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In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of ethanolic extract of the leaves of Senna surattensis (EESS) on α-glucosidase and α-amylase. We also studied the in vitro antidiabetic activity of S. surattensis using the glucose uptake by isolated rat hemidiaphragm model. In vitro studies using mammalian α-glucosidase extracted from the small intestine homogenate of mouse showed that the extract was found to be more effective in inhibiting the activities of maltase [half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC(50)): 209.15 μg/mL] and sucrase (IC(50): 366.44 μg/mL) when compared with the control group (acarbose). The extract of S. surattensis were further quantified with respect to porcine pancreatic α-amylase inhibition using the chromogenic 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid method. Interestingly, S. surattensis was also found to exhibit α-amylase (IC(50): 123.95 μg/mL) inhibitory activity. The glucose uptake in the rat hemidiaphragm was significantly (p < 0.01) increased by EESS (220.95 ± 5.4 mg/g/30 minute) when compared with the control group. The total polyphenolic content of EESS was found to be 98 μg pyrocatechol/mg of the extract. These results suggest that EESS inhibited carbohydrate digestive enzymes and increased the peripheral uptake of glucose. This study endorses the use of this plant for further studies to determine their potential for managing type II diabetes.

Oxidative stress has been consistently linked to ageing-related neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive dysfunction and death of neurons. Oxidative stress is associated with dysfunction of the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, inducing apoptosis and protein misfolding in neurons. Decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes like SOD, catalase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase in neurodegenerative states signifies role of reduced antioxidant potential in neurodegeneration. Among the cellular pathways conferring protection against oxidative stress, a key role is played by vitagenes, which include Hsp70, heme oxygenase-1, thioredoxin and sirtuins. Cellular signalling pathways and molecular mechanisms that mediate hormetic responses typically involve antioxidant enzymes and transcription factors such as Nrf-2 and NFκB. Vitagenes, either individually or by acting in concert, contribute to counteract the ROS mediated damage. In this review the importance of oxidative stress and the potential use of antioxidants in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders are discussed.

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A series of 2-Substituted (1,3,4) thiadiazolo quinazolines were synthesized by the cyclocondensation of 3-amino-2-mercapto quinazolin-4(3H)-ones with various one-carbon donors and screened for their CNS activities (analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative-hypnotic and anticonvulsant). Compound III showed good CNS depressant activity, and it is comparable with the reference standard diazepam. While all the test compounds offered significant protection against strychnine-induced and hypoxic induced convulsion, compound III exhibited equivalent activity with the standard diazepam at the dose tested, and it was found to be significant when compared to control.