influence various systems in the body, with diverse metabolic and physiological actions. They are helpful in various chronic diseases and have played a crucial role in the management of diabetes mellitus and form an important part of one's staple diet. They provide nutritional substances like dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and so on, which are essential for a balanced diet. The dietary pattern has beneficial effects on both human health development and treatment of various diseases, and hence, promoting adherence to this pattern is of considerable importance to public health.

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Oxidative stress refers to the pathological state in which the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species is increased above the body's antioxidant defense and repair capacity. Functional damage, with subsequent cell death, may occur as a consequence of the oxidization of cellular components, such as, proteins, lipids, and nuclear material. Several features of the brain suggest that it is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress. The brain possesses the highest oxygen metabolic rate of any organ and is continually exposed to excitatory amino acids and neurotransmitters. The brain also contains a high concentration of oxidizable polyunsaturated fatty acids, but has comparatively limited endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms. Accumulating evidence indicates that dietary-derived antioxidants may mitigate the development of neurodegenerative diseases, with a number of recent studies focusing on the potential therapeutic benefits of supplementation. This review focuses on our current knowledge of how some of these diet-derived antioxidants may exert their neuroprotective effects.

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Introduction: Chemoprevention, an emerging, appealing, and innovative approach in experimental oncology, deals with the inhibition, prevention or suppression of carcinogenesis, using natural products or synthetic derivatives. The aim of the present study is to investigate the chemopreventive potential of chrysin during 7,12-dimethylbenza[a]anthracene (DMBA) - induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. Materials and Methods: Oral squamous cell carcinoma was developed in the buccal pouch of Syrian golden hamsters by painting them with 0.5 percent DMBA in liquid paraffin thrice a week, for 14 weeks. The status of lipid peroxidation, antioxidants, and phase I and II detoxification agents were utilized as biochemical end points, to assess the chemopreventive efficacy of chrysin in DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. Results: In the present study, 100% tumor formation with marked abnormalities in the status of lipid peroxidation, antioxidants, and detoxification agents was noticed in hamsters treated with DMBA alone. Oral administration of chrysin at a dose of 250 mg/kg bw to DMBA-treated hamsters significantly reduced the tumor incidence and tumor size as well as reverted the status of the above-mentioned biochemical markers during DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. Conclusion: Chrysin has the potential to delay rather than inhibit tumor formation as evidenced by the tumor formation in two of the DMBA + chrysin-treated hamsters, during DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis.

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Angelica archangelica Linn. has traditionally been used in mountainous and tropical regions and appreciated for centuries; however, its biological properties are only beginning to be elucidated scientifically. In the Ayurvedic text, 'Chandaamshuka' is one of the agents found in mountains, which helps to control serious diseases. There is ample data to suggest the potent properties of this plant and its compounds, which have been used to explain most of its observed biological activities. However, emerging evidence suggests that Angelica archangelica Linn. can be useful a Ghost/Angel for the treatment of diseases. The traditional claims, phytochemical investigations, pharmacological evaluation, and some recipes provide the backbone to make this plant a Holy Ghost or Angel. We summarized the progress of our current research knowledge on Angelica archangelica Linn. and its observed biological activities. We hope that this review will stimulate further research for elucidating and appreciating the value of this wonder agent provided by nature.

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Aim: Sesamol (SM), a dietary phenolic phytochemical, has been shown to reduce ultraviolet-B (UVB) mediated oxidative damage. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective mechanism of SM against UVB-induced photoaging, inflammatory and apoptotic signaling in human skin dermal fibroblasts, adult (HDFa) in vitro. Materials and Methods: In this study, we examined the effect of SM on UVB radiation-induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), DNA fragmentation, cell cycle modulation, inflammatory markers [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and nuclear factor (NF)-κB] expression, pro-apoptotic (p53, Bax and caspase-3), and anti-apoptotic marker (Bcl-2) expression in HDFa. We also investigated the effect of SM and/or UVB radiation on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2 and MMP-9) activation by gelatin zymograpy in HDFa. Results and Conclusion: SM pretreatment prevented UVB-induced ΔΨm alteration, DNA fragmentation and down-regulated the expressions of apoptotic (p53, Bax and caspase-3) and inflammatory markers (TNF-α and NF-κB) in HDFa. SM also prevented the activation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in a concentration-dependent manner. Our data indicated the ability of SM to block UVB-induced inflammatory and apoptotic signaling in HDFa. However, further detailed mechanistic approach warrants before claiming this compound for photoprotection.

