Nardostachys jatamansi Improves Learning and Memory in Mice

Milind Parle,Hanumanthachar Joshi 한국식품영양과학회 2006 Journal of medicinal food Vol.9 No.1

Comparative Brain Cholinesterase-Inhibiting Activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Myristica fragrans, Ascorbic Acid, and Metrifonate in Mice

Milind Parle,Dinesh Dhingra,S.K. Kulkarni 한국식품영양과학회 2006 Journal of medicinal food Vol.9 No.2

The central cholinergic pathways play a prominent role in the learning and memory processes. Acetyl-cholinesterase is an enzyme that inactivates acetylcholine. The present study was undertaken to estimate the acetyl-cholinesterase-inhibiting activity of extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Myristica fragransseeds, and ascorbic acid and comparethese values with a standard acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting drug, metrifonate. Aqueous extract of G. glabra(150 mg/kg p.o.for 7 successive days), n-hexane extract of M. fragransseeds (5 mg/kg p.o. for 3 successive days), ascorbic acid (60 mg/kgi.p. for 3 successive days), and metrifonate (50 mg/kg i.p.) were administered to young male Swiss albino mice. Acetyl-cholinesterase enzyme was estimated in brains of mice. G. glabra, M. fragrans, ascorbic acid, and metrifonate significantlydecreased acetylcholinesterase activity as compared with their respective vehicle-treated control groups.

Memory-Strengthening Activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra in Exteroceptive and Interoceptive Behavioral Models

Milind Parle,Dinesh Dhingra,S.K. Kulkarni 한국식품영양과학회 2004 Journal of medicinal food Vol.7 No.4

In the traditional system of medicine, the roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza glabrahave been employed clin-ically for centuries for their anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, expectorant, antimicrobial, and anxiolytic activities. The presentstudy was undertaken to investigate the effects of G. glabra, popularly known as liquorice (Mulathi), on learning and mem-ory. The elevated plus-maze and passive avoidance paradigm were employed to evaluate learning and memory parameters.Three doses (75, 150, and 300 mg/kg p.o.) of aqueous extract of G. glabrawere administered for 7 successive days in sepa-rate groups of mice. The dose of 150 mg/kg of the aqueous extract of liquorice significantly improved learning and memoryof mice. Furthermore, this dose reversed the amnesia induced by diazepam (1 mg/kg i.p.), scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg i.p.), andethanol (1 g/kg i.p.). Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of liquorice may be contributing favorably to the memoryenhancement effect. Since scopolamine-induced amnesia was reversed by liquorice, it is possible that the beneficial effect onlearning and memory may be because of facilitation of cholinergic transmission in brain. However, further studies are ne-cessitated to identify the exact mechanism of action. In the present investigation, G. glabrahas shown promise as a memoryenhancer in both exteroceptive and interoceptive behavioral models of memory.

Improvement of Mouse Memory by Myristica fragrans Seeds

Milind Parle,Dinesh Dhingra,S.K. Kulkarni 한국식품영양과학회 2004 Journal of medicinal food Vol.7 No.2

Antiamnesic potentials of Foeniculum vulgare Linn. in mice

Joshi, Hanumanthachar,Parle, Milind Kyung Hee Oriental Medicine Research Center 2007 Oriental pharmacy and experimental medicine Vol.7 No.2

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with a decline in cognitive abilities. Dementia is one of the aged related mental problems and a characteristic symptom of Alzheimer's disease. Nootropic agents like piracetam and cholinesterase inhibitors like $Donepezil^{\circledR}$ are used in situations where there is organic disorder in learning abilities, but the resulting side-effects associated with these agents have limited their utility. Foeniculum (F.) vulgare Linn. is widely used in Indian traditional systems of medicines and also as a house remedy for nervous debility. The present work was undertaken to assess the potential of F. vulgare as a nootropic and anti-cholinesterase agent in mice. Exteroceptive behavioral models such as Elevated plus maze and Passive avoidance paradigm were employed to assess short term and long term memory in mice. To delineate the possible mechanism through which F. vulgare elicits the anti-amnesic effects, its influence on central cholinergic activity was studied by estimating the whole brain acetylcholinesterase activity. Pretreatment of methanolic extract of fruits of F. vulgare Linn. for 8 successive days, ameliorated the amnesic effect of scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg) and aging induced memory deficits in mice. F. vulgare extract significantly decreased transfer latencies of young mice and aged mice, increased step down latency and exhibited significant anti-acetyl cholinesterase effects, when compared to piracetam, scopolamine and control groups of mice. F. vulgare might prove to be a useful memory restorative agent in the treatment of dementia seen in the elderly.

Modern War and America’s New Enemies

William M,Parle 한국공공정책학회 2004 공공정책연구 Vol.15 No.-

Following the Vietnam conflict a new theory of war begins to emerge in the United States. This theory views war in the modem world as a political undertaking in which victory depends on the ability of the combatants to capture hold the moral high ground before a global audience. New high tech weapons and a new tactical doctrine make it possible to implement this "modem war" theory. Focusing on the post 9/11 war in Afghanistan, this paper examines the use of modem war concepts as a tool for conducting low intensity war against extremist political groups such as Al Qaeda. Consideration is also given to how such groups might employ a kind of poor man's version of modem war against a technologically developed society such as the United States.

