Pragya Bhardwaj
Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, India
Title: Modulating the cytoprotective potential of Bacopa monnieri by altering in vitro propagation
Biography
Biography: Pragya Bhardwaj
Abstract
Oxidative stress induced neuronal cell deaths are one of the major cause of neurodegenerative diseases. Often such stress can instigate, reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated neuronal cell apoptosis and necrosis. Previous studies have been focused towards identification of potential neuroprotective agents that can prevent oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell damage. However, availability of various chemotherapeutic agents for alleviating devastating disorder which provide symptomatic relief and may turn ineffective or show adverse drug effect after prolonged use. Alternative source for controlling the progression of such diseases could be plant derived metabolites (phytochemicals) that regulate neuronal malfunction, with slow sustained effect and no side-effects would appear to have significant neuroprotective effects. Several medicinal plants, designated as “Rasayan Drugs” in Ayurveda are reported to have significant influence on brain functions. Bacopa monnieri, a well-documented nootropic plant, is extensively used in herbal formulations for neurological disorder. Bacopa monnieri plant has learning and memory antidepressant activity, anticonvulsive action and antioxidant activity. Therapeutic activities of plant are attributed due to the presence of active phytocompounds viz. saponins, flavonoids and alkaloids. However, variations in active phyto-pharmaceutically important compounds in such formulations often affect their therapeutic efficacy and market acceptance. Current study highlights the comparative cytoprotective potential of field acclimatized and in vitro propagated Bacopa monnieri extracts of different locations on neuronal cell line (HT-22/N2a).