Effect Of Aqueous Root Extract Research Articles

Effect of Cassia sieberiana DC (Fabaceae) on α-amylase and α-Glucosidase and Diabetes Treatment Trial in Rats

Background: Diabetes is a metabolic disease caused by a disturbance in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism. It constitutes a public health problem whose major symptom is chronic hyperglycemia. The present study aims to assess the inhibitory effect of aqueous root extract of Cassia sieberiana (AECs) on two glycosidases, as well as its anti-diabetic potential in Wistar rats.
 Study Design: Experimental Design.
 Place and Duration of Study: Biology and Health Laboratory, Training and Research Unit Biosciences, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, is the place where this study was carried out. The work was conducted from November 2022 to February 2023.
 Methodology: The inhibitory effect of AECs on α-amylase and α-glucosidase was determined in vitro by measuring its ability to block the activity of these enzymes in the presence of their substrate. As for anti-diabetic activity, this was assessed in Wistar rats during experimental alloxane-induced diabetes. Diabetic rats were then treated with AECs at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg bw and glibenclamide at a dose of 10 mg/kg bw for three weeks.
 Results: AECs exerts weak inhibitory effect on α-amylase activity (IC50 = 3.41x104 mg/mL) compared to its effect on α-glucosidase activity (IC50 =7.31x10-2 mg/mL). However, this inhibitory effect is lower than that of acarbose (IC50 = 3.13x10-4 mg/mL). In addition, treatment of diabetic rats reduced hyperglycemia by 38.75%, 55.48% and 63.55% in rats receiving AECs at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg bw and glibenclamide respectively. In addition, changes in lipid, hepatic and renal profiles, and weight loss in diabetic rats were corrected by this extract.
 Conclusion: AECs inhibits α-glucosidase and α-amylase activity, but this effect is better with α-glucosidase. This extract is also able to reduce glycemia in diabetic rats and regulate certain parameters linked to complications associated with diabetes.

Evaluation of Antinociceptive Activity of Ficus Religiosa Root Extract in Swiss Albino Mice

Background 
 Ficus religiosa, commonly known as peepal, is widely distributed in Indian subcontinent. It has been used as an antiepileptic, aphrodisiac, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and laxative in traditional medicine.
 Objective To explore the analgesic effect of aqueous root extract of Ficus religiosa using thermal and chemical models of pain in swiss albino mice.
 Method The aqueous aerial root extract of Ficus religiosa was prepared using soxhlet apparatus. The anti-nociceptive effect of the extract at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg was evaluated using peripheral (acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing), spinal (tail flick) and supra-spinal (hot plate) behavioral models of pain. All data were presented as Mean ± SEM. Statistical differences between Ficus religiosa (50 and 100 mg/kg) and standard control groups were evaluated using Mann-Whitney U test.
 Result There was significant dose dependent increase in the mean reaction time compared to the vehicle control in hot plate and tail- flick test. In acetic acid induced writhing test, mice treated with Ficus religiosa (50 and 100 mg/kg) exhibited significant dose-dependent decrease in the mean number of writhes (57.45% and 79.20% respectively) compared to the vehicle control. The activity of Ficus religiosa extract at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg was equipotent to Standard control (Morphine and Indomethacin) used in different test models.
 Conclusion The extract of Ficus religiosa possesses both central and peripheral analgesic activity thus validating the traditional use of this plant in the management of pain.

Effects of Moringa oliefera Lam. Aqueous Root Extract on the Histology of Pancreas in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

This study was to determine the effects of aqueous root extract of Moringa oleifera on antioxidant activities and on the histology of pancreas in Alloxan-induced-diabetic rats. Twenty Albino Wistar rats of both sexes weighing between100 and 194g were used for the study. The animals were divided in to four groups (Groups I, II, II and IV) of five rats each. Group I was the control group and were administered distilled water per body weight. Group II was induced with diabetes by injecting the rats with 150mg/kg Alloxan single dose and not treated. group III was induced with diabetes and treated with 50mg/kg Moringa for 28 days and group IV were not induced with diabetes but were treated with the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera root for a period of twenty-eight days at 50mg/kg orally. The antioxidant activity of Moringa oliefera aqueous root extract was studied by assaying serum marker substances of Catalase, Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) to determine the extent of antioxidant activity of the extract on the pancreas. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and the Pancreas processed for routing light microscopic analyses. The results of this study showed that antioxidant activities of Malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased significantly in diabetic not treated and diabetic treated Moringa groups and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), activity increased significantly in diabetic non-treated group and non-diabetic treated group (p<0.05). Glutathione Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase changes were not significant. The results of this study also showed that photomicrograph of pancreas of diabetic non treated rats showed highly lobulated pancreatic tissue, glands exhibits loose collagenous capsule which can be seen extending as delicate septae, chronic inflammation and degeneration of islets of Langerhans. Diabetic treated group also showed septea between the lobule similar to the control group and glandular acini undergoing regeneration. Non-diabetic but treated group showed diffused micro and macro acini and normal islets of Langerhans similar to control.

