Antioxidant Activity In Rats Research Articles

Matrix effect evaluation and validation of the 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation scavenging assay, as well as its application using a tejate, an ancient beverage in Mexico

Nowadays, consumers, food industries, and researchers have a great interest in evaluating the total antioxidant value of foodstuffs and plasma samples. The 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation scavenging assay is one of the most common antioxidant evaluations. However, this assay shows a great variability in its methodology, e.g., the use of a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) matrix. Moreover, all prior assays did not describe a complete validation procedure. This study demonstrated that the matrix of calibration standards had a significant effect on the accuracy of antioxidant measurements, under the ABTS radical cation scavenging assay. A PBS matrix should only be used in this assay during plasma analysis due to a negative matrix effect on calibration curves. Meanwhile, a PBS-free matrix should be used during analyses of water-based beverages. Our analytical validation showed that the current assay had an inverse lineal relationship, acceptable range, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, short and long-term stability, selectivity, identity, and short time of analysis. Additionally, this study showed that a traditional Southern Mexico beverage (tejate) had antioxidant properties (inhibition of the ABTS radical cation and ability to reduce the ferric ion) due to the presence of polyphenol compounds. The biological relevance was supported by a high plasma antioxidant activity in rats after a 7-day period of tejate consumption.

Antioxidant effect of genistein on ovarian tissue morphology, oxidant and antioxidant activity in rats with induced polycystic ovary syndrome.

Background Oxidative stress is the most frequent cause of female infertility disorders including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Genistein as a major component of soybean isoflavone scavenges free radicals by antioxidant activities.ObjectiveThe present study examines the antioxidant effects of genistein on ovarian tissue following experimental PCOS in rats.Materials and MethodsTwenty female Wistar rat were randomly divided into the following groups (n=5 each group): (I) control group (no treatment); (II) induced PCOS (injection of estradiol valerate); (III) genistein-treated non-PCOS (received genistein); and (IV) genistein-treated PCOS groups. The weight of rats were measured and the blood samples collected and centrifuged. The oxidant and antioxidant activity of plasma and ovaries were measured. All rats were sacrificed under anesthesia, and ovaries were collected and weighted. Histological examination and follicular quality were assessed by staining.ResultsIn histological observation, the induced PCOS rats displayed more number of atretic follicles and the follicular quality in genistein-treated rats was similar to the control groups. The plasma and ovaries malondialdehyde levels significantly increased in PCOS rats (p 0.001), while the total antioxidant capacity levels, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities significantly decreased (p 0.001). The plasma and ovary malondialdehyde levels significantly decreased in PCOS rats that were treated with genistein (p 0.001) and the total antioxidant capacity (p 0.05), glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities significantly increased (p 0.001).ConclusionTreatment with genistein preserved follicular quality by increasing antioxidant activities and scavenging oxidant levels in PCOS rats.

Kelulut honey ameliorates glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis via its antioxidant activity in rats

Objective: To explore the effects of kelulut honey on bone structure and histomorphometry against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Methods: Thirty-five male rats were used (n = 7). Twenty-eight adrenalectomized rats were divided into four groups; each group was given normal saline 0.9% (negative control), calcium water (positive control), kelulut honey (200 mg/kg/day and 400 mg/kg/day, respectively) treatment, respectively. All of them were administered with intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (120 μg/kg/day) to induce osteoporosis. Seven sham operated rats were given vehicle palm olein 0.05 mL/100 g/day by intramuscular injection and 0.1 mL/kg/day orally. All the treatments were given daily for 2 month. Lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress enzymes were measured. In addition, bone structural and histomorphometry analyses were also conducted. Results: Two-month glucocorticoid treatment increased the level of malondialdehyde and decreased superoxide dismutase significantly. No significant changes were found in the activities of catalase and glutathion peroxidase. Bone volume/tissue volume and trabecular number were significantly reduced while trabecular separation of the femoral bones was increased which corresponded to the decreased number of osteoblast surface after two months of receiving glucocorticoid treatment. Kelulut honey treatment restored the level of superoxide dismutase and reduced malondialdehyde significantly (P Conclusions: Kelulut honey may have potential bone protective effect, and may be a prophylaxis against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Study on the influence of palm oil on blood and liver biochemical parameters, beta-carotene and tocochromanols content as well as antioxidant activity in rats.

