Biography:

Dr. Mizrahi has more than 10 years experience in biotechnology and pharmaceutics and is the author of more than 20 scientific publications in this field. Boaz gained his Ph.D. degree in the group of Prof. Avi Domb at the Hebrew University, where he acquired first-hand experience in the engineering and synthesis of materials for medical uses. 
In 2009 Boaz joined the Robert Langer lab at MIT and the Daniel Kohane lab at Harvard Medical School. His research interest focused on understanding and mimicking principles that nature uses and on designing functional materials based on these concepts. Boaz is the co-inventor of 12 patents, 3 of which were licensed.

Abstract:

The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of Dead Sea magnesium chloride (MgCl2), citrus oil, and their combination were investigated. This combination is frequently used in several cultures to treat several gum diseases including periodontitis and mouth sores. Citrus oil is composed of monoterpenes, in particular D-limonene, which is known to inhibit growth of bacteria, fungi, and certain parasites. Inhibition of Porphyromonas gingivalis in vitro was used to evaluate the antibacterial effect of a mixture of Dead Sea magnesium chloride and citrus oil and of each of the components. A subcutaneous chamber model in mice was used to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of the mixture and the individual components. Leukocyte migration, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) secretion, and interleukin (IL)-10 secretion were determined. Hydrocortisone was used as a positive control. Citrus oil had an antibacterial effect with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1 mg/ml, whereas MgCl₂ at concentrations up to 10 mg/ml did not exhibit any antibacterial activity. However, a mixture of 10 mg/ml MgCl₂ and 0.25 mg/ml citrus oil dramatically increased inhibition of bacterial growth. The combination of MgCl₂ and the citrus oil resulted in lower levels of TNF-a and leukocyte migration while maintaining the levels of IL-10 compared to the control. These findings suggest that a mixture of citrus oil and MgCl₂ could be used as a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent.

Biography:

Gjumrakch Aliev, MD, PhD, President “GALLY” International Biomedical Research Institute Inc., San Antonio, Texas, USA. He also hold appointment with the University of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA as a Professor of Cardiovascular, Neuropathology, Gerontology, Health Science and Healthcare Administration, and Leading Researcher in the Institue of Physilogically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, Moscow Region, Russia. He received his MD in 1982, from the Baku Medical University (former USSR) with cum laude. Then he accomplished his PhD in Cardiovascular Diseases from the prestigious Russian Academy of the Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia in 1988 with cum laude. He received postdoctoral training with Professor G. Burnstock in the University College of the London. He authored and coauthored more than 500 publications in the fields of neurodegenerative diseases research (Alzheimer disease), as well as cardio- and cerebrovascular disease, cancer, and electron microscopy. He is an outstanding teacher, scholar, and a renowned scientist in the area of cellular molecular physiology, and cardiovascular, and neurodegeneration-mediated pathologies and drug development including Alzheimer disease (AD). He is nationally and internationally reputed in his area

Abstract:

According to statistical reports by well-known authentic centers such as Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the National Centre for Health, Alzheimer disease (AD) has surpassed cardiovascular, diabetes, and cancer as a leading cause of death. AD, the most common form of dementia, is an exasperating health disorder characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function. One of the biggest problems and challenges for the development of new drugs and treatment strategies against  different type of the cancer and AD is the crossing of target drugs the blood brain barrier. The use of nanoparticles in drug delivery therapy holds much promise in targeting remote tissues, and as a result many studies have attempted to study the ultrastructural localization of nanoparticles in various tissues.  However, there are currently no in vivo studies demonstrating the ultrastructural distribution of nanoparticles in the brain.  The aim of this study was to address how intraperitoneal  injection of silver nanoparticles in the brain leads to leaking on the inter-endothelial contact and luminal plasma membrane, thus elucidating the possibility of penetrating into the most affected areas in the cancer and Alzheimer brain (vascular endothelium, perivascular, neuronal and glial cells). Our results show that the silver nanoparticles reached the brain and were found in hippocampal areas, indicating that they can be conjugated and used to deliver the drugs into the cell cytoplasm of the damaged brain cells. The present study can be useful for the development of novel drug delivering therapy and useful in understanding the delivery, distribution and effects of silver nanoparticles in cancer and AD brain tissue at cellular and subcellular level.  