Tumorigenic risk of Angelica sinensis on ER-positive breast cancer growth through ER-induced stemness in vitro and in vivo

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe root of Angelica sinensis is widely used in traditional Chinese Medicine for relieving gynecological discomforts among the women population. However, its hormone-like effects have raised great attention on whether it is appropriate to use in breast cancer (BC) patients. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the tumorigenic effect of aqueous root extract of Angelica sinensis (AS) on estrogen receptor (ER)-positive BC growth through ER-induced stemness in-vitro and in-vivo. Materials and methodsThe chemical composition of the AS was characterized by HPLC. Cell viability was detected by MTS assay. The in-vivo effect of AS was investigated by xenograft model, immunohistochemistry, histology, Western blot, and self-renewal ability assay. Target verification was used by shRNA construction and transfection. Mammosphere formation assay was performed by flow cytometry. ResultsAS significantly promoted the proliferation of MCF-7 cells and inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells. AS significantly induced tumor growth (2.5 mg/kg) in xenograft models and however tamoxifen treatment significantly suppressed the AS-induced tumor growth. AS induced ERα expression in both in-vivo and in-vitro and promoted cancer stem cell activity in ER-positive BC. ConclusionAS shows the tumorigenic potential on ER-positive BC growth through ERα induced stemness, suggesting that the usage of AS is not recommended for BC in terms of safety measures.

Withania somnifera attenuates Tilapia lake virus (TiLV)‐induced mortality by inhibiting stress and strengthening the innate antioxidant defence system

Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) disease is an emerging disease threatening the aquafarming industry. It is spreading rapidly and has resulted in significant mortalities in tilapia, thus seriously affecting the economy of the farmers globally. Mortality due to TiLV infection is mostly stress-associated. Withania somnifera (WS) is a medicinal plant whose roots are well known to reduce stress and improve immunity. This study evaluated the role of oxidative stress induced by TiLV on tilapia and the stress-reducing effect of aqueous root extract of WS (WSE) on TiLV-infected tilapia. TiLV-induced continuous daily mortality with severe clinical signs in heavily infected (first step reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive) tilapia, whereas the lightly infected (semi-nested RT-PCR positive) tilapia exhibited mild clinical signs and fewer mortalities. Altered haematological parameters (Haemoglobin, protein, albumin, glucose and triglycerides), deteriorated innate antioxidant defence (glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase), increased free radical generation, lipid peroxidation and stress-related inflammatory markers (interleukin-1β, tumour necrosis factor-α and cortisol) were observed in TiLV-infected tilapia, which were significantly reverted by the WSE treatment in heavily infected tilapia. The WSE treatment exhibited significant amelioration in liver pathology and ceased mortality within two weeks. The result obtained under laboratory conditions was corroborated with field studies in various parts of Kerala, India, which confirmed zero mortality and complete recovery of clinical signs in 10 TiLV-infected farms after the application of WSE. Overall results demonstrate the treatment potential of WSE via its anti-stress and antioxidant properties in attenuating TiLV induced pathology and mortality in tilapia.

Sub-chronic toxicological evaluation of Strophanthus hispidus DC (Apocynaceae) aqueous root extract.

