Administration Of Plant Extract Research Articles

Plant Extracts and ω-3 Improve Short-Term Memory and Modulate the Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis in D-galactose Model Mice

BackgroundAging, characterized by a slow and progressive alteration of cognitive functions, is associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis, low-grade chronic inflammation, as well as increased oxidative stress and neurofunctional alterations. Some nutrients, such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and omega (ω)-3 (n–3), are good candidates to prevent age-related cognitive decline, because of their immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to demonstrate the preventive effect of a combination of plant extracts (PE) containing Memophenol™ (grapes and blueberries polyphenols) and a patented saffron extract (saffron carotenoids and safranal) and ω-3 on cognitive function in a mouse model of accelerated aging and to understand the biological mechanisms involved. MethodsWe used an accelerated-aging model by injecting 3-mo-old male C57Bl6/J mice with D-galactose for 8 wk, during which they were fed with a balanced control diet and supplemented or not with PE and/or ω-3 (n = 15–16/group). Short-term memory was evaluated by Y-maze test, following analyses of hippocampal and intestinal RNA expressions, brain fatty acid and oxylipin amounts, and gut microbiota composition (16S rRNA gene sequencing). Statistical analyses were performed (t test, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation). ResultsOur results showed that oral administration of PE, ω-3, or both (mix) prevented hippocampus-dependent short-term memory deficits induced by D-galactose (P < 0.05). This effect was accompanied by the modulation of gut microbiota, altered by the treatment. PE and the mix increased the expression of antioxidative and neurogenesis markers, such as catalase and doublecortin, in hippocampus (P < 0.05 for both). Moreover, ω-3 and the mix showed a higher ω-3 amounts (P < 0.05) and EPA-derived 18- hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (P < 0.001) in prefrontal cortex. These changes may contribute to the improvement in memory. ConclusionsThese results suggest that the mix of PE and ω-3 could be more efficient at attenuating age-related cognitive decline than individual supplementations because it targeted, in mice, the different pathways impaired with aging.

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective and Nephroprotective Impact of Phytomedicine using Experimental Animal Models

Human beings have been using plants as medicines for centuries. The development of traditional medicinal systems utilizing plants as a form of medicine may be traced back only as far as historical documentation of their similarity. Immunosuppression and bone resorption is a major drawback in conventional chemotherapy. Modern medicines contain plant-derived components that are the source of immunomodulators. Withania somnifera and Cnidium monnieri are the plants which have been used for immunomodulatory and anti-osteoporotic activities. Medicinal plant samples were obtained from diverse parts of Pakistan. Following extraction, phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial potential were investigated, and the hepatoprotective effect was evaluated. An in vivo study was conducted on experimental animals by administering ethnomedicinal plant extracts in comparison to some allopathic drugs. Various blood samples were collected to analyze calcium level, vitamin-D, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), parathyroid hormone (PTH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and Testosterone for antiosteoporosis activity. The possible outcomes were positive and hepatoprotective as well as antimicrobial effect was present in Polyherbal preparation (PHP). During trails on Albino rats, the improvement in their body weight was recorded. PHP administration of plant extracts enhanced the parameters of blood and neutralized the effect of CCl4 intoxication. The proper administration of plant extracts showed a positive effect on hormones, particularly progesterone, testosterone, and oestradiol. In the future, these selected medicinal plants and their PHP might be preferred for the separation of lead bioactive compounds to overcome the extremely alleviating issues associated with infertility.

Antipyretic and antinociceptive effects of methanolic extract of C. iria L. tuber

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCyperus iria L. is a sedge belongs to Cyperaceae family. Tuber of this plant is traditionally used in fever. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to verify the effectiveness of this plant part against fever. Additionally, antinociceptive effect of the plant was evaluated. Materials and methodsAntipyretic effect was evaluated by yeast induced hyperthermia experiment. Antinociceptive effect was determined by acetic acid induced writhing test and hot plate test. Four different doses of plant extract were used in mice model. ResultsExtract at dose of 400 mg/kg.bw produced greater effect than paracetamol; reduction of elevated mice body temperature was observed by 2.6 °F and 4.2 °F after 4 h by paracetamol and 400 mg/kg.bw extract respectively. In acetic acid writhing test, extract at 400 mg/kg.bw and diclofenac were found to have equivalent effects producing percentage inhibition of writhing of 67.68% and 68.29% respectively. In hot plat test, significant reduction in latency was also observed after administration of plant extracts. Mean percent maximal effect was 83.55% and 67.26% for ketorolac and extract (400 mg/kg.bw) respectively. ConclusionOur study endorsed the traditional use of C. iria tuber in fever with possible antinociceptive effects.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of methanolic extract of Fimbristylis miliacea (L.) Vahl

