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: Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) collectively known as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) are the products of normal cellular metabolism and interact with several vital biomolecules including nucleic acid, proteins, and membrane lipids and alter their function in an irreversible manner which can lead finally to cell death. There is an imperative role for oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of cognitive impairments and the development and progression of neural injury. Elevated production of higher amounts of nitric oxide (NO) takes place in numerous pathological conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, and ischemia which occur concurrently with elevated nitrosative/oxidative stress. The enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is responsible for the generation of NO in different cells by conversion of L-arginine (Arg) to L-citrulline. Therefore, the NO signaling pathway represents a viable therapeutic target. Naturally occurring polyphenols targeting the NO signaling pathway can be of major importance in the field of neurodegeneration and related complications. Here we comprehensively review the importance of NO and its production in the human body and afterwards highlight the importance of various natural products along with their mechanisms against various neurodegenerative diseases involving their effect on NO production.

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Context:Urolithiasis is a polygenic disorder with complex etiology and even complicated treatment outcomes. Daucus carota is a widely cultivated crop with traditional claims for its antiurolithiatic potential. Aim: Present study was an attempt to investigate the antilithic potential of D. carota root extract (DCRE) against calcium oxalate (CaOx) urolithiasis by employing in vitro methods. Methods: Nucleation, growth and aggregation assay of CaOx crystallization were used. FT-IR analysis was used for characterizing CaOx crystals. Results: DCRE exhibited significant inhibition of nucleation, growth and aggregation of CaOx crystals. It produced a favorable morphological transformation of CaOx crystals from calcium oxalate monohydrate to calcium oxalate dihydrate. FT-IR analysis confirmed formation of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals to be utilized for growth and aggregation assays. Conclusion: DCRE possesses significant antiurolithiatic activity against CaOx urolithiasis in vitro which could be attributed to its saponins, tannins, flavonoids and polyphenolic content.

Background Urolithiasis is a burgeoning disease that results from pathological biomineralization. Daucus carota L. is a widely consumed food crop with reported nephroprotective and diuretic activity. Its potential for Ashmari bhedan (destruction of stone/calculi) or treatment of urinary calculi has been explored traditionally. However, no scientific evidence is available to prove its antiurolithiatic efficacy. Moreover, establishing the antiurolithiatic effects of D . carota , an extensively consumed commodity with numerous health benefits, would provide a beneficial dietary measure for the prevention and cure of urolithiasis. Objective The study aimed at investigating in vivo antiurolithiatic potential of hydroethanolic extract of D . carota roots against calcium oxalate urolithiasis. Materials and methods Ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride induced hyperoxaluria model of urolithiasis in male Wistar rats was used for the study. Urine and serum parameters and, kidney histopathology was used to determine the antilithic efficacy of D . carota root extract. Results D . carota extract significantly ameliorated abnormal urinary levels of calcium, oxalate, phosphate, magnesium, citrate, protein and uric acid in lithogenic rats. Serum BUN, creatinine and uric acid levels; and calcium, phosphate and oxalate deposition in kidney tissue were also rendered normal following D . carota treatment. D . carota extract also prevented oxidative stress mediated renal tissue degeneration both prophylactically and curatively. Conclusion This study suggests antiurolithiatic effect of D . carota roots, which can be attributed to its anticrystallization property, ability to ameliorate urine and serum biochemistry and renal cellularity.

Sweta, et al.: Diagnosis and Treatment of UrolithiasisUrolithiasis or urinary stone disease is a ubiquitous affliction that spares no geographical region or demographic. Plenty of research is being carried out in quest for mitigating this disease condition. However, any detailed information that could impart knowledge on all the major aspects of the subject in an unfractionated form is still deficient. This review is an attempt to revive the existing knowledge on urolithiasis, basically focused on its diagnosis and treatment and to provide a comprehensive data and up-to-date information on the subject matter. This article also focuses on synthetic drugs and formulations available for the treatment of urolithiasis in the global market and provides a section pertaining to risk factors and dietary preventive measures for urolithiasis.

Background :A large population in the rural area of Uttarakhand is still dependent upon traditional plantbased knowledge to combat various disease conditions. This study aimed to explore the ethnopharmacological information and document traditional uses of plants in the Kumaun Himalayan region. Here we show the study of nine villages of three districts of the Uttarakhand state in India, located in the western Himalayan region.Methods: A total of 26 traditional healers and experienced inhabitants between 30-85 years of age were interviewed by a semi-structured questionnaire. The data obtained was quantitatively evaluated using use value (UV). Further, the informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level (FL) were also calculated for species having UV higher than 0.15.Results: A total of 56 plant species were reported from 34 families. The highest number of plant species were collected from Asteraceae and Lamiaceae families followed by Rosaceae. Primary uses of plants were categorized into 29 disease categories. The highest number of species was reported to be used for gastrointestinal disorders (11.21%) followed by immuno-modulation, antistress, as adaptogens (10.2%), analgesics (7.47%), for nervous system related disorders (6.54%) and as antimicrobials (6.54%). Conclusions:Local traditional knowledge and practice of plant-based medicine is quite widespread in the rural areas of Uttarakhand and is an indispensable part of the healthcare system. It plays a vital role in the absence of basic medical facilities and tremendous paucity of trained medical personnel.