Effect Of Methanolic Leaf Extract Research Articles

Ameliorative effects of Coccinia grandis leaf extract on Diabetes-Induced alterations of glucose metabolism, Cox activity and histological changes in Brain of Wistar Rats

Coccinia grandis has been used in tribal populations of India both as food and medicine, but it has been not reported to be a neuroprotective agent yet. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of Coccinia grandis leaf extract on diabetes induced brain damage of Wistar rats. This study reports the protective effect of methanolic leaf extract of Coccinia grandis against STZ induced diabetes in rats. Metformin (150mg/kg body wt.) was used as a reference drug. The enzymes of the polyol pathway and its related substrates were studied in the brain tissue. The effect of Coccinia on Cyclooxygenase (COX) and Prostaglandin peroxidise (PG) was also studied. Diabetes induced rats showed a significantly increased activity of Aldose reductase, Sorbitol dehydrogenase, Glucose-6-phosphodehydrogenase, whereas the decreased activity of Hexokinase. The content of Glucose, Sorbitol significantly increased in rat brain. Sodium potassium ATPase activity was also decreased in diabetic rats. COX, PG peroxidase was increased. Histological alternations were induced in the hippocampus of STZ treated diabetic rats. Oral administration of Coccinia leaf extract (200mg/kg) of body weight to diabetic rats for 21 days efficiently attenuated the parameters studied. A decreased activity of brain AR, sorbitol dehydrogenase, glucose-6-dehydrogenase was observed along with the increase in Hexokinase and Sodium potassium ATPase activity. It also showed decreased content of glucose and Sorbitol. Diabetes induced brain damage in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex was restored with Coccinia treatment. Decreased COX and PG peroxidase suggest its protection against inflammation. The current results suggest that Coccinia grandis leaf extract exerts the potential ability to reverse the progression of hyperglycemia and its concomitant induced brain damage.

Effects of methanolic leaf extract of Kigelia africana on hemodynamic parameters and redox status of normotensive wistar rats

Kigelia Africana has a rich history of ethnobotanical usage in the treatment of a wide range of illnesses andcomplications like hypertension, cancer and microbial infections in south western Nigeria. The present work sought to investigate the effects of methanolic leaf extract of Kigelia Africana on the blood pressure and biochemical indices of normotensive albino rats. Twenty five male albino Wistar rats, weighing between 180-200g, and divided into five groups (I-V) of five animals each were used for the experiment. GroupsII – V were administered 1mg/kg b.w ramipril, 25-, 50- and 100mg/kg b.wKigelia Africana respectively by oral gavage for 14 consecutive days. Group I received vehicle (1 mg/kg distilled water) only throughout the duration of the experiment and served as control. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, the blood pressure was determined before sacrificing the animals following anesthesia. The activities of serum biomarkers (aspartate aminotransferase AST, total protein TP, alanine aminotransferase ALT, alkaline phosphatase ALP), serum lipid profile; (cholesterol TC, low/very low density lipoprotein LDL-c/VLDL-c, high density lipoprotein HDL and triglyceride TG) and cardiac antioxidant indices (catalase CAT, superoxide dismutase SOD and glutathione GSH) were determined. Administration of ramipril (1mg/kg b.w) and all dosages of Kigelia africana (25, 50 and 100mg/kg b.w) caused significant (P<0.05) decrease in the blood pressure of the animals when compared to the control. The values obtained further showed that ramipril and the extract (at all dosages) caused significant reduction in TC, TG, LDL-c and VLDL-c and coronary risk index, CRI while there was significant increase in the level of HDL when compared to the control. All dosages of Kigelia africana extract resulted in significant (P<0.05) decrease in serum activities of AST, ALT and ALP when compared with the control. The significant (P<0.05) increases in cardiac catalase activity and GSH concentration recorded in rats treated with Kigelia africana (25, 50 and 100mg/kg b.w.) were comparable with those administered the reference drug, ramipril (1 mg/kg). Cardiac SOD activity was however decreased in rats administered extract (25, 50 or 100 mg/kg b.wt) and ramipril (1mg/kg bw). The results suggest the hypolipidemic, hypotensive and antioxidant properties and of methanolic extract of Kigelia africana leaf and lend support to the ethnobotanical usage of the leaf in the treatment of hypertension.

