Administration Of Extract Research Articles

Effect of Preemptive Analgesia on Pain Perception in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Efforts have been made to minimize pain, prevent the development of needle fear, and promote positive experiences for children. The present study is designed to evaluate the effect of premedication with Ibugesic Plus before the administration of local anesthesia and extraction in children. The aim of the study is to assess the efficacy of preemptive analgesia on pain perception during local anesthesia administration and extraction in pediatric patients. A total of 104 patients aged 7-10 years were selected who needed primary molar extraction. Group -Ibugesic Plus syrup was given 30 minutes prior to extraction. Group II-Placebo solution (B-Folcin syrup) was given 30 minutes prior to extraction. Pain level, pulse rate, and SpO2 were assessed using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBFS) and pulse oximeter after injection, after extraction, and postoperatively. The highest scores of pain were recorded after the time of injection and extraction. The patients who received preemptive analgesics (group I) reported significantly less pain than the placebo group (group II) at the time immediately after injection, after extraction, and 2 hours after extraction. The present study showed that preemptive analgesic administration may be considered a routine and rational pain management strategy in primary tooth extraction procedures in children. Preemptive analgesia can be given to patients prior to dental procedures to reduce postoperative pain. Virda M, Panda A, Kataria K. Effect of Preemptive Analgesia on Pain Perception in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(8):913-917.

Therapeutic potential of bark extracts from Macaranga denticulata on renal fibrosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

ABSTRACT Macaranga denticulata (MD) bark is commonly utilized in traditional medicine for diabetes prevention and treatment. The bark extract of MD is rich in prenyl or farnesyl flavonoids and stilbenes, which possess antioxidant properties. Although data suggest the potential therapeutic benefits of the use of MD in treating diabetic nephropathy (DN), the precise mechanisms underlying MD-initiated protective effects against DN are not well understood. This study aimed to assess the renoprotective properties of MD extract by examining renofibrosis inhibition, oxidative stress, and inflammation utilizing streptozotocin-induced DN male Sprague – Dawley rats. Diabetic rats were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes. After 6 days, these rats were orally administered MD extract (200 mg/kg/day) or metformin (200 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. The administration of MD extract significantly lowered blood glucose levels, restored body weight, and reduced urine levels of various biomarkers associated with kidney functions. Histopathological analysis revealed protective effects in both kidneys and pancreas. Further, MD extract significantly restored abnormalities in advanced glycation end products, oxidative stress biomarkers, and proinflammatory cytokine levels in STZ-treated rats. MD extract markedly reduced renal fibrosis biomarker levels, indicating recovery from renal injury, and reversed dysregulation of sirtuins and claudin-1 in the kidneys of rats with STZ-induced diabetes. In conclusion, data demonstrated the renoprotective role of MD extract, indicating plant extract’s ability to suppress oxidative stress and regulate proinflammatory pathways during pathological changes in diabetic nephropathy.

Effects of propolis extract administration on immune parameters, faecal consistency scores, and growth performance of Holstein-Friesian calves.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of Ethanolic Extract of Propolis (EEP) administration on immune parameters, faecal consistency scores, growth performance, and feed efficiency of Holstein Friesian calves. A total of 24 calves were divided into two different groups, control (n = 12) and EEP (n = 12). Both groups consisted of 6 male and 6 female calves. The calves were fed milk amounting to 10% of their birth weight each day until they reached 60days of age. Additionally, they were given starter feed and dry hay once a day. Calves assigned to the EEP group received 4ml of EEP daily. Use of EEP increased (P < 0.05) the serum IgG and IgM levels at 2months of age compared to the control group. EEP also showed efficacy (P < 0.01) in reducing faecal consistency in calves throughout the study. The levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB expression in calves treated with EEP were lower (P < 0.05) throughout the EEP application period. On the other hand, IGF-1 mRNA transcript levels were (P < 0.01) higher in EEP group calves than in the control group. Furthermore, EEP-fed calves consumed less dry matter for 1kg of live weight gain during the weaning-4months (P < 0.01) and birth-4months (P < 0.05) periods. These results indicate that EEP supplementation, through its immunostimulatory effects, plays a crucial role in the control of neonatal calf diarrhoea. Growth and development as well as IGF-1, which stimulates growth in almost all somatic cells, was also significantly increased by EEP supplementation. The combined effect of the rich bioactive compounds found in EEP appears to have a significant impact on health and well-being, resulting in improved early life performance in dairy calves.

