Aqueous Extract Of Aerial Parts Research Articles

In vitro Evaluation of Hemostatic Properties of Areal Parts Aqueous Extract of Ageratum conyzoïdes L. (Asteraceae)

Ageratum conyzoïdes (Aerial part) is a medicinal plant commonly used in traditional medicine in Côte d’Ivoire in the treatment of various diseases including bleeding. The objevctives of this study were investigated the hemostatic effects of A. conyzoïdes aqueous aerial part extract at differents volume in vitro, using blood samples from apparently healthy human volunteers. Its properties have been identified by hematologic tests such as coagulation time, prothrombin and activated cephalin time.

Phytochemical composition and pharmacological assessment of callus and parent plant of Asteriscus graveolens (Forssk.) Less. from Algerian Sahara

Purpose: To determine the phytochemical composition, acute toxicity, as well as analgesic and antiinflammatory properties of extracts of the aerial parts and callus cultures of Asteriscus graveolens.Methods: Different standard chemical tests were used for the screening of bioactive compounds in aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Asteriscus graveolens (PAE) and callus (CAE). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed to identify the constituents of the glycosidic extract (GE). Acute oral toxicity test was carried out to ascertain the safety of the plant material. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts were determined using acetic acid-induced writhing test and carrageenan-induced edema test, respectively.Results: Phytochemical analysis showed some differences in composition between the aerial parts and callus cultures. Results from HPLC analysis revealed the presence of 12 phenolic compounds in the GE of adult plants. In addition to being orally safe (no mortality), all extracts showed significant inhibition of acetic acid-induced chemical pain: PAE and GE produced 63 and 68 % reductions in pain, respectively, relative to 60.26 % pain reduction by aspirin. All extracts exerted potent anti-inflammatory effects, with PAE producing the highest effect (73 %) at a dose of 100 mg/mL.Conclusion: Asteriscus graveolens extracts possess potent pharmacological properties due to the presence of some phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids. These findings provide a scientific basis for the traditional uses of Asteriscus graveolens, and indicate that it is a potential source of antiinflammatory agents.
 Keywords: Acute toxicity, Anti-nociceptive, Anti-inflammatory, Aqueous extract, Callus, Flavonoids

Evaluation of anti-obesity potential of aqueous extract of Achyranthes aspera Linn. in high fat diet induced obese rats

BackgroundObesity, reached epidemic proportions globally is often associated with life threatening comorbidities. The unavailability of safe and effective long term medications for obesity in modern pharmacotherapy forces the scientific community to explore the potential of Ayurvedic traditional healers as they are considered safe and effective.ObjectiveTo explore the anti-obesity potential of aqueous extract of aerial parts of Achyranthes aspera L. (AEAA), a traditional healer in high fat diet (HFD) induced obese rats.MethodsAEAA was prepared and subjected to in-vitro pancreatic lipase inhibition assay and in-vivo anti-obesity studies. For in-vivo studies, HFD fed obese prone Wistar albino rats were divided into five experimental groups (Group II to VI): animals fed with standard pellet chow served as normal control (Group I) while, animals continued with HFD alone served as obese control (Group II); Group III, IV and V were administered AEAA at a dose of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg b.w. respectively along with HFD; and animals administered orlistat (30 mg/kg bw) along with HFD served as standard control (Group VI). All the drugs were administered orally once a day for a period of 60 days. At the end of the experimental period various physical, biochemical and histopathological observations were made.ResultsIn-vitro studies showed AEAA partially but not significantly inhibited the activity of pancreatic lipase. Data of in-vivo studies revealed, significant reduction in body weights, fat pad weights and organ weights upon AEAA treatment. Elevated levels of glucose, insulin, leptin, lipid profiles and antioxidant status were also brought back to normal.ConclusionThe obtained results clearly suggested that AEAA possess pronounced anti-obesity potential.

