Herbal Extracts Research Articles

Extraction of Centella asiatica herb using microwave-assisted solvent extraction: Optimization of crude extract using Box-Behnken design

Centella asiatica, is renowned in traditional medicine for its diverse applications, such as treating lupus, skin ailments, leprosy, fever, gastrointestinal issues, mental disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and enhanced cognitive functions. Microwave-assisted solvent extraction (MASE) was chosen as a more effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly extraction method than the conventional method used to extract Centella asiatica. This study aims to optimize the extraction process for Centella asiatica using the Box-Behnken Design experimental approach. The experimental results showed that the highest yield, 62.25 %, was obtained at a microwave power of 450 W, feed-solvent (F/S) ratio of 0.05, and extraction time of 5 min. The lowest yield, 20.69 %, was obtained at a microwave power of 450 W, F/S ratio of 0.10, and extraction time of 10 min. The critical parameters under investigation include extraction time, microwave power, and F/S ratio. Employing Box-Behnken design (BBD) allows the identification of conditions that provide optimal results. The results showed the optimum conditions to achieve a maximum extraction yield of 62.4912 % were microwave power of 546.18 W, F/S ratio of 0.05 g/mL, and extraction time of 5.10 min.

Growth promotion and increase in functional constituents through arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and herbal extracts in Platycodon grandiflorus

Growth promotion and increase in functional constituents through arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and herbal extracts in <i>Platycodon grandiflorus</i>

Study of Satisfaction towards Herbal Soap Products Containing Extracts from Herbal Extracts Zingiber Cassumunar Roxb. and Thunbergia Laurifolia Lindl.

Study of Satisfaction towards Herbal Soap Products Containing Extracts from Herbal Extracts Zingiber Cassumunar Roxb. and Thunbergia Laurifolia Lindl.

Herbal Extract Nano-formulation for Huntington’s disease Treatment

Herbal Extract Nano-formulation for Huntington’s disease Treatment

Study on Preparation Technology and Quality Standard of Acne Granules

AbstractThe study aimed to optimize the preparation process of acne granules and establish their quality standards. In this work, the extraction process of Chinese herbal extract was optimized by the amount of water added, the number of decoction, the extraction time, and the soaking time with extraction yield as an evaluation index. The indexes of the acne granules such as molding rate, dissolvability, angle of repose, moisture content, and ease of preparation were evaluated. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was used to identify Salviae, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Indigowoad Leaf. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the baicalin content in the granules. Based on orthogonal and single-factor experiments, the optimized extraction process of the prescription of nine medicinal materials was as follows: soaked in cold water for 2 hours, boiled three times, decocted with eight times the amount of water for 1.5 hours for the first time, and six times the amount of water for 1 hour for the second and third times. The combined extracts were concentrated to a relative density of 1.30 to 1.40 (20–30°C), and mixed evenly according to the mass ratio of extract to excipient 1:5, and dextrin: powdered sugar = 1:3. The mixture was granulated, dried, prepared into granules, and the acne granules were formed at a molding rate of 95.52% and a critical relative humidity of 82%. The spots in TLC were clear and easy to identify. The HPLC result showed that the content of baicalin was not less than 1.0 mg/g. The study provides a valuable reference for the production and preparation of the granules through optimization of the wet process and the excipient dosage. Furthermore, the established TLC method for the identification and the HPLC method for baicalin quantification laid the foundation for the quality control of the preparation in future studies.

New Emerging Aspect of Herbal Extracts for the Treatment of Osteoporosis: Overview.

As the global population ages, osteoporosis is becoming a more common silent disease. Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone quality and strength, which increases the risk of fragility fractures in the elderly. According to estimates, 50% of women eventually suffer from an osteoporotic fracture. Due to increasing disability, more frequent hospital hospitalizations, and most critically, fragility fractures have been linked to a reduced quality of life. Osteoporotic fractures have been linked to an increased mortality risk; and must be considered in awareness as a serious health concern. There are anti-osteoporotic medications available that improve bone quality. Considering the availability of various treatment options, still there are a lot of underserved needs in the treatment of fractures and osteoporosis. For example, the application of natural products and herbal resources for fracture healing, because of the androgen-like and antioxidant characteristics of the plants, they can play a crucial for accelerating the repair of bone fractures. In this article, we'll discuss the herbal remedies that are essential for treating osteoporosis (bone disease).

Herbal Therapies for Cancer Treatment: A Review of Phytotherapeutic Efficacy.