The Effect of Moringa Leaf Extract Administration on Sperm Morphology and Blood Glucose Reduction in Alloxan-Induced Sprague Dawley Rats

AbstractIncreased blood sugar levels can be triggered by increased intake or insulin resistance, leading to increased oxidative stress that affects sperm quality during spermatogenesis. Moringa oleifera, rich in antioxidants, has been proven effective in improving sperm quality through several studies. This study aims to evaluate the influence of moringa leaf extract on sperm morphology and the reduction of blood sugar levels in Sprague Dawley white rats (Rattus norvegicus) induced by alloxan. Fasting blood sugar tests showed that rats induced with alloxan without moringa leaf extract had the highest blood sugar levels among the groups. In contrast, the negative control and treatment groups with moringa leaf extract successfully maintained blood sugar levels at normal levels. Normal sperm morphology reached 94.5% in the treatment group with the highest dose of moringa leaf extract. The results of the study indicate a significant relationship between blood sugar levels and sperm morphology in alloxan-induced white rats after the administration of moringa leaf extract. Moringa oleifera has the potential to be a therapeutic intervention to improve sperm quality and control blood sugar levels in hyperglycemic conditions.AbstrakPeningkatan kadar gula darah dapat dipicu oleh peningkatan asupan atau resistensi insulin menyebabkan peningkatan stres oksidatif yang mempengaruhi kualitas sperma selama spermatogenesis. Tanaman kelor (Moringa oleifera), tumbuhan yang kaya akan antioksidan, telah terbukti efektif dalam meningkatkan kualitas sperma melalui beberapa penelitian. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi pengaruh ekstrak daun kelor terhadap morfologi sperma dan pengurangan kadar gula darah pada tikus putih Sprague Dawley (Rattus norvegicus) yang diinduksi aloksan. Uji gula darah puasa menunjukkan bahwa tikus yang diinduksi aloksan tanpa perlakuan ekstrak daun kelor memiliki kadar gula darah tertinggi di antara kelompok-kelompok lainnya. Sebaliknya, kelompok kontrol negatif dan kelompok perlakuan dengan ekstrak daun kelor berhasil menjaga kadar gula darah pada tingkat normal. Morfologi sperma normal mencapai 94,5% pada kelompok perlakuan dengan dosis 400 mg/kgBB ekstrak daun kelor. Kesimpulan yang didapatkan pada penelitian ini berkaitan dengan temuan hubungan signifikan antara kadar gula darah dan morfologi sperma pada tikus putih yang diinduksi aloksan setelah pemberian ekstrak daun kelor. Tanaman kelor (Moringa oleifera) memiliki potensi sebagai intervensi terapeutik untuk meningkatkan kualitas sperma dan mengendalikan kadar gula darah dalam kondisi hiperglikemia.