Biography:

O.A. is a distinguished Medicinal Chemist with numerous scientific peer-reviewed publications. He is the Deputy Principal Investigator for the cosmetic research group and Principal Researcher in other groups at the University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. He completed a postdoctoral research study in Chemoinformatics for drug development in 2016 at a German Institute in Berlin. He is an editor and reviewer to a peer-reviewed journal and also a editor of a reputable scientific journal

Abstract:

The maintenance of beautiful skin and hair is the desire of many people all over the world, thus, the application of safe and appropriate cosmetic products is inevitable. An innovative green synthetic route was adopted for the direct characterisation of some conventional and non-conventional tropical seeds which include Sebal causarium, Cola gigantea, Blighia sapida, Cordia sebestena, Daniellia oliveri, Elaeis guineensis, Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus paradise, Vitellaria paradoxa, Citrullus vulgaris, Mormodica charantea, Delonix regia, Moringa oleifera, Kigelia africana and Prosopis africana. The lipid, fatty acid methyl and butyl/isobutyl esters obtained via multistep and direct methyl/butylation were characterised using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The principle of green chemistry was further adopted for the preparation of natural antiseptic soaps which were fully plant-based, biodegradable and free of all artificial antibiotics, colourings, fragrance and preservatives. Ocimum basilicum served as source of fragrance as well as antiseptic agent. Physicochemical parameters which include colour, acid value, free fatty acid values, percentage yield, non-fatty matter, saponification values, hardness, pH, colour and foaming ability of the oils and saponified products were determined as applicable. The In vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and membrane stabilisation activities of the oils and cosmetic products were determined using standard procedures. Daniellia oliveri oil contains 57% linolelaidic acid as the major fatty acid, while oleic acid (46%) and lauric acid (44%) were the most prominent in Vitellaria paradoxa and Elaeis guineensis respectively. Linoeladic acid was the most predominant in Citrullus vulgaris, Delonix regia and Prosopis africana. The natural cosmetics production was highly cost effective compared to commercial products

Biography:

F B Borokini is a Chemistry Lecturer and Researcher with over 16 years of postgraduate teaching and research experience in both secondary and tertiary institutions in Nigeria. She currently teaches chemistry in the Science Laboratory Technology Department, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. She had her Master of Technology in Analytical Chemistry and PhD in Food Chemistry from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. She has served as the Departmental Course Adviser and the Faculty of Applied Science Representative in her institution. She is very resourceful and has some scientific publications in reputable journals

Abstract:

Plants are used traditionally, as medicine due to their antioxidant activity which is due to their ability to form secondary metabolites which are used to restore health and play important role in treatment of many diseases. The use of the plants, plant extracts and isolated bioactive compounds from natural sources has been a lead that provided the foundation to modern medicine. In Nigeria, extracts from the leaves of S. bicolor is commonly used in traditional medicine for treatment of ailments and as blood supplement. The phytochemicals screening of the aqueous, methanol and ethanol extracts of the Sorghum bicolor showed the presence of some bioactive compounds. The aqueous extract indicated flavonoids and terpenoids and absence of alkaloid, saponin, tannin, steroid, anthraquinone and phlobatannin. However, saponin, tannin, flavonoid and terpenoid were found in the methanol extract while alkaloid, steroid, anthraquinone and phlobatanin were absent. The flavonoids and phenolic acids contained in the extract were investigated using Reverse-Phase HPLC-DAD and the concentrations of the identified phenolic compounds in mg/g were: Gallic acid (13.54 ±0.02), catechin (9.29±0.01), chlorogenic acid (13.48±0.01), caffeic acid (52.17±0.03), ellagic acid (32.64±0.02), rutin (41.28±0.01), isoquercitrin (16.71±0.02), quercitrin (83.52±0.03) quercetin (70.49±0.01) and kaempferol (71.16±0.01). The result in this study shows that the extract is rich in polyphenols with antioxidant potential and may validate the traditional medicinal use of the S. bicolor leaves extract.