In the ongoing discussion on the health properties of palm oil, a study of the effect a diet supplemented with palm oil on blood and liver biochemical parameters, beta-carotene and tocochromanols content as well as antioxidant activity was undertaken. Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups, fed with a diet supplemented with plant-based frying commercial fat, palm oil, 7.5% palm oil and 2.5% concentrate from palm oil and 10% of rapeseed oil, respectively. After 21days, blood samples and livers were collected to determine beta-carotene and tocochromanols concentrations, antioxidant activity using DPPH* radical scavenging activity and TEAC methods, insulin, glucagon, serum triacyloglycerols and cholesterol levels, glucose in blood serum and glycogen in the livers. Research has shown valuable biological properties of palm oil in terms of plasma glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triacylglycerol concentrations which was related to the high content of beta-carotene and tocochromanols. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Public concern over the health properties of palm oil has been growing. Therefore, this study supplements existing knowledge in this area based on experimental rat observations. In the presented research, plasma glucose was significantly reduced and no additional growth of total or LDL cholesterol, as well as triacylglycerol concentration, was observed after consuming a palm oil-based diet. Palm oil was a good source of beta-carotene and tocochromanols, which were preferentially distributed in rats' livers. Bioavailability of vitamin E-active compounds in palm oil supplemented rats' livers was relatively high as compared to the rapeseed oil group, therefore this observation complements literature in the field of tocotrienols and tocopherols. Studies have not confirmed the harmful effect of palm oil on rats, however in depth human studies appear to be a promising direction for further research.

Boiled, sprouted, and raw cowpea-incorporated diets modulate high-fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in rats.

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of processed (boiled and sprouted) cowpea‐incorporated experimental diets on serum cholesterol and serum antioxidant capacity in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed Wistar rats. Seven weeks old male Wistar rats were fed 20% fat as a control (CD), for comparison with 20% fat‐enriched diets containing 20% whole raw cowpea diets (Bombay Raw Diet; BRD and MI35 Raw Diet; MRD), boiled cowpea diets (Bombay Boiled Diet; BBD and MI35 Boiled Diet; MBD) and sprouted cowpea diet (Bombay Sprouted Diet; BSD) for 6 weeks. The increase in serum total cholesterol as a result of high‐fat diet was significantly countered by boiled and raw cowpea‐incorporated diet‐fed rats. Increased serum non‐HDL‐C level caused by HFD was significantly (p < 0.05) countered by raw, boiled, and sprouted cowpeas, while HDL–C was increased by raw MI and boiled Bombay incorporated diets. Boiling has improved the hypocholesterolemic ability of Bombay cowpea and BBD has significantly (p < 0.05) modulated serum HDL‐C level and liver weight in rats. These findings were supported significantly high soluble fiber content in processed cowpea powder than that in raw cowpea powder. The decrease in serum antioxidant activity as a result of HFD was significantly countered by BRD. Processing has reduced the antioxidant activity in cowpeas and serum antioxidant activity in rats. Cecal lactobacilli population was significantly high in all cowpea diet‐fed groups compared to control. Modulated serum cholesterol level in cowpea diet‐fed rats was accompanied by dietary fiber composition, antioxidant activity in cowpeas and fecal weight, cecal weight and cecal lactobacilli population in rats compared to control. Both processed and raw cowpea‐incorporated diets have modulated HFD‐induced hypercholesterolemia by modulating serum antioxidative capacity, cholesterol metabolism, and cecal fermentation.

Grape Seed Extract Alleviates Dexamethasone-Induced Hyperlipidemia, Lipid Peroxidation, and Hematological Alteration in Rats.

The ameliorative effects of dietary natural compounds have drawn increasing attention. Dietary antioxidant is considered a common practice adopted in traditional and alternative medicine. The current study was considered to assess the ameliorative effect of grape seed extract on dexamethasone-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Rats were injected with dexamethasone, (0.1mg/kg; i.m.), three times per week, for 30days. The other groups; dexamethasone (0.1mg/kg) and grape seed extract at a dose of 200 and 400mg/kg were given orally to rats, respectively. Dexamethasone treatment resulted in a significant elevation in liver function markers activities, lipid profile, and hematological alterations; also, a remarkable increase in hepatic lipid peroxidation marker whereas decreased antioxidant activities in rats. However, administration of grape seed extract resulted in a reversal of dexamethasone-induced lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities, liver function markers and lipid profile, and hematological alterations. Moreover, grape seed extract demonstrated preventive action against dexamethasone-induced histopathological changes in rat liver tissues. In conclusion, grape seed extract exhibited a protective effect in rats against oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia and hematological alterations induced by dexamethasone.