Antioxidant and antigenotoxic potential of Morinda tinctoria Roxb. leaf extract succeeding cadmium exposure in Asian catfish, Pangasius sutchi

The present study investigated the protective effect of methanolic leaf extract of Morinda tinctoria. Roxb (MEMT) (200 mg/kg) via feed in supplementation with standard compound silymarin (400 mg/kg). M. tinctoria (Roxb.) belonging to Rubiaceae, is an evergreen shrub indigenous to unfarmed lands of tropical countries. It is considered as an essential traditional medicine attributing for the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The enhancements of antioxidant and antigenotoxic status in different tissues of cadmium (Cd) intoxicated Pangasius sutchi were evaluated by using various antioxidant assays (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and lipid peroxidation) in addition to micronuclei (MN), binuclei (BN) and comet assay. The cadmium toxicated fish showed a significant (p < 0.001) increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) activities in liver, gills, muscle and kidney whereas significant (p < 0.001) decline were observed in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) contents in all fish tissues. The results also revealed that, Cd exposure induced the formation of genotoxic endpoints like MN, BN, notched nuclei, kidney shaped nuclei and DNA damage in the fish erythrocytes. Maximum of 26.8% MN frequencies and maximum of 66.74% tail DNA damage were observed on the 7th day of Cd exposure. A time-dependent significant increase (p < 0.001) in the frequencies of MN, BN and tail DNA damage were observed in all treated groups against the control which started to decline from 14th day onwards. There was a decline in the LPO content, frequencies of MN, BN and percentage of tail DNA in contrast to significant elevation in SOD and CAT content in all tissues due to the combined treatment of M. tinctoria feed and water borne Cd exposure. It can be concluded from our observations that, supplementation of M. tinctoria leaf extract through feed alone produced enhanced antioxidant and antigenotoxic status in cadmium treated fish by diminishing oxidative stress and genotoxicity effects in a time dependent manner.

Phytochemical compositions, and hypoglycemic effect of methanol leaf extract of Telfairia Occidentalis in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Background: The use of medicinal plants for the treatment of diabetes is increasing due to several reasons such as safety, affordability and efficacy. In the present study, the phytochemical compositions and hypoglycemic effect of the methanol leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis (ML-TO) were investigated. Methods: Phytochemical screening was conducted using standard methods. Fifteen rats were divided into 5 groups (n=3). Diabetes was induced in rats allocated to groups A-D using alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg BW) and was treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg BW ML-TO, 5 mg/kg BW glibenclamide and 5 ml/kg BW normal saline respectively. All treatments were administered orally, once daily for 29 days. Results: The results revealed that the ML-TO contains phenols, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, glycosides while flavonoids and saponins were not detected. Quantitatively, total phenols (9570±13.24 µg/mg) was the most abundant phytochemicals identified while tannins (3000.56±23.45 µg/mg) and alkaloids (0.2378±0.013µg/mg) were also present in appreciable amount in ML-TO. The extract produced a significant (p &lt;0.05) and dose-dependent hypoglycemic effect with maximum activities occurring at 400 mg/kg BW having suppressed the fasting blood glucose levels from 334±33.62 to 137±37.31 mg/dL while the rats treated with 200 mg/kg BW lowered blood glucose level from 386±171 to 174±108.55mg/dL. The standard antidiabetic drug (Glibenclamide) produced a comparable hypoglycemic effect and suppressed the FBS from 350±169.74 to125±76.35 mg/dL. Conclusion: ML-To had a significant hypoglycemic effect and was able to ameliorate the weight loss in the diabetic rats, hence it could serve as a source of potential hypoglycemic agent

Protective effect of methanol leaf extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius against lipopolysaccharides-induced cortico-hippocampal neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and memory impairment

Protective effect of methanol leaf extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius against lipopolysaccharides-induced cortico-hippocampal neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and memory impairment

Evaluation of hepatotoxicity effect of methanol leave extract of Gongronema latifolium in Albino rats

