Sana Javaid

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neuronal loss, oxidative stress, and abnormal iron accumulation in the substantia nigra. Targeting redox imbalance and metal dysregulation represents a promising therapeutic strategy. This study evaluated the neuroprotective potential of 2-(2-nitrophenyl)-1,3-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (2,2Np-1,3TZD-4-CA) in a rotenone-induced rat model of PD. Forty-two male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to seven experimental groups, including controls, rotenone-treated animals, compound-treated groups, and combined treatment groups. Behavioral performance was assessed using pole, inverted screen, rotarod, Y-maze, open field, and tail suspension tests. Oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT, MDA, GSH, GPx) were measured, along with brain iron analysis and histopathological examination. Treatment with 2,2Np-1,3TZD-4-CA significantly improved rotenone-induced behavioral impairments and restored antioxidant enzyme activities (P < 0.05). Moreover, the compound reduced elevated brain iron levels and ameliorated histopathological alterations in neural tissues (P < 0.05), indicating attenuation of oxidative and metabolic damage. These findings demonstrate that 2,2Np-1,3TZD-4-CA exerts marked neuroprotective effects, likely mediated through regulation of oxidative stress and iron homeostasis, suggesting its potential therapeutic relevance for Parkinson’s disease. Graphical abstract The figure was generated with Biorender.com (Agreement number: BZ29F2HBKN; Dated: 28-February-2026).

Background: Acacia nilotica is a multipurpose plant known for its remedial properties but the antimicrobial and hepatoprotective activity of its pods remained unexplored. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and hepatoprotective activity of n-hexane (ANPH) and methanol (ANPM) extracts of pods to scientifically validate their medicinal claims. Methods: After the pharmacognostic evaluation of pods, in vitro tests were carried out to estimate phenolic and flavonoid content and antimicrobial potential. In vivo experiments involved testing of both extracts (250 and 500 mg/kg) paracetamol (PCM)-induced hepatotoxicity model in rats. The molecular docking studies explored insights into the potential binding capabilities of the ligands with the specific target proteins. Results: ANPH and ANPM were enriched with phenols and flavonoids and showed antimicrobial effects. In the hepatoprotective test, the rats chronically treated with extracts had a dose-dependent hepatoprotection as markers of liver functionality were notably reduced ( P < 0.05). The in silico studies revealed strong binding interactions of ergost-5-en-3-ol and oxiranyl methyl ester 9-octadecenoic acid with target proteins for antibacterial activity and hepatoprotective activity, respectively. Conclusion: The antimicrobial and hepatoprotective potential of pods might be due to their phenols and flavonoids. The Pyrogallol, Ergost-5-en-3-and 9-octadecenoic acid might be bringing these remedial benefits through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

In the present study, the authors performed preliminary experimentation on the topic “An Investigation of “The Phytochemical Richness of Fresh Musa Paradisiaca L. (Plantain) Stem Juice and Its Anticonvulsant Potential on Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-Chal...

The Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels is reported to have medicinal properties, but its benefits on age-related neurological changes have not been previously explored. In the current study, after phytochemical analysis of the pulp of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels fruit (Sy. cmi), young BALB/c mice have been supplemented with its 5, 15, and 30% dilution for 16 months, followed by behavioral experimentation and biochemical evaluation of isolated brains. The Sy. cmi has been found enriched with phenols/flavonoids while the occurrence of nine phytocompounds has been identified through GC-MS analysis. Further, Sy. cmi supplementation has caused significant (p < 0.05) protection from anxiety-like behavior in aged mice, and they have explored open, illuminated, and exposed areas of open field, light/dark, and an elevated plus maze, respectively. Furthermore, these animals have shown improved cognitive abilities as their percent (%) spontaneous alteration and novelty preference are significantly greater in T-maze and Y-maze and familiarity/novelty recognition tests. Further, Sy. cmi-supplemented mice remember the aversive stimuli zone and escape box location in passive avoidance and Barnes maze tests, and their brains have low levels of malondialdehyde and acetylcholinesterase with elevated antioxidant enzymes. The outcomes have provided scientific insight into the beneficial effects of Sy. cmi on age-associated amnesia that might be attributed to antioxidant and anticholinergic effects exerted by phytocompounds (caryophyllene, humulene, β-Farnesene, and phytol) owned by Syzygium cumini.

Diabetes mellitus causes hyperglycemia and associated complications to the brain. In current study, the traditionally reported remedial claims of Agave americana var. marginata has been scientifically investigated in diabetic rats. The methanolic extract of leaves of Agave americana var. marginata (Aa.Cr) was characterized for total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant potential through in-vitro testing. The rats chronically pre-treated with Aa.Cr (400 and 600 mg/kg) for 45 days were challenged with alloxan-induced hyperglycemia. The dose-dependent effects of Aa.Cr on blood glucose levels and body weights were compared with diabetic rats using glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg) as a standard. The animals were tested for diabetes-associated neurological comorbidities through behavioral and biochemical evaluation. The phenols and flavonoids enriched Aa.Cr caused a significant dose-dependent hypoglycemic effect. Aa.Cr showed protection from comorbid anxiety, depression and cognitive impairment as compared to diabetic rats. The alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein were prominently reduced, and high-density lipoprotein was increased in rats treated with Aa.Cr. Moreover, the oxidative stress in isolated brains was reduced by Aa.Cr. These findings suggest that Aa.Cr is enriched with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytoconstituents valuable for diabetes and related neurological complications.