Nigella sativa, Anti-bacterial and Anti-tumor Property

The black seed was compared with five antibiotics: ampicillin, tetracycline, cotrimoxazole, gentamicin, and nalidixic acid. The oil proved to be more effective against many strains of bacteria, including those known to be highly resistant to drugs: V. cholera, E. coli (a common infectious agent found in undercooked meats), and all strains of Shigella spp., except Shigella dysentriae. Most strains of Shigella have been shown to rapidly become resistant to commonly used antibiotics and chemotheraputic agents. In light of the above research findings, it is of interest that homeopaths have long been known to make a tincture from the black seed for digestive and bowel complaints. Traditionally, the black seed is still used to help relieve vomiting and diarrhea, as well as flatulent colic, and to help counteract the griping action of purgatives (e.g. certain laxatives, fruits such as apricots when over consumed).
Using an active principle of fatty acids derived from black seed, studies with Swiss albino mice showed that this active principle could completely inhibit the development of a common type of cancer cells called Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). A second common type of cancer cells, Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA) cells were also used.
The Mice which had received the EAC cells and black seed remained normal without any tumor formation, illustrating that the active principle was 100% effective in preventing EAC tumor development.
The mice who received DLA cells and black seed showed that the active principle had inhibited tumor development by 50% less compared to mice not given the active principle.
It is evident that the active principle isolated from Nigella sativa seeds is a potent anti-tumor agent, and the constituent long chain fatty acid may be the main active component.

Neem Extract, A Inhibitory Effect

Inhibitory effect of aqueous Neem extract upon plaque formation:
Inhibitory effects of aqueous extracts derived from the bark-containing sticks (Neem stick) of Azadirachta indica upon bacterial aggregation, growth, adhesion to hydroxyapatite, and production of insoluble glucan, which may affect in vitro plaque formation. Neem stick extracts were screened for minimal bacterial growth inhibition (MIC) against a panel of streptococci by means of a broth dilution assay. Initial bacterial attachment was quantified by the measurement of the adhesion of 3H-labeled Streptococcus sanguis to saliva-conditioned synthetic hydroxyapatite. The effect of the Neem stick extract upon insoluble glucan synthesis was measured by the uptake of radiolabeled glucose from 14C-sucrose. Aggregating activity of the Neem stick extracts upon a panel of streptococci was also examined. No inhibition of bacterial growth was observed among the streptococcal strains tested in the presence of < or = 320 mg/mL of the Neem stick extract. The pre-treatment of S. sanguis with the Neem stick extract or the gallotannin-enriched extract from Melaphis chinensis at 250 mg/mL resulted in a significant inhibition of the bacterial adhesion to saliva-conditioned hydroxyapatite. Pre-treatment of salivaconditioned hydroxyapatite with the Neem stick or gallotannin-rich extract prior to exposure to bacteria yielded significant reductions in bacterial adhesion. The Neem stick extract and the gallotannin-enriched extract from Melaphis chinensis inhibited insoluble glucan synthesis. Incubation of oral streptococci with the Neem stick extract resulted in a microscopically observable bacteria aggregation.

Neem Leaf, A Herbal Medicine

Neem Leaf, A Multi Treatment Herbs:
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, has attracted worldwide prominence in recent years, owing to its wide range of medicinal properties. Neem has been extensively used in Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathic medicine and has become a cynosure of modern medicine. Neem elaborates a vast array of biologically active compounds that are chemically diverse and structurally complex. More than 140 compounds have been isolated from different parts of neem. All parts of the neem tree leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots and bark have been used traditionally for the treatment of inflammation, infections, fever, skin diseases and dental disorders. The medicinal utilities have been described especially for neem leaf. Neem leaf and its constituents have been demonstrated to exhibit immunomodulatory, antiinflammatory, antihyperglycaemic, antiulcer, antimalarial, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties.

Cytokine Signaling Pathway

Cytokine Signalling and Energy Homeostasis:
Historically, cytokines have attracted much interest due to their ability to induce cellular demise. This toxicity often requires high circulating levels, as is observed during ischemia-reperfusion damage, graft-versus-host disease, cerebral malaria, sepsis, cachexia and cancer. However, chronic exposure to low levels of cytokines can also exert profound effects. These latter actions have been shown to alter multiple cellular functions and may play a physiological role in regulating cellular metabolism, tissue development, thermo genesis and appetite. The research interests focus on the actions of the prototypical cytokine, TNF alpha and the signalling mechanisms by which its actions are manifested in adipose tissue.
TNF alpha (Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha) is a multifunctional cytokine that mediates its effects via two cell surface receptors. These are ubiquitously expressed and differ primarily in their intracellular signalling domains. Both TNF and its receptors are produced by adipose tissue where it can affect normal adipocyte development as well as key functions such as insulin sensitivity, triglyceride storage and release and adipokine production. These actions can themselves go on to impact on systemic sites and alter whole body energy homeostasis. Understanding how TNF signals in adipocytes is important if we wish to identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention in obesity-related metabolic disorders. To this end, scientists currently investigating the mechanisms of TNF signalling in insulin resistance, adipocyte development and gene expression.