THE IMPACT OF HOP EXTRACT ACTIVE COMPONENTS ON METABOLIC DISTURBANCES IN ESTROGEN DEFICIENT FEMALE RATS WITH PREDIABETES

A number of studies have shown a greater cardiovascular risk in women with type 2 diabetes compared to men. The latter may be due to more excessive manifestations of metabolic disorders in women, in particular postmenopausal, that develop even at the stage of prediabetes. Since the use of hormone replacement therapy in women after menopause had adverse results on the progression of cardiovascular events, an alternative method of reducing cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women with prediabetes may be the use of phytoestrogens, which possess estrogen-like activity without negative side effects specific to exogenous estrogens. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of hop extract on metabolic disturbances in female rats with prediabetes under estrogen deficiency. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on three-month-old intact and ovariectomized Wistar rats with metabolic syndrome (MS) induced by high calorie diet (15% lard, 25% sucrose, 1% bile salts, 59% standard feed) for eight weeks. The test substances were administered intragastrically once per day in a dose of 20 μg/kg or 200 μg/kg b.w. in recalculation on 8-prenylnaringenin for hop extract and 200 μg/kg b.w. in recalculation on estradiol for the reference drug, from the fifth week after induction of metabolic syndrome. Results. It was revealed that administration of hop extract in a dose of 200 μg/kg, similar to estradiol, led to improvement in glucose tolerance and decrease in insulin resistance (p˂0.05) in estrogen deficient rats with MS. In contrast to estradiol, hop extract had no effect on the mass of uterus in ovariectomized animals. The use of hop extract only in the dose of 200 μg/kg, similar to estradiol, was accompanied by a significant decrease in body weight gain and visceral fat, as well as normalization of the total lipids content in serum of experimental animals (p˂0.05). It is of note, that hop extract resulted in decrease of hypertriglyceridemia (p˂0.05), but did not affect the level of total cholesterol, while estradiol reduced the concentration of total cholesterol (p˂0.05), and had no effect on the level of triglycerides. Hop extract in a dose of 200 μg/kg, as well as estradiol, led to a decrease in the intensity of lipid peroxidation induced by MS under estrogen deficiency, as evidenced by reduced concentration of conjugated dienes in serum (p˂0.05). At the same time, the total antioxidant activity of serum in these animals remained elevated compared to intact group. In rats with MS and hypoestrogenia, hop extract in the highest dose and estradiol resulted in complete normalization (p˂0.05) of the decreased level of NO stable metabolites in serum and the reduced activity of NO-synthase in heart. Conclusions. The revealed cardioprotective effect of hop extract that is realized due to the improved lipid profile and reduced insulin resistance, visceral obesity, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in estrogen deficient female rats with MS indicates the prospects of its use for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular complications in postmenopausal women with prediabetes.

Involvement of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Longevity and Healthspan: Insights from Humans, Mice, and C. elegans.

In previous studies, using transcriptomic analysis, we observed higher levels of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) gene expression in the peripheral blood cells of centenarians compared to octogenarians. This suggests the potential significance of this receptor in maintaining physiological balance and promoting healthy aging, possibly linked to its critical role in detoxifying xenobiotics. In our current study, we confirmed that AHR expression is indeed higher in centenarians. We employed C. elegans as a model known for its suitability in longevity studies to explore whether the AHR pathway has a significant impact on lifespan and healthspan. Our survival assays revealed that two different mutants of AHR-1 exhibited lower longevity. Additionally, we used a mouse model to examine whether supplementation with pomegranate extract modulates the expression of AHR pathway genes in the liver. Furthermore, we studied a nutritional strategy based on pomegranate extract administration to investigate its potential modulation of life- and healthspan in worms.

Chikusetsusaponin IVa from Dolichos lablab Linne attenuates UVB-induced skin photoaging in mice by suppressing MAPK/AP-1 signaling

Ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation-induced photoaging of the skin is characterized by amplified expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and reduced collagen fibers, both of which contribute to skin wrinkle formation. Edible natural products can protect against skin photoaging. Here, we investigate the protective effect of Dolichos lablab Linne (DLL) water extract against UVB radiation-prompted skin damage and attempt to uncover its fundamental mechanisms in human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and HR-1 hairless mouse. We found DLL extract rescued the reduction in cell viability associated with UVB exposure without any associated cytotoxic effects. It also protected against skin photoaging by inhibiting mitogen-activating protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, thereby preventing the UVB-associated increase in MMP-1 and -9 expression. DLL extract also increased the expression of both superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and catalase (CAT). We identified chikusetsusaponin IVa, soyasaponin Bb, and sandosaponin A as bioactive components of DLL. Although we have not yet identified the mechanisms by which these compounds reduce the effects of photoaging, we have demonstrated that chikusetsusaponin IVa, soyasaponin Bb, and sandosaponin A reduce MMP-1, MMP-9, p–c-Fos, and p–c-Jun expression, while also avoiding any cytotoxicity. We found oral administration of DLL extract effectively alleviated dorsal epidermal thickening and skin dehydration in HR-1 hairless mouse visible to UVB. DLL extract also prevents UVB-induced activation of the MAPK/AP-1 signaling pathway, thereby reducing the expression of MMPs in dorsal mouse skin. Our results indicate that chikusetsusaponin IVa, soyasaponin Bb, and sandosaponin A are bioavailable components of DLL extract that can reduce UVB-induced skin damage via MMPs by deactivating the MAPK/AP-1 signaling pathway. These findings suggest DLL extract can be used as a skin anti-photoaging agent.

Biomarkers of oxidative stress in experimental model of diabetes under administration of fruit extracts from different cultivars of Cornus mas and hybrid Cornus mas × Cornus officinalis

Biomarkers of oxidative stress in experimental model of diabetes under administration of fruit extracts from different cultivars of Cornus mas and hybrid Cornus mas × Cornus officinalis

The Effect of a Combination of Ethanol Extract from Leaves and Flowers of Plumeria acuminate L. Against Aedes aegypti Larvae

Aedes aegypti is the primary vector that causes dengue virus (DENV) infection. Ae. aegypti resistance to abate (Temephos) has occurred in Indonesia and several other countries. Innovations are needed to develop alternative ingredients that can be used as natural larvacides. The Plumeria acuminate L. is an Indonesian plant with metabolites that have the potential to act as larvicides. This study aims to determine the potential combination of ethanol extract of P. acuminate L. leaves and flowers as a larvicide for A. aegypti. A laboratory experimental study with a post-test-only control group design was carried out on Ae. aegypti larvae instar III. The larvicide test was carried out according to WHO standards in 2005 with concentrations of 10000, 7500, 5000, and 2500 ppm, as well as control (water and 1% DMSO), with 20 larvae for each concentration. The observation was carried out at the 24th and 48th hours with 3 repetitions. Larval mortality data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA statistical tests to determine significant differences and lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) were calculated using probit analysis using SPSS software. The mortality of Ae. aegypti larvae due to the administration of a combined ethanolic extract of P. acuminate L. leaves and flowers was the highest at doses of 10000 and 7500 ppm, which was 100% with lethal concentrations of LC50 and LC90 of 3364.715 and 6293.759 ppm at the 24th hour observation, whereas at the 48th-hour observation, lethal concentrations were detected at 1767.998 and 2941.138 ppm, respectively. One-way ANOVA analysis test showed a significant difference in Ae. aegypti larval mortality due to the administration of a combined ethanol extract of P. acuminate L. leaves and flowers at 24th-hour observation (p = 0.000) and (p = 0.013) at 48th hour observation. The combination of ethanol extract of P. acuminate L. leaves and flowers showed larvicidal activity against Ae. aegypti larvae as evidenced by larvae mortality which were influenced by concentration and observation time.

