Effect Of Ethyl Acetate Extract Research Articles

Study of Antibacterial Activity of Ethylacetate Total Extract and the Alkaloid Fraction from Flowering Aerial Parts of Glaucium vitellinum Boiss. et Buhse against Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus Spp.

Background: The purpose of this study was evaluation of the antimicrobial effect of ethyl acetate extract and alkaloid fraction of Glaucium vitellinum (G. vitellinum) against clinical Staphylococcus spp. isolates from patients of Sina hospital of Tehran. M aterials and Methods: The plant of G. vitellinum was collected from Khonsar, Isfahan province, during May 2014. It’s flowering and aerial parts were washed, dried, powdered and extracted with methanol and ethyl acetate by using percolator apparatus, separately. In continuation, the alkaloid fraction was separated from metanolic total extract. 100 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus spp . were collected randomly from different clinical samples of patients who referred to Sina hospital of Tehran during 2013-2014. Also, their resistant to common antibiotics were evaluated by disk diffusion method based on the CLSI 2014 protocol. Continuously, the antibacterial effect of ethyl acetate total extract and the alkaloid fraction against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus spp . were evaluated by determining the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) by microdilution method based on the CLSI 2014. Standard Staphylococcus aureus (PTCC1431) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (PTCC 1435) were evaluated, simultaneously. R es ults: Based on the results, 93% of isolates were coagulase positive and 7% were coagulase negative Staphylococci spp. (CoNS). All coagulase positive cocci were identified as Staphylococcus aureus and among 7% CoNS, 3% were identified as S. epidermidis , so, in the follow they are named only CoNS. The MIC of alkaloid fraction of G.vitellinum was: 17.87 mg/ml and 23.21 mg/ml against coagulase positive S.aureus and CoNS isolates , respectively . Also, MIC of ethyl acetate total extract of G.vitellinum was: 73.25 mg/ml and 98.21mg/ml on coagulase positive S. aureus and CoNS isolates, respectively . 61.29% of clinical S. aureus isolates were sensitive to ethyl acetate total extract and 100 % were sensitive to alkaloid fraction while 100% were penicillin resistant while only 60% of them were Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (SXT) sensitive. Similarly, among CoNS isolates, 42.85% and 100% were sensitive to ethyl acetate total extract and alkaloid fraction, respectively. While 100% were penicillin resistant and only 42%were ciprofloxacin and doxycycline sensitivity. C onclusion: based on the existence of good antibacterial effect for alkaloid portion of G. vitellinum against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus spp. doing other in vitro and in vivo complementation tests are recommended for the further studies. Keyword: Glaucium vitellinum , Anti bacterial, Alkaloids, Papaveraceae

The flower of Edgeworthia gardneri (wall.) Meisn. suppresses adipogenesis through modulation of the AMPK pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe flower of Edgeworthia gardneri (Wall.) Meisn., locally named “Lvluohua, 绿萝花”, has been widely used as Tibetan folk medicine for the treatment of metabolic diseases for a long time. Aim of this studyTo evaluate the anti-adipogenesis effect of ethyl acetate extract of the flower of E. gardneri (EEG extract) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Materials and methodsObesity-related parameters such as lipid accumulation and TG content were determined by Oil red O staining and enzymatic kit, respectively. Western blotting was used to determine the expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBPα), phosphorylated adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). Moreover, main constituents of EEG extract were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). ResultsEEG extract decreased the lipid and triglyceride (TG) accumulations during the differentiation process and down-regulated the adipogenesis-related transcriptional factors PPARγ and C/EBPα. EEG extract treatment increased AMPK and ACC phosphorylation. In addition, pretreatment with AMPK inhibitor, weakened the inhibitory effects of EEG extract on the expressions of PPARγand C/EBPα. HPLC analysis indicated that tiliroside was the main constituent in EEG extract. ConclusionsThese results suggest that EEG extract may exert anti-adipogenic effects through modulation of the AMPK signaling pathway.

Inhibition of lipid oxidation in foods and feeds and hydroxyl radical-treated fish erythrocytes: A comparative study of Ginkgo biloba leaves extracts and synthetic antioxidants.