Gongronema latifolium is highly medicinal in nature. The fundamental ingredients used for medicinal purposes are stored in the various parts of the plant such as the fruits, seeds, leaves, root and stem. This present study is aimed to evaluate the hepatotoxicity effect of methanolic leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium on albino rats. This study was divided into five groups normal control groups: received commercial rat feed and water, group 2: received 1000 mg/kg b.w. of leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium, group 3: received 500 mg/kg b.w of leaf extract of G. latifolium, group 4; received 250 mg/kg of leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium, and group 5: received 125mg/kg of leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium. The result shows a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total and conjugate bilirubin when compared to the normal control not giving the extract. Administration graded dosage of 1000mg/kg and 500mg/kg body weight significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased the liver damage marker enzymes when compared with groups that received low dosage of 250mg/kg and 125mg/kg body weight and the normal control groups. The histopathological study revealed severe portal inflammation without steatosis and moderate portal inflammation in groups that received 1000mg/kg and 500mg/kg. Therefore, these results suggested that methanol leaf extracts of Gongronema latifolium possess hepatotoxic properties and strict caution must be observed when using the plant extract as a natural remedy of any disease.

Medicinal Functions of Physalis Fruits for Biomedical Applications

Medicinal Functions of Physalis Fruits for Biomedical Applications

Effects of Methanolic Leaf Extracts of Daniella oliveri on Biochemical and Haematological Parameters of Albino Mice Infected with Plasmodium berghei NK 65

The rapid emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to Artemisinin derivatives and all the conventional antimalarial drugs necessitates the importance of ethnobotany, resulting in need to study the antiplasmodial potentials and the resultant effects of the methanolic leaf extract of Daniella oliveri (D.oliveri) on the biochemical and haematological parameters of the infected and treated albino mice. A total of 30 mice were randomized to six groups; 1 (positive control), 2 (negative control), 3 (normal control), 4, 5 and 6 (treatment groups) of five mice per group, body weights of mice were measured before and after infection and treatments, the mice were Infected intravenously with 0.2 ml of 1x107 standard inoculum of chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei infected erythrocytes on the first day (day 0), treatment commence 72 hours later (day 3), continued for 5 days to terminate on day 7. On day 8, the Swiss Albino mice used for antiplasmodial activity were subjected to euthanasia under chloroform, aseptically dissected and blood was collected through cardiac puncture in lithium heparin bottle for biochemical assays and in an ethylene diamine tetra- acetic acid (EDTA) bottles for haematological assays.All mice in the treatment group showed decrease in body weight except for normal control group that showed increase in body weight. Methanolic leaf extract of D.oliveri contains some secondary metabolites that are hepato-protective in nature with no significant effects on the biochemical and hematological parameters of the malaria infected and treated albino mice.

Antidiarrhoeal Studies of Methanol Leaf Extract of Cassia sieberiana Dc in Wistar Albino Rats

Aim: This study was aimed at evaluating the antidiarrhoeal effect methanol leaf extract of Cassia sieberiana.&#x0D; Methodology: The leaf extract of Cassia sieberiana was obtained by extraction using methanol and subjected to phytochemical screening using standard methods. The anti-diarrhoeal effect of methanol leaf extract of Cassia sieberiana DC was investigated in Wistar Albino rats.&#x0D; Results: The result of phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, phenols, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, flavonoids and anthraquinoes. The methanol extract significantly (P&lt;.05) reduced the number of unformed faeces in castor oil induced diarrhoea in the rats. It also significantly (P&lt;.05) reduced the gastrointestinal transit of activated charcoal as well as enteropooling in the rats used for the experiment was significantly reduced (P&lt;.05) in the groups treated with 500 mg/kg and 750 mg/kg.&#x0D; Conclusion: Based on the findings of this research, the methanol leaf extract of Cassia sieberiana possess anti-diarrheal activity and therefore validates its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea.

Comparative performance of extreme learning machine and Hammerstein-Weiner models for modelling the intestinal hyper-motility and secretory inhibitory effects of methanolic leaf extract of Combretumhypopilinum Diels (Combretaceae).

