Summary of Research Findings

Research on Anti-Aging, Neurophysiology and Intelligence (continued)
4. Title
Antioxidant Properties of Two Ayurvedic Herbal Preparations [MAK-4 and MAK-5]
Publication
Biochemical Archives, Vol. 10, pp. 25-31, 1994.
Authors
Stephen C. Bondy, Tina M. Hernandez, and Cara Mattia.
Conducted at
Department of Community and Environmental Medicine, University of California (Irvine), Irvine, CA 92717
Summary
This study investigated the antioxidant effects of MAK-4 and MAK-5 in the rat brain in vitro and in vivo. In
vitro, ethanol and aqueous extracts of MAK-4 and MAK-5 were able to quench generation of reactive oxygen
species within an isolated fraction of rat cerebral cortex enriched in mitochondria and nerve endings (synaptosomes).
In vivo, the excess production of reactive oxygen species observed within the cerebellar mitochondrial
fraction after exposure of rats to toluene, was prevented by pretreatment with MAK-5.
For more information on this study, see Research on Reduction of Chemical Toxicity and Antioxidant
Research.
Study 4 Research Highlights
In vivo and in vitro studies showed that MAK-4 and MAK-5 were able to quench the excess generation of reactive
oxygen species in rat brains.
5. Title
Effect of Maharishi Amrit Kalash [MAK-5] on Brain Opioid Receptors and Neuropeptides
Publication
The Journal of Research and Education in Indian Medicine, Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 1-8, 1991.
Authors
Hari M. Sharma,* Silva Hanissian,** Anil K. Rattan,** Stephen L.
Stern,† and Gopi A. Tejwani.**
Conducted at
*Department of Pathology, **Department of Pharmacology, and
†Division of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Ohio State
University, Columbus, OH 43210
Summary
MAK-5 was tested for its effects on opioid receptors in the
brain, and on neuropeptides. In vitro tests using animal brain tissue
showed that MAK-5 inhibited the binding of mu, kappa, and delta
opioid receptors. Opioid peptides binding to these receptors are
known to trigger changes in analgesia, behavior, appetite, endocrine
and autonomic functions, and modulation of the immune system.
Levels of Substance P, a neurotransmitter involved in pain pathways
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