Natural products have proven to be promising anti-cancer agents due to their diverse chemical structures and bioactivity. This review examines their central role in cancer treatment, focusing on their mechanisms of action and therapeutic benefits. Medicinal plants contain bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids and polyphenols, which exhibit various anticancer properties. These compounds induce apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, interfere with microtubule formation, act on topoisomerase targets, inhibit angiogenesis, modulate key signaling pathways, improve the tumor microenvironment, reverse drug resistance and activate immune cells. Herbal anti-cancer drugs offer therapeutic advantages, particularly selective toxicity against cancer cells, reducing the adverse side effects associated with conventional chemotherapy. Recent studies and clinical trials highlight the benefits of herbal medicines in alleviating side effects, improving tolerance to chemotherapy and the occurrence of synergistic effects with conventional treatments. For example, the herbal medicine SH003 was found to be safe and potentially effective in the treatment of solid cancers, while Fucoidan showed anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for patients with advanced cancer. The current research landscape on herbal anticancer agents is extensive. Numerous studies and clinical trials are investigating their efficacy, safety and mechanisms of action in various cancers such as lung, prostate, breast and hepatocellular carcinoma. Promising developments include the polypharmacological approach, combination therapies, immunomodulation and the improvement of quality of life. However, there are still challenges in the development and use of natural products as anti-cancer drugs, such as the need for further research into their mechanisms of action, possible drug interactions and optimal dosage. Standardizing herbal extracts, improving bioavailability and delivery, and overcoming regulatory and acceptance hurdles are critical issues that need to be addressed. Nonetheless, the promising anticancer effects and therapeutic benefits of natural products warrant further investigation and development. Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential to advance herbal cancer therapy and integrate these agents into mainstream cancer treatment.

Effect of herbal extracts on pathogen Vibrio harveyi of Penaeus monodon

Effect of herbal extracts on pathogen Vibrio harveyi of Penaeus monodon

HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF GOLDEN VOLODUSHKA (BUPLEURUM AUREUM L.) HERB EXTRACT OF DRY IN EXPERIMENTAL TOXIC HEPATITIS IN RATS

Introduction. The search for new medicines, including those of plant origin, for the treatment of diseases of the hepatobiliary system is relevant and timely. A promising source for the development of hepatoprotective drugs is golden volodushka (Bupleurum aureum L.). To date, a large evidence base has been accumulated for the biochemical study of this plant, its pharmacological activity has been scien-tifically proven. Good stocks of golden volodushka in the wild, the simplicity of its harvesting and the possibility of cultivation were noted. The VILAR State Medical University has developed a method for obtaining volodushka golden herb extract of dry. Aim. The study of the pharmacotherapeutic efficacy of volodushka golden (Bupleurum aureum L.) herb extract of dry in case of liver damage under experimental conditions. Material and methods. In the studies, white non-linear male rats with a body weight of 180-200 g were used. Volodushka extract was studied at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. The comparison drug was silimar at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Experimental CCl4 – induced hepatitis in rats was caused by a single subcutaneous injection of 50% carbon tetrachloride oil solution one hour after the last administration of the studied extract and the comparison drug. After 48 hours, blood was taken from the tail vein of rats, serum was obtained and its biochemical analysis was carried out. Next, the rats eu-thanized in a CO2 chamber and the liver extracted for pathophysiological evaluation. Tetracycline hepatitis was caused by intragastric administration of tetracycline to animals at a dose of 500 mg/kg. Then, after 48 hours, blood was taken from the animals, serum was obtained and its biochemical analysis was carried out. Results. Volodushka golden grass dry extract on a model of carbon tetrachloride hepatitis exhibits a hepatoprotective effect, which is confirmed by a comparative pathophysiological study and a study of the activity of enzyme markers of the morphofunctional state of the liver in rat blood serum. In the tetracycline hepatitis model, the studied extract also has a hepatoprotective effect, which is confirmed by biochemical studies. Conclusions. Studies of volodushka extract in conditions of experimental liver lesions have shown that the studied extract in experimental therapeutic doses has a pronounced hepatoprotective effect and is promising for the creation of a herbal medicine for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the digestive system.