Biography:

Patronilla Hasahya is a graduate student from Makerere university, Kampala, Uganda. She has worked with indigenous plants in the production of compounds with medical interest. She intends to pursue her Master’s degree in the field by working closely with traditional healer in order to get accurate information on the use of different plants and herbs in traditional medicine

Abstract:

Traditional medicine has been practiced globally for centuries. In Uganda and the entire sub Saharan Africa in general, a significant number of people seek help on traditional healers mostly because of its affordability and in cases of presumed failure of modern medicine. There are several compounds with great medical interest and more are to be discovered. Currently the scientific community has increased its search in compounds responsible for therapeutic effects. Although there are several methods to detect every single compound available in the crude extract as well as its possible biological effect, the cause effect trend can never be determined. One of the reasons being that the compound of interest which is taken as a crude extract in the traditional medicine could in conjugation with other compounds and therefore that might have synergistic or additive effects. Some of the challenges of traditional medicine include the lack of proper diagnostic system as well as dosage prescription. In addition, some plants and plant derived products are being used as generics to cure more than one disease. For example, plants such as Iboza riperia, Vernonia mygdalina and Leonotis neptotifolia are frequently used and well renown in central and Southern Africa and can be used to cure headaches, chest pain and even malaria. The purpose of this paper is to create a correlation between indigenous knowledge and belief systems in local communities in regards to the use of traditional medicine as well their met interest in increasing technological outlets as a competitive fashion to the modern medicine. This is mainly true to the rural communities who still consider modern medicine as an alien method of healing.

Biography:

Patronilla Hasahya is a graduate student from Makerere university, Kampala, Uganda. She has worked with indigenous plants in the production of compounds with medical interest. She intends to pursue her Master’s degree in the field by working closely with traditional healer in order to get accurate information on the use of different plants and herbs in traditional medicine

Abstract:

Traditional medicine has been practiced globally for centuries. In Uganda and the entire sub Saharan Africa in general, a significant number of people seek help on traditional healers mostly because of its affordability and in cases of presumed failure of modern medicine. There are several compounds with great medical interest and more are to be discovered. Currently the scientific community has increased its search in compounds responsible for therapeutic effects. Although there are several methods to detect every single compound available in the crude extract as well as its possible biological effect, the cause effect trend can never be determined. One of the reasons being that the compound of interest which is taken as a crude extract in the traditional medicine could in conjugation with other compounds and therefore that might have synergistic or additive effects. Some of the challenges of traditional medicine include the lack of proper diagnostic system as well as dosage prescription. In addition, some plants and plant derived products are being used as generics to cure more than one disease. For example, plants such as Iboza riperia, Vernonia mygdalina and Leonotis neptotifolia are frequently used and well renown in central and Southern Africa and can be used to cure headaches, chest pain and even malaria. The purpose of this paper is to create a correlation between indigenous knowledge and belief systems in local communities in regards to the use of traditional medicine as well their met interest in increasing technological outlets as a competitive fashion to the modern medicine. This is mainly true to the rural communities who still consider modern medicine as an alien method of healing.

Biography:

Abraham Fikru Mechesso has completed his MSc from the Addis Ababa University. He is an Assistant Professor at the Hawassa University, Ethiopia and a PhD Fellow at the kyungpook National University, Republic of Korea working on pharmacokinetics and medicinal plant researches. He has published more than 7 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