Emodin Attenuates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis via Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidative Activities in Rats.

BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) can severely damage lung function, which may result in death. Emodin is a major ingredient of rhubarb and has been proven to protect against lung disruptions. Our study focused on the potential medicinal effect of emodin against IPF.Material/MethodsThe experiment subjects were fully-grown male Sprague-Dawley rats with average weight of 180–220 kg. Histological analyses, Western blotting analysis, quantitative real-time PCR, and statistical analysis were used in the study.ResultsWe found that emodin significantly reduced lung structural distortion, collagen overproduction, massive inflammatory cells infiltration, proinflammatory cytokines expansion, and injuries caused by administration of bleomycin (BLM). Additionally, emodin suppressed the accumulation of p-IκBα and NF-κB, while stimulating the Nrf2-antioxidant signaling process in damaged lungs. Emodin inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by BLM in the lungs. Moreover, emodin suppressed the TGF-β1 expression and the downstream signal molecules p-Smad-2 and p-Smad-3, which are reinforced by BLM. Emodin can also reverse EMT-like shifts induced by recombinant TGF-β1 in alveolar epithelial cultured cells.ConclusionsThe effect of emodin in fibrotic lung injury is closely related to its favorable properties of anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation.

Enzyme hydrolysate of silk protein suppresses tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced hepatotoxicity by enhancing antioxidant activity in rats

The purpose of current study is to investigate the beneficial effect of enzyme (Alcalase) hydrolysates of silk protein in rat. Alcalase-treated silk protein hydrolysate (ATSH) itself did not show any cytotoxicity on the hepatic tissues and blood biochemistry, similar to the normal condition. ATSH played a protective role in tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced hepatotoxicity and liver damage. The values of AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase), which are the indicators of the liver function, were effectively alleviated with the ATSH treatment in a dose dependent manner. The level of Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and Malondialdehyde (MDA), which were increased with t-BHP treatment, were significantly reduced by ATSH. High dose of ATSH (2 g/kg) reduced the t-BHP-induced LDH release by 48%. Antioxidant and antioxidant enzymes in liver cells were significantly increased by ATSH treatment in their level and activities. ATSH (2 g/kg) increased glutathione (GSH), an intracelluar antioxidant, by 2.5-fold compared with the t-BHP treated group. The activities of glutathione-s-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase were also elevated by 38%, 60%, and 45%, respectively, with ATSH (2 g/kg) treatment. The antioxidative effect of ATSH was recapitulated to the protection from t-BHP induced liver damages in hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) staining. Thus, ATSH might be used as a hepatoprotective agent.

Effect of Feruloylated Oligosaccharides from Corn Bran on Lipid Metabolism and Antioxidant Activity in Rats

Our previous research found that feruloylated oligosaccharides (FOs) from corn bran modulated the gut microbiota in normal rats. This research aimed to investigate its effect on lipid metabolism and antioxidant activity in the plasma, liver, and heart. The results showed that, compared with the control, oral administration of 300 mg/kg FOs significantly decreased total cholesterol (by 19.8%) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (by 29.8%) but did not significantly influence glucose, triacylglycerol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum; administration of the dosage to 600 mg/kg did not further change these parameters except for increasing total cholesterol. FOs administration at 300 mg/kg did not influence the content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in plasma, liver, but significantly decreased it and significantly increased glutathione (GSH) in the heart, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in plasma and liver. Interestingly, administration of FOs at 300 and 600 mg/kg decreased nitric oxide (NO) content in the heart but increased it in the plasma and liver. Whether or not the effect of FOs on NO content is beneficial or detrimental warrants further investigation.

Evaluation of plasma antioxidant activity in rats given excess EGCg with reference to endogenous antioxidants concentrations and assay methods

The contribution of (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) intake to in vivo antioxidant activity is unclear, even with respect to plasma. In this study, we examined how administration of EGCg contributes to plasma antioxidant activity, relative to its concentration, endogenous antioxidants, and assay methods, namely oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP). Administration of EGCg (500 mg/kg) to rats increased plasma EGCg (4μmol/L as free form) and ascorbic acid (1.7-fold), as well as ORAC (1.2-fold) and FRAP (3-fold) values. The increase in plasma ascorbic acid following EGCg administration was accompanied by its relocation from the adrenal glands and lymphocytes into plasma, and was related to the increase in FRAP. Plasma deproteinization and assays in plasma model solutions revealed that protein levels significantly contributed to ORAC values, where <3 μmol/L EGCg in the presence of protein exhibited minimal antioxidant activity, as measured by both FRAP and ORAC. As the concentration of plasma ascorbic acid was not influenced by deproteinization, differences in FRAP values with and without deproteinization were estimated to determine the contribution of enhanced ascorbic acid attributable to EGCg administration. These results will help to understand the points that should be considered when evaluating EGCg antioxidant activity in plasma.

