BackgroundAluminum a known neuro and cholinotoxin has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Its exposure is associated with impairment of the memory and cognition.ObjectiveThe present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-Alzheimer’s activity of Vitis vinifera in aluminum induced Alzheimer’s disease.Materials and methodsIn this study, we investigated the behavioral and biochemical effects of aluminum in Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were exposed to aluminum chloride (100 mg/kg/day) orally for a period of 8 weeks. Vitis was given in doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg for 16 weeks and the possible effects of Vitis vinifera on the expression of Tau and amyloid precursor protein were evaluated by PCR analysis and the possible activities of lipid peroxidation, inflammation and anti-cholinesterase activity were evaluated.ResultsAluminum intoxication was associated with significant impairment in learning and memory in Morris water maze test. A significant improvement was observed with Vitis vinifera in a dose dependent manner.ConclusionThe findings of the present study revealed the significant neuroprotective actions of Vitis vinifera by modifying the biochemical parameters and inhibited the mRNA expression of Amyloid Precursor Protein and Tau, which are the key pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, which was further confirmed by histopathological observations.

Hyperlipidemia is the greatest risk factor of coronary heart disease. Medicinal plants play a major role in hypolipidemic activity. Literature claims that Saponins are able to reduce hyperlipidemia. Based on high saponin content in herbal plants, Spondias pinnata (SP) was selected and the present study focus on the anti-hyperlipidemic activity of methanolic extracts of fruits of SP against Triton induced hyperlipidemia in rats. SP was administered at a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg (p.o) to Triton induced hyperlipidemic rats. Fenofibrate was used as reference standard. The statistical analyses were carried out using one way ANOVA followed by Dunnet’s multiple comparisons test. The present investigation shows that all triton induced rats displayed hyperlipidemia as shown by their elevated levels of serum and liver cholesterol, triglyceride, PL, VLDL, LDL and the reduction in the HDL level. It can be concluded that SP 100 and 200 mg/kg treatment was effective in cholesterol, PL, TG, VLDL, LDL and HDL in a dose dependant manner.

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Vishala et al.: Chemistry and Pharmacology of Polyalthia longifoliaPolyalthia longifolia (Annonaceae family) is native to the drier areas of India and is locally called "Ashoka." It is also cultivated in Southeast Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Polyalthia longifolia is also known as Buddha tree, mast tree, cemetery tree, false Ashoka or green Champa. Generally, Polyalthia longifolia is viewed as a street tree because of its effectiveness in combating noise pollution. Macroscopically, the versatile Polyalthia longifolia can reach over 15.0 m high with symmetrical pyramidal growth and weeping pendulous branches. The term Polyalthia is derived from Greek roots, with "poly" meaning many and "althia" meaning cure, indicating that this plant has been used to treat various diseases/disorders. In traditional and indigenous systems of medicine, Polyalthia longifolia has been commonly used in the treatment of fever, helminthiasis, diabetes and various cardiac problems. Pharmacological investigations have shown that Polyalthia longifolia possesses significant biological and pharmacological activity, which may include antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor, anti-ulcer, antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. To date, more than 30 studies have analyzed extracts from bark, leaves, roots, seeds, etc. of the plant and reported a total of approximately 100 compounds, including steroids, flavonoids, clerodane diterpenes, cleroda-oic acids and alkaloids. In context of the broad medicinal potential of Polyalthia longifolia, this review compiles a detailed exploration of currently available knowledge of the phytochemical and their pharmacological properties of Polyalthia longifolia. Its potential applications in the treatment of various conditions are also discusseds.