Antibacterial and Antiallergic Effects of Three Tea Extracts on Histamine-Induced Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a persistent and recurrent inflammatory skin condition with a genetic basis. However, the fundamental reasons and mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain incompletely understood. While tea extracts are known to reduce histamine-induced skin allergies and inflammation, the specific mechanisms by which various types of Chinese tea provide their protective effects are still not fully elucidated. In this study, a model of skin itching induced by histamine is used to explore the functions and mechanisms of three types of tea extract (Keemun black tea (HC), Hangzhou green tea (LC), and Fujian white tea (BC)) in alleviating histamine-induced dermatitis. The components of three tea extracts are identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, and we found that their main components are alkaloids, fatty acyls, flavonoids, organic acids, and phenols. The inhibitory effects of three types of tea extract on Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in skin injury are investigated by MIC and flow cytometry. The three types of tea extract have an inhibitory effect on the growth of bacterial flora, with HC showing the best inhibitory activity. The effect of the three types of tea extract on histamine-induced dermatitis is also evaluated. Furthermore, itchy skin experiments, HE staining, toluidine blue staining, and immunohistochemical staining of mouse skin tissues were performed to determine the variations of scratching, epidermal thickness, mast cell number, IL-1β, and NGF content after the administration of the tea extracts. The three types of tea extracts all alleviate and inhibit skin itching, epidermal hyperplasia, and allergic dermatitis. BC effectively alleviates epidermal hyperplasia caused by skin allergies, and LC significantly downregulates NGF. HC reduces histamine-induced mast cell infiltration and downregulates IL-1β to alleviate skin itching. Consequently, tea emerges a potent natural product that can inhibit the growth of skin wound bacterial flora and exhibit skin repair effects on histamine-induced allergic dermatitis.

Actinidia chinensis Planch Ameliorates Photoaging in UVB-Irradiated NIH-3T3 Cells and SKH-1 Hairless Mice by Controlling the Reactive Oxygen Species/AKT Pathway.

In this study, we evaluated the antiphotoaging properties of Actinidia chinensis Planch (ACP) and the molecular mechanisms underlying its ability to prevent UVB-mediated photoaging. Administration of the ethanolic extract of ACP (EEACP) to the dorsal area of hairless mice effectively ameliorated UVB-mediated wrinkle formation, epidermal thickening, and loss of lipid droplets in the epidermis. Additionally, the UVB-induced loss of collagen content in the epidermis was significantly attenuated in mouse skin treated with EEACP. The expression of procollagen type 1 and metalloproteinase-1a, which are related to collagen content in the epidermis, was restored by EEACP treatment in UVB-irradiated mice and NIH-3T3 mouse skin fibroblast cells. Interestingly, EEACP effectively ameliorated UVB-induced reactive oxygen species overproduction. Furthermore, the activation/phosphorylation of AKT, rather than mitogen-activated protein kinases, has been identified as a major target of EEACP in preventing UVB-mediated photoaging. Additionally, N-(1 deoxy-1-fructosyl) valine and phenethylamine glucuronide were identified as analytical indicators of EEACP using high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. These results suggest that EEACP can be developed as a functional natural agent capable of preventing photoaging by attenuating UVB-induced activation of the reactive oxygen species/AKT pathway.

Therapeutic Potential of Aceh's Syzygium polyanthum in Reducing Uric Acid in Rattus Norvegicus

This research aims to evaluate the anti-hyperuricemic activity of Syzygium polyanthum ethanolic extract in hyperuricemic male rats (Rattus norvegicus) induced by liver juice. A total of 25 animals were divided into five groups: a negative control group, a positive control group, and three treatment groups receiving S. polyanthum extract at doses of 150, 200, and 250 mg/kg body weight, respectively. The result showed that the dose of 250 mg/kg body weight resulted in the highest decrease of uric acid plasma, measuring 3.44 ± 2.03 mg/dL. This reduction is comparable to the effect of allopurinol, which showed a decrease of 3.70 ± 1.54 mg/dL. A minimum dose-dependent activity was observed. To conclude, the administration of ethanolic extract of S. polyanthum for 14 days significantly reduced uric acid levels. Further exploration of higher doses or a long-term treatment period to enhance its effectiveness is needed.