This study explored the effects of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and ethoxyquin (EQ) and ethyl ether extracts, ethyl acetate extracts (EAE), acetone extracts, ethanol extracts and aqueous extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaves (EGbs) on lipid oxidation in a linoleic acid emulsion, fish flesh and fish feed and in hydroxyl radical (·OH)-treated carp erythrocytes. The linoleic acid, fish flesh and fish feed were incubated with BHT, EQ and EGbs at 45°C for 8 d, respectively, except for the control group. The lipid oxidation in the linoleic acid emulsion, fish flesh and fish feed was then measured by the ferric thiocyanate method or thiobarbituric acid method. The carp erythrocytes were treated with BHT, EQ or EGbs in the presence of 40 μmol/L FeSO4 and 20 μmol/L H2O2 at 37°C for 6 h, except for the control group. Oxidative stress and apoptosis parameters in carp erythrocytes were then evaluated by the commercial kit. The results showed that BHT, EQ and EGbs inhibited lipid oxidation in the linoleic acid emulsion, fish flesh and fish feed and ·OH-induced phosphatidylserine exposure and DNA fragmentation (the biomarkers of apoptosis) in carp erythrocytes. Furthermore, BHT, EQ and EGbs decreased the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibited the oxidation of cellular components and restored the activities of enzymatic antioxidants in ·OH-treated carp erythrocytes. Of all examined EGbs, EAE showed the strongest effects. The effects of EAE on lipid oxidation in the linoleic acid emulsion and on superoxide anion and malonaldehyde levels, catalase activity and apoptosis in ·OH-treated carp erythrocytes were equivalent to or stronger than those of BHT. Moreover, these results indicated that the inhibition order of EGbs on the generation of ROS and oxidation of cellular components in fish erythrocytes approximately agreed with that for the food and feed materials tested above. And, the antioxidative and anti-apoptotic effects of EGbs were positively correlated with their flavonoid content. Taken together, these results revealed that the fish erythrocyte system can be used as an experimental model to evaluate lipid oxidation in food and feed ingredients. The EAE can be used as a potential natural antioxidant or apoptosis inhibitor. The inhibition effects of EGbs on lipid oxidation and apoptosis may be due to the presence of flavonoid compounds.

The effect of ethyl acetate extract from persimmon leaves on Alzheimer's disease and its underlying mechanism

BackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders characterized by neuronal loss in the brain and cognitive impairment. AD is now considered to be the third major cause of death in developed countries, after cardiovascular disease and cancer. Persimmon leaves are used as a popular folk medicine to treat hypertension, angina and internal haemorrhage in Cyangbhina, and it has been reported that ethyl acetate extract of persimmon leaves (EAPL) displays a potential therapeutic effect on neurodegenerative diseases. Hypothesis/purposeThis study was designed to investigate the effects of EAPL on AD, to clarify the possible mechanism by which EAPL exerts its beneficial effects and prevents AD, and to determine the major constituents involved. Study designAD model was established by bilateral injection of Aβ1-42 into the hippocampus of rats. The cognitive performance was determined by the Morris water maze and step-down tests. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA), apoptosis, total and phosphorylated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK/p-JNK), caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2 were determined. In addition, a sensitive and reliable LC-QTOF-MS method was applied to identify the major compounds present in EAPL. ResultsEAPL at doses of 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg could markedly reduce the latency, significantly increase the time in the first quadrant and number of the target crossing times in Morris water maze test, markedly increase the latency and reduce the number of errors in the step-down test, significantly inhibit the reductions in SOD and GSH-Px activities, and increase the level of MDA. In addition, EAPL treatment attenuated neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus, reduced the expression of p-JNK, caspase-3, and the relative ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. Meanwhile, 32 constituents were identified by LC-QTOF-MS/MS assays. ConclusionThe results indicate that EAPL has a potent protective effect on cognitive deficits induced by Aβ in rats and this effect appears to be associated with the regulation of the antioxidative defense system and the mechanism of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Furthermore, analysis of the LC-MS data suggests that flavonoids and triterpenoids may be responsible for the potential biological effects of EAPL.

Extracts of Opuntia humifusa Fruits Inhibit the Growth of AGS Human Gastric Adenocarcinoma Cells.