The effects of caffeine on the renal antioxidant activity in rats / Ratlarda böbrek antioksidan aktivitesi üzerine kafeinin etkileri

Abstract Objective: In our study, the short-term effects of caffeine on the renal antioxidant activity in rats were investigated. Methods: Caffeine was given orally at two different doses: 30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg (a high non-toxic dose). The current study included 30 rats, which were divided into 3 groups: a control group and two caffeine-treated groups. Group 1 was given caffeine at 30 mg/kg and Group 2 was given caffeine at 100 mg/kg for 14 days. We measured advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the kidney tissue following caffeine administration. In addition, we also evaluated superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione S transferase (GST) activities in the kidney tissue. Results: Our results showed that caffeine administration decreased lipid peroxidation and advanced oxidation protein products in kidney. Especially, MDA levels in the kidney tissue of the caffeine-treated groups decreased significantly as a result of the dose. NO levels in the kidney tissue of the caffeine-treated groups were higher than those in the control group. GST activities in the kidney tissue of rats in the caffeine groups also increased significantly. In our study, we did not observe significant changes in renal SOD activities upon caffeine consuption. Conclusion: These results show that short-term consumption of two different doses of caffeine may protect against oxidative stress in the kidney tissue of rats. This effect is related to the caffeine dosage. Determining the mechanisms and antioxidant effects of caffeine at suitable dose requires advanced animal and human studies.

Changes in Plasma Lipid Levels and Antioxidant Activities in Rats after Supplementation of Obtusifolin.

Obtusifolin, an anthraquinone from Cassia obtusifolia seeds, has been reported to reduce blood lipid levels in diabetic rats induced by streptozocin. However, it remains unclear whether obtusifolin possesses a lipid-lowering effect on hyperlipidemia caused by a high-fat diet. Moreover, hyperlipidemia is known to impair the endothelial function by causing oxidative stress. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the antidyslipidemic and antioxidant effects of obtusifolin in hyperlipidemic rats induced by a high-fat diet. Rats with oral fat emulsion were used as our hyperlipidemic model. We measured the body weight of the rats, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase. Our results showed that oral obtusifolin application significantly reversed the changes induced by hyperlipidemia in body weight, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Furthermore, obtusifolin treatment increased serum superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide, but reduced malondialdehyde. Collectively, our findings suggest that obtusifolin may improve hyperlipidemia by enhancing antioxidant activity. This study indicates a potential therapeutic importance of obtusifolin for ameliorating lipid dysfunction induced by a high-fat diet.

Assessment of Acute and Subacute Toxicity of the Total Dichloromethane-Ethanol Extract of Morinda morindoides (Baker) Milne-Redh (ETDE) on Rats

Context: ETDE shown good antihypertensive and antioxidant activities in rats made hypertensive. This present study aims to assess its toxicity. Aims: This study was designed to study the toxicity of dichloromethaneethanol extract of Morinda morindoides. Settings and Design: Toxicological activity in vivo. Methods and Material: Alkaloids were characterized from reagents of Bouchardat, flavonoids by reacting the cyanidrine, tannins by the reagent Stiasny, polyphenols by reacting ferric chloride, quinones by the reagent Bornstraëgen, sterols and polyterpenes by the reaction of Libermann and saponins by observing the foam after agitation of the extract. Acute and subacute toxicity were studied using respectively 423 and 407 OECD guidelines for testing of chemicals. Statistical analysis used: The graphical representation of the data was performed using the Graph Pad Prism 5.0. The mean value is accompanied by the standard error of the mean (Mean ± SEM). The difference between the two values is considered significant when P<0.001. Statistical analysis of results was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The phytochemical screening showed the presence in the ETDE of polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols and polyterpenes. The toxicological study shows that ETDE has a LD50 between 2000 and 5000 mg/kg bw therefore classified in the hazard category 5. The administration of ETDE at repeated dose for 28 days did not significantly affect the weight gain, hematological and biochemical parameters of rats. Conclusion: ETDE toxicity is relatively low with LD50 between 2000 and 5000 mg/kg bw. It does not cause damage to the heart, liver and kidney. ETDE can be used without risk of intoxication.