Solid-State Fermentation of Grain-Derived By-Products by Aspergillus kawachii and Rhizopus oryzae: Preparation and Evaluation of Anti-Allergic Activity

Grain processing produces many by-products, including wheat bran, wheat germ and rice bran, which are rich in carbohydrates, proteins and trace elements. In this study, these grain-derived by-products were used as raw materials to conduct solid-state fermentation using mixed strains of Aspergillus kawachii and Rhizopus oryzae, and the potential immunomodulatory and anti-allergic properties of fermented product were evaluated. Solid-state fermentation of a grain by-product mixture, consisting of rice bran, wheat bran, and wheat germ in a 2:1:1 weight ratio, using both A. kawachii L1 and R. oryzae L1 at 26 °C for 5 days, significantly increased the total phenolic, flavonoid, and amino acid contents. The anti-allergic activity of aqueous extract of the fermented product was evaluated in murine models of food allergy and delayed-type hypersensitivity. Oral administration of the fermented product extract (100–200 mg/kg) notably alleviated allergic symptoms such as diarrhea and histopathological changes in the intestines. Moreover, the extract effectively reduced allergen-specific serum antibodies, suppressed splenic cytokine secretion, and mitigated tissue edema and inflammation induced by allergens. Importantly, the extract induced the production of IL-10 and TGF-β, which are well-known cytokines primarily secreted by regulatory T cells. These results underscore the promising immunomodulatory effects of A. kawachii and R. oryzae fermented grain product, suggesting their potential as functional foods or additives for managing allergic disorders, with implications for future therapeutic and dietary applications.

Safety evaluation of Avicenna germinans leaf extracts in rats

BackgroundAvicenna germinans is one of Nigeria's dominant mangrove plants and has valuable pharmacological and therapeutic activity. It is widely employed in traditional medicine to treat many ailments and diseases, including cancer. However, little is known about the safety of the plant. Acute and sub-acute toxicity profiles of the plant extracts were assessed in this study. MethodsThe oral acute toxicity was determined with 5000 mg/kg body weight each of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol extracts of Avicenna germinans leaf in rats. The rats were monitored for mortality, clinical manifestations, and weight changes over 14 days. During the sub-acute toxicity study, twenty-five female rats were fed with 0–1000 mg/kg ethanol extracts of Avicenna germinans for 21 days. The body weight was monitored during treatment, while changes in gross organ morphology, relative organ weights, hematology, serum biochemistry, and limited histological analysis were evaluated after treatment. ResultsAcute administration of the three extracts did not result in mortality or any obvious adverse effects. The gross pathology, relative organ weights, hematology, serum biochemistry, and histopathology were similar to the control, except for the 1000 mg/kg dose that evoked marked increases in relative heart, intestinal, thymus, and adrenal weights. In addition, foci of inflammatory cells in the interstitium and lymphoid hyperplasia were found in the heart and lungs, respectively, in the 1000 mg/kg group. ConclusionThe findings indicate that LD50 of the three extracts of Avicenna germinans were > 5000 mg/kg and sub-acute administration of the ethanol extract is relatively safe at least up to 750 mg/kg body weights.

TOXICITY TEST OF Eusideroxylon zwageri BARK EXTRACT ON KIDNEY HISTOPATHOLOGY GLOMERULAR HYPERTROPHY AND HYDROPIC DEGENERATION