Opuntia humifusa (OHF) has been used as a nutraceutical source for the prevention of chronic diseases. In the present study, the inhibitory effects of ethyl acetate extracts of OHF on the proliferation of AGS human gastric cancer cells and the mode of action were investigated. To elucidate the antiproliferative mechanisms of OHF in cancer cells, the expression of genes related to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were determined with real-time PCR and western blot. The cytotoxic effect of OHF on AGS cells was observed in a dose-dependent manner. Exposure to OHF (100 μg/mL) significantly induced (P<0.05) the G1 phase cell cycle arrest. Additionally, the apoptotic cell population was greater (P<0.05) in OHF (200 μg/mL) treated AGS cells when compared to the control. The expression of genes associated with cell cycle progression (Cdk4, Cdk2, and cyclin E) was significantly downregulated (P<0.05) by the OHF treatment. Moreover, the expression of Bax and caspase-3 in OHF treated cells was higher (P<0.05) than in the control. These findings suggest that OHF induces the G1 phase cell cycle arrest and activation of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway in AGS human gastric cancer cells.

An integrated lipidomics and metabolomics reveal nephroprotective effect and biochemical mechanism of Rheum officinale in chronic renal failure.

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a major public health problem worldwide. Earlier studies have revealed salutary effects of rhubarb extracts in CRF. In this study, we employed lipidomic and metabolomic approaches to identify the plasma biomarkers and to determine the effect of treatment with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts of rhubarb in a rat model of CRF with adenine-induced chronic tubulointerstitial nephropathy. In addition, clinical biochemistry, histological evaluation and pro-fibrotic protein expression were analyzed. Significant changes were found between the CRF and control groups representing characteristic phenotypes of rats with CRF. Treatment with the three rhubarb extracts improved renal injury and dysfunction, either fully or partially reversed the plasma metabolites abnormalities and attenuated upregulation of pro-fibrotic proteins including TGF-β1, α-SMA, PAI-1, CTGF, FN and collagen-1. The nephroprotective effect of ethyl acetate extract was better than other extracts. The differential metabolites were closely associated with glycerophospholipid, fatty acid and amino acid metabolisms. The results revealed a strong link between renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and glycerophospholipid metabolism and L-carnitine metabolism in the development of CRF. Amelioration of CRF with the three rhubarb extracts was associated with the delayed development and/or reversal the disorders in key metabolites associated with adenine-induced CRF.

Identification of the Bioactive Compounds Hypotensive Effect in the Ethyl Acetate Extract of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Eribroma oblongum &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (Malvaceae) Stem Bark

The stem bark of Eribroma oblongum (malvaceae) is used in traditional Cameroonian medicine to treat various metabolic illnesses including the management of hypertension but there is no scientific evidence to how relief is brought about. The present study was to evaluate the effect of the ethyl acetate extract of the dried stem bark of E. oblongum on arterial blood pressure and heart rate in normotensive rat (NTR) and their mechanisms of EAEO. The effects of ethyl acetate extract of Eribroma oblongum (EAEO; 10, 20, 30 mg/kg; i.v) was tested on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) of normotensive rat. The mechanism of EAEO (20mg/kg) was studied in the presence of atropine, yohimbine, propranolol, L-NAME or reserpine. At the end of the experiment, SBP and HR were recorded. EAEO (10-20 mg/kg) induced a significant hypotensive effect of SBP. The hypotensive effects of EAEO (20 mg/kg) were inhibited by pre-treatment of rats with atropine, reserpine, yohimbine and L-NAME. At the end of this study the result demonstrates that the hypotensive as well as the antihypertensive effects of the ethyl acetate extract of the stem bark of Eribroma oblongum. Our data validate the use of the extract in traditional medicine against hypertension. The effect on blood pressure is, at least in part, due to a modulation of the orthosympathetic nervous system and to the improvement of the antioxidant status. Further studies are from now needed to study the toxicity of Eribroma oblongum.