The leaves of Achyranthes aspera L. has been used traditionally for the treatment of wound in various parts of Ethiopia. However, the plant has not been explored scientifically for its wound healing activity. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the wound healing activity of methanol extract of Achyranthes aspera L. leaves. Incision and excision wounds were inflicted on albino rats of either sex, under diethyl ether anesthesia. Group I served as positive control and was treated with 1% silver sulphadiazine, group II, III, IV treated with simple ointment containing 2.5%, 5% and 10% (w/w) methanol extract of the leaves of Achyranthes aspera L., respectively, whereas group V served as negative control and was treated with simple ointment. All the animals were treated topically once a day. Wound healing potential was assessed with excision and incision wound model. Excision wound model was used to assess the change in percentage contraction of wound, epithelization time, DNA content and histological features whereas rats inflicted with the incision wounds were used to determine breaking strength. Based on the results of percentage wound contraction, the DNA content and epithelization time, all groups of rats treated with the extract showed significant (P<0.05) wound healing activity compared to group of rats treated with simple ointment (negative control) group. The difference in breaking strength was, however, significant (p<0.05) only for the 5% and 10% extract of Achyranthes aspera (w/w) ointment treated groups. Histological evaluation showed well organized epidermal layer, increased number of fibrocytes, remarkable degree of neovascularization and epithelization which was comparable to the standard on the 21^st day after treatment; especially in the 5% and 10% (w/w) extract treated group. The present study provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of the leaf extracts of Achyranthes aspera L. in the treatment of wound.

Biography:

He is currently working on a Ph.D. in molecular pharmacology and targets of herbal medicines at School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University.

Abstract:

Herba Siegesbeckiae (HS, Xixiancao in Chinese), a Chine medicinal herb, is commonly used by Chinese medicine doctors to treat joint inflammatory disorders such as arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) is widely recognized as an essential element in the triggering of innate immunity and in initiating a cascade of pro-inflammatory events. However, the role of TLR-4 in anti-inflammatory effect of HS is not fully understood. This study aims to provide justification for clinical application of HS in treating inflammatory disorders by delineating the effects of HS in the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling cascades. In this study, HS was extracted using 50% ethanol. We observed that HS reduced the secretion of various pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and the respective mRNA expression regulated by the three transcription factors AP-1, NF-κB and IRF3. In addition, HS could also inhibit the secretion and mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators stimulated by MPLAs, a specific TLR-4 activator. Phosphorylation and nuclear protein levels of AP-1, NF-κB and IRF3 were decreased by HS treatment. Moreover, HS inhibited the activation/phosphorylation of MAPKs, IκB-α, IKKα/β, TAK1, TBK1, IRAK-1 and IRAK-4 signaling pathways. We also found that HS blocked the activation of TLR-4 signaling pathways by inhibiting LPS-TLR4 binding. Taken together, HS inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators through suppression of IRAK1/TAK1 and TBK1/IRF3 signaling pathways, and the binding of LPS to TLR-4 on macrophages

Biography:

Christine Ong’ayo Wangia is a senior lecturer in the Department of Pharmacology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology-Kenya.She completed her Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree from the University of Nairobi, Kenya and a Master’s Degree in Drug Assay (Department of Pharmacology) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences-New Delhi.She is currently pursuing her PhD program in Medicinal Phytochemistry at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.She has presented her research findings in both local and international conference (4^th Annual conference on medicinal plants and herbal products, Rockville-USA from 6^th September to 8^th September 2012).

Abstract:

The objective of this study was to determine the qualitative phytochemical constituents and anti-oxidant Activity of crude extracts from whole plant parts of Kenyan Ruellia species viz. Ruellia prostrata (RPM), Ruellia bignoniiflora (RBK) and Ruellia lineari-bracteolata (RLB). Kenyan Ruellia (Acanthaceae family) species are perennial creepers with widespread medicinal uses including analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. Sequential extraction by cold maceration was done using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol. Aqueous extraction was done by boiling. The phytochemical screening tests were based on visual observation of colour change and precipitate formation.  Antioxidant activity was performed based on the ability of the aqueous, methanol and ethyl acetate extracts to scavenge the free radicals produced by 2,2-Diphenyl-1- picryl hydrazyl (DPPH). Ascorbic acid was used as a reference standard. The tests were evaluated at eight concentrations (3.9, 7.8, 15.6, 31.3, 62.5, 125, 250 and 500ug/ml). The antioxidant activity of plant extracts and ascorbic acid increased with increase in concentration. Methanolic extract exhibited a higher antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values in (ug/ml) of 2.87(RLB), 20.58(RPM) and 24.44(RBK). Aqueous extracts revealed IC₅₀ values of 7.23 (RLB), 51.92(RPM) (and 66.42(RBK). The ethyl acetate extract showed a lower activity with IC₅₀ values of 22.26(RPM), 29.33(RLB) and 237.17(RBK). Ascorbic acid standard exhibited a comparable activity with IC₅₀ value of 2.11ug/ml. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins and cardiac glycosides. Flavonoids and tannins are a major group of compounds that act as primary antioxidants. The presence of these compounds could attribute to their potent antioxidant activity.