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Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals on National AIDS Control Organization's (NACO)-India-Based-highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen often continue experiencing neurological complications, referred to as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Objectives: The prime objective is to assess the status of neurocognitive functions among HIV-infected individuals on HAART, using the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS). Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was carried out between October 2011 and September 2012, on 80 HIV-positive individuals, randomly selected from the ART Centre of PBM and AG Hospital, Bikaner, India. The patients were clinically examined and tested using IHDS. Results: All the subjects on HAART were found to have HAND-prevalence at 32.50%. Asymptomatic Neurocognitive Impairment (ANI) and HIV-associated Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (MND) were observed in 30 and 2.5% of the patients, respectively, and HIV-associated Dementia (HAD) was absent. Conclusion: In our study the IHDS Score was abnormal, that is, ≤10, in 32.50% of the patients, which shows probable neurocognitive impairment in the study subjects. This suggests the need to routinely screen HIV-positive patients, to recognize the neurocognitive deficits at an early stage and the IHDS may have great value as a screening test for HAND.

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Probiotics are live microbial food supplements that provide several health benefits, as they help in maintaining excellent stability and composition of the intestinal microbiota and boost the resistance against infection by pathogens. Probiotics can be considered as potential functional foods, as they offer health benefits much more than the traditional nutritional foods. The requirement for probiotic functional foods is rapidly and progressively on the rise because of increased awareness of the public regarding the impact of food on health. Probiotics are now emerging as a promising key category of food supplement around the globe. There are now plenty of evidences backed up with high-quality, scientific clinical data to advocate that probiotic involvement could indeed be successful in the different types of diarrheal diseases, the modulation of immune function, the prevention of colon cancer, and other chronic gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders. The potential effectiveness of probiotics in treating or preventing neurological diseases is becoming a theme of great interest. In recent years, substantial interest has been dedicated to discover the functions and therapeutic effects of probiotics in a wide range of neurological conditions. This review examines different major functions of probiotics such as probiotics as functional food, probiotics in the improvement of human health, and probiotics to treat and prevent neurobehavioral diseases.

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Silibinin, a flavonolignan, is the major active component of the milk thistle plant (Silybummarianum). Silibinin have been used as medicinal herbs in the treatment of liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. Numerous studies suggest that silibinin is a powerful antioxidant and has hepatoprotective properties and anti-neoplastic effects against various carcinoma cells. Silibinin had shown promising anti-neoplastic effects against skin, breast, lung, pancreatic, colon, cervical, prostate, bladder, and kidney carcinomas in various in vitro/in vivo and preclinical studies. Treatment claims also include lowering cholesterol levels, reducing insulin resistance, and anti-viral activity. Other reported uses of milk thistle in folk medicine include as a treatment for malarial fever, bronchitis, peritonitis, uterine congestion, varicose veins, and as a milk production stimulant for nursing mothers. The aim of the present article is to review and summarize the pharmacokinetics, physical properties, the mechanism of action, and the effectiveness and safety of silibininin various cancers/neoplasms.

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Objective: To assess the level of oxidative stress (OS) and the antioxidants that play a prominent role in OS of neurodegenerative diseases; also to test the hypothesis that OS is associated with neuronal degeneration in patients with neurodegenerative diseases {Parkinson's Disease (PD) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD)}. Materials and Methods: A total of 28 AD, 42 PD patients and 42 healthy controls aged 60-80 yrs were recruited for the study. Plasma total antioxidant status (TAS), erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) concentrations were determined. Erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) were measured by using standard methods. Results: Plasma TAS was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in AD and PD subjects when compared with the controls. Erythrocyte antioxizdant enzymes activities of SOD, GSH-Px, CAT and activity of G6PD were significantly reduced (P < 0.01) in AD and PD when compared with that of controls. However, erythrocyte level of MDA in AD and PD subjects were significantly increased (P < 0.01) compared to the controls. Erythrocyte GSH level was significantly reduced (P < 0.01) in AD subjects and (P < 0.05) in PD subjects when compared with the control. Strong significant (P < 0.01) correlation was obtained between the marker of OS (MDA) and SOD among PD and AD patients. Conclusion: The present study reveals elevated OS and strong correlation between SOD and MDA. This indicates that reduced SOD plays a prominent role in the increase of OS in neuronal degeneration.

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The physical properties of oils and fats depend on their chemical properties, such as unsaturation, saturation, chain length, and distribution of the three hydroxyl groups of glycerol in the fatty acids. These characteristics change by hydrogenation, fractionation, blending, and interesterification (IE), hence improving the spectrum for the application of the oils and fats. IE is a process where the fatty acids have been moved from one triglyceride molecule to another and it does not alter the fatty acids. IE (chemical and enzymatic) is used to deal with the problems of plastic fat products such as granular development, texture breakdown, lumpy appearance, post hardening, consistency, melting point, and rancidity and create oil more suitable for deep frying or making margarine with good taste and low content of saturated fatty acids, etc. Nutritionally, IE contributes in eliminating or reducing trans fatty acids, providing a higher essential fatty acid activity. Trans and hydrogenated fats increase the coronary heart disease risk factors.

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