Effect Of Petroleum Ether Extract Research Articles

The neuroprotective functions of petroleum ether extract from Tibetan turnip (Brassica rapa L.) against cerebral ischemic stroke

BackgroundBrassica rapa L. (turnip) is an ancient plant grown on the Tibetan Plateau, which possesses functions of heat-clearing and toxin, enhancing oxygen. The primary objective of this study is to assess the potential protective effect of petroleum ether extract of turnip (PET) against ischemia and hypoxia. Basic proceduresTotal extract of turnip (TET) was extracted 3 times with petroleum ether at a ratio of 1:1 and the PET was concentrated and identified by UHPLC-MS. Pharmacological and drug-like properties prediction of major compounds of PET were determined by the SwissADME tool. The protein–protein interaction test for PET-Cerebral Ischemic Stroke-Oxidative Damage (PET-CIS-OD) common targets were calculated by the SRTING giant database. The molecular function, biological process and cell composition of core targets were analyzed by ClueGo and CluePedia. KEGG pathway analysis were used for calculating the potential pathway affected by the PET-CIS-OD common targets. Molecular docking were measured by AutoDockTools 1.5.7 and PyMol. Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reperfusion (OGD/R) model were established for evaluating the changes of the OD markers. Western blotting was used to verify the core proteins in signaling pathways obtained by network pharmacology. Main findingsPET intervention increased antioxidant ability in HT22 cells. Furthermore, PET could effectively recovered the COXIV expression, inhibit the Bax levels (p < 0.01), strengthen the Bcl-2 levels (p < 0.05) in HT22 cells after OGD/R injury. Our calculation results and experimental results indicated that PET may act as a key intervention in CIS by enhancing the level of phospho-PI3K (p < 0.001), phospho-Akt (p < 0.01) and phospho-mTOR (p < 0.01) and lessening the levle of phospho-P38 (p < 0.01) and HIF-1α (p < 0.05). ConclusionsOur study systematically explored the potential function and regulatory mechanism of PET in CIS for the first time. The results indicated that PET may play neuroprotective effect against CIS by regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway, and exerting antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects on OGD/R injury.

Effect of Petroleum Ether Extract from Rhizoma Amorphophalli (SLG) on Proliferation and Apoptosis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer A549 Cells

Effect of Petroleum Ether Extract from Rhizoma Amorphophalli (SLG) on Proliferation and Apoptosis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer A549 Cells

GCMS analysis and mosquitocidal effects of petroleum ether extract of Datura stramonium and Morus alba against Aedes aegypti

GCMS analysis and mosquitocidal effects of petroleum ether extract of Datura stramonium and Morus alba against Aedes aegypti

Amelioration of intracerebroventricular streptozotocin-induced cognitive dysfunction by Ocimum sanctum L. through the modulation of inflammation and GLP-1 levels.

DPP-4 inhibitors have been shown to reverse amyloid deposition in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients with cognitive impairment. Ocimum sanctum L. leaves reported the presence of important phytoconstituents which are reported to have DPP-4 inhibitory activity. To investigate the effects of petroleum ether extract of Ocimum sanctum L. (PEOS) in Intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (ICV-STZ) induced AD rats. ICV-STZ (3mg/kg) was injected bilaterally into male Wistar rats, while sham animals received the artificial CSF. The ICV-STZ-induced rats were administered with three doses of PEOS (100, 200, and 400mg/kg, p.o.) for thirty days. All experimental rats were subjected to behaviour parameters (radial arm maze task and novel object recognition test), neurochemical parameters such as GLP-1, Aβ42, and TNF-α levels, and histopathological examination (Congo red staining) of the left brain hemisphere. PEOS significantly reversed the spatial learning and memory deficit exhibited by ICV-STZ-induced rats. Furthermore, PEOS also shows promising results in retreating Aβ deposition, TNF α, and increasing GLP-1 levels. The histopathological study also showed a significant dose-dependent reduction in amyloid plaque formation and dense granule in PEOS -treated rats as compared to the ICV-STZ induced rats (Negative control). The results show that extract of Ocimum sanctum L. attenuated ICV-STZ-induced learning and memory deficits in rats and has the potential to be employed in the therapy of AD.