Biography:

Ogbonna Shadrach Chidubem earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Jos, Nigeria. After his BSc in Biochemistry, he had a five year High School teaching experience in Chemistry from 2009 to 2014. He was not only involved in the academic teaching but served in the administration during which time he was the Head of Department of Science. He has taught with the Ejeme Senior Secondary School Delta State as a Member of the National Youth Service Corps 2009-2010, and was recognized by the Delta State Government for his contribution in HIV/AIDS awareness and voluntary testing among teenagers. He also taught with the Word of Faith Group of Schools Delta State Nigeria (2011-2012) and Cornerstone International School, Delta State, Nigeria (2012-2014) and was awarded Best Teacher with the CIS 2012 and has since then maintained a high level of performance with the said school before leaving the country to commence his medical career. He is currently a student of All Saints University School of Medicine in Commonwealth of Dominica. 

Abstract:

Plants have been used for medicinal purposes long before recorded history. Indigenous cultures like African and Native Americans use herbs in their healing rituals while others developed traditional medical systems in which herbal therapies were used. Medicinal herbals and their derived phytochemicals have gained increased recognition with regards to their use in cancer treatments. The fact that these herbs are natural, and could be absorbed naturally by the human body, with possible less toxic effect, gives credence to researches concerning their use in treatment of cancers. Clinical studies have reported beneficial effects of herbal medicines on the survival, quality of life of cancer patients, and on their immune systems, when these herbal medicines were used together with conventional medicine. This study reviewed some past clinical studies which looked into the use of herbal medicines for different cancer cases and the effect of herbal therapy against cancer cells. Literature is rich and evidences abound of the extent of the use of natural herbs for the treatment of cancers in countries like China, India, Nigeria and United States of America. This review documented the efficacy of such intervention and the probable improvement in the quality of life in these countries. Clear comparison of results in relation to success achieved, side effects and level of toxicity between orthodox medicine and herbal medicine were reviewed. Major research effort to understand the effect of these herbs in the treatment of cancer has been by randomized controlled trials. This study reviewed some recent studies on the mechanism of action of these herbs in certain cancer cells. It also reviewed the potential application of derived phytochemicals in development of cell-based cancer vaccine, safety of herbal anticancer compounds and chemo-preventive herbal compounds whose mechanism, biological response, and anticancer elements were studied. 

Biography:

Mr Vuyisile Samuel Thibane is a doctoral candidate in the Life Sciences department from the University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. He has a strong background in the agro-processing of medicinal plants and holds a masters degree in Biotechnology from the University of the Free State, South Africa. Mr Vuyisile Samuel Thibane has since authored 4 publications in reputable peer reviewed journals and co-authored 1 book chapter in a renowned publication. This upcoming young scientist has given a total of 7 talks (oral and poster) at both national and international scientific conferences.