BackgroundFimbristylis miliacea (Cyperaceae) is a grass like herb, widely used in traditional medicine. In our previous study, this plant demonstrated promising in vitro antioxidant activities. The present work evaluated antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of methanolic extract of F. miliacea through in vivo studies. MethodsThe overall study was structured involving CCl4 toxicant mice model for antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. Three different doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg.bw were administered to mice. HPLC-DAD was performed for chemical characterization of methanolic extract of F. miliacea. ResultsMethanolic extract of F. miliacea increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level in liver, kidney and brain. Concentrations of liver marker enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin in serum were also reduced and restored to normal level after extract administration. Liver histopathology showed recovery of hepatocellular injury after administration of plant extract. In HPLC, ten polyphenolic compounds were detected including caffeic acid and kaempferol, both at high concentrations. ConclusionThe study indicated that F. miliacea has antioxidant and hepatoprotective potentials and contains potential bioactive compounds.

English

Cymbopogon citratus has been reported to have hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic activities. This study evaluates the insulinotropic properties of C. citratus via gene expression. C. citratus was administered to normal rats as pulverized leaves (2, 10 and 30%) mixed with animal feed for one week; as aqueous and ethanol extracts at a dosage of 30 and 100 mg/kg body weight for 30 days; and as isolated saponins, flavonoids and tannins at 30 &micro;g/kg for 7 days. Animals were sacrificed after the treatment protocol and organs of interest removed for analysis. Gene expression analysis of C. citratus was based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1), insulin, glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and potassium ion gated channel (KCNJ5), using isolated mRNA. Results showed that the extracts and phytochemicals fractions (particularly flavonoids) of C. citratus increased insulin gene expression, whereas only the whole plant feeding of normal rats increased GLP-1 gene expression in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of plant extracts increased GLUT-4 expression while phytochemical fractions of C. citratus did not alter the expression of KCNJ5 gene. It can be concluded that the pharmacology of C. citratus, especially the whole plant and the aqueous and ethanol extracts, favours the up-regulation of some insulinotropic genes. &nbsp; Key word: Insulinotropic properties, Cymbopogon citratus, gene expression, insulin, saponins, flavonoids, tannins.

Androgenic and Spermatogenic Effects of Methanolic Root Extract of Waltheria indica (linn) in Male Wistar Rats

Waltheria indica is a common shrub found in many parts of Northern Nigeria for the management of several diseases. Although the ability of Waltheria indica to treat infertility, erectile dysfunction and impotency in male has been reported in ethno-medicine, there is no scientific study to verify its action on androgens and spermatogenic parameters. This study seeks to evaluate the effect of methanolic root extract of Waltheria indica on androgens and spermatogenesis in albino rats. Rats were grouped into four: 1, 2, 3 and 4 where 1(the control) received orally 1mL of normal saline. Groups 2, 3 and 4 received orally on daily basis, graded doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of the plant extract, respectively, for 40 days. Administration of plant extract resulted in enhanced levels of testosterone, follicular stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, sperm count, sperm viability, and sperm mobility, testicular gamma glutamyl transferase, testicular alkaline phosphatase, testicular acid phosphatase and testicular cholesterol. The results show that methanolic root extract of Waltheria indica has demonstrated androgenic and spermatogenic activity which further substantiates its claimed traditional use in the management of infertility in male folk. Keywords: Waltheria indica root extract, infertility, erectile dysfunction, impotency in male, androgenic effect, spermatogenic effect

Antihyperlipidemic activity of hydroalcoholic seed extract of Cucumis sativus L in triton X-100 induced hyperlipidemic rats