Protective effects of ethyl acetate extract of Eclipta prostrata against 6-hydroxydopamine-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells

Protective effects of ethyl acetate extract of Eclipta prostrata against 6-hydroxydopamine-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells

Effect of Launaea procumbens extract on oxidative marker, p53, and CYP 2E1: a randomized control study

BackgroundEthyl acetate extracts of Launaea procumbens is used for the treatment of liver dysfunction as an herbal medicine in Pakistan. In this study, the protective effects of ethyl acetate extracts were evaluated against CCl4-induced liver injuries in rat.MethodsTo examine the protective effects against oxidative stress of carbon tetrachloride in rats, 30 male rats were equally divided into 5 groups (6 rats). Among five groups, one was treated with CCl4 (3 ml/kg i.p. in olive oil b.w.) twice a week for 4 weeks. Others were orally fed with extracts (100, 200 mg/kg b.w.), with CCl4 twice a week for 4 weeks.ResultsAdministration of CCl4 altered the serum marker enzymes, lipid profile, CYP 2E1, p53 expression, antioxidant enzymes, nuclear organizer regions (AgNORs), and DNA. Supplement of L. procumbens ameliorated the effects of CCl4, improved CYP 2E1, p53, and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes while activity of liver marker enzymes (ALP, ALT, AST, g-GT) and contents of lipid per oxidation contents (TBARS), AgNORs, and DNA fragmentation were decreased. Similarly body weight was increased while liver and relative liver weight was decreased with co-administration of various extracts, suggesting that L. procumbens effectively protect liver against the CCl4-induced oxidative damage in rats.ConclusionThe hepatoprotective and free radical scavenging effects might be due to the presence of bioactive constituents in the extract.

Therapeutic effect of ethyl acetate extract from Asparagus cochinchinensis on phthalic anhydride-induced skin inflammation.

Asparagus cochinchinensis has been used to treat various diseases including fever, cough, kidney disease, breast cancer, inflammatory disease and brain disease, while IL-4 cytokine has been considered as key regulator on the skin homeostasis and the predisposition toward allergic skin inflammation. However, few studies have investigated its effects and IL-4 correlation on skin inflammation to date. To quantitatively evaluate the suppressive effects of ethyl acetate extracts of A. cochinchinensis (EaEAC) on phthalic anhydride (PA)-induced skin inflammation and investigate the role of IL-4 during their action mechanism, alterations in general phenotype biomarkers and luciferase-derived signals were measured in IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 transgenic (Tg) mice with PA-induced skin inflammation after treatment with EaEAC for 2 weeks. Key phenotype markers including lymph node weight, immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentration, epidermis thickness and number of infiltrated mast cells were significantly decreased in the PA+EaEAC treated group compared with the PA+Vehicle treated group. In addition, expression of IL-1β and TNF-α was also decreased in the PA+EaEAC cotreated group, compared to PA+Vehicle treated group. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the luciferase signal derived from IL-4 promoter was detected in the abdominal region, submandibular lymph node and mesenteric lymph node of the PA+EaEAC treated group, compared to PA+Vehicle treated group. Taken together, these results suggest that EaEAC treatment could successfully improve PA-induced skin inflammation of IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 Tg mice, and that IL-4 cytokine plays a key role in the therapeutic process of EaEAC.

Effects of Ethyl Acetate Extracts from the Polycephalomyces nipponicus Isolate Cod-MK1201 (Ascomycetes) against Human Pathogenic Bacteria and a Breast Cancer Cell Line.

This study aimed to identify a suitable organic solvent for extracting bioactive compounds from Polycephalomyces nipponicus and to evaluate the antibacterial and anticancer activities of the extracts obtained. Only extracts obtained with ethyl acetate exhibited antibacterial activity, so ethyl acetate was chosen for large-scale extraction. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against Gram-positive and Gram-negative human pathogenic bacteria of the 3 ethyl acetate-derived extracts-ethyl acetate extract from P. nipponicus (PN-ME), ethyl acetate extract after defatting (PN-ME*), and ethyl acetate extract after refluxation (PN-ME')-were determined. PN-ME' exhibited the most potent activity, inhibiting 12 of the 18 test bacteria, especially Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778 and Vibrio cholera (O1) DMST 9700, with low MIC and MBC values. PN-ME* showed greater inhibitory activity than PN-ME. The effects of the extracts on bacterial cell morphology were also determined. After 120 minutes of treatment with PN-ME* or PN-ME', B. cereus ATCC 11778 exhibited an abnormal rod-shaped cell structure, with some cells elongated to multiple times their original size and others appearing collapsed. V cholera (O1) DMST 9700 cells showed shrinkage and the formed subsurface cavities. PN-ME* and PN-ME' also inhibited the growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. In conclusion, the fungal isolate P. nipponicus Cod-MK1201 represents a source of antibacterial and anti-breast cancer compounds.

