Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has long been used to treat various pathological conditions like arthritis, gout, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Although exploring the effective anti-inflammatory agents possessing antioxidant along with pain relieving properties is still challenging. Acetamide-containing compounds are known to possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, xanthine oxidase, and analgesic activity of an acetamide derivative, N-(2-Hydroxyphenyl) Acetamide. In-vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities were assessed by protein denaturation inhibition and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, respectively. Xanthine oxidase potential was also evaluated. In-vivo anti-inflammatory activity was determined by the Formalin-induced paw edema method and analgesic potential was evaluated by an acetic acid-induced writhing test. Results of in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity showed significant (p< 0.001) inhibition of protein denaturation by N-(2-Hydroxyphenyl) Acetamide at both100 and 300 µg/ml. It also exhibited high radical scavenging activity (88.16%) by DPPH at 300 µg/ml. In-vivo Formalin-induced paw edema method revealed significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of paw edema when compared with control and formalin groups. Likewise, NA-2 also significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the number of writhes in the Acetic acid-induced writhing test. Moreover, in both aforementioned in-vivo tests, NA-2 showed comparable results with Indomethacin (10 mg/kg). This study demonstrates that N-(2-Hydroxyphenyl) Acetamide possesses substantial anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic activity.

Background: In traditional Chinese medicine Ganoderma lucidum is famous for its beneficial effect on nervous system. It was traditionally used to manage different neurological disorders. This study was designed to investigate the nootropic potential of the mushroom. Methods: Nootropic activity was evaluated following the oral administration of two different doses (150 and 300 mg/kg) of ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum. Physostigmine (0.1 mg/kg) and Scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg) were used as positive and negative controls respectively. Distilled water was used as a control. Elevated plus maze and Morris water maze were used for the assessment of learning process. In elevated plus maze, initial transfer latency and retention transfer latency were assessed. In Morris water maze, TSTQ (time spent in target quadrant) and transfer latency were evaluated. For the assessment of locomotor activity, open field test was utilized. Furthermore, biochemical estimation of acetylcholinestrases (AchE) was performed by using Ellman's method. Results: The results of the study show that the Ganoderma lucidum extract has significantly increased the time spent in target quadrant (TSTQ) and decreased the escape latency (EL) in Morris water maze model. Whereas, a decrease in the Initial Transfer Latency (ITL) and Retention Transfer Latency (RTL) was observed in elevated plus maze model. Conclusion: The present study showed that Ganoderma lucidum has physostigmine like effect on brain acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity.

Background:  The COVID-19 pandemic has affected not only the physical health, but mental health of general population. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the anxiety and levels of stress during COVID-among the population of Karachi. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted for the period of 8 months May 2020-December 2020, the required variables were collected on a questionnaire. Data was analyzed and descriptive statistics was applied using SPSS version 21 with 95% CI. Results: Out of 450 participants, 45.8% males, 54.2% females. The majority (39.1%) of patients were in group of 51-70 years of age. The levels of anxiety were categories in mild (21.5%), moderate (38.2%) severe (15.2%) and no anxiety (25.1%). The contributing factors in stress and anxiety were the fear (68.3%), panic situation by media (58.5%) and stress due to pandemic (64.2%). Conclusion: The pandemic of COVID-19 is a stressful situation which needs a proper management and counselling of community regarding the precautionary measures and guidance to control the psychological parameters.