Effects of Pereskia aculeate Miller Petroleum Ether Extract on Complete Freund's Adjuvant-Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis in Rats and its Potential Molecular Mechanisms.

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of petroleum ether extract of P. aculeate Miller (PEEP) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: In vitro: The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to detect cell activity and select the optimal concentration of the extract; the effective site was screened by nitric oxide (NO) colorimetric method and Q-PCR method; the expression of p38, p-p38, p-MK2, and Tristetraprolin (TTP) in RAW 264.7 cells were detected by Western blot. In vivo: The rat model was established by complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA). The different doses of PEEP on CFA rats were observed with life status, paw swelling, spleen index, X-ray, Hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining; the secretion of Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were detected by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); the expressions of p38, p-p38, p-MK2, and TTP in the ankle joints of CFA rats were detected by Western blot. Result: In vitro: PEEP, Ethyl Acetate Extract of P. aculeate Miller (EEEP), N-butanol Extract of P. aculeate Miller (BEEP) have no toxic effects on RAW264.7 macrophages. PEEP, EEEP, and BEEP reduce the secretion of NO in RAW264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), only PEEP significantly inhibited the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6; PEEP-dependently reduce the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6, decrease the expression of p-p38 and p-MK2, and the level of TTP phosphorylation in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. In vivo: PEEP improve the living conditions of CFA rats, reduce foot swelling, spleen index, bone surface erosion and joint space narrowing; reduce the formation of synovial cells, inflammatory cells and pannus in the foot and ankle joints. PEEP reduce the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, PGE2 in rat serum, downregulate the expression of p-p38 and p-MK2 in the ankle joint, and reduce the phosphorylation of TTP. Conclusion: PEEP improve the living conditions of CFA rats, reduce the degree of foot swelling, protect immune organs, reduce inflammatory cell infiltration, cartilage damage, pannus formation, reduce inflammation and RA damage. The mechanism through regulating the signal pathway of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38/MAPK), which reduces the release of TNF-α, IL-6, and PGE2 in the serum.

Hepatoprotective and Antidiabetic Effect of Petroleum Ether Extract of Unripe Carica papaya Seed on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Hepatoprotective and Antidiabetic Effect of Petroleum Ether Extract of Unripe Carica papaya Seed on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Effect of Petroleum Ether Extract of Rhizoma Amorphophalli on Biological Characteristics of K562 Cells and Its Mechanism

To investigate the role of petroleum ether extract of Rhizoma Amorphophalli (SLG) in inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis and differentiation of leukemia K562 cells. K562 cells were processed by SLG and PD98059 which was the ERK signaling pathway blocker. Then cell vitality was tested by MTT. Cell apoptosis rate and positive percentage of antigen expression related with differentiation were detected by flow cytometry. The protein expression levels of ERK1/2 and pERK1/2 were detected by Western blot. The proliferation activity of K562 was reduced by 50, 100, 200 mg/L SLG in a concentration dependent manner (r=0.9997). The apoptosis rate and positive expression rate of CD11b, CD14 and CD42b which were related with differentiation were raised by SLG, as well as the expression of pERK1/2, while PD98059 could reverse the promoting effect of SLG on apoptosis and differentiation partially. SLG can inhibit the proliferation and promote apoptosis and differentiation of K562 cells through ERK signaling pathway.