Hyperlipidemia is linked to an elevated risk of atherosclerosis disease and managing this risk factor is crucial. This study was aimed at investigation of high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis and antihyperlipidemic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of seeds of the plant Cucumis sativus L in Wistar albino rats. The rats were divided into groups A, B, C and D. All the groups except group A were administered with diet having high cholesterol and given intraperitoneal injection of Triton X-100 to induce hyperlipidaemia. Group A served as normal. Group B served as hyperlipidemic control. Group C (standard) and D (plant treated) were administered with simvastatin (10 mg/kg) and hydroalcoholic extract of the plant (400 mg/kg) respectively daily for 7 days after one week of inducing hyperlipidemia. The biochemical parameters of all the groups were estimated after one week of administration of plant extract using kits of Roche Cobas C111 chemistry analyzer. Histological studies of liver and heart tissues were also done. HPLC study showed the presence of compounds in the extract. The plant decreased the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, low and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly. The plant may be used as dietary supplement in combating hyperlipidemia.

Anti-diabetic Effects of Aqueous plant (Citrullus colocynthis) Extract in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Mice

The aim of this study was to find out anti-diabetic effects of Citrullus colocynthis commonly known as bitter apple. Random blood glucose levels were measured before and after plant extract administration. Powdered form of plant extract was used as an oral treatment. Diabetes was induced in mice using artificial diabetes inducer named- Streptozotocin. Maximum anti-hyperglycemic effect and reduction in glucose level was observed with individual treatment of extract of C. colocynthis @400mg/kg, which was 75%±1.3. This treatment was more effective than amaryl @3mg/kg, which shows effectiveness of 52%±2.4 and Glucophage @500mg/kg, which shows effectiveness of 29%±2.1. Results showed that bitter apple have insulin tropic activity which helps in regeneration of beta cells of pancreas which turn normalize blood glucose levels without any significant side effects such as hypoglycemia. Further research is still required before implementation of this plant to treat diabetic patients.

Effects of methanolic leaf extracts of &lt;em&gt;Jatropha curcas&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Alchonnea cordifolia&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Secamone afzelii&lt;/em&gt; in Doxorubicin-induced hypertensive nephropathy in pregnant Wistar rats

This study assessed the Effects of methanolic leaf extracts of Jatropha curcas, Alchonnea cordifolia, Secamone afzelii in Doxorubicin-induced hypertensive nephropathy in pregnant Wistar rats. Plant samples (leaves) were washed severally with distilled water, air-dried, and crushed to powder and were filtered, then soaked in 200mL of methanol for 12 hours. The LD50 was determined to ascertain the safety of the plant extracts for use. Female Wistar rats, aged 3 days apart, used in the study, were acclimatized for one week. Doxorubicin nephropathy was induced with 3.5mg dose intravenously through the caudal vein. Urea levels were found to have increased significantly in the third trimester (9.3 mmol/L) in the hypertensive nephropathic group. Hypertensive nephropathy also caused an increase in plasma Creatinine levels (333.64 μmol/L) and (172.73 μmol/L) in the third trimester and postpartum, respectively. The administration of plant extracts resulted in a significant decrease in urine creatinine (845.45–481.82 μmol/L) and a significant increase in Protein- Creatinine Ratio (PCR, 3.0–7.3 mg/dL) in the nephropathic group, but a contrary report in the post-partum group, with significant increases in micro-protein (17.1–21.9 mg/dL). Plasma urea and plasma creatinine had a significant relationship in the third trimester (r=0.853 and 0.810, p=0.01). Plasma urea, on the other hand, had no significant association with plasma creatinine throughout the postpartum period. This study’s findings suggested that Jatropha curcas, Alchonnea cordifolia, and Secamone afzelii extracts could be useful in the treatment of chronic renal disease.