Antitumor activity of Manilkara zapota (L.) fruits against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice

As a part of searching for potential anticancer agents from natural sources, this investigation was carried out to evaluate the antitumor effect of ethyl acetate extract of &lt;i&gt;Manilkara zapota&lt;/i&gt; (L.) fruits (EEFM) against Ehrlich acsites carcinoma (EAC) in Swiss albino mice. The antitumour activity of EEFM has been evaluated against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) at the doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight. Treatment with EEFM (at 100 mg/kg body) showed a significant increase in the survival time and decrease in the viable tumor cell count and weight gain in the EAC tumor hosts. Improvement in the altered hematological parameters following the EEFM treatment, like hemoglobin content, RBC and WBC count of the tumor bearing mice, have also been observed. During tumor progression, altered biochemical (SALP and SGOT) parameters were also significantly restored in EEFM-treated mice at 100 mg/kg. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the cytotoxicity against &lt;i&gt;Artemia salina&lt;/i&gt; in terms of LD&lt;sub&gt;50&lt;/sub&gt; was found to be 3.06 μg/ml for EEFM. So, the results of this study conclude that &lt;i&gt;in vivo&lt;/i&gt; the EEFM was effective in inhibiting the growth of EAC.

Neuroprotective effect of ethyl acetate extract from gastrodia elata against transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of neuroprotection against transient focal cerebral ischemia of the extract from Tianma (Rhizoma Gastrodiae) and the possible mechanisms underlying the action. MethodsCerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was induced through middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham-operated, ischemia-reperfusion model, 102.6 mg/kg extract treated and 11.4 mg/kg extract treated groups. The extract was prepared from gastrodia elata with ethyl acetate. The effect of the extract tested on rat neurological deficits and Cerebral index, cerebral infarct volume, brain injury, terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) positive cells. ResultsThe extract was able to reduce neurological scores, cerebral index and cerebral infarction rate. The brain injury was also relieved by the extract. The results of immunofluorescence staining analysis indicated that the extract increased the expression of Bcl-2 and reduced TUNEL-positive cells significantly in the extract treated groups. ConclusionThese results suggested that the extract relieved ischemic injury induced by transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats, and this neuroprotective effect might be partially due to the attenuated apoptosis pathway.

Antidepressant-like and anti-oxidative efficacy of Campsis grandiflora flower.

Our study aimed to investigate the antidepressant-like effect of ethyl acetate extract of the flowers of Campsis grandiflora (EFCG) in a mice model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). HPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to identify the chemical constituents of EFCG. The DPPH assay and ABTS radical-scavenging assay were performed to measure the antioxidant properties. The protective properties of EFCG against H2 O2 -induced oxidative damage were analysed in PC12 cells. The changes of behaviour profiles were investigated by using open-field test, sucrose preference test, forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). Brain tissue samples of mice were collected, and antioxidative measure levels were measured. The result showed that EFCG had the most active anti-oxidative effect and the protective effect against H2 O2 oxidative injury in PC12 cells. Treatment with the EFCG significantly reduced the depressant-like severity and immobility period as compared with untreated CUMS mice in FST and TST. Moreover, EFCG significantly elevated the contents of superoxide dismutase, Glutathione Peroxidase and decreased the contents of Malonaldehyde (MDA) in mice brain. Our study found first the antidepressant activity of the EFCG. The results suggested the therapeutic potential of EFCG for depressive disorder.

Effects of ethyl acetate extract of Kaempferia parviflora on brown adipose tissue.