Effect of Saussurea costus extracts in the viability of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces of sheep origin In vitro

Cystic echinococcosis is one of the most prevalence and dangerous zoonotic parasitic disease in the world. Iraq is one of the most countries that affected by this disease. Surgery is usually the most effective therapy and can be used with injection of drugs in hydatid cysts before surgery to kill protoscoleces to avoid anaphylactic shock as a result of spilling of hydatid cyst fluid into peritoneal cavity, as well as this reduce the chance of secondary hydatid cysts production. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Saussurea costus extracts on protoscoleces viability of Echinococcus granulosus, where the protoscoleces of E. granulosus exposed to four different concentrations of Saussurea costus extracts at four different exposure times including; 15, 30, 45 and 60 min in vitro, The results of ethanolic extract showed highest efficacy at concentration 20,30mg/ml in 45,60min and 40mg/ml at all times. The highest scolicidal effect of petroleum ether extract was reported at 10 and 15mg/ml during 60min, while 20mg/ml reported similar effect at 45 and 60min. The data of cool aqueous extract showed reduction of protoscoleces viability to 0% at 200 and 250mg/ml in 45 and 60min, respectively, while 300mg/ml showed same reduction of viability at all experiment time periods.The data of hot aqueous extract showed 100% kill rate by using 350mg/ml at 60min and 400mg/ml at 45 and 60, as well as 450mg/ml at all experiment period times. Comparing to the control group. Generally, Saussurea costus extracts have concentration and exposure time-dependent effect on protoscoleces viability.

Evaluation of Ficus carica Linn Fruit Extracts on Formalin Induced Pain in the Male Rat Paw

Background: One of the most significant symptoms in many acute and chronic diseases is pain. While many researches reveal side effects of many synthetic analgesic drugs, which are commonly used, new surveys are searching for new alternative analgesic drugs (especially by use of medicinal plants) with few side effects. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the analogous function of Ficus carica L. (one of the important medicinal plants in Persian medicine) as an anti-nociceptive in allopathic medicine. Methods: Subcutaneous injection of formalin in rat paw was performed to establish the pain. Formalin test was applied to assess the severity of pain every 15 seconds for one hour. In two parts of this study, two different types of Ficus extract were used in intraperitoneal injections; the aqueous boiled Ficus extract (500, 1000, 2000 mg/kg) in comparison with distilled water (DW) and the petroleum ether extract (500, 1000 mg/kg) in comparison with DMSO. Results: The aqueous boiled Ficus extract showed no significant difference between control (DW) group and groups that had received extracts (P > 0.05). While a significant difference between the petroleum ether extract (1000 mg/kg) and the DMSO group in the last five minutes of the study (P < 0.05) was recorded. Anti-inflammatory examination of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Ficus fruit showed no anti-inflammatory effect; however, the petroleum ether extract displayed a dose-dependent (1000 mg/kg) anti-inflammatory effect even in comparison with sodium salicylate. Conclusions: According to the achieved results, it was concluded that there are no anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Ficus carica fruit aqueous extract on the formalin test in the male rat paw in doses mentioned above. However, there is a delayed anti-nociceptive effect dose-dependently and a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect of petroleum ether extract.

Protective Effect of Silybum marianum and Nigella sativa Oil Extracts against Cisplatin Induced Nephrotoxicity in Mice

The objective of present study was to analyze and compare the nephroprotective effects of petroleum ether extracts of seeds of Nigella sativa and Silybum marianum in Swiss albino mice. Petroleum ether extracts of seeds of Nigella sativa and Silybum marianum were administered (200 mg kg–1) orally for 14 days following one dose of cisplatin injection (16 mg kg–1 i.p.) on 4th day. Cisplatin toxicity was identified in mice by loss of body weight, reduced triglycerides levels, elevated blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels (P &lt; 0.05). Silybum marianum and Nigella sativa significantly enhanced the body weight (9%) of diabetic rats. Silybum marianum had significantly reduced the elevated blood glucose (–106%), and BUN levels (–9%) as compared to the Nigella sativa administration. Silybum marianum extract also significantly elevated the levels of triglycerides (257%) which were much reduced after the cisplatin injection. Histological study showed that the cisplatin treated group demonstrated the necrosis signs in the glomerulus of Bowman’s capsule, hyalinization and severe cellular damage. The animals administered with extracts showed nearly normal kidney architecture, however, the kidney tissues of Silybum marianum-treated animals showed some improvement with slight signs of cellular damages.