Nephroprotective mechanisms of Ambrette (Abelmoschus moschatus Medik.) leaf extracts in adriamycin mediated acute kidney injury model of Wistar rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAmbrette (Abelmoschus moschatus Medik., Family: Malvaceae) is a common Ayurvedic herbal medicine used in the treatment of kidney-related diseases, in the forms of tea, medicated oil, medicated wine, etc., however, its nephroprotective mechanisms remain unexploited. Aim of the studyTo investigate the mechanisms by which the hexane (A-HE), ethyl acetate (A-EE), butanol (A-BE), and aqueous (A-WE) leaf extracts of Ambrette protect against the adriamycin-mediated acute kidney injury in Wistar rats. Materials and methodsA-HE, A-EE, A-BE, A-WE, and fosinopril sodium were administered at therapeutically effective doses (55, 75, 60, 140, 0.09 mg/kg) to adriamycin-induced (5 mg/kg, ip) Wistar rats for 28 consecutive days. ResultsOral administration of the selected extracts of A. moschatus resulted in amelioration of kidney injury as observed by the significant changes of biomarkers of kidney function in serum and in urine, biochemical parameters of oxidative stress, and inflammation in kidney homogenates (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the administration of plant extracts caused a significant reduction in total kidney injury scores in H and E stained kidney sections (p < 0.05). The immunohistochemical expression of the inflammatory marker, COX-2, and the pro-apoptotic marker, Bax, were attenuated and the expression of the anti-apoptotic marker, BCL-2, was increased. A-HE exerted superior nephroprotective effects over the other three extracts and the drug reference standard. ConclusionsThe findings revealed that Ambrette exerts promising protective effects against adriamycin-mediated acute kidney injury through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis pathways. A-HE might serve as a potential candidate for the development of therapeutic drug leads that will be beneficial in the treatment of acute kidney injury.

Evaluation of the Effects of Co-administration of Ethanol Leaves Extracts of Andrographis paniculata Leaves and Phyllanthus amarus on Albumin, Globulin and Bilirubin in Heavy Metal Treated Albino Wistar Rats

The effect of co-administration of ethanol leaves extracts of Andrographis paniculata and Phyllanthus amarus on albumin, globulin and bilirubin in a heavy metal treated albino Wistar rats was evaluated. Twenty-five male rats (130-170g) were assigned five groups of five animals each. Groups 1,2, 3 and 5 were treated with thirty percent of the LD50 of cadmium each before administration of plant extracts. Group 1 was administrated with 400mg/kg of A.paniculata and P. amarus at 50:50 dosage ratio. Groups 2 and 3 were administered with 400mg/kg of A.paniculata and P. amarus respectively. Group 4 was neither treated with heavy metal nor administered with the leave extracts and served as normal control, but Group 5 that was treated with heavy metal without plant extracts served as positive control. The animals were all fed with commercial rat mash and with distilled water throughout three weeks of extract administration. At the end of 21 days, the result revealed a non-significant decrease in mean albumin and globulin levels in the treatment groups when compared to the normal control and positive control. But the mean serum albumin, globulin and bilirubin levels in the positive control group were highest compared to the treatment groups. The result also indicated a significant decrease in direct bilirubin in the treated group when compared to the normal and positive control groups (P&gt;0.05). Significant decrease was also recorded in the mean serum direct bilirubin level in the group 2 compared to the normal and positive control groups (P&lt;0.05). These results show that ethanol extracts ofP. amarus and A.paniculata leaves could inhibit the oxidative stress that would have been caused by cadmium toxicity, therefore, the two plants leaves are hepatoprotective in nature and could be used as an hepatoprotective agents.

Lipid ratios in adriamycin-induced pre-eclamptic Wistar rats exposed to methanolic plant extracts

The study accessed the lipid ratios in preeclamptic Wistar rats exposed to methanolic leaf extracts of Jatropha cacus, Alchonnea cordifolia, and Secamone afzelii. Plant samples (leaves) were washed severally with distilled water, air-dried, and crushed to powder and were filtered, then soaked in 200ml of methanol for 12 hours. The LD50 was determined to ascertain the safety of the plant extracts for use. Female Wistar rats, aged 3 days apart, used in the study, were acclimatized for one week. Peeclampsia was induced used the Adriamycin Model. Results showed that there was elevation of blood pressure (bp) due to preeclampsia. At 3rd trimester, systolic bp (177 mmHg) was higher than at postpartum (160 mmHg). The administration of plant extracts caused a significant reduction in systolic (127 – 150 mmHg) and diastolic (86 – 103 mmHg) bp during the 3rd trimester. Proteinuria was reduced to trace levels when Alchonnea cordifolia was used. Total cholesterol levels were higher in the third trimester (71.6 mg/dl) and postpartum (74.3 mg/dl), respectively. Preeclampsia was linked to similar increases in triglycerides, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol; with a reduction in high density lipoprotein cholesterol. The treatment with the various plant extracts lowered the incidence of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular events during preeclampsia. Although the extracts had a negative effect on systolic blood pressure and proteinuria during the third trimester, indicating that they were beneficial in reducing preeclampsia outcomes, there was no effect on blood pressure or proteinuria during the postpartum period.