Antihyperglycemic, Antihyperlipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Cotula cinerea (Del) in Normal and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

The current investigation aimed to assess the antioxidant, antidiabetic and antilipidemic effects of the aqueous extract of aerial part of Cotula cinerea (C. cinerea). Cotula cinerea (Del). which belongs to the Asteraceae family is commonly used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes. The objective of the study was to study the effect of the aqueous C. cinerea extract on glucose and lipid metabolism in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats using a single and repeated oral administration. A preliminary phytochemical screening and the quantification of phenolic and flavonoid contents as well as the antioxidant activity using three methods (DPPH, FRAP and ABTS) were carried out. The effect of a single and repeated (15 days of treatment) oral administration of the aqueous extract of aerial part of Cotula cinerea (AEAPCC) at a dose of 20 mg/kg on glucose and lipid profile was examined in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Additionally, histopathological examination of the pancreas and liver was carried out according to the Hematoxylin-Eosin method. AEAPCC (20 mg/kg) showed a significant blood glucose-lowering activity in both normal and diabetic rats after a single and repeated oral administration during 15 days. The aqueous extract was also able to decrease the plasma triglycerides levels in both normal and diabetic rats after 15 days of oral treatment at a dose of 20 mg/Kg while no effect was observed on plasma cholesterol levels. In addition, the results show that AEAPCC exhibits an in vitro antioxidant activity using different tests. Histopathological analysis of the pancreas and liver of AEAPCC-treated diabetic rats has revealed that AEAPCC had a beneficial effect on the architecture of these organs while no improvement of glucose tolerance was noticed using the glucose tolerance test. Furthermore, the results showed that the extract is rich in several phytochemical compounds and exhibited an important antioxidant activity. The phytochemical screening revealed that AEAPCC contains polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, quinones, sterols, terpenoids, anthroquinones and reducing sugars. Whereas, it is free from glycosides. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Cotula cinerea possesses a beneficial effect on diabetes. Further investigations are required to study the mechanism of action of the antidiabetic effect of this plant.

Evaluation of antidiabetic effect of Cistus salviifolius L. (Cistaceae) in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic mice

Cistus salviifoluis L. is a shrub from Cistaceae family used in many traditional medicines for the treatment of various diseases including diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo antidiabetic potential of the aerial parts aqueous extract of Cistus salviifolius L. (CSA). Experimental diabetes was induced in adult male mice by intra-peritoneal injection of Streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NC). CSA at a dose of 500mg/kg was administered daily to the diabetic mice for four weeks. The effect of the extract on hyperglycemia, body weight, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, hepatic and renal functional markers were determined. Histopathological examination of the mice pancreas was also performed. The diabetic animals treated with CSA were compared with animals treated by the standard drug metformin. Treatment with CSA showed a significant reduction in blood glucose, total triglycerides and creatinine levels and prevented the reduction of body weight caused by diabetes. Furthermore, histopathological analysis of the mice pancreas showed that the group treated with CSA reduced damage induced by STZ-NC on islets of Langerhans cells when compared to the diabetic control. The results suggest that the aqueous extract of Moroccan C.salviifolius L. possesses beneficial effect on treatment of diabetes.

Effect of Aqueous Warionia saharae Extract on Lipid and Glucose Metabolism in Normal and Diabetic Rats