Anticancer effect of petroleum ether extract from Bidens pilosa L and its constituent's analysis by GC-MS

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBidens pilosa L, belonging to the family of Acanthaceae, has been used as an anticancer medicine in folk in China. In our preliminary experiments, the petroleum ether extract from B. pilosa showed good cytotoxic activity to human lung cancer A549 cell. However, to date, it's lack of the further study on antitumor effect, mechanism and active substances composition of the petroleum ether extract of B. pilosa. Aim of the studyThe study aimed to evaluate the anti-lung cancer efficacy of the petroleum ether extract from B. pilosa (PEEBP) in vitro and in vivo, explore the possible anticancer mechanisms, and further disclose the chemical composition of the extract. Materials and methodsB. pilosa was extracted with 75% ethanol (v/v), followed by extracted with petroleum ether to obtain the objective fraction. Antiproliferation effect of the petroleum ether extract in HepG2, A549, CNE and B16 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. The in vivo anticancer effect was examined by A549 cells nude mice xenograft tumor model. The possible effect mechanism was studied by western blot assay. The chemical constituents of the extract was analyzed by GC-MS. ResultsThe petroleum ether extract showed favorable antiproliferation activity against the four human cancer cell lines, especially for A549 cells with an IC50 of 49.11 ± 2.72 μg/mL. The extract inhibited the growth of A549 cell in mice with the inhibitory rates of 24.76%, 35.85% and 53.07% for 90, 180 and 360 mg/kg oral dosages, respectively. The B. pilosa extract could significantly down-regulate the expression of apoptosis-related protein Bcl-2 and up-regulate the protein expression of Bax and Caspase-3. 138 compounds were identified by GC-MS in the extract and the main chemical components were triterpenes, including 4,22-cholestadien-3-one (4.82%), stigmasterol (4.56%), friedelan-3-one (3.28%), etc. ConclusionThe PEEBP is abundant of triterpenes and has significant anti-tumor activities against human A549 cells in vitro and in vivo, indicating it a potential anticancer agent.

Inhibitory effect of Glehniae Radix petroleum ether part on TGF-β1-induced epithelial mesenchymal transition in A549 cells

To study the inhibitory effect of Glehniae Radix petroleum ether part on TGF-β1-induced epithelial mesenchymal transition in non-small cell lung cancer A549 and its possible mechanism. With type Ⅱ epithelial cells of lung cancer A549 as the research object, the experiment was performed in 5 μg•L⁻¹ TGF-β1-induced epithelial mesenchymal transition model,and blank control group, model group and Glehniae Radix petroleum ether group were set up. MTT assay was carried out to detect the effect of petroleum ether extract of Glehniae Radix on the survival of A549 cells. A549 cells induced by TGF-β1(5 μg•L⁻¹) was intervened by different polar parts of Glehniae Radix, Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) was used to analyze mRNA expressions of the epithelial mesenchymal transition markers, such as ColⅠ,E-cadherin,Vimentin and α-SMA. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect hydroxyproline(HYP) level. The migration and invasion abilities of cells were detected through wound scratch assay. According to the experimental results, the petroleum ether extract of Glehniae Radix could inhibit the growth of A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Compared with model group, Glehniae Radix petroleum ether part group could effectively inhibit mRNA expressions of ColⅠ,Vimentin and α-SMA, but improve expression of E-cadherin.Glehniae Radix petroleum ether part could reduce the content of hydroxyproline in cells and inhibit the migration of A549 cells.Therefore, the petroleum ether extract of Glehniae Radix can effectively inhibit the occurrence of epithelial mesenchymal transition induced by TGF-β1 induced alveolar epithelial cells, and Glehniae Radix petroleum ether part may be a potential drug for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The mechanism may be achieved through the regulation of ColⅠ, Vimentin, α-SMA and E-cadherin.

