Development of antibiotic resistance that leads to resurgence of bacterial infections poses a threat to disease-free existence for humankind and is a challenge for the welfare of the society at large. Despite research efforts directed towards treatment of pathogens, antibiotics within new improved classes have not emerged for years, a fact largely attributable to the pharmacological necessities compelling drug development. Recent reversion to the use of natural products alone or in combination with standard drugs has opened up new vistas for alternative therapeutics. The success of this strategy is evident in the sudden interest in plant extracts as additives/synergists for treatment of maladies caused by drug-resistant bacterial strains. Animal venoms have long fascinated scientists as sources of pharmacologically active components that can be exploited for the treatment of specific ailments and should be promoted further to clinical trials. In the present review, we outline the scope and possible methods for the applications of animal venoms in combination with commercial antibiotics to offer a better treatment approach against antibiotic-resistant infections.
The appearance of cognitive decline as a major hallmark of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders make it an intriguing pathophysiological
state for which there is an urgent need for the development of effective pharmacotherapy. Decades of research have uncovered a multitude of
promising factors that can serve as the starting point for research and development in this domain of research. Depleted cholinergic
neurotransmission and oxidative damage are two such causative factors for cognitive impairment associated with neurodegeneration. Approved
treatments for neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's Disease (AD) provide only symptomatic relief and are known to cause unwanted side
effects. Honeybee products are made up of bioactive substances, which have long been known for their medicinal and health-promoting effects.
The purpose of the present study was to explore the neuroprotective potential of bee venom and bee propolis separately and in combination with the
standard drug rivastigmine as a novel treatment regimen against scopolamine-induced cognitive decits. Intraperitoneal administration of bee
venom (0.5 mg/Kg), propolis (250 mg/Kg, oral) and rivastigmine (0.5 mg/Kg) or their combinations showed improved cognitive functions in
scopolamine exposed mice as assessed by passive avoidance test. Administration of honeybee products (venom and propolis) alone and in
combination signicantly decreased the activity of acetylcholinesterase in the brain of scopolamine treated animals. Bee products either alone or in
combination further decreased the lipid peroxidation with a concomitant increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, GPx, GR,
and GST) in the brains of the animals treated with scopolamine. The data obtained suggests that the treatment with combination of bee venom and
propolis could be developed into a novel and effective therapy against cognitive dementia associated with neurological and neurodegenerative
disorders including Alzheimer's disease.
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