In this article, three data-driven approaches were explored, including two artificial intelligence (AI) based models namely; Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) and Hammerstein-Weiner (HW) models and a trivial linear model namely; multilinear regression (MLR). In this context, the models were developed using the onset of diarrhoea, the total number of wet faeces, total number of faeces, weight of intestinal content (g) and length of the small intestine (cm) as the independent variables. In contrast, distance travelled by charcoal meal (C) and volume of intestinal content (I) were considered as the dependent variables for the prediction of the intestinal hypermotility and secretory inhibitory effects of the methanol leaf extract of Combretumhypopilinum (MECH). Three different performance indicators including; mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) and Root mean square error (RMSE) were employed in this research to calculate and determine the performance skills of the models. The obtained results indicated the reliable capability of ELM and HW over MLR model having NSE-values higher than 0.90 in both the calibration and verification stages. The results further demonstrated that, in terms of MAPE and RMSE, ELM and HW models showed higher performance efficiency than the MLR model. Even though HW outperformed the ELM and MLR models in the prediction of I. Whereas, ELM outperformed HW and MLR models in the prediction of C. Overall; the results proved the satisfactory ability of the AI-based models (HW and ELM) for modelling the Intestinal hypermotility and secretory inhibitory effects of MECH.

Sublethal Effects of Indigenous Plant Extracts on the Biochemical Composition of Midgut of Carpenter ant, Camponotus compressus F. (Hymenoptera : Formicidae)

The sublethal effects of methanolic leaf extracts of some indigenous plant, Azadirachta indica (Neem), Ipomoea carnea (Beshram), Vitex negundo (Nirgudi), Tridax procumbens (Kambarmodi) and Pongamia glabra (Karanj) studied to determine the biochemical and histopathological assay of midgut of household insect pest the carpenter ant, Camponotus compressus F. The methanolic leaf extract of Ipomoea carnea and other plants induced sublethal cyto-morphological changes disturbing the biochemical composition of the midgut of the carpenter ant. During the treatment of formulations, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% methanolic leaf extracts against the group of carpenter ants demonstrate maximum percentage mortality. After the interval of 24, 48 and 72 hours of the treatment the biochemical constituents such as total proteins, carbohydrates and lipids were significantly reduced in concentrations. The biochemical studies and ultra structural changes in the midgut were observed significant variation in biochemical composition with greatly elongated, vacuolated columnar cells and reduce diameter of nucleus. The study on application of the 20% methanolic leaf extracts of Ipomoea carnea followed by other plants suggested the significant sub-lethal effects on the digestion, absorption and bimolecular metabolism in the midgut due to the action of toxicant present in the leaf extracts. The present study evaluates the physiological and biochemical changes induced by the application of natural organic herbal formulations prepared from some easily available indigenous plants to control household insect pests.

Macroscopic and microscopic assessment of gastroprotective effects of methanolic leaf extracts of Cissampelos owariensis (P. Beauv.) in rats using pyloric ligation method

Background: Cissampelos owariensis is a tropical medicinal plant widely applied for diverse therapeutic uses such as treatment of circulatory, reproductive, and gastrointestinal conditions. In this study, the gastroprotective activity of methanolic leaf extracts of C. owariensis against prolonged exposure to acidic gastric acid was assessed in male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: This study involved 25 male Wistar rats (180–200 g) divided into five groups (n = 5): Group A–E. Groups A and B were used as normal and test controls given distilled water, whereas Groups C–E were, respectively, administered with methanolic extracts of C. owariensis at dosage of 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg, respectively. The mode of administration was oral, and the study period was 21 days. Afterward, gastric mucosal injury was induced in Groups B–E animals through pyloric ligation method. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations of gastric tissues were done to ascertain the degrees of gastric mucosal protection or erosion using gross photographic and histological staining techniques. Results: The gross appearance of internal aspect of gastric tissues showed mildly eroded mucosal surface in treated Groups B–D, but intense erosion was observed in test control Group D. Similarly, for histological results, the treated Groups B–D showed moderate-to-mild mucosal surface erosion compared to intense erosion observed in test control Group E. Conclusion: Findings from this study indicated that prior treatment with methanolic extracts of C. owariensis resulted in gastric mucosal protection in experimental animals exposed to offensive factor such as gastric acid. This gastroprotective activity of methanolic extracts of C. owariensis may be associated with the antioxidant properties of the constituent phytochemical compounds.