Strophanthus hispidus DC (Apocynaceae) has gained wide and extensive applications in herbal medicine in Africa for the treatment of quite a lot of diseases. Owing to the extensive application and the propensity of persistent consumption of this shrub, this research investigates the sub-chronic toxicological effect of aqueous root extract of S.hispidus (SHP) in laboratory animals (rats). The rats were allotted into four groups of eight rats each (n=8) and orally treated daily for ninety (90) days with SHP extract at 100, 500 and 1,000mg/kg and the control group received distilled water (10mL/kg). The rats were weighed at 15days interval. After 90days daily oral administration of SHP extract, blood samples were collected from the rats into lithium heparin and EDTA bottles for biochemical and haematological analysis respectively. Vital organs were weighed and histological examination was performed on the liver and kidney. The SHP extract displayed no significant (p>0.05) alterations in body weight of treated compared tocontrol rats. At doses of 500 and 1,000mg/kg, SHP-treated rats showed significant (p<0.05) increase in white blood cell (WBC), without significant difference in other haematological parameters. Non-significant (p>0.05) decrease in urea and non-significant (p>0.05) increase Na+, K+ and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were observed. Significant (p<0.05) decrease in liver weight was observed without any alteration in the architecture of the liver and other organs investigated. Aqueous root extract of S.hispidus demonstrated a good safety profile in rats. Therefore, S.hispidus is harmless and safe following sub-chronic oral administration.

Hepatocurative effect of aqueous extract of Scoparia dulcis (sweet broom) root on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats

Most acute and chronic liver diseases today are due to drugs and other chemical-induced hepatotoxicity. A great number of herbal preparations have become increasingly popular for the treatment of liver disorders due to the absence of reliable hepatoprotective drugs in modern medicine. The aim of this work is to carry out acute toxicity study and investigate the hepatocurative effects of aqueous root extract of Scoparia dulcis against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatoxicity in albino rats. Serum biomarkers of hepatic injury, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumine (ALB), and bilirubin, were assayed according to standard methods. The results of the biochemical studies of blood samples of CCl4-treated rats showed significant (P ˂ 0.05) increase in the levels of ALT and AST and decrease in ALB level reflecting the liver injury caused by CCl4 whereas blood samples from rats treated with aqueous root extract of Scoparia dulcis showed decreased levels of ALT and AST and increase in ALB indicating the protection of hepatic cells. Histopathological features showed decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells, staetosis, and level of fibrosis in the liver tissues of the treated compared to the untreated groups. This further confirms the hepatocurative effect of Scoparia dulcis extract. The lethal dose (LD50) of the root extract was greater than 5000 mg/kg.

Antidiabetic Effect of Aqueous Root Extract of Carica papaya L. in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Antihyperglycaemic effect of aqueous root extract of male Carica papaya L. (Family: Caricaceae) was investigated in alloxan-induced albino rats. 500 mg/kg body weight extract was administered by gavage orally twice daily for 7 days. Consequent upon induction of diabetes, the resulting raised levels of blood glucose, cholesterol, bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) were significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced after one week of administering the extract. In contrast, the significant decrease in total plasma protein of rats injected with alloxan were significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased following administration of extract compared to diabetic control rats. The results indicate the aqueous extract of male Carica papaya root ameliorated hyperglycaemia and hypercholesterolaemia lending credence to its folkloric use as treatment for diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, the extract ameliorated hepatic tissue injuries in the diabetic rats. Keywords: Carica papaya L., antihyperglycaemic, diabetic rats, aqueous, root, extract DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/10-6-01 Publication date: March 31 st 2020

Effect of aqueous root extract of Cynodon dactylon on the hemolytic activity of cardiotoxins from Indian cobra (Naja naja)

Effect of aqueous root extract of Cynodon dactylon on the hemolytic activity of cardiotoxins from Indian cobra (Naja naja)

Antipuritive Effect of Aqueous Root Extracts of Moringa oliefera on Alcohol-induced Haematoxicity in Wistar Rats

Aim: The study is aimed at investigating the antinutritive effects of aqueous root extract of Moringa oleifera on haematological indices following sub-chronic consumption of alcohol in Wistar rats.&#x0D; Methods and Materials: Thirty (30) experimental rats weighing 100-120 g were randomly divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1, the normal control group was given just rat feed and water, group 2, negative control was administered alcohol only (1.5 ml/kg body weight), rats in group 3, 4 and 5 received combined administration of alcohol 1.5 ml/kg body weight and 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight of aqueous root extract of Moringa oleifera respectively, group 6 rats were administered 250 mg/body weight of extract only. At the end of fourteen days (14) the experimental rats were then sacrificed, and blood was collected for haematological analysis.&#x0D; Results: The result obtained shows a dose-dependent response in almost all the parameters, white blood cell (WBC) count increases significantly(P&lt;0.05) with 600 mg/kg while dose 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/g shows no significant change. Red blood cells (RBC) decreases non-significantly (P&lt;0.05) with increased amount of aqueous Moringa root extract. Likewise, there was also a dose-dependent decrease in the haematological count and more noticeable with 200 mg/kg dose. It was also observed that mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) increases in all the treatment groups with significant observed in 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg. The increase in alcohol can bring about suppression of the blood cells production, enhance if there is reduction in the red blood cells, it, therefore, implies that the will be reduction in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the red blood cells, that would be carried to the tissues as well as the level of carbon dioxide returned to the lungs. Also, the PCV is involved in the transport of oxygen and absorption of the nutrient. Therefore, increase in PCV, shows a better transportation and thus results in an increase in both primary and secondary polycythemias.&#x0D; Conclusion: This research work shows that the plant extract contains some bioactive component or phytochemical constituents that are capable of ameliorating the toxicity effect of alcohol on animal models.