Objective:The aim of the study was to evaluate the hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties of aerial parts aqueous extract of Warionia saharae (APAE of W. saharae) in normal and streptozotocin (STZ) induced-diabetic rats. Additionally, the quantitative and qualitative analysis for the presence of different phytochemical constituents in the APAE of W. saharae was performed.Methods:The effects of oral administration of APAE of W. saharae (5 mg/kg) on the plasma Total Cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels were measured in both normal and diabetic rats. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity was realized by the method of DPPH. Total polyphenol as x of the APAE of W. saharae were determined.Results:APAE of W. saharae showed a strong hypolipidemic and antihyperglycemic effects both in normal and in STZ induced diabetic rats. On the other hand, APAE of W. saharae showed a potent antioxidant activity and revealed inhibitory activity. Moreover, the quantitative determination of total polyphenol and flavonoid contents showed high contents of these phytochemicals. Concerning the qualitative analysis several classes of chemicals have been found.Conclusion:APAE of W. saharae (5 mg/kg) shows the potential cholesterol and glucose lowering activity as well as antioxidant properties in both normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Antihyperglycemic Activity and Safety Assessment of the Aqueous Extract of Aerial Parts of Scorzonera undulata ssp deliciosa in Rat.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of Scorzonera undulata. Scorzonera undulata ssp deliciosa, locally known as "Guiz", is used as a phytomedicine in Morocco and Algeria to treat different health problems. Interestingly, it is used in the Moroccan pharmacopeia to treat diabetes. To our knowledge, this medicinal herb has never been investigated for any pharmacological activity. This study aimed to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of the aerial part of Scorzonera undulata (SUAP) in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats and to assess the acute toxicity of this extract in Wistar rats. This study investigated the effects of SUAP at a dose of 20 mg/kg on blood glucose levels in normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The acute toxicity of SUAP was examined according to the OECD test guideline; rats were divided into four groups of each sex and orally received the SUAP (1000, 2000, or 3000 mg/kg BW). Post-treatment, body weight, signs of toxicity, and/or mortality were observed during 14 days. Other assays such as histopathological examination, preliminary phytochemical investigation, determination of glycogen content and evaluation of α-amylase were performed according to standard protocols. The findings of the current study depicted that both single and repeated oral administration of SUAP (20 mg/kg) generated a significant fall in the blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. A single oral administration of SUAP (at the highest dose of 3000 mg/kg BW) had no significant acute toxicological effects, and oral LD50 of SUAP was greater than 3000 mg/kg. Furthermore, repeated oral administration of SUAP during 15 days led to an increase in the liver glycogen content in diabetic rats to improve the histopathological structure of the liver and pancreas in SUAPtreated diabetic rats and to ameliorate some biochemical parameters such as ALT and creatinine. SUAP had no effect on α-amylase activity. In addition, the preliminary phytochemical investigation showed the richness of the roots of SUAP in some phytochemicals, particularly the polyphenols. The present study demonstrates the antihyperglycemic effect of Scorzonera undulata in diabetic rats which could be involved through the improvement of liver structure and function. In addition, the dose used is not toxic. Finally, the extract contains large amounts of bioactive compounds, mainly polyphenols.

Aqueous Asteriscus graveolens Extract Exhibits Antidiabetic and Hepatoprotective Effects in Diabetic Rats

Background: Asteriscus graveolens (A. graveolens) is a medicinal plant with numerous applications in phytotherapy including diabetes management. However, the antidiabetic effect of this plant has never been investigated experimentally. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of aqueous extract prepared from the aerial part of Asteriscus graveolens (A. graveolens) in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats. Method: The effect of a single dose and daily oral administration for 15 days of the aerial part aqueous extract of A. graveolens (AGAPE) (10 mg/kg) on blood glucose levels was evaluated. In addition, histopathological examination of the liver as well as the in vitro antioxidant activity AGAPE were performed. Results: The data illustrate that both single and repeated oral administration of AGAPE were able to reduce blood glucose levels in normal and diabetic rats. The extract ameliorated histopathological properties of liver in diabetic rats and it exhibited in vitro antioxidant activity. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present investigation revealed for the first time that A. graveolens possesses potent antidiabetic and hepatoprotective activities which support the traditional claim of the plant.

Phenolic compounds analysis of three Euphorbia species by LC-DAD-MSn and their biological properties

Members of the genus Euphorbia have attracted much interest as potential sources of bioactive compounds. In this study, the ethyl acetate, methanolic and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of three Euphorbia species namely Euphorbia hirta L., Euphorbia heterophylla L. and Euphorbia convolvuloides Hochst. ex Benth. were screened for their antioxidant [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric antioxidant reducing capacity (CUPRAC), metal chelating, total antioxidant capacity (phosphomolybdenum)], and enzymatic properties [α-amylase, α-glucosidase, tyrosinase, acetyl- (AChE), butyryl-cholinesterase (BChE)]. Total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and phytochemical profile were established via LC-DAD-MSn. Results showed that the methanolic and aqueous extracts of the three plants yielded the highest TPC with values ranging from 35.84–141.90 mg gallic acid equivalent/g. E. hirta was the most potent DPPH scavenger and chelator reporting the highest equivalent [DPPH: 195.22 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g, chelator: 30.73 mg ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid equivalent (EDTAE)/g], while E. heterophylla demonstrated the most significant Fe3+ and Cu2+ reducing potential (FRAP: 194.28 mg TE/g; CUPRAC: 631.25 mg TE/g) and possessed the highest total antioxidant capacity (3.76 mmol TE/g). The AChE, BChE, α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory effects of the three species were relatively the same. However, E. hirta exhibited the highest anti-tyrosinase activity (109.71 mg kojic acid equivalent /g). Euphorbia convolvuloides showed low antioxidant activities and enzymatic inhibitory effects compared to other. LC-DAD-MSn fingerprint of the phenolics of the three species showed the presence of different derivatives. Quantitative data revealed tannins and flavonoids (25 and 20 mg/g respectively) for E. hirta, high amount of tannins 63 and 21 mg/g of flavonoids for E. heterophylla, while high flavonoid contents for E. convolvuloides, 56 mg/g. Euphorbia hirta proved to the most promising among the three tested species and thus can be explored further by isolating and characterizing active bioactive agents that could be used to manage oxidative stress-related diseases and hyperpigmentation problems.