Abstract:

The prolonged exposure of the skin to sun radiation can have undesired consequences, resulting in skin damage and darkening. Plant extracts that can offer protection to the skin are important in skin rehabilitation. Therefore, the aim of the study was to test plant extracts for their phytochemical potential and cosmetic potential. Extracts of 15 medicinal plants from the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa used for beauty and healthcare were evaluated for their total phenolic content, flavonoid content, anti-tyrosinase activity and absorption of ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) light, used to calculate their sun protection factor (SPF). Methanolic extracts from Ruta graveolens L, Aloe ferox Mill, Ilex mitis (L.) Radlk, Cassipourea flanaganii (Schinz) Alston and Rorippa nasturtium (L.) Hayek had higher total phenolic content of 29.98 (0.40), 37.88 (0.19), 44.15 (0.14), 49.45 (0.21) and 53.86 (0.18) mg GAE/g, respectively. The flavonoid content was the highest for Plantago lanceolate L at 5.06 (0.14) mg CE/g. The percentage inhibition of the tyrosinase enzyme ranged between 29 – 74% for all tested plant extracts. The photo protective effect of the plant extracts was exhibited by C. flanaganii, I. mitis, Arctotis arctotoides (L.f.) O. Hoffm and P. lanceolate with SPF values above 15. A number of the tested plant extracts showed good potential for use in cosmetic and their combined use can enhance their activity.

Biography:

Abstract:

Background: Many parents consider fever a disease with the continuation of fever phobia and overuse of antipyretics to reduce it.

Aims: Identifying Kuwaiti parent’s knowledge of their children’s fever and determining their patterns of use of over the counter antipyretics.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study, in which 614 Kuwaiti mothers of well children aged between six month and five years were recruited. Data was collected over six-months from September 2015 to March 2016, using a self-administered questionnaire.

Results: A total of 614 mothers participated in the study, with a response rate of 94.5 per cent. Twenty-seven per cent (27%) (166) of mothers considered a temperature ≤38.5°C to be a high fever. Educational attainment significantly influenced mothers reports for high fever (F=4.68, df.=4, P=0.001, n=207). Almost all the mothers believed that fever could cause harm, and 48% (294) of them stated that fever is very harmful. Fifty-three per cent (53%) of mothers (309) would give antipyretic medication when body temperature is ≤38°C. Sixty-one per cent (375) of the mothers had alternated antipyretic paracetamol and ibuprofen. Forty-five per cent (274) of mothers think that antipyretics are without potential harm. Level of education had a positive impact on the perception of fever [χ2 (df=8)=70.68, p<0.001]. Usual practices targeted temperature reduction using antipyretics by 53.7%.

Conclusion: Mothers had a poor knowledge about fever. Fever phobia is widespread, with an overuse of antipyretics.

Biography:

Mr Murwa Kagisho is a doctoral student in the Department of Life Sciences from the University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Kagisho interest is on Agro-processing of medicinal and indigenous food crops. He hold a masters degree in Crop science where his focus area was Biological Nitrogen Fixation in leguminous crops. Mr Murwa has given talks in both local and international conferences and symposiums. 

Abstract:

Moringa oleifera Lam is the best known of the thirteen species of the genus Moringaceae. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of spacing and fertilizer on nutrient composition and phytochemicals in Moringa leaves. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with four replicates. N: P: K (16%) organic fertilizer was applied at five levels 0 (control), 200, 400, 600 and 800 kg/ha at spacings of 1x1 m and 1x1.5 m. Moringa dried leaves were analysed for calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, Boron. Sulphur, Magnesium, zinc, protein and vitamin C content. Total phenolics were measured by Folin-C while total flavonoids were quantified using the vanillin-HCl technique. This study showed that nutrient content, total phenolic and flavonoid contents varies with age, season and are also affected by cultivation practices. Total phenolics varied from 19.39 to 196.21 (mg/GAC/g) and the highest values were found at a treatment where 600 kg/ha fertilizer application at a spacing of 1x1.5 m at harvest 9. Total flavonoids ranged from 0.59 to 3.29 (mg CAT/g) with highest values found in treatment combinations where 600 kg/ha fertilizer rate with spacing of 1x1 m at harvest 8. Vitamin C content ranged from 33.2 to 183.6 mg/100g. This study showed that agronomic practices plays a major role on growth and quality of Moringa oleifera leaves.