Biological activity of Bauhinia racemosa against Diabetes and Interlinked Disorders like Obesity and Hyperlipidemia

BackgroundBauhinia racemosa Lam. (BR) has been used widely for the treatment of diabetes since ancient times. Along with its medicinal importance; the tree having great traditional value in India. The protocol was performed using Wistar rats to determine the effect of petroleum ether extract of BR leaves on blood glucose level, adipose tissue and lipid profile. The study was further evaluted to determine insulin level, glucose tolerance, food and water intake of the animals.MethodsWistar rats of both sexes were selected for the study. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) 45 mg/kg. Animals were divided into five groups namely control group, diabetic group, reference group (glibenclamide) and two test groups BR-1 (250 mg/kg extract) and BR-2 (500 mg/kg) each group containing 6 animals. Daily dosing was performed for 28 days and feed and water consumption was observed regularly at the end of the study.ResultsThe main finding of the study for the test extract was that the petroleum ether extract of BR leaves prevented a rise in blood glucose level in STZ induced diabetic animal. Furthermore, extract showed significant antiadipogenic and antihyperlipidemic effect. It improved lipid profile by decreasing the levels of serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Extract exhibited the concentration-dependent inhibitory effect with an IC50 value of 660.26 μg/ml.ConclusionsIt can be concluded from the study that BR extract posses signigicant antidiabetic activity by reducing blood glucose level of diabetic rats. It also normalized adipose tissues and lipid level. Due to its potential, it may be an effective drug for treatment of diabetes and related complications like obesity and dyslipidemia.

Protective effects of petroleum ether extracts of Herpetospermum caudigerum against α-naphthylisothiocyanate-induced acute cholestasis of rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe ripe seeds of Herpetospermum caudigerum have been used in Tibetan folk medicine for treatment of bile or liver diseases including jaundice, hepatitis, intumescences or inflammation. Previously reports suggested that the seed oil and some lignans from H. caudigerum exhibited protective effects against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic damage in rats, which may be related to their free radical scavenging effect. However, the protective effect of H. caudigerum against cholestasis is still not revealed. The aim of the present study was to investigate the pharmacological effect and the chemical constituents of the petroleum ether extract (PEE) derived from H. caudigerum against α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced acute cholestasis in rats. Materials and methodsMale cholestatic Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats induced by ANIT (60mg/kg) were orally administered with PEE (350, 700 and 1400mg/kg). Levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL) and total bile acid (TBA), as well as bile flow, and histopathological assay were evaluated. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and nitric monoxide (NO) in liver were measured to explore the possible protective mechanisms. Phytochemical analysis of PEE was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). ResultsPEE have exhibited significant and dose-dependent protective effect on ANIT-induced liver injury by reduce the increases in serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GTP, TBIL, DBIL and TBA, restore the bile flow in cholestatic rats, and reduce the severity of the pathological tissue damage induced by ANIT. Hepatic MDA, MPO and NO contents in liver tissue were reduced, while SOD and GST activities were elevated in liver tissue. 49 compounds were detected and 39 of them were identified by GC-MS analysis, in which long-chain fatty acids were the main constituents. ConclusionsPEE exhibited a dose-dependently protective effect on ANIT-induced liver injury in cholestatic rats with the potential mechanism of attenuated oxidative stress in the liver tissue, and the possible active compounds were long-chain fatty acids.