Bioactivities of iridoids and flavonoids present in decoctions from aerial parts of Verbascum betonicifolium

IntroductionVerbascum betonicifolium (V. betonicifolium) is a plant used in traditional medicine for several ailments. The objective of this study was to determine the antioxidant activity and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of the aqueous extract together with the metabolites responsible for these activities. This paper presents the first phytochemical characterization and bioactivities of aqueous extracts from aerial parts. MethodsThe compounds present in the aerial part aqueous extract were identified by high performance liquid chromatography, coupled to a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) and by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), using LC–MS/MS analyses. Antioxidant activity was measured as the capacity to scavenge the free radical DPPH and the AChE activity was determined using the Ellman test. The cytotoxicity was determined used HepG2 cell lines. ResultsSeveral types of metabolites were found, primary metabolites (malic, citric and gluconic acids), phenolic compounds (verbascoside, luteolin), terpenoids (iridoid glycoside, unedide), among others. The total phenol content of 28 μg of gallic acid equivalents/mg of extract was determined. The aqueous extract antioxidant activity had and EC50 of 70 μg/mL and the AChE inhibitory activity an IC50 of 750 μg/mL. No cytotoxicity towards HepG2 cells was detected, even using a concentration of 1 mg/mL. ConclusionsThe phenolic compounds present in the extract may be the main contributors to the bioactivities of V. betonicifolium. These results show for the first time the richness of phytochemicals and the strong bioactivities of V. betonicifolium and that the aqueous extract could be used as new natural sources of bioactive molecules.

Antihyperglycemic Potential of Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Schultz. in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats.

The study aimed to investigate the antihyperglycemic activity of Matricaria pubescens. Matricaria pubescens (Def). Shultz (Asteraceae) is commonly used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes in Morocco. The present investigation aimed to assess the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effects of the aqueous extract of the aerial part of Matricaria pubescens (M. pubescens). The effect of a single and repeated oral administration of the aqueous extract of aerial part of M. pubescens (AEAPMP) at a dose of 40 mg/kg on glucose was examined in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Additionally, histopathological examination of the pancreas and liver was carried out according to the Hematoxylin-Eosin method. The antioxidant activity was performed using the DPPH assay. The results showed that the aqueous extract of M. pubescens (AEAPMP) exhibited a significant lowering activity on blood glucose levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats. In addition, AEAPMP ameliorated the histopathological tissues of the liver and pancreas. Furthermore, in vitro antioxidant activity of AEAPMP has been shown. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that M. pubescens possesses a beneficial effect against hyperglycemia associated with diabetes.

Acute Toxicity and Anti-diarrhoeal Activity of Aqueous Extract of Aerial ‎Parts of Hygrophila Auriculata in Albino Rats

Hygrophila auriculata (H. auricalata) plant extract was studied for it phytochemical constituents, acute toxicity and its anti-diarrhoea ‎l activity in albino rats using standard procedure. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides, terpenoids and saponins. The acute toxicity of the extract was above 2000 mg/kg b. wt which is slightly toxic. The result of castor oil induced diarrhoea ‎ model indicates that the extract at all test doses was significant (p<0.05). Similarly, the extract produced a significant (p<0.05) decline in the weight and volume of intestinal contents at all tested doses. In addition, a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the gastrointestinal motility in charcoal meal test was also observed in all doses of the extract administered. This activity may be attributed to the presence of the identified phytchemicals in the plant extract. The results in this study confirmed the ‎anti-diarrhoea. ‎ ‎l activity of the aerial part of H. auriculata and hence support the folkloric believe and provide the scientific basis for the traditional use of this plant in the treatment of diarrhoea.