EVALUATION OF IN VITRO- ANTI-OXIDANT POTENTIAL OF AQUEOUS ROOT EXTRACT OF CLERODENDRUM SERRATUM L.

Objective: The intent of this report was to investigate the effect of aqueous root extract of Clerodendrum serratum L. for antioxidant activity using divergent models viz. DPPH scavenging assay, Superoxide scavenging assay and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay.Materials and Methods: The root of C. serratum was extracted using water. The yield of aqueous extract was 10%w/w. The outcome was examined statistically by the regression method.Results and discussions: The IC50 values are 85.43 µg/ml and 107.59 µg/ml for DPPH radical scavenging and Superoxide scavenging assay respectively whereas FRAP showed significant reducing power activity with increased concentration of sample. The pilot study showed, a significant correlation existed between concentrations of the extract and percentage engrossment of free radicals.Conclusion: The antioxidant property may be corresponding to the polyphenols and flavonoids adjacent in the extract. These results clearly revealed that C. serratum might be effective against diseases analogous with free radical mediated. Keywords Clerodendrum serratum, DPPH, Superoxide, FRAP, Rutin, Antioxidant

Combinatorial Effects of Aqueous Root Extract of Jatropha Curcas and J. Gossypiifolia in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Combinatorial Effects of Aqueous Root Extract of Jatropha Curcas and J. Gossypiifolia in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Aqueous root extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides restores nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway in sexually impaired male rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAqueous root extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides is widely used in the management of sexual dysfunction in Nigeria. The effect of aqueous root extract of L. cupanioides root on the concentrations of penile cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP) and plasma nitric oxide in paroxetine-induced sexually impaired male rats was evaluated. MethodsThirty (30) albino rats were assigned into six groups (A, B, C, D, E and F) of five rats each such that animals in Group A (control) received distilled water while those in Groups B, C, D, E and F which were induced into sexual dysfunction (p.o 10mg/kg of paroxetine hydrochloride suspension in Tween-80) and in addition received distilled water, 7.14mg/kg body weight of a reference herbal drug (PowmaxM), 25, 50 and 100mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively, orally, once daily for five days. ResultsAdministration of paroxetine significantly reduced the levels of penile cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP) and plasma nitric oxide. These decreases were dose dependently reversed by the aqueous extract of L. cupanioides root. The reversal by the 25 and 50mg/kg body weight of the extract compared favorably with the PowmaxM, whereas the 100mg/kg body weight of the extract compared favorably with the non-sexually impaired distilled water treated control animals. ConclusionThe results of this study show that aqueous extract of L. cupanioides root restored the levels of cGMP and nitric oxide in sexually impaired rats. This study further lends credence to the use of aqueous root extract of L. cupanioides in the management of sexual dysfunction in Nigeria.

Chlorophytum borivilianum (Safed Musli) root extract prevents impairment in characteristics and elevation of oxidative stress in sperm of streptozotocin-induced adult male diabetic Wistar rats.