Effects of Trichilia monadelpha (Meliaceae) extracts on bone histomorphology in complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis

This study aimed to assess the effect of petroleum ether extract (PEE), ethyl acetate extract (EthE), and ethanol extract (EAE) of Trichilia monadelpha stem bark on bone histomorphology in arthritis. Percentage inhibition of edema and arthritic scores in complete Freund's adjuvant-induced (0.1 ml of 5 mg/ml1 of heat-killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis in paraffin oil-injected subplantar into the right hind paw) arthritic Sprague-Dawley rats treated with PEE, EthE, or EAE (10,30, and 100 mg/kg1, respectively), dexamethasone (0.3-3.0 mg/kg1), or methotrexate (0.1-1.0 mg/kg1) over a 28-day period were estimated. Rat paws were radiographed and scored. Body weights were taken and paw tissues were harvested for histopathological studies. The extracts significantly (P ≤ 0.01-0.0001) and dose dependently reduced the polyarthritic phase of arthritis. EAE and PEE significantly (P ≤ 0.01-0.0001) minimized edema spread from acute arthritic phase (days 0-10) to polyarthritic phase (days 10-28). EthE improved which deteriorated body weight in arthritis. All extracts significantly (P ≤ 0.05-0.01) improved arthritic score; reducing erythema, swelling and joint rigidity, and also significantly (P ≤ 0.05-0.01) reduced hyperplasia, pannus formation, and exudation of inflammatory cells into synovial spaces. The stem bark extracts of T. monadelpha reduce bone tissue damage and resorption associated with adjuvant-induced arthritis, hence could be useful in managing arthritis in humans.

Effect of petroleum ether extract of Cedrus deodara on body weight in diabetic rats

Background and Aim: Overweight and obesity are the strong risk factors for diabetes. The present study aims to find out whether petroleum ether extract of Cedrus deodara (PEECD) reduces body weight in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: A total of 36 rats (6 normal rats and 30 alloxan-induced diabetic rats) were included in the study and they were divided into six groups of six animals each. PEECD at three different doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg was administered on 0 th , 7 th , 14 th , and 21 st days and then the body weight was estimated using a weighing machine. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA. Results: On the 14 th and 21 st days of PEECD administration at doses of both 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, the body weight decreased significantly ( P P st day of PEECD administration at a dose of 400 mg/kg. There was a statistically significant decrease ( P st day of administration of PEECD at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Conclusion: From the above findings, we conclude that PEECD is capable of reducing body weight in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Hence, further studies should be done to confirm the weight-reducing property of PEECD extract on diabetic rats so that it could be added to the list of traditional plants which are effective in reducing the body weight.

Analysis of Maceaene and Macamide Contents of Petroleum Ether Extract of Black, Yellow, and Purple Lepidium Meyenii (Maca) and Their Antioxidant Effect on Diabetes Mellitus Rat Model

Maceaene and macamide contents as well as antioxidant effect of petroleum ether extract of black maca (BM), yellow maca (YM), and purple maca (PM) on diabetes mellitus (DM) rats were investigated. The results showed that seven, six, and five analogues of macamides were identified from the petroleum ether extracts of BM, YM, and PM, respectively. BM extract exhibited the highest contents of total macamides. Comparatively, the PM extract has the lowest macamide quantity. The maceaene contents in all the extracts showed no significant difference (p>0.05). Macamide contents in maca with the same color were not statistically different. Pharmacological results showed that 60-day oral administration of the petroleum ether extract of maca (100 mg/kg.d) can significantly decrease lipid oxidation as indicated by the decreased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and carbonylated proteins (CP) concentrations on DM rat model (P<0.05). Among them, oral administration of PM extract showed the lowest TBRAS and CP concentrations. All maca extracts can enhance antioxidant enzyme (SOD, superoxide dismutase; CAT, catalase) activity of liver and red blood cells (RBC) of DM rat. However, only oral administration of PM extract can increase SOD and CAT activity of both RBC and liver. The glutathion (GSH) contents in plasma were significantly increased in DM rats treated with PM extract (p<0.05). But, oral administration of BM and YM extracts did not enhance GSH levels. Take together, the data suggested that PM extract exhibited the most potent antioxidant activity on DM rat model. And, maceaene and macamide in maca extract was not correlated with its antioxidant ability.