The Influence of Cichorium Endivia and Urtica Dioica Extracts Against H2O2-Induced Stress in SH-SY5Y Cells

Aim: In neurodegenerative diseases, increased production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) causes oxidative stress in neurons, and when the damage is severe, it is irreversible and apoptosis is induced. In recent years, phytochemicals that exhibit neuroprotective and antioxidant properties to protect neurons from oxidative stress have gained importance. Therefore, herbal extracts with high antioxidant capacity and anti-apoptotic properties may provide a protective strategy against H2O2-induction. This study aims to examine the influence of Cichorium endivia liquid extract (CEE) and Urtica dioica liquid extract (UDE) against H2O2-induction on SH-SY5Y cells in vitro. Method: For this purpose, cells were treated with the extracts and then exposed to H2O2. The neuroprotective effect and cell viability of these extracts were evaluated by XTT method. Antioxidant activity was determined by the CUPRAC method. Finally, the apoptotic cell death and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were examined with DAPI and DCFH-DA, respectively. Results: The results obtained showed that CEE and UDE have an influence on neuroprotection, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant effects by reducing H2O2-induced toxicity, apoptotic cell death, and ROS levels. Conclusion: H2O2 causes neurotoxicity in neurons through oxidative damage. To prevent this, traditional plant extracts with high antioxidant activity can provide a neuroprotective strategy. As a consequence, it was shown in an in vitro model that these herbal extracts could be a neuroprotective effect.

Extracts of the Canadian goldenrod (Solidago Canadensis L.) – promising agents with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity

S. canadensis L. and S. virgaurea L. are the most common species of Solidago L. in Europe and with a long tradition of use in medicine for various therapeutic purposes: diseases of the urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, diabetes, allergies and antiseptic purposes. Therefore, the research of species of the Solidago genus, which have a rich content of natural BACs, and the development of new effective medicinal products of plant origin are relevant. The aim. The method of work is the phytochemical and pharmacological study of extracts of the Canadian goldenrod herb, obtained by ethanol solutions of various concentrations, for the innovative perspective of creating new medicines based on them with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity. Materials and methods. The objects of the study were extracts of herb from Canadian goldenrod, obtained using purified water, 40 %, 70 % and 90 % ethanol. Phytochemical study of the extracts was performed by TLC and spectrophotometry. Study of acute toxicity, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity of extracts was carried out according to standard methods. Research results. A study of the phytochemical composition and pharmacological activity of extracts of herb from Canadian goldenrod obtained with different solvents. It was established that extracts of herb from Canadian goldenrod show anti-inflammatory activity. The most pronounced antiexudative activity is shown by the extract of the Canadian goldenrod herb (extractant - 40 % ethanol), reducing the degree of swelling by 24.77 %. Herb extracts from from Canadian goldenrod in acute toxic liver damage show moderate hepatoprotective activity, which is somewhat inferior to the comparative drug "Silibor". A more intense and effective effect on the hepatobiliary system was shown by the extract of the Canadian goldenrod herb (extractant - 40 % ethanol). Conclusions. The perspective of creation based on herb of Canadian goldenrod new drugs with hepatoprotective activity. The most promising substance turned out to be an extract of herb from Canadian goldenrod obtained with a 40 % ethanol solution.

Study of phenolic compounds of umbellate wintergreen herb and their influence on biochemical indicators of blood and urine in the rat model of chronic kidney disease

Diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract are a common problem in people of all ages. Kidneys filter blood, removing water-soluble waste from the body, maintain water-salt balance, stabilize blood pressure and PH level. Intoxication, hypothermia, injuries and other causes lead to problems with the kidneys - inflammatory disease, urolithiasis, etc. Therefore, the development of effective herbal remedies that affect the etiopathogenic factors of diseases is urgent. The aim. Study of the profile of phenolic compounds of umbellate wintergreen, study of antioxidant and nephroprotective properties of umbellate wintergreen extract on the model of chromate-induced renal failure (chronic kidney disease) in rats. Materials and methods. Phenolic compounds were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a Waters e2695 Alliance HPLC system in combination with a 2998 PDA detector (Waters, Milford, MA, USA). Study of in vitro antioxidant activity by HPLC method for 50 % extract of umbellate wintergreen herb. A Waters 2695 chromatograph (Waters, USA) equipped with a Waters 996 diode-matrix detector was used. To determine the nephroprotective effect, 60 outbred sexually mature rats (males), divided into six groups, were studied. Based on the results of biochemical studies, creatinine clearance and urea clearance were calculated in experimental animals. Results. 8 phenolic compounds - apigenin, hyperoside, quercitrin, rutin, quercetin, gallic acid, guaiaverine and isoquercetin - were identified and quantified in umbellate wintergreen by HPLC. Based on the results of a preliminary assessment of the antioxidant contribution of individual phenolic compounds to the overall effectiveness of the umbellate wintergreen grass extract, a significant effect of caffeic acid derivatives and quercetin was determined. The use of Chimaphila umbellata extract in experimental animals was marked by the normalization of diuresis, a decrease in the total protein content of urine by 1.8 times. The effect of the use of umbellate wintergreen extract was expected to be dose dependent. Conclusions. The profile of umbellate wintergreen phenolic compounds was investigated by HPLC, and their antioxidant effect was determined. In the conditions of the development of renal failure in rats, the studied extract of Chimaphila umbellata improved the physical condition of the animals, reduced their mortality, improved the excretory function of the kidneys, normalized nitrogen and protein metabolism, contributed to the protection of the structure of the kidney tissue, and therefore had a positive effect on the course of nephropathy