Hepatoprotective effects of methanol leaf extract of pterocarpus santalinoides DC on acetaminophen-induced liver damage in Albino rats (Rattus norvegicus)

The effects of methanol leaf extract of Pterocarpus santalinoides DC was investigated on acetaminophen (APAP)-induced sub-acute liver damage (hepatotoxicity) in albino rats. Forty two adultmale albino ratswere used for the study, 12 for the acute toxicity study and 30 for the sub-acute hepatotoxicity study. The 30 rats used for the sub-acute hepatotoxicity study were randomly assigned into six groups (A – F) of 5 rats each as follows: Group A – APAP+distilledwater placebo (negative control),Groups B,CandD–APAP+50, 250, and 500 mg/kg body weight (bw) Pterocarpus santalinoides methanol extract (PSME) respectively, Group E – APAP + 100 mg/kg bw silymarin (positive control), and Group F – distilled water placebo only (normal control). The APAP was given at 3000 mg/kg bw orally at the beginning of the study (day 0) and after every 72 hours for 12 days, while treatment with PSME and silymarin was done orally twice daily for 15 days. Phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity evaluation followed standard procedures. Assay of serum enzymes, total serum protein, albumin, globulin, total cholesterol and bilirubin, and liver weight percentage of body weight of the rats was done at the end of the 15-day experimental period following standard procedures. The PSME had high levels of tannins, moderate levels of flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates and reducing sugars, and low levels of alkaloids. The LD was above 5000 mg/kg bw. Treatment with PSME at the dose of 500 mg/kg bw significantly lowered (P &lt; 0.05) serum ALT, AST, and ALP activities, cholesterol and bilirubin levels, and liver weight percentage of body weight when compared to the negative control,while treatment at the dose of 250mg/kg bw only led to significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) serum levels of cholesterol and bilirubin when compared to the negative control. It was concluded that treatment of acetaminophen-induced sub-acute hepatotoxicity in albino rats with 500 mg/kg bw PSME significantly protected the hepatocellular integrity and ameliorated impaired hepatic excretory function.

Effect of Methanol Leaf Extract of Duranta erecta in Rats Induced with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Effect of Methanol Leaf Extract of Duranta erecta in Rats Induced with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Effects of methanolic leaf extract of Pterocarpus santalinoides on the recovery from gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats

This study evaluated the effects of methanolic leaf extract of Pterocarpus santalinoides (MLEPS) on the recovery from gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats. Fresh leaves of P. santalinoides were collected, dried, pulverized, and extracted by cold maceration technique using 80% methanol. Thirty male albino rats randomly assigned into six groups (A–F) of five rats each were used for the study. Nephrotoxicity was induced in groups A–E by intra-peritoneal administration of gentamicin (GM) once a day at 100 mg/kg for 10 days. Thereafter, the nephropathic (NP) rat groups (A–E) were used to assess the therapy with MLEPS. Group A was given drinking water (negative control). Groups B, C, and D were treated orally with MLEPS at 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg, respectively. Group E was treated orally with silymarin at 200 mg/kg (positive control). Group F was not treated with GM and MLEPS (normal control). Parameters measured relating to kidney function were serum creatinine and urea concentrations, urine protein level, and 24-h water consumption. All the parameters were significantly (p 0.05) to that of the group F (normal control) rats on days 5 and 10 PTWE, though it was not significantly (p > 0.05) different from the untreated control (group A). Urine protein levels of rats treated with 500 mg/kg MLEPS (group D) were lower and comparable to that of rats treated with silymarin (group E). Also, treatment with MLEPS at 250 and 500 mg/kg led to amelioration of renal tubular necrosis in the NP rats. It was concluded that treatment with MLEPS at 500 mg/kg significantly improved recovery time from GM-induced kidney damage in rats, based on the enhancement of creatinine and urea clearance from blood, reduction of protein loss in urine, and amelioration of histological lesions.

Cytotoxic Effects of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract on Human Hepatoma Cell Line HepG-2

Background: Over the past decades, little attention is paid to using herbal remedies to improve various diseases, especially cancer. Moringa oleifera (MO) is one of the herbs with numerous medicinal properties. Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity effects of methanolic leaf extract on human liver cancer HepG2 cell lines. Methods: First methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera flavonoid compounds were measured, and then quercetin was identified as one of the flavonoid compounds in methanolic leaf extract by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). HepG-2 cell line were treated with (0, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 µg/mL) methanolic extract of MO, quercetin (50 µg/mL), and doxorubicin (1 µg/mL). After 48 hours, the cytotoxic activity of various concentrations of MO methanolic extract against the liver cancer cell line was assessed using an MTT assay. Results: In this study, the total flavonoids and quercetin in the leaves of MO was, respectively, 3.69 (mg/g) and 0.064 (mg/g) of dry weight. Methanolic leaf extract demonstrated a significant effect (IC50 = 12.89 µg/mL) on HepG2 cell lines. Conclusions: Evaluation of cytotoxicity effects showed that HepG2 viability methanolic extract was concentration-dependent and decreased with increasing concentration of the extract. Comparison of the effect of the extract with doxorubicin and pure quercetin showed that the effect of the concentration of 70 µg/mL methanolic extract and pure quercetin and doxorubicin on liver cancer cells were similar. Also, the results showed that methanolic leaf extract has cytotoxic effects on the HepG-2 cell line and inhibits the growth of liver cancer cells.

Erica multiflora extract rich in quercetin-3-O-glucoside and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside alleviates high fat and fructose diet-induced fatty liver disease by modulating metabolic and inflammatory pathways in Wistar rats

The wide morbidity of obesity has heightened interest in providing natural and safe compounds to maintain optimal health. The present study was designed to determine the chemical constituents and the effects of methanol leaf extract from Erica multiflora (M-EML) on mitigating high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD)-induced metabolic syndrome (MS).LC–MS/MS characterization of M-EML allowed the identification of 14 secondary metabolites and showed that quercetin-3-O-glucoside and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside were the main compounds of our extract. In the in vivo study, the oral administration of M-EML (250 mg/kg) during the last 4 weeks of the experimentation alleviated HFFD-induced obesity, insulin resistance (IR) and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, M-EML treatment significantly normalized body and liver weight, allowed to a sharp decline in plasma levels of TC, TG and LDL-c by 32%, 35% and 66%, respectively. Moreover, hepatic enzymes, total and direct bilirubin, lipase and uric acid levels have been diminished in treated group. Histopathology of the liver confirmed the changes induced by HFFD and the hepatoprotective effect of M-EML. The supply of M-EML reduced NO production and cellular lysosomal enzyme activity by 44% and 60%, respectively compared to HFFD. Besides, M-EML showed decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines levels (259.5±47.35 pg/ml and 56.08±1.56 pg/ml) of TNF-α and IL-6, respectively.In addition, M-EML reduced liver malondialdehyde (MDA) content and enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. In contrast, these enzymatic activities have been disrupted in HFFD rats.Overall, M-EML prevented obesity through the modulation of metabolic syndrome, reducing inflammation and promoting antioxidant enzymes activities.

Histopathological Changes in Gastrointestinal Tissues of Wistar Rats Administered with Methanolic Leaf Extract of Caladium bicolor (Araceae)