BackgroundWe hypothesized that C. borivilianum root, known to improve male reproductive performance, prevents impairment in characteristics, morphology and elevation of oxidative stress in sperm of diabetics. We therefore investigated the effect of aqueous root extract of C. borivilianum on these parameters in diabetic rat model.MethodsC. borivilianum root aqueous extract (250 and 500 mg/kg/day) or glibenclamide (600 μg/kg/day) were administered to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male rats for 28 consecutive days. At the end of treatment, animals were sacrificed and sperm were collected. Sperm count and percentages of forward motility, viability, hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) tail-coiled and abnormal sperm were evaluated. Sperm lipid peroxidation product (LPO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), activity levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase-SOD, catalase-CAT and glutathione peroxidase-GPx), epididymal sperm density, serum fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c levels were measured. The expression of sperm caspase-3 was assessed. Meanwhile, in-vitro free radical scavenging activity of C. borivilianum root extract was determined and the root extract was analyzed for the presence of bioactive compounds by FTIR spectroscopy.ResultsC. borivilianum root aqueous extract prevents the decrease in sperm count, percentages of forward motility, viability, HOS and the increase in abnormal sperm percentage and caspase-3 level in diabetic rats. Sperm LPO, H2O2 and NO levels, FBG and HbA1c were lower while TAC, SOD, CAT, GPx and epididymal sperm density were higher in diabetic rats receiving C. borivilianum root extract treatment. C. borivilianum root exhibited strong in-vitro free radical scavenging activity which may be due to the phenolic compound.ConclusionsC. borivilianum root extract prevents impairment in sperm characteristics and morphology via preventing elevation of oxidative stress, apoptosis and free radicals levels of the sperm in diabetes. These effects may be achieved through maintaining sperm antioxidant level which could be related to free radical scavenging activity of the root extract by phenolic compounds. These effects could also be due to ability of the extract to maintain near normal serum FBG and HBA1c levels in diabetes.

In vitro effect of Aqueouscalotropis procera root extract on ammonium sulphate precipitated liver marker enzymes of albino rats

The in vitro effect of aqueous root extract of C. procera on liver marker enzymes; alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of albino rats was evaluated. ALT was precipitated at 40% ammonium sulphate saturation whilst AST and ALP were precipitated at 35 % saturation from rat liver homogenate. The enzymes were assayed at varying concentrations (mg/ml) of the extract (0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45. 0.50) at 37oC. At 0.00µmg/ml extract; ALT, AST and ALP activities of 5.91 ~ 10-4, 2.70 ~ 10-4 and 3. 74 ~ 10-5 µmol/min respectively. Upon incubation with extract, the enzymes had respective mean activities of 6.38 } 0.35 ~ 10-4, 4.07 } 0.62 ~ 10-4and 2.80 } 0.44 ~ 10-5µmol/min. The activities of ALT and AST were significantly increased (P &lt; 0.05) in presence of C. procera extract with significant decrease (P &lt; 0.05) in the activity of ALP. It indicates that the aqueous root extract of C. procera activated ALT and AST and inhibited ALP in vitro.Keywords: in vitro, C. procera,liver marker enzymes, ammonium sulphate

In vivo trypanocidal effect of aqueous root extracts of securidaca longepedunculata and its phytochemical analysis

The aqueous root extracts of Securidaca longepedunculata (Fresen, polygalacaea) were used to treat trypanosomiasis in this experiment. 25 Wister albino rats were inoculated with Trypanosoma brucei. Its trypanocidal activity was assessed through daily examination of blood samples, clinical and haematological changes at intervals, and possible deaths were among the parameters which were carefully monitored. The treatment involved a therapeutic dose of diminazene aceturate (3.5 mg/kg), a combination of sub-therapeutic dose of diminazene (1.75 mg/kg) and sub-therapeutic dose of the extract, oral infusion of 200 and 100 mg/kg of the extract, respectively for 7 days. In all rats treated with diminazene and the extract, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in parasitemia even though those that received the extract alone relapsed. And there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in haematological values as well. Hence, these findings provide a possible, cheap and available alternative to the existing but costly trypanocides additionally, due to phytochemical data revealed. Key words: Securidaca longepedunculata, trypanosomiasis, diminazene aceturate, parasitemia, Trypanosoma brucei, Human African trypanosomiasis.