Effect of Dose and Administration Period of Seed Cake of Genetically Modified and Non-Modified Flax on Selected Antioxidative Activities in Rats.

Flaxseed cake containing antioxidants is a valuable dietary component. Its nutritional effect may be diminished by the presence of anti-nutrients. The work was aimed at determining the effect of different contents of flaxseed cake in diets and their administration period on the development of rats and selected parameters of their health status. Diets with 15% and 30% addition of genetically modified (GM) flax seed cake with enhanced synthesis of polyphenols, as well as Linola non-GM flax were administered in short-term (33 days) and long-term (90 days) experiments. The 30% addition of flaxseed cake reduced digestibility of dietary nutrients, GM flaxseed cake lowered body weight gains. The relative weight of selected organs, hematological blood markers and serum activities of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST, ALT) were not affected. Flaxseed cake consumption reduced serum concentration of albumins and increased globulins. Administration of 30% flaxseed cake improved plasma total antioxidant status and 30% GM flaxseed cake lowered liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. The activities of superoxide dismutase in erythrocytes, glutathione peroxidase in plasma and the liver concentration of 8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine were not changed. Most morphometric parameters of the small intestine did not differ between feeding groups. The administration of diets with 30% addition of flaxseed cake for 90 days improved the antioxidant status in rats.

Antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like activities of an oil extract of propolis in rats

PurposePropolis biological effects are mainly attributed to its polyphenolic constituents such as flavonoids and phenolic acids that were recently described in the chemical composition of an extract of propolis obtained with edible vegetal oil (OEP) by our group. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of OEP on the behavior of rats. Materials and methodsAn in vivo open field (OF), elevated Plus-maze (EPM), and forced swimming (FS) tests were performed to evaluate locomotor activity, anxiolytic- and antidepressant effects of the extract. Besides, oxidative stress levels were measured in rat blood samples after the behavioral assays by evaluation of the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and nitric oxide levels. ResultsOEP increased locomotion in the OF test (50mg/kg) and central locomotion and open arm entries in the OF and EPM tests (10–50mg/kg) and decreased the immobility time in the FS test (10–50mg/kg). Moreover, OEP reduced nitric oxide levels in response to swim stress induced in rats. ConclusionOEP exerted stimulant, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects on the Central Nervous System and antioxidant activity in rats, highlighting propolis as a potential therapeutic compound for behavior impairment of anxiety and depression.

Antiurolithiatic Activity of Crashcal on Ethylene Glycol Induced Urolithiasis in Rats

The present study was designed to evaluate effect of Crashcal, a polyherbal formulation in the treatment of renal calculi. The urolithiasis was induced by ethylene glycol. Male Wistar rats (150–200 g) were selected and divided into seven groups. Ethylene glycol (0.75%) in drinking water was fed to all groups except normal group (Group–1) till 28th day to induce calculi. Group–4 and Group–5 served as preventive regimen (PR) and Group–6 and Group–7 served as curative regimen (CR) and were treated with different doses of Crashcal. Group–1, 2 and 3 served as normal,calculi induced and standard (cystone 750 mg/kg) respectively. Oxalate, calcium and phosphates were monitored in the urine and kidney. Serum BUN, creatinine and uric acid were also recorded. In-vivo antioxidant parameters such as lipid peroxidation (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), body weight, kidney weight and urine volume were also monitored. In hypercalculi animals, the oxalate, calcium and phosphate excretion grossly increased. However, the increased deposition of stone forming constituents was significantly lowered by Crashcal. It was also observed that Crashcal produced significant decrease in MDA and increased GSH, SOD and CAT. The present study suggests that Crashcal possess significant antiurolithiatic and antioxidant activity in rats.

Neuroprotective effects of madecassoside against focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in rats

Madecassoside, a triterpenoid derivative isolated from Centella asiatica, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. We investigated its neuroprotective effect against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in cerebral neurons in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Madecassoside (6, 12, or 24mg/kg, i.v.) was administered 1h after the start of reperfusion, and neurological deficit score and infarct volume were evaluated 24h later. Neuronal apoptosis was assessed by performing terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and pathological brain damage was estimated by performing hematoxylin and eosin staining. Serum levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase activity, reduced glutathione levels, and nitric oxide levels were also determined. mRNA and protein expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Interleukin-1β/6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) were measured by real-time RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively; NF-κB p65 expression was determined by western blotting. Madecassoside significantly reduced brain infarct area, resolved neurological deficit, and ameliorated neuronal apoptosis. It also significantly reduced the levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, and augmented the antioxidant activity in rats subjected to cerebral I/R. Moreover, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB p65 significantly reduced after madecassoside treatment. These results indicate that madecassoside is neuroprotective and may be useful in reducing the damage caused by stroke.