Filtration of active fractions with function of expelling water retention with drastic purgative from Kansui Radix stir-baked with vinegar

To study the function of expelling water retention with drastic purgative of different polarities of Kansui Radix stir-baked with vinegar on the cancerous ascites model rats, the furosemide was taken as positive control drug, and the cancerous ascites model rats were respectively orally administered with different polarities of Kansui Radix stir-baked with vinegar for 7 d. The amount of urine and ascites, the level of urinary sodium, potassium, chloride ion and pH, and the content of PRL1, AII, ALD in serum were investigated. Compared with model groups, ethyl acetate extract group showed a decreasing trend in ascites; the amount of urine of showed a significant increase (P < 0.05); the level of urinary sodium, potassium, chloride ion (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), pH (P < 0.05), and the content of PRL1, AII, ALD in serum all showed a significant decrease (P < 0.01). The effects of petroleum ether extract and n-butanol extract were weaker than that of ethyl acetate extract. The water exact was the weakest. The results showed that ethyl acetate extract is the active part of Kansui Radix stir-baked with vinegar on the function of expelling water retention with drastic purgative on the cancerous ascites model rats, alleviating the water-electrolyte disorder and body fluid acid-base imbalance, regulating the renin angiotensin aldosterone system.

Cardioprotective Activity of Pongamia pinnata in Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide Induced Diabetic Rats.

Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment for diabetes and metabolic disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of petroleum ether extract of the stem bark of P. pinnata (known as PPSB-PEE) on cardiomyopathy in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in overnight fasted Sprague-Dawley rats by using injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg, i.p.). Nicotinamide (100 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 20 min before administration of streptozotocin. Rats were divided into group I: nondiabetic, group II: diabetic control (tween 80, 2%; 10 mL/kg, p.o.) as vehicle, and group III: PPSB-PEE (100 mg/kg, p.o.). The blood glucose level, ECG, hemodynamic parameters, cardiotoxic and antioxidant biomarkers, and histology of heart were carried out after 4 months after STZ with nicotinamide injection. PPSB-PEE treatment improved the electrocardiographic, hemodynamic changes; LV contractile function; biological markers; oxidative stress parameters; and histological changes in STZ induced diabetic rats. PPSB-PEE (100 mg/kg, p.o.) decreased blood glucose level, improved electrocardiographic parameters (QRS, QT, and QTc intervals) and hemodynamic parameters (SBP, DBP, EDP, max dP/dt, contractility index, and heart rate), controlled levels of cardiac biomarkers (CK-MB, LDH, and AST), and improved oxidative stress (SOD, MDA, and GSH) in diabetic rats. PPSB-PEE is a promising remedy against cardiomyopathy in diabetic rats.

Exogenous stimulation with Eclipta alba promotes hair matrix keratinocyte proliferation and downregulates TGF-β1 expression in nude mice.

Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk (E.alba) is a traditionally acclaimed medicinal herb used for the promotion of hair growth. However, to the best of our knowledge, no report has been issued to date on its effects on genetically distorted hair follicles (HFs). In this study, we aimed to identify an agent (stimuli) that may be beneficial for the restoration of human hair loss and which may be used as an alternative to synthetic drugs. We investigated the effects of petroleum ether extract (PEE) and different solvent fractions of E.alba on HFs of nude mice. Treatment was performed by topical application on the backs of nude mice and the changes in hair growth patterns were evaluated. Histological analysis was carried out to evaluate the HF morphology and the structural differences. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed to visualize follicular keratinocyte proliferation. The histological assessments revealed that the PEE-treated skin specimens exhibited prominent follicular hypertrophy. Subsequently, IHC staining revealed a significant increase (p<0.001) in the number of follicular keratinocytes in basal epidermal and matrix cells. Our results also demonstrated that PEE significantly (p<0.001) reduced the levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression during early anagen and anagen-catagen transition. Our results suggest that PEE of E.alba acts as an important exogenous mediator that stimulates follicular keratinocyte proliferation and delays terminal differentiation by downregulating TGF-β1 expression. Thus, this study highlights the potential use of PEE of E.alba in the treatment of certain types of alopecia.