Herbal Formula Extract Ameliorates Anxiety and Cognitive Impairment via Regulation of the Reelin/Dab-1 Pathway in a Murine Model of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

We investigated the effects of epigenetic modifications on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using a novel combination of herbal medicines from Panax ginseng, Astragalus membranaceus, Atractylodes macrocephala, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis. The herbal formula extract (HFE) (250 mg/kg) was administered orally once daily for 14 days to determine its effects on PTSD in mice by combining prolonged stress and foot shock. The open field and Y-maze tests determined the effect of HFE on PTSD-induced anxiety and cognition. Hippocampal neuronal plastic changes and molecular mechanism were verified. Treatment with HFE decreased anxiety-like behavior and enhanced cognition. Moreover, it reduced the number of PTSD-related hilar ectopic granule cells in the dentate gyrus (DG). PTSD mice showed reduced neuronal plasticity of doublecortin+ cells in the DG, which was restored by HFE treatment. HFE reversed PTSD-induced inhibition of the Reelin/Dab1 pathway, a critical signaling cascade involved in brain development, and regulated Reelin methylation. Furthermore, DNA methylation, methyl-CpG binding protein 2, and DNA methyltransferase 1, which were elevated in the hippocampus of PTSD mice, were restored following HFE treatment. HFE increased the expression of synaptic plasticity-related factors in the hippocampus of PTSD mice. Our findings suggest that HFE can facilitate PTSD treatment by alleviating behavioral abnormalities through the restoration of hippocampal dysfunction via regulation of the Reelin/Dab-1 pathway and DNA methylation in the hippocampus.

Target-specific affinity separation of the bioactive compounds from herbal extract using the spin column packed with the immobilized protein microspheres prior to LC-MS analysis

Excellent pretreatments before instrumental analysis are critical for separation and determination of target compounds for discovery of new drugs from herb medicines. We developed a rapid and highly-selective method to separate the bioactive compounds from herbal extract using protein affinity-selection spin column, which was packed with the new sorbent materials from integrating the recombinant β2-adrenoceptor (β2-AR) directly out of cell lysates onto the surface of microspheres. Protein affinity-selection spin column was placed in a centrifugal tube, where after the non-specific binders were released to the filtrate under the operational centrifugation, the specific binders on the spin column were cleaned with a washing solvent for LC-MS analysis. The known agonists of β2-AR were retained/released on protein affinity-selection spin column but not on control column, demonstrating the method with good recovery (79.4∼95.7 %) and high repeatability (RSD < 3.5 %). The adsorption features of three ligands on the spin column were described best by Prism saturation binding model, and the high-affinity binding and the large binding capacity of the spin column make it feasible to trap the trace analytes effectively. It was applied in separating bioactive compounds from Alstoniae Scholaris extract, two of which were identified as picrinine and oleanolic acid in combination with LC-MS and verified as the potential agonists towards β2-AR though molecular docking and cell experiments. Our study demonstrated that, the spin column with the immobilized protein sorbents in the centrifugal filter device represents a promising tool, enabling rapid and target-specific affinity separation of the bioactive compounds from herbal extract.

In vitro Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Effect of Common UAE Natural Herbals on Different Gram-positive and Gram-negative Bacteria