We have previously reported the effects of Kaempferia parviflora (KP), including anti-obesity, preventing various metabolic diseases, and regulating differentiation of white adipose cells. In this study we used Tsumura, Suzuki, Obese Diabetes (TSOD) mice--an animal model of spontaneous obese type II diabetes--and primary brown preadipocytes to examine the effects of the ethyl acetate extract of KP (KPE) on brown adipose tissue, which is one of the energy expenditure organs. TSOD mice were fed with MF mixed with either KPE 0.3 or 1% for 8 weeks. Computed tomography images showed that whitening of brown adipocytes was suppressed in the interscapular tissue of the KPE group. We also examined mRNA expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1) and β3-adrenalin receptor (β3AR) in brown adipose tissue. As a result, mRNA expression of UCP-1 significantly increased in the KPE 1% treatment group, indicating that KPE activated brown adipose tissue. We then evaluated the direct effects of KPE on brown adipocytes using primary brown preadipocytes isolated from interscapular brown adipocytes in ICR mice. Triacylglycerol (TG) accumulation in primary brown preadipocytes was increased by KPE in a dose-dependent manner. Each mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), UCP-1, and β3AR exhibited an upward trend compared with the control group. Moreover, some polymethoxyflavonoids (PMFs), the main compound in KP, also increased TG accumulation. This study therefore showed that KPE enhanced the thermogenesis effect of brown adipocytes as well as promoted the differentiation of brown adipocyte cells.

The anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt on high-glucose-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic renal damage in rats.

BackgroundDiabetic nephropathy is a serious complication of diabetes whose development process is associated with inflammation, renal hypertrophy, and fibrosis. Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt, traditionally used as a healthcare tea, has anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemia, and glycemic regulation activities. The aim of our study was to investigate the renal protective effect of ethyl acetate extract of C. tinctoria Nutt (AC) on high-glucose–fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.MethodsA diabetic rat model was induced by high-glucose–fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of 35 mg/kg STZ. After treatment with AC at a daily dose of 150, 300 or, 600 mg/kg for 4 weeks, metabolic and renal function parameters of serum and urine were examined. Degree of renal damage, renal proinflammatory cytokines, and fibrotic protein expression were analyzed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Renal AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad signaling pathway were determined by western blotting.ResultsDiabetic rats showed obvious renal dysfunction, inflammation and fibrosis. However, AC significantly reduced levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and urinary albumin, as well as expression of kidney proinflammatory cytokines of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1. AC also ameliorated renal hypertrophy and fibrosis by reducing fibronectin and collagen IV and suppressing the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Meanwhile, AMPKα as a protective cytokine was markedly stimulated by AC.ConclusionIn summary, AC controls blood glucose, inhibits inflammatory and fibrotic processes, suppresses the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, and activates phosphorylation of AMPKα in the kidneys, which confirms the protective effects of AC in the early stage of diabetic kidney disease.

Management of Hyperglycaemia by Ethyl Acetate Extract of Balanites aegyptiaca (Desert Date).

Reactive oxygen species play a significant role in the pathogenesis of retinopathy in diabetes patients. The current study aimed to assess the effect of ethyl acetate extract (EAE) from Balanites aegyptiaca (10, 25 or 50 mg/kg b.w.) in experimental diabetic rats. To achieve this aim, five groups of male rats were included: control, diabetic, and diabetic rats treated with 10, 25, and 50 µg/kg b.w. of EAE for eight weeks. Our results suggests a protective role of EAE against oxidative stress induced by streptozocine. EAE treatment produced a reduction in blood glucose levels, HbA1c, malondialdehyde and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in diabetic retina (p < 0.001), as well as an enhancement in antioxidant capacity against streptozocine-induced oxidative stress. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL-1β) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were significantly reduced in diabetic rats treated with EAE, compared with untreated diabetic rats. Analysis of EAE by GC-MS indicated the presence of β-sistosterol. Overall, EAE modulates oxidative stress induced by streptozocine and enhances antioxidant activity, which may provide additional endothelial protection in retina of diabetic rats. These results hold great promise in the management of diabetic complications.

Effect of Huanglian Jiedu decoction in combination with fluconazole on ergosterol of fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans

To investigate the effects of ethyl acetate extract of Huanglian Jiedu decoction (EAHD) , alone and in combination with fluconazole (FLZ) on FLZ-resistant Candida albicans. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and sessile MIC80 (SMIC80) of EAHD and FLZ to FLZ-resistant C. albicans were determined by CLSI M27-A3 microdilution method, and the synergy of EAHD combined with FLZ were examined by the checkerboard microdilution assay. Agar plate-method was adopted to observe the rate of antifungal activity according to time-kill curve. HPLC and qRT-PCR were utilized to evaluate the changes of ergosterol content and expressions of related genes, respectively. MICs of EAHD ranged from 156 to 1,250 mg · L(-1), those of FLZ from 256 to above 2,048 mg · L(-1) with FICI approximate 0.066 in combination; SMIC80 of EAHD were higher than 1,250 mg · L(-1), SMIC80 of FLZ were higher than 512 mg · L(-1) and up to above 2,048 mg · L(-1). Combination group also showed synergy effect except one group showing addition effect. The results of T-K experiment also confirmed obviously fungicidal effect when treated for 12 h. When compared with control groups, the ergosterol was reduced 85% and 50% in the treatments of combination and EAHD alone by HPLC, respective- ly. The expressions of ERG1, ERG2, ERG6, ERG7 and ERG11 were upregulated, and ACS1, ACS2, MET6 were downregulated when exposed to FLZ. The expressions of the above genes were downregulated by treatment of EAHD. The expressions of ERG2, ERG6, ERG11 were upregulated, while ERG1, ERG7, ACS1, ACS2, MET6 were downregulated in combination group. The combination of EAHD and FLZ exhibited synergy against FLZ-resistant C. albicans through decreasing the synthesis of ergosterol, and resulting in the breakage of cell membrane.

Anti-attachment effect of ethyl acetate extract of Huanglian Jiedu decoction on Candida glabrata

To investigate anti-attachment effect of ethyl acetate extract of Huanglian Jiedu decoction (EAHD) on Candida glabrata. Serial 2-fold dilution assay was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations MICs of EAHD to C. glabrata. XTT assay was used to evaluate the effect of EAHD against adhesion of C. glabrata. Inverted microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fluorescein diacetate (FDA) staining were applied to observe the morphological changes of C. glabrata in adhesion. PCR was adopted to inspect the expression of attachment-related genes such as EPA1, EPA6 and EPA7. The MIC of EAHD and fluconazole to C. glabrata were 320 mg · L(-1) and 1 mg · L(-1) respectively. The total cells including budding cells decreased in a dose-dependent manner following EAHD treatment. The expressions of EPA1, EPA6 and EPA7 were downregulated dramatically after EAHD treatment. EAHD could effectively inhibit adherence of C. glabrata.

Effect of Ethyl Acetate Extracts from Peel of Citrus decumana and Citrus aurantifolia on Aspirin Induced Gastric Ulcer in Mice

Aims: The present study is aimed at investigating the antiulcer activity of ethyl acetate extract of Citrus decumana (grapefruit) and Citrus aurantifolia (lime) peels. Study Design: Animals were divided into six groups of six animals each as follows; • Group EtCD: Ulcer was induced and treated with Citrus decumana peel extract. • Group EtCA: Ulcer was induced and treated with Citrus aurantifolia. • Group EtCD + EtCA: Ulcer was induced and treated with Citrus decumana + Citrus aurantifolia. • Group Ranitidine: Ulcer was induced and treated with Ranitidine. • Group Ulcer: Ulcer was induced but not treated. • Group Normal: Ulcer was not induced. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 65, Minna Niger State, Nigeria. Methodology: Ethyl acetate extracts of dried peel powder of Citrus decumana and Citrus aurantifolia were obtained using reflux. Phytochemical screening was done on the extracts to determine their chemical constituents. Ulcer was induced in six groups of mice by oral administration of aspirin. The mice were treated by oral administration of ethyl acetate extract of Citrus decumana and Citrus aurantifolia. The antiulcerogenic activity was evaluated in aspirin induced ulcerogenic mice models at a dose of 400 mg/kg. Ulcerative indexes as well as oxidative stress markers like thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase activity (CAT) in the plasma and gastric tissue were measured in all groups to study the possible involvement of antioxidants with gastro protection. Results: Pretreatment of animals with ethylacetate extracts of Citrus decumana and Citrus aurantifolia peel showed a significant decrease in ulcerative index and TBARS Level in both plasma and gastric tissues compared to the control. Although all the treatment groups showed a significant increase in SOD and CAT concentration in plasma and gastric tissue, Citrus decumana extract showed a more significant increase in the concentration of SOD when compared to all other groups. Conclusion: This study indicates that Citrus decumana and Citrus aurantifolia peel may be used as a natural therapeutic agent in the treatment of ulcers.