Biography:

Poonam Sharma is currently working as Associate Professor at Department of Zoology, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, India. Her research interests are study of metal and pesticides toxicity in mammals including humans and its possible amelioration and natural antioxidants. She has recently initiated a project on study of aluminum toxicity among bauxite mine workers with emphasis on development of specific and early stage markers. She has undertaken 04 major research projects from Govt. of India in her area of research. She has 45 research publications and presented her research work at 35 conferences across the globe.

Abstract:

Synthetic pyrethroids have emerged as a new class of pesticides/insecticides, showing high efficacy in a wide range of insects and pests, low toxicity to mammals and rapid biodegradability. Recently, these molecules have been listed as endocrine-disrupting compounds, posing a threat to humans. The present study was performed to assess the endocrine disrupting potential of cypermethrin (Cyp) and possible protective role of Asteracantha longifolia (AL) extracts. Cyp exposure decreased epididymal sperm count and sperm motility and increased sperm abnormalities. It also increased testicular lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione S transferase (GST) levels and decreased glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR). Testosterone (T), follicles stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and steroidogenic enzyme 3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β HSD), 17β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β HSD) levels were also decreased. Histological findings also indicated that Cyp causes vacuolation in lumen and disorganization of Leydig and Sertoli cells. AL extracts successfully attenuated these adverse effects of Cyp and recovered the testicular architecture. The study suggested that AL ameliorated Cyp induced testicular possibly by enhancing antioxidant defense in testicular tissue and upregulating pituitary-gonadal hormones.

Biography:

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Abstract:

Khardungla (Ladakh) is a hot spot for medicinal plant collection by locals and traditional healers but the information on the diversity and abundance of plants is lacking which is important from the management point of view. Field surveys were carried out in Khardung La region to know the medicinal plant diversity and the current status of its collection. Information on vegetation parameters were collected through 9-hectare plots distributed across different landforms. Group discussions, informal meetings and questionnaire surveys were conducted with the plant collectors to assess the status of collection. Community structure of plants was assessed using standard vegetation sampling method. The study reveals that the area harbors more than 40 medicinal plants and receives a large number of plant collectors each year. Collection is done mainly for personal use however, commercial extraction was also evidenced. The collection method used by locals was destructive which might cause loss of diversity in this important habitat. 15 species has low frequency due to their habitat specificity while 8 of them had very rare occurrence. Indicator Species Analysis (ISA) resulted in 4 communities in different habitat. Low density and frequency of several species suggests that harvesting pressure in Khardung La is high and hence there is a need to develop species specific management plan to avoid local extinction

Biography:

Varun Vikas Vij has done M pharmacy in Pharmacology and pursuing PhD from Baba Farid University of Health Sciences Faridkot Punjab India and currently working as a Pharmacy Executive in Dayanand Medical College and Hospital Ludhiana Punjab India. Mr. Vij has 11 years of experience in pharmaceutical industry (9 years in Pharmaceutical marketing and 2 years in Hospital pharmacy). He has 2 International publications. He has keen interest in Neuro Pharmacology.  

Abstract:

Neuropathic pain (NP) is defined as pain associated with damage or permanent alteration of the peripheral or central nervous system. Current drug treatment for the management of neuropathic pain associated with various adverse effects. The present study was designed to investigate the combined effect of acamprosate and baclofen in experimental model of peripheral Neuropathic pain in wistar rats. Material and Methods: Neuropathic pain was induced by chronic constriction injured (cci) of sciatic nerve in rats. A camprosate (100 and 200 mg/kg p.o) and baclofen (10 and 20 mg/kg p.o) was given in different groups for 14 days starting on 7th day post sciatic nerve ligation. Further combination of acamprosate(100 mg/kg p.o) and baclofen (10 mg/kg p.o) was also given to one group. On 1th, 3rd, 7th, 14thand 21stday behavioral parameters like mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were assessed. Then animals were sacrificed on 22nd day and biochemical parameters (gsh, lpo, catalase, nitrite, sod) were assessed. Results: ligation of sciatic nerve significantly induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia with increase in oxidative stress (increase in lpo and nitrite) and decline of anti-oxidant enzyme levels (catalase, sod, gsh) in sciatic nerve homogenate. A camprosate (100 and 200 mg/kg p.o) and baclofen (10and 20 mg/kg p.o) attenuated all the behavioural and biochemical parameters alone and/or combination.