Chemical constituents of Eruca sativa and treatment activity against paracetamol inducing hepatic injury in experimental rats

In the present study, gross chemical composition and some minerals content of Eruca saliva leaves and seeds were estimated. Also, hepatotreatment activity of Eruca sativa leaves, juice, oil and seeds against paracetamol induced liver damage in rats were investigated. Results of this study revealed that Eruca saliva (rocket salad) seeds had higher content of protein, fat and carbohydrate and minerals (Zn, Fe,Ca, K and Cu). Eruca sativa leaves had higher content of fibre, ash and moisture. Paracetamol induced liver injury rat groups treated with Eruca sativa leaves, juice, oil and seeds improved weight gain percent and food intake that appeared within normal. However, they decreased total serum protein and urea with significant increase in total bilirubin, haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) compared with control (+ve) group. Moreover, they lowered liver function enzymes, liver cholesterol, total lipids and MDA and elevated liver triglyceride, glycogen and liver antioxidant enzymes compared with control (+ve) group.In conclusion, Eruca sativa could could help the liver against paracetamol induced hepatic injury through its potent antioxidant activity in rats.

The hepatoprotective effect of fraxetin on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic fibrosis by antioxidative activities in rats

The aim of the study was to investigate the potentially protective effects of fraxetin on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced oxidative stress and hepatic fibrosis in Sprague-Dawley rats. In this study, rats were divided into five groups, including normal controls, model, silymarin as the positive control, fraxetin 20 mg/kg and fraxetin 50 mg/kg. After 8 weeks, activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total bilirubin (TBIL) were checked. The levels of protein carbonyls, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, SOD and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were determined after fraxetin administration. The hydroxyproline levels and histopathologic examinations of hepatocyte fibrosis were also determined. We found that fraxetin at doses of 20 and 50 mg/kg for 8 weeks significantly reduced the levels of TBARS and protein carbonyls compared with CCl4 group. Fraxetin significantly increased the activities of catalase, SOD and GSH-Px in the liver. We also found that fraxetin prevented CCl4 induced hepatic fibrosis by histological observations. These results indicate that fraxetin exhibits potent protective effects against CCl4 induced oxidative stress and hepatic fibrosis.

NUTRITIONAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN TROPICAL FRUITS

During the past two decades our international scientific group investigated in vitro the physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of some cultivars of durian at various stages of ripening, mangosteen and new cultivars of snake fruit in comparison with widely used avocado, kiwifruit and mango, and in vivo their influence on laboratory animals. The main objective of the present study was to screen and compare the properties of water and ethanol extracts of selected exotic fruits and the influence of their physiologically active compounds on human health. The bioactive compounds were extracted with water and ethanol using similar procedures as are used in pharmaceutical applications and daily fruit consumption. Various analytical methods were used to detect biologically active metabolites derived from exotic fruits (polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, tannins, anthocyanins and ascorbic acid), antioxidant radical scavenging assays (DPPH, FRAP, CUPRAC, and ABTS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, two (2D-FL) and three-dimensional (3D-FL) fluorimetry. The correlation between the polyphenols and other bioactive compounds, and their antioxidant activities, is reported for the studied fruit extracts. The properties of the soil, where the investigated fruits were grown, were studied as well. Supplementation of diets with exotic fruits positively affected the plasma lipid profile and antioxidant activity in rats fed cholesterol-containing diets. The interaction between drugs and serum albumin plays an important role in the distribution and metabolism of drugs. The properties of polyphenol extracts of exotic fruits showed the ability to quench serum albumin by forming complexes similar with the ones formed between the proteins and pure flavonoids such as catechin and quercetin. In conclusion, new application of fluorimetry and FTIR spectroscopy for rapid estimation of the quality of exotic fruits in particular and for any fruits and vegetables in general is presented. It is necessary to promote a consumption of exotic fruits (a rich source of natural antioxidants) as a supplement to everyday human diet and for pharmaceutical applications.