Immunohistochemical Expression of AQP2 and HSP70 in Broiler Kidney Tissue Treated with Salix tetrasperma Roxb. Extract under Heat Exposure.

The administration of plant extracts to broilers may be a way to mitigate the effects of heat stress. The importance of AQP2 and HSP70 compounds in maintaining the homeostasis of the chicken body when it is subjected to heat stress is well established. This study aims to determine the effect of giving the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Salix tetrasperma Roxb. on the immunohistochemical expression of AQP2 and HSP70 in exposed and unexposed broiler kidney tissue. This study used 36 samples of 28-day-old chicken kidneys. Chickens were kept in individual cages, provided with feed and drinking water ad libitum. The design used was a completely randomized design with 6 treatments and 6 replications: (a) chickens were reared in conditions exposed to heat (HS + 0); (b) chickens were reared in conditions exposed to heat and given Salix extract at a dose of 50 mg/L drinking water (HS + 50); (c) chickens were reared under heat-exposed conditions and given Salix extract at a dose of 100 mg/L drinking water (HS + 100); (d) chickens were reared in conditions without exposure to heat (n-HS + 0); (e) chickens were reared in conditions without exposure to heat and given Salix extract at a dose of 50 mg/L drinking water (nHS + 50); and (f) chickens were reared in conditions exposed without exposure to heat and given 100 mg/L drinking water (nHS + 100) of Salix extract. Salix extract was given for 24 hours and was renewed every 6 hours. The results showed that giving Salix extract 100 mg/L in drinking water to chickens exposed to heat (HS + 100) reduced the value of the H/L ratio. Giving Salix extract 50–100 mg/L in drinking water caused an upregulated AQP2 expression; on the other hand, it downregulated HSP-70 expression, in chicken kidney tubules both exposed to heat stress and nonexposed to heat stress. In conclusion, exposure to heat stress in broiler chickens and giving Salix extract can increase the formation of aquaporin 2 compounds and suppress the formation of HSP70.

Assessment of In vivo Antidiabetic Activity of Adenanthera pavonina (Fabaceae) Extract in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Objective: Adenanthera pavonina is a deciduous tree commonly used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as boils, epilepsy, blood disorders, seizures, inflammation, and rheumatism. However, the use of this plant extract lacks scientific validation as to its effectiveness. Materials and Methods: This study aimed to investigate the in vivo antidiabetic activity of the methanolic extract of A. pavonina leaves in alloxanized diabetic rats. The preliminary phytochemical screening was performed. The antidiabetic property was evaluated by oral administration of plant extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg of body weight and by profiling blood glucose levels at 1, 7, 14, and 21 days using a glucometer. Results: The phytochemical screening reveals the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, tannins, saponins, proteins, amino acids, and steroids. The blood glucose level of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of plant extract on day 21 of the study was 188.41 ± 8.46 mg/dL and 182.01 ± 9.21 mg/dL, respectively, compared to the diabetic control 291.01 ± 10.25 mg/dL. Conclusion: The methanolic extract from the leaves of A. pavonina showed dose-dependent antidiabetic activity in alloxanized diabetic rats. The results suggest that the plant extract has significant (P &lt; 0.01) antidiabetic activity.