Biography:

Abstract:

Background & Objective: The side effects of NSAIDS drugs have caused increasing interest of scientists in herbal medicines as alternative treatment. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect of seed and fruit of date palm hydroalcolic extracts, due to having antioxidants, was studied.

Materials & Methods: In this study, the extracts of date palm seed and fruit were prepared by maceration method in 70% alcohol. Eighty (80) male rats Wistar were divided into 10 groups of eight in each, 4 groups received different doses (100, 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg) of seed extract and 4 other groups received different doses (100, 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg) of fruits extract of the palm, and the positive control aspirin (300 mg/kg) and the negative control group saline (5 ml/kg) via injection intraperitoneally. Half an hour later, all animals received 100 µl of 1% carrageenan into the rats’ hind paw subcutaneous. The changes in rats paw edema was measured by plethysmometer every hour for five hours.

Results: The effect of all of the doses of date palm seed extract on edema were less than aspirin (P<0.05). But there was no significant difference between the group that received 400 and 600 mg/kg date palm fruit extract when compared with aspirin group. The Dose 400 mg/kg of fruit extract showed the most anti-inflammatory effect and it was assigned as the best dose.

Conclusion: It is likely that with further studies on different model of animals and also on human model the palm fruit extract could be used for pain treatment.

Biography:

Mohammad Farzam has completed his PhD at the age of 35 years from Shiraz University of Iran.  He has published more than 55 papers in reputed journals 

Abstract:

Parkinson’s disease, which affects approximately 200 out of every 100,000 people, is the second most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. The primary cause of the disease is progressive destruction of dopaminergic neurons in midbrain and impairment in GABA receptors. Today, there are various methods of treatment for patients with Parkinson. Most of them are medication therapies which have multiple complications. So, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of lycopene as an antioxidant and neuroprotective substance, on dopamine receptors and GABA neurons after induction of Parkinson’s disease. A total number of 105 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 7 groups, in this study: Control group (healthy rats without receiving any material); patient group (one-way injection of 6-hydroxy dopamine (0.5 μL) into substantia nigra by Hamilton Needles to induce Parkinson’s disease); Sham group (one-way injection of ascorbic acid (0.02%) into substantia nigra); lycopene control group (gavage, lycopene (0.5 ml/kg)); treated group with lycopene (induction of Parkinson’s disease+gavage, lycopene (0.5 ml/kg)); treated group with anti-Parkinson medicine, Levodopa, (induction of Parkinson’s disease+intraperitoneally injection of Levodopa (10 ml/kg)); treated group with Levodopa and lycopene (induction of Parkinson’s disease+gavage administration of lycopene (0.5 ml/kg)+intraperitoneally injection of Levodopa (10 ml/kg)). 15, 30 and 60 days were considered as the sampling days. During these days, a number of 5 rats in each group were anesthetized and killed by human method and without pain. Then their brains were removed for tissue processing. After tissue processing and preparation of microscopic slides, the density of D1, D2 receptors and GABA neurons was histomorphometrically examined by immunohistochemistry method. Reduced number of D1, D2 receptors and GABA neurons in cerebral cortex and cerebellum was lower in patient groups compared with control group, in each of the three studied times, and there was no significant difference. While, the reduction was greater in thalamus, substantia nigra, amygdale and hippocampus, and there was a significant difference between control and patient groups (≤p 0.05). Increased number of D1, D2 receptors and GABA neurons in the treated groups in all organs and sampling days was more effective in the treated group with lycopene and levodopa compared with both separately treated groups with lycopene and levodopa. Increased number of D1, D2 receptors and GABA neurons in the treated groups only had significant difference in two organs, substantia nigra and amygdale, compared with the patient group (≤p 0.05). According to the obtained results, it can be stated that due to neuroprotective and anti-oxidant properties of lycopene extract, it reduces complications and somewhat improves Parkinson’s disease.