Antimutagenic and Antiapoptotic Effects of Aqueous Root Extract of Inula racemosa Hook. f. on 4-NQO-Induced Genetic Damage in Mice

The present study was performed as part of an attempt to authenticate the use of Inula racemosa root extract as traditional medicine in India by experimentally investigating their protective effects on 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO) induced DNA damage and apoptosis in mice bone marrow cells. Aqueous root extract (ARE) of Inula racemosa (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg bw) with and without 4-NQO along with vehicle control (H2O) were administered orally for five consecutive days. 4-NQO (7.5 mg/kg bw) was injected intraperitoneally to the mice on the sixth day. After 24 h, the animals were sacrificed and extracted bone marrow cells were used for micronuclei and apoptotic analysis. Antiapoptotic effect of ARE (400 mg/kg bw) was measured by the use of Annexin V-FITC assay kit. 4-NQO generated the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) by about 4.7 times the control value, 14.29 MnPCEs/2500 PCEs. Pretreatment with ARE significantly reduced the MnPCEs frequency (39–72%) with respect to their doses, and increased PCEs/NCEs ratio was observed over the 4-NQO alone. 4-NQO-induced total apoptotic cells were about 12% over the control which was significantly (P < 0.05) brought down to 3.5% by pretreatment with 400 mg/kg bw of ARE. This was the first report that recorded the protective effects of I. racemosa on 4-NQO-induced DNA damage and apoptosis in mice bone marrow cells.

Effects of Aqueous Root Extract of Jatropha curcas on Hyperglycaemic and Haematological Indices in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Hypoglycaemic potentials of aqueous root extract of Jatropha curcas (250 and 450 mg/kg body weight of rats) was investigated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Effect of the extract on some haematological parameters was also investigated. Thirty albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) of mean weight 165.0 ± 2.50 g were randomly selected into normal and diabetic groups, each with six rats. Diabetic treated rats were placed on 14.2 mg/kg body weight glucophage (reference drug), 250 mg/kg and 450 mg/kg body weight of extract. All treatments were administered orally, once daily for fifteen days. The blood glucose levels were monitored and the haematological parameters like haemoglobin (Hgb), red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), percentage lymphocytes (LYM) and neutrophils (NEUT) were also analyzed. A significant (p&lt;0.05) reduction in fasting Blood Glucose Levels (BGL) was observed in alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated with the extract. There was a significant (p&lt;0.05) reduction in Hgb, PCV, RBC and WBC and its differentials of the diabetic untreated rats while administration of glucophage, 250 and 450 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract (Jc250 and Jc450) to diabetic rats significantly (p&lt;0.05) increase all these parameters. These results suggested that the aqueous root extract of Jatropha curcas possesses hypoglycaemic activity and also improved the aberrations in the blood parameters of alloxan-induced diabetic rat.

Beneficial effect of aqueous root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra on learning and memory using different behavioral models: An experimental study

Background:In the traditional system of medicine, the roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Gg) (family: Leguminosae) have been studied for their ability to improve a variety of health ailments.Aims:The present study was designed to investigate the beneficial effects of Gg root extract on learning and memory in 1-month-old male Wistar albino rats. Four doses (75, 150, 225, and 300 mg/kg) of aqueous extract of root of Gg was administered orally for six successive weeks.Materials and Methods:The aqueous extracts were evaluated for their effect on spatial learning and memory in rats using the elevated plus maze, Hebb–William maze, and Morris water maze tests which served as the exteroceptive behavioral model. Diazepam-induced amnesia served as the interoceptive behavioral model.Results:Results showed that all the doses of aqueous root extract of Gg significantly enhanced the memory; however, in the doses of 150 and 225 mg/kg, it showed a significant (P < 0.01) enhancement in learning and memory. Furthermore, Diazepam-induced amnesia was reversed by the aqueous root extract of Gg (150 and 225 mg/kg, p.o.).Conclusion:These findings suggest that the memory enhancement effects of Gg may be mediated by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Thus, Gg appears to be a promising drug for improving memory in the management of impaired learning, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Effect of Calitropis Procera Aqueous Root Extract Against CCL&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt; Induced Liver Toxicity in Rabbits

The hepatocurative effect of aqueous root extract of Calitropis Procera on CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rabbits was studied in groups of rabbit and the levels of liver enzymes; aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Serum concentrations of total bilirubin and direct bilirubin were found to be significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in group induced with hepatotoxicity, with significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower total protein and urea compared to the control group. These findings confirmed induction of hepatotoxicity. Three different dosages were orally administred (1.0g/kg, 2.5g/kg and 3.6 g/kg) twice daily for 9 days. The C. Procera root extract was found to significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduce the serum levels of AST, ALT, and ALP, serum concentration of total bilirubin in rats with hepatotoxicity compared to the the control group and significantly (p&lt;0.05) incerased the serum concentration of total protein and urea. These indicates the possible hepatocurative effects of aqueous root extract of C. Procera on CCl4 induced liver toxicity.