Anti-diabetic effect of Momordicacharantiaplant extract in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice

This study describes anti-hyperglycemic effect of Momordicacharantia extract commonly known as bitter melon. Random blood glucose levels were observed before and after plant extract administration. Powdered form of plant extract was used as an oral treatment. Diabetes was induced in animal (mice) models by using streptozotcin which is an artificial diabetes inducer. Maximum anti-hyperglycemic effect and blood glucose level reduction was observed in individual treatment of Momordicacharantiaextract (500mg/kg) which was 75% ± 1.3. This treatment was more effective as compared to Amaryl (3mg/kg) which shows effectiveness of 52% ± 2.4 and Glucophage (500mg/kg) which shows effectiveness of 29% ± 2.1. Results indicate that bitter melon contain anti-hyperglycemic proteins which are helpful in diabetes treatment without any toxic side effects. Still more research, experiments and testing needs to be perform. Keywords: Amaryl; Anti-hyperglycemic effect; Blood glucose levels; Body weight; Diabetes mellitus

Immunomodulatory Efficiency of Abelmoschus esculentus in Swiss Albino Mice

Background: Immunomodulation through natural or synthetic substances may be considered as an alternative for prevention and cure of infections. Methods: A total of nineteen groups of Swiss albino mice were experimented for immunological studies with an inclusion of control and immunised control. Lymphocyte count and DTH response in the experimental groups after the administration of plant drugs. The result showed remarkable changes in all kind of treated animals when compared to control. The increment in ‘B’ and “T lymphocyte number was much pronounced in mice by the administration of A. esculentus in combination with immuno-enhansive drug. Result: In DTH responses directly correlated with cell mediated immunity and were found to be highest at the maximum dose (100 mg/Kg) of plant extracts A. esculuntus. From the results it was clear that the plant extract induced immunomodulating potential of the test animal. On administration of plant extract an enhanced and visible DTH responses were observed.

Chemical characterization, antioxidant evaluation, and antidiabetic potential of Pinus gerardiana (Pine nuts) extracts.

Methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of pine nuts were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant and inhibition of alpha-amylase activities. Pine nut extracts were orally administered to alloxan monohydrate-induced diabetes in mice at 250, 500, and 750mg/kg. Both extracts showed a significant antioxidant and inhibition of alpha-amylase activities. Animal studies showed a decline in fasting blood glucose, hyperlipidemia, and weight loss in diabetic mice. The administration of plant extracts decreased the blood glucose level during the oral glucose tolerance test. Histopathological examination showed a decrease in alloxan-induced lesions in the pancreas, liver, and kidney of animals treated with pine nut extracts. Furthermore, pine nut extract ameliorated oxidative stress-induced hepatotoxicity in diabetic mice. The presence of quercetin, gallic acid, vanillic acid, benzoic acid, syringic acid, m-coumaric acid, and other phenolic compounds might be related to hypoglycemic, alpha-amylase inhibitory, antioxidant, and antihyperlipidemic potential of pine nut extracts. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Dry fruits are rich in dietary nutrients, minerals, and phytochemicals that can be used to treat and prevent lifestyle disease. Pine nuts are edible and have economic importance in addition to several traditional uses such as diuretic, antiseptic, expectorant, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antihypertensive, and antineuralgic properties. This study was conducted to investigate the pine nut extracts for their antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials using in vitro methods and animal disease model. The findings of the present study suggest that the extracts of Pine nuts may be helpful in treating hyperglycemia during diabetes and prevent its complications such as hepatic damage, nephrotoxicity, weight loss, and hyperlipidemia.

Oral Administration of Rauwolfia Serpentina Plant Extract Mitigated Immobilization Stress-Induced Biochemical and Behavioral Deficits in Rats