The main goal of this research is to assess the antibacterial effectiveness of commonly used UAE natural herbs, including Turmeric, Henna, Sidr, and Myrrh, against a range of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococci), Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci), Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Agar diffusion technique was utilized in this study. The herbs were extracted and prepared in serial dilution, a standardized amount of the test microorganisms were inoculated on the agar plates. Subsequently, extracted herbs were placed in the wells that formed on the surface of the media. The agar plates are then incubated at 37°C under appropriate condition. Typically, the herbs extract diffuses in the media, inhibiting the germination of the bacteria, the zone of inhibition is subsequently measured. Significant inhibitory effects were observed with henna herbal extract against 75% of Gram-positive bacteria, while 25% of the bacteria showed inhibition when using sidr extract. Myrrh exhibited an antibacterial effect against most tested bacteria. Comparatively less of an impact was seen by turmeric extract on both Gram-negative and Gram-positive. The antibacterial efficacy of the four plant extracts suggests that Henna displayed the highest effectiveness, followed by Sidr and Myrrh, with Turmeric showing the least potency. Additionally, strains such as E. coli, E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and P. mirabilis demonstrated resistance to the plant extracts, while S. aureus, S. pyogenes, and S. agalactiae appeared to be the most susceptible strains. These findings underscore the potential of plant extracts in treating bacterial infections, offering insights for the development of novel compounds with enhanced activity against both resistant and susceptible bacteria, thereby addressing the limitations of current antibiotic agents.

Effect of natural agents on the mechanical and flame retardant properties of cotton fabrics – finishing technique

The current study carefully examines the antibacterial finished cotton fabric materials in terms of enhanced flame-retardant capability by eco-friendly herbal extracts to cotton fabrics while concurrently analysing their tensile strength qualities. Because active compounds have been incorporated into the fabric’s structure, the treated fabrics’ tensile strength has changed less over time than untreated fabrics. The plain weave cotton fabric with a specification of 140 g/m2 and a 15% finished concentration had a tensile strength of 238.92 kg/cm2, while cotton fabrics with specifications of 240 g/m2, terry weave with a 15% finished concentration, had a tensile strength of 294.43 kg/cm2. The finishing process has betterment in comparison to the untreated cotton fabrics had tensile strengths of of 140 g/m2 plain and 240 g/m2 terry weaves fabric which has 238.38 kg/cm2 and 288.47 kg/cm2, indicating that the ashwagandha-finished cotton fabrics performed better. The burning period increases from 35 sec for untreated 140 g/m2 plain cotton fabric, according to the flame reaction studies. According to tests on flame reaction, fabrics treated with a combination of banana peels and casein have a burning time rise from 35 s for untreated 140 g/m2 plain cotton fabric to 100 s, and up to 60 s for Ashwaganda and Ginger completed fabrics. The findings of the Limited Oxygen Index (LOI) test revealed that the completed fabrics made from a mixture of banana peels and casein had significantly higher LOI values of 23 than the other treated samples, which had an average LOI of 19 and 20, compared to the untreated cotton fabrics’ LOI of 18.

Auto-defense of skin and melanin regulation through glutathione reductase modulation: a new insight

Background: The present study is to understand the Siddha cosmetic preparation - Eve fresh skinbrite cream/herbal extracts used in the cream in down-regulating the melanogenesis process and upregulating glutathione activity to offer skin lightening benefit. Methods: The effect of certain herbal extracts or the combination in reducing tyrosinase activity and associated melanin formation was evaluated in B16F10 melanoma cells and also up regulating glutathione reductase activity leading to the conversion of a reduced form of glutathione (GSH) from GSSG. Results: The extract of Berberis aristata exhibited even activity in inhibiting both tyrosinase and melanin in B16F10 melanoma cell lines. The extract combination also showed a greater effect on increasing GR activity. Conclusions: The herbal ingredients individually and as a combination exhibited strong effects in reducing tyrosinase activity and also upregulating GR activity and thereby reducing skin pigmentation.

Optimized production of carboxymethyl cellulose/guar gum based durable hydrogel for in vitro performance assessment

An important objective of researchers is to develop a perfect wound dressing that can effectively treat different kinds of wounds. Natural substances with beneficial qualities, such as plant extracts and biopolymers are an ideal aid for wound care. Hydrogels based on biopolymers offer a lot of promising applications for topical use and are biocompatible, hydrophilic and non-toxic. When employed alone or in conjunction with other active agents, herbal extracts have a great deal of use in the healing of wounds. This study comprises Ruellia tuberosa extract loaded with carboxymethyl cellulose and guar gum hydrogels that have potential anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hemocompatibility. Using mouse fibroblast cells (L929), the MTT (3- (4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test was conducted to assess the biocompatibility. Furthermore, the scratch wound assay using the L929 fibroblast cell line of mouse was employed to assess the in vitro wound healing potential of the synthesised composite hydrogels.