Nootropic Potential of Murraya koenigii leaves in Rats

Vasudevan, Mani,Parle, Milind,Sengottuvelu, Singaravel,Shanmugapriya, Thulasimani Kyung Hee Oriental Medicine Research Center 2008 Oriental pharmacy and experimental medicine Vol.8 No.4

Murraya koenigii leaves commonly known as 'curry patta' are routinely added to Indian gravy and vegetarian dishes by south Indian as a favourate condiment. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of Murraya koenigii leaves (MKL) on memory in rats. Elevated plus-maze and Hebb-Williams maze served as the exteroceptive behavioral models for testing memory. Diazepam-, scopolamine- and ageing-induced amnesia served as the interoceptive behavioral models. MKL fed orally to various groups of young and aged rats with diet containing 2, 4 and 8% w/w of MKL for 30 days consecutively were investigated. The MKL diets produced a significant dose-dependent improvement in memory scores of young and aged rats and significantly reduced the amnesia induced by scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) and diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Therefore, it would be worthwhile to specifically investigate the therapeutic potential of MKL in the management of dementia patients.

Soybean Supplementation Helps Reverse Age- and Scopolamine-Induced Memory Deficits in Mice

Nitin Bansal,Milind Parle 한국식품영양과학회 2010 Journal of medicinal food Vol.13 No.6

Phytoestrogens are nonsteroidal plant compounds that are able to exert estrogenic effects. Soybean is a rich source of phytoestrogens, especially isoflavones. Soy isoflavones are utilized for estrogen replacement therapy. Estrogen is reported to influence several areas of brain that are involved in cognition and behavior. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to examine whether dietary supplementation with soybean improves the cognitive function of mice. Soybean was administered in three different concentrations (2%, 5% and 10% [wt=wt]) in the normal diet to young and mature mice for 60successive days. The passive avoidance paradigm and the elevated plus maze served as the exteroceptive behavioral models,whereas scopolamine (1.4 mg=kg, i.p.) served as the interoceptive behavioral model. The brain acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) activity, brain thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and total blood cholesterol levels were also measured in the present study. The administration of soybean for 60 consecutive days protected (P<.05) the animals from developing memory impairment. Soybean administration also resulted in diminished brain AChE activity, decrease in brain TBARS, and increase in GSH levels, thereby indicating facilitated cholinergic transmission,reduced free radical generation, and enhanced scavenging of free radicals. Thus, soybean appears to be a useful remedy for improving memory and for the management of cognitive deficits owing to its pro-estrogenic, antioxidant, procholinergic,and=or neuroprotective properties.

Antiamnesic potentials of Foeniculum vulgare Linn. in mice

Hanumanthachar Joshi,Milind Parle 경희대학교 융합한의과학연구소 2007 Oriental Pharmacy and Experimental Medicine Vol.7 No.2

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with a decline in cognitive abilities. Dementia is one of the aged related mental problems and a characteristic symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Nootropic agents like piracetam and cholinesterase inhibitors like Donepezil?? are used in situations where there is organic disorder in learning abilities, but the resulting side-effects associated with these agents have limited their utility. Foeniculum (F.) vulgare Linn. is widely used in Indian traditional systems of medicines and also as a house remedy for nervous debility. The present work was undertaken to assess the potential of F. vulgare as a nootropic and anticholinesterase agent in mice. Exteroceptive behavioral models such as Elevated plus maze and Passive avoidance paradigm were employed to assess short term and long term memory in mice. To delineate the possible mechanism through which F. vulgare elicits the anti-amnesic effects, its influence on central cholinergic activity was studied by estimating the whole brain acetylcholinesterase activity. Pretreatment of methanolic extract of fruits of F. vulgare Linn. for 8 successive days, ameliorated the amnesic effect of scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg) and aging induced memory deficits in mice. F. vulgare extract significantly decreased transfer latencies of young mice and aged mice, increased step down latency and exhibited significant anti-acetyl cholinesterase effects, when compared to piracetam, scopolamine and control groups of mice. F. vulgare might prove to be a useful memory restorative agent in the treatment of dementia seen in the elderly.

Cholinergic Basis of Memory-Strengthening Effect of Foeniculum vulgare Linn.

Hanumanthachar Joshi,Milind Parle 한국식품영양과학회 2006 Journal of medicinal food Vol.9 No.3

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with a decline in cognitive abilities. Dementiais one of the age-related mental problems and a characteristic symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Nootropic agents are used insituations where there is organic disorder in learning abilities. The present work was undertaken to assess the potential ofFoeniculum vulgareLinn. extract as a nootropic and anticholinesterase agent in mice. Methanolic extract of the whole plantof F. vulgareLinn. administered for eight successive days ameliorated the amnesic effect of scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg) and ag-ing-induced memory deficits in mice. The passive avoidance paradigm served as the exteroceptive behavioral model for as-sessing memory. F. vulgareextract increased step-down latency and acetylcholinesterase inhibition in mice significantly.Hence, F. vulgarecan be employed in treatment of cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.