Rauwolfia Serpentina is a medicinal herb used for hypertension and psychotic disorders. In this study neuroprotective effects of Rauwolfia serpentina plant extract following the exposure to acute immobilization (2h) stress in rats were investigated. The extract of the plant administered orally at non-sedative dose 30mg/kg before immobilization (2h) to observe stress induced behavioral deficits. Neuroprotective efficacy of extract was assessed in terms of alteration in activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). We also monitored leptin, corticosterone and glucose levels in plasma to obtain an imminent role of Rauwolfia serpentina. Animals were orally administered with Rauwolfia serpentina (30mg/kg) while controls receive saline (1ml/kg). Each group was subdivided into stressed and unstressed groups. Behavioral deficits were monitored in the open field and light dark activity box. Animals were decapitated; plasma samples were collected for CAT, SOD, corticosterone, leptin and glucose estimation. Orally administered Rauwolfia serpentina attenuates stress induced behavioral deficits and rise antioxidant enzymes levels. Plant extract also prevents the stress-induced increase in corticosterone but glucose levels do not manifest any significant change. Immobilization stress (2h) induced decrease of plasma leptin levels were reversed by Rauwolfia serpentina. Therefore, the present study suggests that Rauwolfia serpentina has potentiality to antagonize undesirable effects of immobilization stress (2h) by reducing stress perception and inhibitory effects of stress on the activity of hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and animal behaviors. Despite an apparent role of Rauwolfia serpentina the mechanism of action at molecular level causing the acute anxiolytic effects of oral administration of plant extract remains to be determined.

Oral Administration of Rauwolfia Serpentina Plant Extract Mitigated Immobilization Stress-Induced Biochemical and Behavioral Deficits in Rats

Rauwolfia Serpentina is a medicinal herb used for hypertension and psychotic disorders. In this study neuroprotective effects of Rauwolfia serpentina plant extract following the exposure to acute immobilization (2h) stress in rats were investigated. The extract of the plant administered orally at non-sedative dose 30mg/kg before immobilization (2h) to observe stress induced behavioral deficits. Neuroprotective efficacy of extract was assessed in terms of alteration in activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). We also monitored leptin, corticosterone and glucose levels in plasma to obtain an imminent role of Rauwolfia serpentina. Animals were orally administered with Rauwolfia serpentina (30mg/kg) while controls receive saline (1ml/kg). Each group was subdivided into stressed and unstressed groups. Behavioral deficits were monitored in the open field and light dark activity box. Animals were decapitated; plasma samples were collected for CAT, SOD, corticosterone, leptin and glucose estimation. Orally administered Rauwolfia serpentina attenuates stress induced behavioral deficits and rise antioxidant enzymes levels. Plant extract also prevents the stress-induced increase in corticosterone but glucose levels do not manifest any significant change. Immobilization stress (2h) induced decrease of plasma leptin levels were reversed by Rauwolfia serpentina. Therefore, the present study suggests that Rauwolfia serpentina has potentiality to antagonize undesirable effects of immobilization stress (2h) by reducing stress perception and inhibitory effects of stress on the activity of hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and animal behaviors. Despite an apparent role of Rauwolfia serpentina the mechanism of action at molecular level causing the acute anxiolytic effects of oral administration of plant extract remains to be determined.

Efficacy of Andrographis paniculata supplements induce a non-specific immune system against the pathogenicity of Aeromonas hydrophila infection in Indian major carp (Labeo rohita).

Aeromonas hydrophila, an opportunistic fish pathogen, which causes several major diseases including skin ulcer and haemorrhagic septicemia, contributes considerably to the lethality in aquaculture. Chemical and antibiotic treatment employed against A. hydrophila for disease management are expensive and consequently prompted the advent of drug resistance among the pathogens. To overcome these draw backs, alternative aquatic disease control methods using conventional plant-based medicines are focussed. Our present study aimed to augment the fish non-specific immune system with the implementation of methanolic crude extracts of Andrographis paniculata to Labeo rohita, for evaluating their efficacy against A. hydrophila. Histology of major organs of A. hydrophila-infected fish such as the gills and liver displayed severe tissue damage. A. paniculata extracts exhibited the strong antibacterial activity against A. hydrophila even at lower concentrations (50μl). The extracts also altered the haematological profile of treated infected fishes by increasing the levels of haemoglobin and total erythrocyte-leucocyte counts, along with the phagocytic index. The extracts also had a significant impact on modifying the anatomy and swimming pattern of infected fish, post treatment with the extracts. Also, A. paniculata treated infected fishes in all the plant extract administration methods, viz. injection, oral feeding and diffusion, and reduced the cumulative mortality rate to less than 30%. Even lower concentrations of A. paniculata extracts (50μl) resulted in maximum relative percentage survival of treated fishes. Therefore, our findings suggest that A. paniculata was effective against A. hydrophila infection in aquaculture, thereby maintaining a healthy status of these fishes in aquaculture.