BackgroundThe roots and stem bark of Berberis orthobotrys (Berberidaceae) have long been used traditionally to treat joint pain. Though, it has not been pharmacologically assessed for rheumatoid arthritis. The current study explores anti-arthritic activity and phytochemical analysis of aqueous-methanolic extract (30:70) and fractions (ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous) of Berberis orthobotrys roots.MethodsAnti-arthritic potential was evaluated in vitro using protein denaturation (bovine serum albumin and egg albumin) and membrane stabilization methods at 12.5–800 μg/ml concentration and in vivo via turpentine oil, formaldehyde and Complete Freund Adjuvant (CFA) models at 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg doses. Also, in vitro antioxidant ability was appraised by reducing power assay. Moreover, total flavonoid content, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and High performance liquid chromatography of n-butanol fraction were performed.ResultsThe results revealed concentration dependent inhibition of albumin denaturation and notable RBC membrane stabilization, with maximum results obtained at 800 μg/ml. Similarly, plant exhibited dose dependent anti-arthritic effect in turpentine oil and formaldehyde models, with maximum activity observed at 150 mg/kg. The results of CFA model depicted better protection against arthritic lesions and body weight alterations. Also, B.orthobotrys remarkably ameliorated altered hematological parameters, rheumatoid factor and positively modified radiographic and histopathological changes. Additionally, plant exhibited remarkable anti-oxidant activity. Moreover, phytochemical analysis revealed polyphenols and flavonoids.ConclusionTaken together, these results support traditional use of B.orthobotrys as potent anti-arthritic agent that may be proposed for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

<p class="Abstract">The present study was commenced to evaluate the anti-arthritic effect of 70% methanol extract and <em>n</em>-butanol and aqueous fractions of <em>Berberis calliobotrys</em> using both <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> arthritis models. Extract and fractions were investigated<em> in vitro</em> for inhibition of protein (bovine serum and egg albumin) denaturation and human red blood cell membrane stabilization. <em>In vivo</em> anti-arthritic activity of extract and fractions at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg was assessed using turpentine oil and formaldehyde-induced arthritis, while, 200 mg/kg dose was evaluated against complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis. <em>B. calliobotrys</em> produced significant (p&lt;0.001) dose dependent inhibition of protein denaturation and human red blood cell membrane stabilization. In turpentine oil, formaldehyde and complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis models,<em> B. calliobotrys</em> significantly (p&lt;0.001) reduced joint and paw swelling. <em>B. calliobotrys</em> markedly improved body weight, hematology profile, radiological and histopathological parameters in complete Freund’s adjuvant model. It could be concluded that <em>B. calliobotrys</em> holds anti-arthritic potential, supporting its traditional use in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.</p><br /><p> </p>

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Fundamental to cardiovascular diseases are two peril factors, hyperlipidemia and hypertension. These are leading cause of deaths in both developing as well urbanized countries and treated with many synthetic medicines that may attain their platue in effectiveness and having many side effects. So, therefore utmost need to seek out safe and well tolerated medicinal plants for management with scientific appraisal by using various animal models. Hence there is an agreement from many scientific facts that medicinal plants have less side effects and proven beneficial in lowering hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Hyperlipidemia causes atherosclerosis, which ultimately leads to cardiovascular diseases while in case of hypertension many factors contribute towards development of cardiovascular diseases, most importantly renin angiotensin system and sympathetic system activation. Many synthetic medicines available for treatment of these factors but allied with side effects that overcome by use of medicinal plants that are made available for human use by conducting first experiments in animal models by inducing hypertension and hyperlipidemia by various techniques and after that treating with medicinal plants. Hence review elaborated some methods of induction and various plants having hypolipidemic and hypotensive effects.

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We aim to assess the anticonvulsant potential of Ajuga bracteosa Wall. The aqueous methanol extract (30:70) of Ajuga bracteosa and its n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions were prepared. Anticonvulsant effect was evaluated using different animal models of epilepsy. Crude extract along with its fractions at 500 and 1000 mg/kg doses, administered orally to albino mice were appraised against pentylenetetrazole-induced, strychnine-induced and picrotoxin-induced convulsions. Moreover, effect of test substances on brain GABA level and phenobarbitone induced hypnosis was also studied at dose level of 350 and 400 mg/kg. The plant extract and its fractions produced potent dose dependent anticonvulsant activity in all models of epilepsy. In addition, plant extract and fractions increased brain GABA level and potentiated phenobarbitone-induced sleep duration. From the results it can be deduced that Ajuga bracteosa possess potent anticonvulsant activity, supporting its folkloric use in the treatment of epilepsy.

Material and Methods: A sample of 200 medical students (including 147 female and 53 male) was chosen by random sampling. PHQ-9 scale was used to evaluate depression among participants. Data was collected on a specially designed questionnaire containing sociodemographic and educational characteristics and was analyzed using SPSS 16.0. Results: Out of 200 respondents, who participated in study, 75.5% reached depression criteria. The age range of majority of students (53%) was 20-22 year. Factors such as female gender, year of medical college, staying in hostel, both pre and post exam depression, academic pressure, high competition, overburdened test schedules and worries about future were found to be significantly associated with depression. Conclusion:The results depict that frequency of depression among MBBS students during their academic years is very high, making them highly susceptible individuals. This demands the necessity for pervasive enactment of therapeutic measures by medical college administration, including assessment, education and provision of mental health services. Key words:Depression, Prevalence, Medical Students, Cross-sectional study.