UPLC-ESI-MS/MS Profile and Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, Antidiabetic, and Antiobesity Activities of the Aqueous Extracts of Three Different Hibiscus Species

The aqueous extracts of Hibiscus calyphyllus (HcA), Hibiscus micranthus (HmA), and Hibiscus deflersii (HdA) growing in Saudi Arabia did not receive enough attention in phytochemical and biological studies. This inspired the authors to investigate the phytochemicals of these extracts for the first time using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS in negative and positive ionization modes. The analysis afforded the tentative identification of 103 compounds including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Moreover, in vitro evaluations of their cytotoxic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antiobesity activities were carried out. The results showed that aqueous extract of Hibiscus calyphyllus had the highest activity as an antioxidant agent (SC50 = 111 ± 1.5 μg/mL) compared with ascorbic acid (SC50 = 14.2 ± 0.5 μg/mL). MTT assay was used to evaluate cytotoxic activity compared to cisplatin. Hibiscus deflersii showed the most potent cytotoxic effect against A-549 (human lung carcinoma) with IC50 = 50 ± 5.1 μg/mL, and Hibiscus micranthus showed a close effect with IC50 = 60.4 ± 1.7 μg/mL. Hibiscus micranthus showed the most potent effect on HCT-116 (human colon carcinoma) with IC50 = 56 ± 1.9 μg/mL compared with cisplatin (IC50 = 7.53 ± 3.8 μg/mL). HcA and HdA extracts showed weak cytotoxic activity against A-549 and HCT-116 cell lines compared to the other extracts. Eventually, Hibiscus deflersii showed astonishing antidiabetic (IC50 = 56 ± 1.9 μg/mL) and antiobesity (IC50 = 95.45 ± 1.9 μg/mL) activities using in vitro α-amylase inhibitory assay (compared with acarbose (IC50 = 34.71 ± 0.7 μg/mL)) and pancreatic lipase inhibitory assay (compared with orlistat (IC50 = 23.8 ± 0.7 μg/mL)), respectively. In conclusion, these findings are regarded as the first vision of the phytochemical constituents and biological activities of different Hibiscus aqueous extracts. Hibiscus deflersii aqueous extract might be a hopeful origin of functional constituents with anticancer (on A-549 cell line), antidiabetic, and antiobesity activities. It might be a natural alternative remedy and nutritional policy for diabetes and obesity treatment without negative side effects. Isolation of the bioactive phytochemicals from the aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Hibiscus calyphyllus, Hibiscus micranthus, and Hibiscus deflersii and estimation of their biological effects are recommended in further studies.

Evaluation of the Anti-Hypercholesterolemic and Antioxidant Activity of Mentha pulegium (L.) Aqueous Extract in Normal and Streptozotocin- Induced Diabetic Rats

Objective:Mentha pulegium L., an aromatic plant belonging to Lamiaceae family, is widely used by local population against diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disorders. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vivo antihypercholesterolemic effect of aerial parts aqueous extract (A.P.A.E) of Mentha pulegium (M. pulegium) in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. Additionally, the in vitro antioxidant activity of M. pulegium A.P.A.E has been estimated.Methods:The effect of M. pulegium (L.) A.P.A.E (20 mg of lyophilized A.P.A.E per kg body weight) on plasma lipid profile was investigated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats (n=6) treated for 15 days with M. pulegium (L.) A.P.A.E oral administration. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH (1-1-diphenyl 2-picryl hydrazyl) radical scavenging activity. Estimation of total polyphenol contents in A.P.A.E of M. pulegium was determined with the Folin- Ciocalteu reagent by the method using gallic acid as a standard phenolic compound. Also, flavonoids were estimated according to the method based on the formation of a complex flavonoidaluminium.Results:The results show that 15 days of M. pulegium A.P.A.E oral administration alleviated hyperlipidemia in diabetic rats by lowering significantly (p<0.01) the plasma cholesterol levels without affecting the triglycerides (TG) levels significantly. However, no significant decrease in plasma cholesterol and plasma triglycerides has been shown in diabetic control rats. In addition, A.P.A.E oral administration has exerted some increasing activity on plasma HDL-c level (54.84 %), whereas the HDL-c level, in diabetic control rats, has significantly decreased (p<0.05). On the other hand, M. pulegium A.P.A.E showed a high amount of flavonoid (83.07 ± 0.58 mg EQ / g of extract) and phenolic compounds (239.08 ± 35.40 mg EAG/g of extract). Also, according to the DPPH radical scavenging activity, this aqueous extract has demonstrated a significant antioxidant activity.Conclusion:We conclude that 15 days of M. pulegium A.P.A.E oral administration exhibited a significant antihypercholesterolemic effect and has also demonstrated a not negligent increase in HDL-c levels without affecting the triglycerides levels. Furthermore, A.P.A.E exhibited a potent antioxidant activity. Therefore, phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity of M. pulegium A.P.A.E may be seemingly implicated in the antihypercholesterolemic effect demonstrated in this study.

