Berberine Based Alzheimer Inhibitor---By JNCASR

Current Context: Scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) have modified the structure of Berberine into Ber-D to use as an Alzheimer's inhibitor.

• The scientist selected isoquinoline natural product berberine found in India and China and used in traditional medicine and other applications.
• Since berberine has poor solubility and toxicity to cells, it was modified into Ber-D which is soluble (aqueous), antioxidant.
• Ber-D prevents the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and rescues biomacromolecules from oxidative damage. It inhibits aggregations of metal-dependent and independent Amyloid beta (Aβ). These are the peptides of amino acids crucially involved in Alzheimer's disease as the main component of the amyloid plaques found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease.

Question:

Q.1 Which institute has modified the structure of Berberine into Ber-D to use as an Alzheimer's inhibitor?
a. CSIR
b. IIT-Bombay
c. Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research
d. Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai