Effect Of Methanolic Leaf Extract Research Articles

Anthelmintic Activity of Alcoholic Leaf Extract of Tectona grandis

Background: Helminthiasis is a major concern in the livestock sector due to the immense afflictions in the production and economy of the farmer. Chemical anthelmintics are used to combat them and parasites are acquiring resistance against these drugs. Hence, the development of new drugs or alternatives is the need of the hour for combating such infestations. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Tectona grandis on strongyles. Materials and Methods: The dried leaves of Tectona grandis were subjected to Soxhlet extraction using methanol, and the extract was tested for its anthelmintic activity in vitro using egg hatch assay and larval motility assay. A dose of 250, 125, 62.5, 31.25, 15.625, and 7.8125 mg/ mL was used for the study. Fresh strongyle ova were exposed to different concentrations of the extract and observed after 48 hours for the hatch. L3 larvae obtained from coproculture were subjected to treatment with extract at different concentrations, and mortality per unit time was calculated. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were performed to identify the chemical nature of the extract. Results: There was a dose-dependent inhibition of hatch and larval mortality with a maximum inhibition of hatch at 250 mg/mL. There was a cent percent hatch in control wells and no loss of progressive motility in the larval motility test. On exposure to the extract, the larvae progressively lost their motility, and finally, there were caesurae of movement which indicated their death. The extract at 250 mg/mL killed all the larvae by 30 min, whereas, at 31.25 mg/mL, the mortality was 66.6% after 2 hr. Conclusion: The results suggest that methanolic extract from Tectona grandis leaves has a promising anthelmintic property and further studies are required for the isolation of active molecules.

Prophylactic Effects of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Momordica balsamina Against CCL4 Induced Liver Injury in Wistar Rats

Introduction: Liver injury can result from various causes, including alcohol consumption, viral infections (such as hepatitis), autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, and exposure to certain chemicals, drugs or toxins. It can manifest as inflammation, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or acute liver failure, depending on the cause and severity. Treatment often involves addressing the underlying cause, lifestyle changes (such as avoiding alcohol or certain medications), and sometimes medication to support liver function or manage specific conditions. Early detection and management are crucial for preventing further damage and promoting liver health. Studies have reported the effects of Momordica balsamina on liver injury. Aim: This study aim to evaluate the prophylactic effect of methanolic leaf extract of Momordica balsamina against CCL4-induced liver injury in Wistar Rats. Methodology: The fresh leaves of Momordica balsamina were purchased at Marina Market, Sokoto, the plant was air dry at room temperature for 2 weeks and the air-dried leaves were processed with methanol to obtain methanolic extract. An acute toxicity study of M. balsamina extract was conducted with six doses (10, 100, 1000, 1600, 2900 and 5000 mg/kg) to evaluate its safety. Phytochemical analysis of the extract was carried out to detect the presence or absence of carbohydrates, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, protein, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides and steroids. A total of 42 Wistar rats (170±20g) of either sex roughly of the same age (8-10 weeks) were used for the study. After two weeks of acclimatization, the rats were randomly divided into six groups of seven rats each; group 1 (normal control) treated with distilled water and vital feeds; groups 2 (Negative control) CCl4 treated with liver injury not on treatment; group 3 (Standard control) CCl4 liver injury treated with 50 mg/kg Silymarin; group 4 (500 mg/kg M. balsamina + 2mL CCl4); group 5 (1000 mg/kg M. balsamina + 2mL CCl4) and group 6 (1500 mg/kg M. balsamina + 2mL CCl4) for 4 weeks. On the last day, the rats were anaesthetized, and blood and liver organ were collected for biochemical and histomorphology study. Results: The prophylactic effects of methanolic leaf extract of Momordica balsamina against CCl4-induced liver injury were evaluated on liver function tests (LFTs) and Malondialdehyde (MDA). This study shows that Momordica balsamina extract significantly (P< 0.05) decreased the level of serum AST, ALT, ALP, TB and DB positively by inhibiting their raise at dose-dependent manner compared to the negative control, equally, the extract increased the serum level of Albumin and total protein when compared to the negative control. On the other hand, the extract shows significant reduction of serum level of Malondialdehyde (MDA) near to normal at varying dose. The finding of the prophylactic effect of methanolic leaf extract of Momordica balsamina on histology shows significant improvement on liver cell with notable recovery and appearance of the histological architecture of the hepatocyte at the highest dose (1500 mg/kg+2mL CCl4) compared to negative control group. Conclusion: The presence of phytochemical compounds and antioxidant properties as well as a gene that is responsible for its prophylactic effect may be one of the mechanisms through which the plant extract was able to exert prophylactic effect on CCl4 induced liver injury in Wistar rats. This study suggests that M. balsamina extract may be considered as an affordable and non-invasive treatment option for liver injury in human.

Studies on Anticancer Effect of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Justicia gendarussa on Lung Cancer Cell Line

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of study’s goal was to look into the anticancer efficacy of a methanolic extract of Justicia gendarussa against a lung cancer cell line. Materials and Methods: Cell viability assays and cell and nuclear morphology examinations were used to evaluate the anticancer efficacy against methanolic extract of Justicia gendarussa on lung cancer cell lines. The IC50 doses were calculated using different concentrations of Justicia gendarussa extract (0, 10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 μg/mL). Results: The results of MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay revealed that the percentage of viability in treated cells was significantly lower as compared with untreated control groups, which represented as 100%, and an inhibitory concentration of 40 μg/mL was observed. Under a phase-contrast microscope, morphological changes revealed cell shrinkage and cytoplasmic membrane blebbing. The apoptotic nuclei (intensely colored, broken nuclei, and compacted chromatin) were examined under a fluorescence microscope. Conclusions: The outcome of the research work on Justicia gendarussa was investigated for anticancer properties. The results revealed the proapoptotic and cytotoxic effects of Justicia gendarussa extract on lung cancer cell lines. From the above results and findings, it could be concluded that the Justicia gendarussa methanolic leaf extract exhibited potent anticancer activity against a lung cancer cell line. Further study needs to be conducted to investigate the active chemicals in the extract as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying its anticancer benefits.

Methanol leaf extract of Leptadenia hastata ameliorates chronic, unpredictable, mild stress-induced depression

Leptadenia hastata (Pers) Decne is a tropical herb widely used in the phytotherapy of neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression. Despite the availability of synthetic antidepressant drugs, depression remains a major medical problem. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of methanol leaf extract of Leptadenia hastata (LHME) on chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression. Acute toxicity of Leptadenia hastata was determined using Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model-induced depression involves the evaluation of baseline behavioural changes in the sucrose preference test, open field test, and tail suspension test. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations and serum cortisol were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also assessed using standard procedure. The median lethal dose (LD50) value was > 5000 mg/kg. LHME at doses of 250 – 1000 mg significantly (p<0.01) decreased CUMS-induced depression in a dose-dependent manner. LHME significantly (p<0.01) reversed depression associated weight loss from 14.00±0.62 g in week two to 22.57±1.13 g in week five of the experiment. It also increased sucrose consumption in the sucrose preference test (SPT) from 4.29±0.52 ml in week two to 9.71±0.68 ml in week five. The LHME also significantly (p<0.01) decreased the duration of immobility from 190.00±4.55 sec in week two to 158.00±3.83 sec in week five in the tail suspension test (TST). Furthermore, LHME at the tested dose significantly (p<0.01) increased the locomotor activity from 36.29±1.25 sec in week two to 62.43±1.73 sec in week five in the open field test (OFT). LHME significantly (p<0.01) and dose-dependently increased the levels of BDNF (204.74±22.97 pg/ml) and decreased the levels of plasma cortisol (0.98±0.06 ng/ml). However, treatment with LHME and the standard drug imipramine did not significantly change SOD activity and the MDA level in CUMS-induced mice. The findings demonstrated that LHME ameliorates CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviours, and its effect is possibly mediated via the neuroendocrine (cortisol) and neurotrophic (BDNF).

Immunostimulating potentials of methanolic extract of <i>Plectranthus parviflorus</i> in chickens vaccinated against Newcastle disease and Infectious bursal disease

Outbreaks of Newcastle disease (ND) and Infectious Bursal disease (IBD) have been reported in vaccinated poultry flocks in many countries highlighting the need for the administration of immunostimulants to improve immunity in such birds. The immunomodulatory effects of methanol leaf extract of plectranthus parviflorus on ND and IBD antibody titre was investigated. One hundred day-old cockerels were randomly assigned into five groups each, A-E and A1-E1 for Newcastle disease and Infectious bursal disease studies respectively. Groups A and A1 were control groups and received water only while groups B and B1 received LaSota and IBD intermediate plus ® vaccine respectively. Groups C and C1, D and D1 were administered 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg of Plectranthus parviflorus orally for three days before vaccination respectively, while groups E and E1were given 100mg/kg of the extract orally three days post vaccination. Blood samples were obtained via jugular vein at day-old and 14 days as well as on days 7, 14 and 21 post vaccination. Haemagglutination- inhibition (HI) test and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to assay the antibody titre against ND and IBD respectively. A decline in maternal antibody over 14 days was observed for antibody titre against Newcastle disease and infectious bursal disease from 6.1 to 1.8 geometric mean (log2) and (1043.37±2.1) to (524.48±2.7) respectively. Group D was observed to have a significant titre value of 2.3 and 3.7 geometric mean (log2) 14 and 21 days post ND vaccination while group D1 also had a significant increase (1037.90±3.6) titre 14 days post-vaccination. This study showed that plectranthus parviflorus extract had a significant effect on Newcastle disease and Infectious bursal disease humoral response when administered orally at 200mg/kg before vaccination with ND and IBD vaccines respectively.

Effects of methanolic leaf extract and fractions of Irvingia gabonensis on hematological parameters in Wistar rats with splenomegaly

Splenomegaly is a medical condition characterized by an enlargement of the spleen, an organ located in the upper left part of the abdomen, beneath the ribcage. The spleen plays various essential roles in the body, including filtering blood, removing old or damaged blood cells, and helping the immune system by producing and storing immune cells. Splenomegaly causes negative haematological effects. It is very common in Africa and Asia. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of methanol leaf extract and fractions of Irvingia gabonensis on haematological parameters in splenomegaly-induced Wistar rats. Extraction and fractionation of the plant were carried out through standard procedure using methanol, hexane, butanol and ethyl acetate. A qualitative phytochemical evaluation of the plant was done. The effects of the extract and fractions of Irvingia gabonensis were investigated using a rat model. The presence of various phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and tannins was observed in the extract and fractions of the plant. The methanolic extract and ethylacetate fraction significantly caused the normalization of PCV, HB, and RBC post-treatment. The findings from this study suggest that Irvingia gabonensis could be researched further for the management of splenomegaly and also the isolation of phytochemicals responsible for these effects.

Assessment of wound healing potential in mice of formulations prepared from methanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata L. and Hypericum oblongifolium Choisy of Uttarakhand

The skin develops a wound that is both anatomical and functional. Wound healing is a difficult process of tissue remodeling or repair following injury. In the past, various types of wounds have been treated and managed using plants and chemical components derived from plants. Various varieties are now being explored to establish an affordable, reliable and efficient delivery system for the treatment of wounds. This study used a mouse model to investigate the effects of Methanolic leaf extracts of Oxalis corniculata and Hypericum oblongifolium on wound healing. Oxalis corniculata L. and Hypericum oblongifolium Choisy plant leaf that had been dried by the air was ground up, extracted with methanol and made into formulation code gel F4, F6 and F8. The above formulations were then put topically to test their ability to speed up the healing of excision wound models. The wound contraction, epithelialization time and tensile strength were all measured. Increases in percentage wound contraction and tensile strength, as well as a reduction in the time needed for epithelialization, were seen with both F6 and F8 extract gel formulations. The results of this study correlated the Oxalis corniculata L. and Hypericum oblongifolium Choisy use of the plants by demonstrating that their leaf extracts had strong wound healing efficacy.

Pancreatic beta cell regenerative effect of Costus pictus D Don leaf extracts on streptozotocin induced diabetes on Wistar rats

With the increasing prevalence of diabetes and the economic burden caused by its treatment, people seek alternative medicine. Costus pictus D Don, belonging to the family Costaceae, commonly called Insulin plant/spiral ginger, is preferred by many in recent days. The current study was carried out to determine the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Costus pictus D Don on the pancreas of diabetic-induced albino Wistar rats. Methanolic extract from C.pictus was prepared by soxhalation. The effect of this extract at the dose of 100 mg and 200 mg/kg bw was studied biochemically on blood glucose and blood insulin levels. Histological and histo-morphological observations were studied on the pancreas after 21 days of treatment. The parameters were compared with diabetic and normal rats. Glucose-lowering effect of the plant extract was observed biochemically in diabetic animals treated with both doses of the extracts. It was observed that the effect was more pronounced with 200 mg/kg BW of the extract. The presence of hyperchromic islet cells, granulated beta cells, increase in diameter of islets and number of beta cells as observed by histological examination and histo-morphometric analysis revealed the pancreatic beta cell regenerative property of Costus pictus D Don.

In vitro Evaluation of Cytotoxic Effects of Methanolic Leaf Extracts of Annona muricata on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma-15 Cell Lines and its Effect On Expression of Bcl 2-associated X protein, B-cell C/Lymphoma 2 and p53 Genes

Abstract Background: Due to their wide spectrum of phytochemical components and lack of side effects, the use of plants for the prevention and treatment of cancer has recently attracted increased attention. One among them is Annona muricata, commonly called soursop. According to recent investigations, several types of cancer have been successfully treated using this plant’s extracts. However, studies on oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are very limited. Aim: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the cytotoxic potential of leaf extract of A. muricata (LEAM) against oral tongue SCC-15 cell lines, using in vitro assays. Materials and Methods: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-dipenyltetrazolium bromide assay was performed to assess cytotoxic activity, and the apoptotic effect was determined using gene expression analyses of Bcl 2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell C/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and tumor-suppressor phosphoprotein (p53). Results: Significant cytotoxicity (P ≤ 0.05) with a minimum inhibitory concentration value of 40 μg/ml was observed with the LEAM on SCC-15 cell lines. A highly significant decrease was observed in Bcl-2 gene expression (P < 0.05), whereas p53 and BAX genes revealed a highly significant increase (P < 0.05) when SCC-15 cell lines were treated with LEAM in the study group compared to the control. Conclusion: These results show that LEAM has the potential for development as a therapeutic agent for cytotoxicity, particularly on oral SCC cells, following further investigation.

Effects of methanol leaf extract of Dryopteris filix-mas on catalase activity and malondialdehyde levels in the brain of adult male Wistar rats

This study was carried out to determine the effect of methanol leaf extract of Dryopteris filix-mas on catalase (an antioxidant) activity and malondialdehyde (an oxidative stress marker) levels in brain of wistar rats. Methanol extract of Dryopteris filix-mas was prepared by Soxhlet extraction. Twenty (20) adults male wistar rats were used for this study. The animals were grouped into four groups; 1 (normal control); 2 (administered 100mg/kg of Dryopteris filix methanol leaf extract) and 3 (administered 250mg/kg of Dryopteris filix methanol leaf extract); 4 (Administered 500mg/kg of Dryopteris filix methanol leaf extract). The rats were so treated and after 21 days, were sacrificed. The brain of the rats was harvested and used to prepare brain tissue homogenates for the biochemical assay of catalase and MDA using standard procedures. Results obtained show that the varying doses of the plant extract caused a dose dependent increase in catalase activity when compared to the control group. However, the increases were found to be statistically insignificant (p>0.05). Administration of 100mg/kg of the plant extract slightly decreased MDA level, while 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg slightly increased MDA levels in brain of the experimental animals after the 21days treatment period when compared to the control group. However, these observed changes in MDA levels were found to be statistically insignificant (p>0.05). The results of this study shows that the different doses of the plant extract did not cause significant oxidative damage to the brain of the experimental animals.

Effect of oral administration of methanol leaf extract of Terminalia catappa (Tropical Almond) on serum hepato-markers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of methanol leaf extract of Terminalia catappa. Freshly harvested leaves of T. catappa were washed, dried and ground into fine powder. The powdered plant sample was processed into extract. Twenty five adult male wistar rats were divided into five groups of five rats. Group I: was the normal control fed only with rat chow and water, Groups II-V were administered with 100, 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg of methanol leaf extract of Terminalia catappa (MLETC). Treatment lasted for 28 days, after which animals were sacrificed and blood sample collected analysed using standard procedures. The result obtained showed that oral administration of extract significantly (P<0.05) increased the activity of liver enzyme in a dose dependent manner. This may or may not necessarily imply that the extract is hepatotoxic as certain compounds can induce the said enzymes and may not mean that the liver is damaged.

Ameliorative Effect of Methanol Leaf Extract of Phyllanthus nirurion Anaemic Male Wister Rats

Ameliorative Effect of Methanol Leaf Extract of Phyllanthus nirurion Anaemic Male Wister Rats

Hepatoprotective Effect of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Prosopis Cineraria on Paracetamol Induced Hepatotoxicity in Swiss Albino Mice

Aim: To evaluate the protective effect of methanolic leaf extract of Prosopis Cineraria on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Materials and Methods: 30 Swiss albino mice of eithersex mice were used in this study and divided into 5 groups (for each 6). Group 1 Control group fed basal diet and maintained as positive control group. Group 2 received Paracetamol in a dose of (3 g/kg b. wt.). Group 3 received Paracetamolalong with Standard Drug (Silymarin) in a dose of (100 mg/kg). Groups 4 and 5 were treated with Paracetamol along with plant extracts of Prosopis Cineraria at a dose level of 250 g/kg and 500 mg/kg. Results:The activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triglyceride (TG), bilirubin, and total protein were measured. The values of urea, sodium, potassium and chloride were significantly increased in rats exposed to paracetamol. Moreover, administration of paracetamol resulted in damage to liver structures. Administration of methanolic extract of Prosopis Cineraria before Paracetamol exposure prevented severe alterations of biochemical parameters and disruptions of liver structures. Conclusions: This study obviously demonstrated that pre-treatment with methanolic extract of Prosopis Cinerariasignificantly attenuated the physiological and histopathological alterations induced by paracetamol.

Methanol Leaf Extract of Clerodendrum violaceum Grüke modulates some haematological indices of mice

Clerodendrum violaceum is an indigenous antimalarial remedy; its antimalarial efficacy has been previously authenticated. Haematological indices are usually affected in several disease conditions and can be affected by ingestion of drugs and medicinal plants. This study evaluates the effects of methanol leaf extract of Clerodendrum violaceum on haematological indices of mice. Six groups (A-F) of ten mice each were used. Groups B, C, D, E and F were administered 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight methanol leaf extract of Clerodendrum violaceum respectively. Group A received 5% DMSO and served as control. After fourteen days of administration, five animals from each group were sacrificed and blood collected for analysis of haematological indices. Extract administration continued for another fourteen days after which the remaining animals were sacrificed and treated similarly. After 14 days of administration, there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count, at all doses (except 500 mg/kg body weight) compared to control. However, extract administration significantly reduced (p<0.05) white blood cell count at 500 mg/kg body weight only; and significantly (p<0.05) increased lymphocytes at all doses compared to control. After twenty-eight days, there was no significant alteration (p>0.05) in all red blood cell indices except red blood cell count and haemoglobin which were significantly reduced (p<0.05) at 500 mg/kg body weight while mean corpuscular volume significantly increased (p<0.05) at the same dose. White blood cell indices were not altered significantly (p>0.05) except lymphocytes which significantly increased (p<0.05) at all doses compared to control. The methanol leaf extract of Clerodendrum violaceum increased red blood cells which may be beneficial in counteracting conditions that predispose to anaemia and hypoxia and increased lymphocytes which can strengthen immunity.

Effects of methanol leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale treatment on the hematology of chickens infected with velogenic Newcastle disease virus

Effects of methanol leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale treatment on the hematology of chickens infected with velogenic Newcastle disease virus

Immunomodulatory Potency of Eclipta alba (Bhringaraj) Leaf Extract in Heteropneustes fossilis against Oomycete Pathogen, Aphanomyces invadans

Aphanomyces invadans is an aquatic oomycete pathogen and the causative agent of epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) in fresh and brackish water fish, which is responsible for severe mortalities and economic losses in aquaculture. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop anti-infective strategies to control EUS. An Oomycetes, a fungus-like eukaryotic microorganism, and a susceptible species, i.e., Heteropneustes fossilis, are used to establish whether an Eclipta alba leaf extract is effective against the EUS-causing A. invadans. We found that treatment with methanolic leaf extract, at concentrations between 50-100 ppm (T4-T6), protects the H. fossilis fingerlings against A. invadans infection. These optimum concentrations induced anti-stress and antioxidative response in fish, marked by a significant decrease in cortisol and elevated levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels in treated animals, as compared with the controls. We further demonstrated that the A. invadans-protective effect of methanolic leaf extract was caused by its immunomodulatory effect and is linked to the enhanced survival of fingerlings. The analysis of non-specific and specific immune factors confirms that methanolic leaf extract-induced HSP70, HSP90 and IgM levels mediate the survival of H. fossilis fingerlings against A. invadans infection. Taken together, our study provides evidence that the generation of anti-stress and antioxidative responses, as well as humoral immunity, may play a role in protecting H. fossilis fingerlings against A. invadans infection. It is probable that E. alba methanolic leaf extract treatment might become part of a holistic strategy to control EUS in fish species.

Assessment of the Effects of Methanol Leaf Extract of Clerodendrum violaceum on the Liver of Mice

Effects of methanol leaf extract of Clerodendrum violaceum on liver function indices of Swiss mice was evaluated. Six groups (A-F) of ten mice each were used. Groups B-F were administered 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, 500 mg/kg body weight of methanol leaf extract of Clerodendrum violaceum, respectively. Group A received 5% DMSO (control). Five animals in each group were sacrificed after 14 days of administration; the remaining were sacrificed after 28 days of administration. Blood was collected for analyses, livers were collected and weighed. Some of the liver samples were homogenized and some preserved in 10% formalin for histopathological examination. After 14 days, there was significant increase (p < 0.05) in total and conjugated bilirubin and significant reduction (p < 0.05) of albumin and total protein at higher doses. Activities of ALP and γ-GT in serum were significantly elevated (p < 0.05) at all doses while liver and serum ALT activity only at lower doses. Liver and serum AST activity were also significantly elevated (p < 0.05) at higher doses. Activities of ALP and γ-GT in the liver were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) at all doses while ALT activity only reduced at the highest dose in liver and serum. AST activity was reduced at higher doses in liver but only at highest dose in serum. Liver tissue was inflamed with progressive degeneration on day 28. Results showed that methanol leaf extract of C. violaceum adversely affected the normal architecture, synthetic and secretory functions of the liver at high doses.

Effect of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Carissa Edulis on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Albino Rats

Effect of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Carissa Edulis on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Albino Rats

Effect of Costus Pictus D Don Methanolic Leaf Extract on Induced Prediabetic Behavioral Change in Albino Wistar Rats

Background: Prediabetes is a hyperglycemic intermediate state with glycemic parameters above normal values but below the threshold of diagnosis of diabetes. While the diagnostic criteria for prediabetes differ between international professional organizations, it is still a high-risk state for getting diabetes, with an annual conversion rate of 5%–10%. Plants and plant-derived products have been the first treatment choice in ancient India. Of late, they have regained a preference for allopathic medicine. Prediabetes, if identified early and treated, the intermittent hyperglycemia, as well as its complications, can be prevented or reverted. Costus pictus D Don would serve this purpose. Materials and Methods: The present study was aimed to study the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Costus pictus D Don on glycemic status and cognitive behavior in induced prediabetic status. Prediabetic status was induced by 35% sucrose solution. Glycemic status was assessed by the Oral glucose tolerance test, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, and QUantitative Insulin sensitivity Check Index. Cognitive and anxiety-like behavior was assessed by elevated T maze and open arena maze. After the termination of the study, all the animals were sacrificed and their brain was sectioned and stained with H and E strain to check for any associated change in the hippocampal region to correlate with the observed behavioral change. Results: Methanolic leaf extract of Costus pictus D Don had a significant effect on normalizing glycemic status in prediabetic rats. Meanwhile, they did not cause hypoglycemia when given to normal rats. Methanolic leaf extract of Costus pictus D Don reduces blood glucose level and insulin level in both doses of 100 mg and 200 mg/kg BW. The extract exhibited an anxiolytic effect and improved cognition in prediabetic rats. When compared to control rats, the prediabetic rats exhibited slow learning. This was evident with an increase in transfer latency. Delta percentage was minimum in prediabetic animals indicating poor learning ability associated with prediabetes. The extract at the dose of 200 mg/Kg BW was found to revert this adverse effect back to near normal. Conclusion: Leaves of Costus pictus D Don can be a better choice for normalizing the hyperglycemic status and improving prediabetic induced mental disturbances such as anxiety and cognitive dysfunction.

Genoprotective, antimutagenic, and antioxidant effects of methanolic leaf extract of Rhamnus alaternus L. from the Bissa mountains in Algeria

Rhamnus alaternus L. is a Rhamnaceae shrub and a popular traditional medicine in Algeria. The present research objective was to investigate the antioxidant, genotoxic, and antigenotoxic properties of R. alaternus methanolic leaf extract. 
 Antiradical scavenging activity was tested by α, α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging and β-carotene bleaching method. DNA damage and repair were measured by the Allium cepa test with sodium azide as a mutagenic agent. Mitotic index and chromosomal aberrations were calculated by microscopy of meristem roots stained with 2% carmine acetic. 
 The methanolic extract of R. alaternus leaves inhibited the free radical DPPH (IC50 = 0.74 ± 0.30 mg/mL) and prevented the oxidation of β-carotene (50.71 ± 4.17%). The root phenotyping showed that sodium azide changed their color and shape, decreased their stiffness, and significantly reduced their length. The roots treated with both R. alaternus leaf extract and sodium azide demonstrated a better root growth. The roots treated with the methanolic extract were much longer than the control roots (P < 0.001). The microscopy images of root meristem treated with the sodium azide mitodepressant agent showed significant chromosomal aberrations, which indicated a disruption of the cell cycle. 
 The R. alaternus leaf extract appeared to have a beneficial effect on cytotoxicity. The antioxidant properties of R. alaternus L. makes this plant an excellent genoportector.