To assess the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Caladium bicolor on the histomorphology of gastrointestinal tissues of experimental animals.&#x0D; Twenty four Wistar rats (weighing between 175-190 g) were randomly and equally divided into four groups which include one control group (CG) and three treatment groups (TG I, TG II and TG III). The CG was administered with distilled water [2 ml/kg body weight (b.w.)] while TGs I, II and III were administered with 100 ml/kg, 200 ml/kg and 300 ml/kg (b.w.) of C. bicolor extract respectively. All administrations were done orally and once daily for a period of thirty days. The body weight of all animals was recorded at the beginning and end of study. After the period of study, gastric and small intestinal tissues of experimental animals were harvested, processed, converted to tissue blocks and sectioned. Tissue sections were stained using Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&amp;E) technique. Thereafter, stained sections microscopically examined for observable histopathological changes within study tissues.&#x0D; The results of this study showed that exposure to C. bicolor extract causes significant (p &lt; 0.05) body weight loss in TGs I-III compared to CG. In addition, prominent histopathological changes were observed in gastrointestinal tissues of experimental animals in TGs I-III including gastric mucosal surface erosion and intestinal villi degeneration compared to normal gastrointestinal histomorphology of CG animals.&#x0D; These histopathological changes may be associated with toxic effect of phytochemicals constituents of the extract. Therefore, its application for therapeutic purposes needs to be thoroughly re-validated or perhaps disallowed where alternative therapeutic agents with minimal toxic potential exist.

In vitro Studies on α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Some Bioactive Extracts

Objectives: To investigate the therapeutic effects of methanolic leaf extracts of Lindernia ciliata, Phyllanthus reticulatus and Bambusa vulgaris were evaluated for their effect on α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition by using in vitro assays. Methods: Leaves of Lindernia ciliata, Phyllanthus reticulatus and Bambusa vulgaris extracted with methanol and these extracts are concentrated under reduced pressure. The inhibitory effect of these extracts on α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities as well as some antioxidant parameters was determined in vitro. Results: The results revealed that these methanolic bioactive extracts inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities in a dose dependent manner. The plant extracts were used at varying concentrations to ensure which concentration of the extract causes the most inhibition. Among all, Lindernia ciliata has shown the prominent enzyme inhibitory activity (for α-amylase IC50 6.11 mg/ml and for α-glucosidase 6.10 mg/ml) and was well comparable with the standard drug acarbose (for α-amylase IC50 5.03 mg/ml and for α-glucosidase IC50 5.13 mg/ml). Phytochemical analysis of the extracts indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids/triterpenoids and their glycosides, tannins, coumarins, sterols and fatty alcohols. Further, the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were estimated. These results substantiate the use of Lindernia ciliata in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes by controlling postprandial hyperglycemia. Conclusion: The antioxidant properties and enzyme inhibition could be part of the mechanism by which they are used in the treatment/prevention of type-2 diabetes. These findings suggest that the plants may be a potential source for the development of new oral hypoglycemic agent. Key words: Acarbose, Bambusa vulgaris, Lindernia ciliata, Phyllanthus reticulatus, α-amylase, α-glucosidase.

Anti-Amnesic Effect of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Tecoma stans: An Experimental Study in Rodents

Objectives: Herbal therapy is a natural practice of curative or substitute remedy to treat disorders or illnesses aimed at the management of cognitive ailments. Memory loss is a shortfall in recollection triggered by brain impairment or illness, but it can also be initiated briefly by the usage of numerous tranquilizing and hypnotic medications. Methods: In present study the methanolic leaf extract of Tecoma stans (METS) was screened for its Anti-amnesic activity in rodent models. The various phytochemical constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, tannins, sterols, saponins, glycosides, amino acids and carbohydrates present in the extract were identified by using GC-MS analysis. Results: Toxicity studies revealed that the extract was safe upto 2000 mg/kg, bd.wt. as per OECD guidelines 425. In-vivo anti-amnesic activity was accomplished in diazepam and aluminium induced amnesic models by actophotometer, rotarod and cook’s pole climbing apparatus. Various biochemical estimates like AChE, TBARS, GSH and SOD and histopathological studies of mice brain were performed in aluminium induced amnesic model. The in- vitro cholinesterase activity is evaluated using Ellman’s assay. METS exhibited noteworthy enhancement in intellectual diminishing in diazepam and aluminum chloride induced amnesic models and also suggestively decreased brain AChE and oxidant enzyme factors like TBARS, GSH and SOD levels and moderate inhibitory activities in ChE’s assay. Conclusion: From the results it is clear that the methanolic leaf extract of Tecoma stans possess anti-amnesic activity. Key words: Tecoma stans, Anti-amnesia, Memory, Acetylcholinesterase, Aluminium chloride, Ellman’s assay.