Assessing the potential fasting and postprandial mechanisms involved in the acute hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic effects of four selected plants from Iran used in traditional Persian medicine

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn traditional Persian medicine (TPM), people often use herbal infusions as a dosage form to treat diseases related to hyperglycemia, known as 'dam-kardeh'. Traditionally, herbal preparations of Eryngium bungei Boiss. (E. b), Tragopogon buphthalmoides (DC.) Boiss. (T. b), Salvia hydrangea DC. ex Benth. (S. h), and Juniperus polycarpos K. Koch. (J. p) are used to manage diabetes in Iran. However, there is no evidence of their effectiveness in controlling glucose levels and their mechanisms remain unclear.Aim of the study: This study aimed to investigate whether traditional doses of plant infusions can have hypoglycemic and/or anti-hyperglycemic effects during fasting and/or postprandial states and establish the basis for future research on their potential mechanisms of action. Materials and methodsThe effects of traditional doses of herbal extracts on blood glucose levels in STZ-NA-induced hyperglycemic rats were investigated in 2-h acute tests during fasting and postprandial states (with a glucose load). In addition, the potential inhibitory effect in vitro of enzymes involved in relevant pathways, such as gluconeogenesis (fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, FBPase and glucose-6-phosphatase, G6Pase), carbohydrate breakdown (intestinal α-glucosidases), and insulin sensitivity (protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, PTP-1B) was evaluated. Acute toxicity tests were carried out and HPLC-SQ-TOF was used to analyze the chemical profiles of the plant extracts. ResultsIn the fasting state, T. b, S. h, and E. b were as effective as glibenclamide in lowering blood glucose levels in hyperglycemic rats. Moreover, all three suppressed G6Pase and FBPase enzymatic activity by 90–97% and 80–91%, respectively. On the other hand, significant postprandial hypoglycemic efficacy was observed for E. b, S. h, and T. b. Based on the AUC values, T. b caused a reduction comparable to the therapeutic efficacy of repaglinide. When investigating the possible mechanisms of action involved in this activity, E. b, S. h, and T. b showed significant inhibition of PTP-1B in vitro (>70%). Finally, all plant extracts showed no signs of acute toxicity. Several compounds that may contribute to biological activities were identified, including phenolic acids and flavonoid glycosides. ConclusionsThe present study supports the traditional use of T. b, E. b and S. h for the control of diabetes in the fasting and postprandial state. Moreover, these plants were found to be rich in bioactive compounds with hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activities. On the other hand, J. p, showed a modest effect only in the fasting state and after 90 min. Further studies are needed to expand these results by analyzing the chemical composition and using complementary experimental models.

Elucidating the effect of dietary neem (Azadirachta indica) on growth performance, haemato-biochemical, immunonological response, and anti-pathogenic capacity of Nile tilapia juveniles.

This investigation attempts to evaluate the effect of diet additives via aqueous or ethanolic herbal extracts from Azadirachta indica leaves on Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Five dietary categories were assigned to the fish: the first category (N1, with no extract) was kept under control conditions; two categories contained aqueous extract (N2 (1.0g/kg) and N3 (2.0g/kg); and two categories contained ethanolic extract, N4 (1.0g/kg) and N5 (2.0g/kg), with each group being fed for 60 days. After the feeding trial, Aeromonas hydrophila was injected intraperitoneally into fish for 14 days; fish mortality was recorded during this period. The results showed that the fish-fed dietary A. indica significantly improved growth performance and intestinal health (digestive enzymes and intestinal morphology), especially in the N4 and N5 categories. However, N4 and N5 categories demonstrated a significant decrease in AST and ALT activities and an increase in total protein, serum albumin, globulin, growth hormone (GH), leptin hormone (LEP), hemoglobin, white blood cells, and hematocrit (P < 0.05) in comparison with the control category (N1). Compared to the control category, the N4 and N5 categories have revealed a significant reduction in MDA activity and improvements in immunological activities (lysozyme, complement C3, and nitric oxide) and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, and GPX). Moreover, in tilapia-fed A. indica, the expression of IL-8, IL-1β, and Nf-κb genes was downregulated partially in the N4 and N5 categories than the control category. In contrast, the lysozyme, C3, GPX, and CAT genes were upregulated partially at N4 and N5 compared to the control category. Following the bacterial challenge, fish in the N4 and N5 categories also displayed the lowest fish mortality compared to the control category. The ethanolic extract displayed a more potent resistance against the parasite Cichlidogyrus tilapia in vitro than the aqueous and control categories, partially at 2g/L. According to these findings, an ethanolic neem extract (2.0g/kg feed) activates the immune system and antioxidant response in Nile tilapia fingerlings, improving growth and fish resistance to parasitic and bacterial infections.