Background: Ironwood bark extract (Eusideroxylon zwageri) has antioxidant properties such as tannins, phenolics, flavonoids, saponins and alkonoids. Most compounds in the ironwood bark extract were phenolics (31.28 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (30.48 mg CE/g), and proanthocyanidins (183.30 mg PE/g). These can be used as alternative herbal medicines, but also has toxic effects, so a toxicity test is necessary. Toxicity tests can be seen through histopathological parameters based on glomerular hypertrophy and hydropic degeneration. Purpose: To determine the toxic effect of ironwood bark extract administration at doses of 1,250 mg/kg, 2,750 mg/kg, and 4,750 mg/kg orally on the kidneys of Wistar rats based on histopathological appearance of glomerular hypertrophy and hydropic degeneration. Methods: Pure experimental study with a posttest-only with control design, consisting of 4 groups with 3 treatment groups given ironwood bark extract at doses of 1,250 mg/kg, 2,750 mg/kg, and 4,750 mg/kg, and 1 control group was given distilled water 2x1 ml every 24 hours orally for 14 days. Results: In administration of ironwood bark extract at doses of 2,750 mg/kgBW and 4,750 mg/kgBW, glomerular diameter was found increased. The histopathological hydropic degeneration showed a score of 1 in all dose groups. The research data were analyzed using the One Way Anova and Kruskal Wallis tests. Both tests showed no significant differences between groups. Conclusion: There was no toxic effect of ironwood bark extract at doses of 1,250 mg/kg, 2,750 mg/kg, and 4,750 mg/kg on the kidneys of Wistar rats based on histopathological appearance of glomerular hypertrophy and hydropic degeneration.

Impact of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia) Hypoglycemic Formulation on Biochemical Parameters in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Albino Rats

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a widespread endocrine disorder that leads to chronic hyperglycemia, posing significant health challenges globally. Effective management of blood glucose levels remains a critical goal in diabetes treatment. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of natural products in diabetes management. Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter gourd, has been traditionally used for its purported hypoglycemic effects. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a methanolic extract of Momordica charantia in reducing blood glucose levels in an animal model of diabetes and compare its effectiveness to a standard antidiabetic medication, Glizid-M. Materials and Methods: The study utilized alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats to assess the hypoglycemic effects of the methanolic extract of Momordica charantia. Diabetic rats were divided into groups and administered varying doses of the extract: 150 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 600 mg/kg. A control group received Glizid-M, and a baseline group received no treatment. Blood glucose levels were monitored at regular intervals to evaluate the efficacy of the extract in managing hyperglycemia. Results and Discussion: The administration of the methanolic extract of Momordica charantia resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in blood glucose levels. Among the tested dosages, the 600 mg/kg dose demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in blood glucose compared to the lower doses of 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. The 600 mg/kg dosage showed comparable efficacy to the standard antidiabetic drug, Glizid-M, indicating a strong hypoglycemic effect. The results of this study suggest that Momordica charantia has a potent hypoglycemic effect, with its efficacy increasing with dosage. The significant reduction in blood glucose levels at the highest dosage implies that the extract may influence glucose metabolism effectively. The dose-dependent response highlights the importance of optimizing dosage for maximum therapeutic benefit. Comparison with Glizid-M further supports the potential of Momordica charantia as a viable alternative or complementary therapy in diabetes management. Conclusion: This study provides scientific validation for the use of Momordica charantia methanolic extract as a therapeutic agent for diabetes management. The observed dose-dependent reduction in blood glucose levels suggests its potential as an effective natural remedy for controlling hyperglycemia. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and long-term efficacy of this extract in diabetes treatment.

Effects of the Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Bitter Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) Ethanolic Extract on Streptocuccus Pyrogenes Induced Wister Rats

Aim: To investigate the effectiveness of V. amygdalina leaf extract on the remediation of the cytological and physiological damages on albino rats caused by streptococcus pyogenes. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) design with multiple treatment groups. Research was done at the department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Calabar, Cross River state, between March 2023 and June 2023. Methodology: Bitter extract was obtained through Soxlet extraction, and screened for the presence of secondary metabolites using standard phytochemical screening procedures. A pure culture of S. pyogenes was gotten from Microbiology Laboratory University of Calabar. Thirty five albino rats (100-175g), obtained from the Pharmacology department, University of Calabar were placed in 7 groups (A-G). Rats in groups A-F each was injected with the bacterium, observed for five days. Group A-E rats were subsequently treated with 0g/200 ml, 20g/200 ml, 40g/200 ml, 60g/200 ml, and 100g/200ml crude extract of bitter leaf respectively. While group F was treated with standard antibiotics. 0.5ml Cefuroxime Axetil tablets usp was injected into the rats. Group G rats served as negative control. Results: Results showed the presence of alkaloids, acidic compounds, tannins, flavonoids and Saponins. Haematocrit increased slightly in group A-E (18.3-46.3%) treated with 0g/200ml, 20g/200ml, 40g/200 ml, 60g/200 ml, and 100g/200ml concentrations of the extract, respectively. But more in group F (50.2%) that received antibiotics treatment, when compared with the control. Similar trend was observed for haemoglobin (Hb) values (15.3g/dl) and red blood cell (RBC) counts (3.0 x1012/l) that increased with increasing concentration of 100g/200ml extract treatment and antibiotics treatment (Hb = 15.7g/dl; RBC = 3.3 x1012/l) respectively. The white blood cell counts decreased with antibiotic treatment. Conclusion: Study established that in vivo administration of bitter leaf extract on albino rats was best at 60g/200 ml, and 100g/200ml in ameliorating haematotoxicity caused by S. pyogenes.

Estimation of the Efficacy of Oral Administration of Egyptian Artemisia herba-alba Extract in Combating Thyroid Dysfunction in Diabetic Male Rats

Estimation of the Efficacy of Oral Administration of Egyptian Artemisia herba-alba Extract in Combating Thyroid Dysfunction in Diabetic Male Rats

Effects of black mulberry leaf extract on liver health and metabolic parameters in rats with high-fat diet-induced liver changes

AimNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) lacks a definitive treatment. Previous research indicates that fruits and vegetables may alleviate inflammatory markers and improve NAFLD outcomes. This study investigates the effects of black mulberry leaf extract on NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet in rats. MethodsMale rats were randomized into control and high-fat diet groups. After four months on a high-fat diet, rats received black mulberry leaf extract at doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg for eight weeks. Evaluations included weight, blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and liver enzyme activities (AST, ALT). ResultsThe high-fat diet resulted in increased weight (P < 0.0001), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (P < 0.0001), triglycerides (P = 0.031), and total cholesterol (P < 0.0001), along with elevated serum levels of AST (P < 0.0001) and ALT (P = 0.009). Administration of black mulberry leaf extract significantly reduced weight (P = 0.008), FPG (P < 0.0001), total cholesterol (P = 0.0001), and ALT (P = 0.0001) and AST (P = 0.0001) levels in a dose-dependent manner at doses of 600 mg, 300 mg, and 150 mg per day. ConclusionBlack mulberry leaf extract exhibits therapeutic potential in managing NAFLD. Further studies are warranted to comprehensively assess its impacts.

The effect of ethyl acetate extract from Atractylis flava Desf. on the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers in NR8383 alveolar rat macrophage cells

Abstract Atractylis flava Desf. (AF) is common plant that is widely used for its anti- inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the cytotoxic effect and the molecular basis of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the ethyl acetate extract (AFEAE) obtained from the whole plant A. flava. This was accomplished through the use of NR8383 alveolar rat macrophage cells. Cultures of alveolar rat macrophage cells were treated with AFEAE (25–800 μg/mL), and cell viability was determined via WST-1 and LDH tests. In turn, the gene expression levels of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin 1 beta (IL1-β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), mitochondrial dynamin like GTPase (OPA1), Succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit A (SDHA) and neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 (NCF1) were assessed by applying RT-qPCR. The results show that ethyl acetate extracts of A. flava have non-cytotoxic effects, and the gene expression analysis demonstrates that AFEAF extracts generate significant downregulation of NF-κB, TNFα, IL-1 β, IL-6, NCF1, OPA1 and SDHA, compared to untreated cells. This study reveals that Atractylis flava ethyl acetate extract administration may be considered as a potential therapeutic strategy for inflammatory related diseases.