Potent Antihyperglycemic Effect of an Endemic Plant from Morocco (Matthiola Maroccana Coss.) on Normal and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Matthiola maroccana (Coss.) belongs to the Brassicaceae family and it is an endemic plant from Morocco. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Matthiola maroccana (Coss.) on blood glucose levels in normal and diabetic rats. The effect of single dose (6 hours) and daily oral administration for seven days of the Aerial Part Aqueous Extract (A.P.A.E) of Matthiola maroccana (Coss.) (M. maroccana) at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight on blood glucose levels in normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats was observed. Furthermore, body weight, oral glucose tolerance test, liver histopathological examination, phytochemical screening, and in vitro antioxidant activity of A.P.A.E were evaluated in this study. The results showed that M. maroccana A.P.A.E exerts potent hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effects on normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats (p<0.0001). Also, it was able to restore body weight in diabetic rats (p<0.05). Furthermore, the aqueous extract has been shown to regenerate hepatic tissues in diabetic rats. Besides, A.P.A.E revealed the presence of several phytochemical constituents (polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, sterols and terpenoids), and possessed antioxidant activity. In conclusion, our findings showed that A.P.A.E of M. maroccana (A.P.A.E MM) possesses significant antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic activities.

Blood pressure lowering effect of the aqueous extract of &lt;i&gt;Satureja&lt;/i&gt;

Satureja punctata Benth. Briq. (Lamiaceae) is a small shrub known by its vernacular name “Lomishet”. It is used in Ethiopian traditional medicine for the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, liver disease, headache and febrile illness. Mean Arterial Blood Pressure (MABP) lowering effect and vasorelaxant activity of the aqueous extract of aerial parts of the plant were studied. Intravenous administration of the aqueous extract at different doses brought a fall in MABP in normotensive guinea pigs and also in renovascular hypertensive guinea pigs. The extract also caused a dose-dependent relaxation of precontracted aorta; with a maximum relaxation of 98.19% achieved at 40 mg/ml. Preparative reversed-phase HPLC analyses of the extract resulted in the isolation of two phenolic compounds, namely, rosmarinic acid and linarin. The structures of these compounds were elucidated using UV, IR, MS, and NMR (1D and 2D) techniques. Furthermore, rosmarinic acid showed significant (p &lt; 0.01) reduction of MABP in normotensive guinea pigs at doses of 0.75, 1.50 and 3.00 mg/kg. The findings of this study suggest that the aerial parts of S. punctata have genuine antihypertensive activity.&#x0D;

Preclinical Study of the Antidiabetic Effect of Traganum nudatum in Diabetic Rats.

The aim of the study was to study the antidiabetic effect of Traganum nudatum in an animal model of diabetes. Traganum nudatum (T. nudatum) is a medicinal plant widely used in folk medicine by the Moroccan population to treat various diseases including diabetes. The objective of the study was to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic of the aqueous Traganum nudatum extract in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated orally by the extract of Traganum nudatum (T. nudatum) at a dose of 50 mg/kg. The blood glucose levels were determined for 6 hours and 15 days during this treatment. The oral glucose tolerance and phytochemical tests and the analysis of histopathological changes of the liver were performed. The antioxidant activity of aqueous T. nudatum extract was also assessed using the method of trapping of free radical 2,2- diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). T. nudatum Aerial Part Aqueous Extract (TNAPAE) reduced the blood glucose levels in both normal and diabetic rats. The results demonstrated that TNAPAE treatment exhibited a significant hypoglycemic effect without altering the body weight. In addition, a noticeable influence on glucose tolerance was also observed after TNAPAE treatment. Moreover, TNAPAE was able to exhibit a beneficial effect on the histological structure of the liver. Finally, a potential antioxidant effect has been shown in vitro. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic effects of T. nudatum in rats supporting its traditional use for the management of diabetes.

Anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of aqueous extract of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. in mice

Background: Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. is a widely used plant in Iranian traditional medicine. It has long been used as an anxiolytic herb. The aim of this work was to investigate the anxiolytic and antidepressant properties of aqueous extract of aerial parts of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. in mice. Materials and Methods: For evaluation of anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of the plant, different doses (500, 1000, 1200, and 1400 mg/kg) of the extract were used in the mouse models of elevated plus maze (EPM) and forced swimming test (FST), respectively. The possible anxiolytic mechanism of the extract was determined by using pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) (10 mg/kg), propranolol (0.2 mg/kg), and atropine (0.5 mg/kg). Sedative effect of the extract was evaluated by ketamine sleeping time test, and rotarod was used to determine the effects of the extract on motor function. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The results showed that the percentage of time spent and number of entries is significantly increased (P 0.05). Motor coordination was impaired (all doses) by the plant. Conclusion: This study confirms the anxiolytic properties of aqueous extract of S. lavandulifolia and suggests that its effects are mediated through GABAA receptors. The extract does not have sedative properties but the results are indicative of a coordination impairing potential of the extract.

Polysaccharide composition of an anticoagulant fraction from the aqueous extract of Marsypianthes chamaedrys (Lamiaceae)

Marsypianthes chamaedrys (Lamiaceae) is a medicinal plant popularly used against envenomation by snakebite. Pharmacological studies have shown that extracts of M. chamaedrys have antiophidic, anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties, supporting the ethnopharmacological use. In this study, an aqueous extract of aerial parts of M. chamaedrys showed anticoagulant activity in the activated partial thromboplastin time assay (0.54 IU/mg). The bioassay-guided fractionation using ethanol precipitation and gel filtration chromatography on Sephadex G-50 and Sephadex G-25 resulted in a water-soluble fraction with increased anticoagulant activity (Fraction F2−A; 2.94 IU/mg). A positive correlation was found between the amount of uronic acids and the anticoagulant potential of the active samples. Chemical and spectroscopic analyses indicated that F2−A contained homogalacturonan, type I rhamnogalacturonan, type II arabinogalactan and α-glucan. UV and FT–IR spectra indicated the possible presence of ferulic acid. Pectic polysaccharides and type II arabinogalactans may be contributing to the anticoagulant activity of the aqueous extract of M. chamaedrys in the APTT assay.

Cardiovascular Effects of Micromeria graeca (L.) Benth. ex Rchb in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats.

The present study was performed in order to analyze the antihypertensive activity of Micromeria graeca (L.) Benth. ex Rchb. Micromeria graeca (L.) Benth. ex Rchb is an aromatic and medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This herb is used to treat various pathologies such as cardiovascular disorders. Meanwhile, its pharmacological effects on the cardiovascular system have not been studied. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of aerial parts of Micromeria graeca (AEMG) on the cardiovascular system in normotensive and hypertensive rats. In this study, the cardiovascular effect of AEMG was evaluated using in vivo and in vitro investigations. In order to assess the acute effect of AEMG on the cardiovascular system, anesthetized L-NAME-hypertensive and normotensive rats received AEMG (100 mg/kg) orally and arterial blood pressure parameters were monitored during six hours. In the sub-chronic study, rats were orally treated for one week, followed by blood pressure assessment during one week of treatment. Blood pressure was measured using a tail-cuff and a computer-assisted monitoring device. In the second experiment, isolated rat aortic ring pre-contracted with Epinephrine (EP) or KCl was used to assess the vasorelaxant effect of AEMG. Oral administration of AEMG (100 mg/kg) provoked a decrease of arterial blood pressure parameters in hypertensive rats. In addition, AEMG induced a vasorelaxant effect in thoracic aortic rings pre-contracted with EP (10 μM) or KCl (80 mM). This effect was attenuated in the presence of propranolol and methylene blue. While in the presence of glibenclamide, L-NAME, nifedipine or Indomethacin, the vasorelaxant effect was not affected. This study showed that Micromeria graeca possesses a potent antihypertensive effect and relaxes the vascular smooth muscle through β-adrenergic and cGMP pathways.