High-dose Extract Research Articles

Efficacy assessment of garlic extract as a natural aphid control agent on infected tomato plants

This controlled pot experiment aimed to assess the effectiveness of garlic extract as a natural aphid control agent on infected tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum). The study investigated the impact of different doses of garlic extract on plant height, leaf damage, fruit production, and overall yield. The garlic extract was prepared by diluting crushed garlic bulbs with water to achieve the desired concentrations. The experiment employed a randomized complete block design with four treatment groups: a control group (0%), low dose (10%), medium dose (30%), and high dose (50%) of garlic extract. The treatments were applied using a handheld sprayer, and the plants were monitored for aphid populations using visual inspection and sticky traps. Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis, including analysis of variance (ANOVA), to determine significant differences between treatments. The results revealed that higher doses of garlic extract led to increased plant height, decrease in leaf damage caused by aphids, higher fruit production, and improved overall yield. The control group exhibited the lowest values for all parameters, while treatments with garlic extract showed significant improvements. The highest yields were observed in Treatment 50%, where plants treated with the highest dose of garlic extract yielded 41.2 kg per treatment. These findings demonstrate the potential of garlic extract as an effective aphid control agent, capable of enhancing tomato crop yield and economic returns for farmers.

Effect of High Doses of Salep Aqueous Extract on Serum Levels of Urea Nitrogen, Creatinine, Uric Acid, and Kidney Histopathological Changes in Adult Male Wistar Rats.

Kidneys are critical in the clearance and maintenance of active metabolites. One of the medical properties of Salep is treating bladder and kidney inflammation. Due to the widespread use of Salep in traditional medicine and the food industry, and since the effects of Salep on kidney function have not been studied, the present study aimed to investigate the impact of Salep on kidney function. In this experimental study, 48 male rats were divided randomly into six groups as control, sham, and four experimental groups receiving different doses of Salep intraperitoneally (80, 160, 320, and 640 mg/kg). On day 29, after weighing the animals, blood samples were taken from the heart, and serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid, and creatinine were analyzed and compared in different groups. All the animal's kidneys were exposed after dissection, and tissue sections were prepared for histopathological evaluation. From day 28 to 29, rats were kept in metabolic cages to collect urine samples and measure water intake and urine volume. The serum concentration of BUN and uric acid in the groups receiving Salep at all doses decreased non-significantly compared to the control group. Furthermore, a significant reduction was seen in creatinine serum levels in groups receiving 320 and 640 mg/kg of Salep extract (P<0.05). No evidence of damage to renal tissue was observed in this study. In conclusion, Salep could decrease serum BUN, uric acid, and creatinine levels due to its antioxidant properties and had no devastating effect on kidneys.

Behavioral and electrophysiological (ECoG) effects of haplophyllum robustum and TRPA1 antagonist in adult male wistar rats

This article aimed to investigate the effects of Haplophyllum robustum hydroalcoholic extract on animals’ behavioral and electrocorticographic changes. This plant is mainly found in Turkey, Iran, and Central Asia, and is reported to have convulsive effects.In this article, we worked on the effects of its hydroalcoholic extract on electrocorticography (ECoG), along with changes induced by intracerebroventricular administration of GABAA antagonists. Furthermore, the effects of low doses of this extract on behavioral depression were examined.Four animal sets were used to compare ECoG in Wistar rats. A group of negative control, a group of positive control (PTZ), and two groups received an injection of plant extract (500 mg/kg, ip), with or without administration of Diazepam (5 mg/kg).Also, three sets were applied to compare receiving and not receiving intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 antagonist (HC-030031) (2 μg/kg) on plant-induced seizure delay and animal death. Two groups of control and a group with plant extract together with TRPA1 antagonist were administrated.Furthermore, in the present study, the forced swimming test (FST) was used as a model of depression. The behaviors of animals in three groups of negative control and positive control (Fluoxetine) and plant extract (200 mg/kg, ip) were compared.According to the ECoG, high doses of extract of plants led to seizures similar to PTZ, which were then reduced by diazepam injection. At this dose, injection of TRPA1 antagonist did not significantly delay the onset of seizures or the death of the animals. Further, a subconvulsive dose of hydroalcoholic plant extracts was equally effective in treating depression as Fluoxetine injections.

LC‐MS based metabolite profiling, in‐vitro antioxidant and in‐vivo antihyperlipidemic activity ofNigella sativaextract

AbstractThe aim of this study was to identify the bioactive phytoconstituents present in the aqueous extract ofNigella sativaand also, to evaluate the antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activity in Wistar rats. The LC‐MS/MS analysis was assessed for the determination of different bioactive compounds present inN. sativaextract. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were determined by using validated Folin‐Ciocalteu and Aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. The in‐vitro antioxidant and in‐vivo antihyperlipidemic activity in Wistar rats were also evaluated. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, and amino acids in the aqueous extract. The bioactive compounds of the aqueous extract were identified through LC‐MS/MS analysis. The in‐vitro antioxidant activity ofN. sativashowed the highest free radical scavenging capacity in DPPH, H2O2, and OH radical scavenging assays with IC50values 11.916 ± 2.828, 30.294 ± 13.790, and 12.048 ± 2.828 µg/mL, respectively. Evaluation of antihyperlipidemic activity of extract in Wistar rats showed that a high dose (800 mg/kg) of extract significantly decreased total cholesterol (TC) 71.76 ± 6.91 mg/dL, TG 83.6 ± 8.09 mg/dL, low‐density lipoproteins (LDL‐c) 33.86 ± 6.05 mg/dL, very low‐density lipoproteins (VLDL‐c) 16.72 ± 1.61 mg/dL level in blood. However, the HDL‐C level was significantly improved (21.18 ± 1.80 mg/dL) as compared to HFD‐induced control rats (11.76 ± 1.14 mg/dL) after 28 days of treatment. Also, at the same dose, animal body weight was also decreased to 162.6 ± 16.40 g compared with control 184.4 ± 10.24 g. The aqueous extract ofN. sativawas found to be an effective natural source of antioxidant and hypolipidemic agents. This activity was attributed to the presence of diverse bioactive compounds in it.

The Effects of Perilla frutescens Extracts on IgA Nephropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: Chronic renal disorders (CRD) are associated with significant comorbidities and necessitate complex therapeutic management. As time passed, Perilla frutescens (PF) became a promising therapeutic option for CRD. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to outline the therapeutic effects of PF extracts on various models of immunoglobulin a (IgA) nephropathy; (2) Methods: Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases were used to find relevant studies. All prospective interventional studies that evaluated the effect of PF extract versus placebo on rat models of chronic renal disorders were assessed according to the international guidelines; (3) Results: Our search yielded 23 unique records, out of which only five were included in the analysis. Our results showed that administration of PF extracts led to a statistically significant reduction in proteinuria and PCNA levels in rats that received high doses of the extract as well as in the PCNA level and DNA synthesis in rats that received low doses of the extract. The evaluated outcomes benefited from a low degree of heterogeneity; (4) Conclusions: Some of the evaluated outcomes were significantly reduced by both high and low doses of extracts from Perilla frutescens. Further studies are needed to determine the exact effect over IgA nephropathy in human subjects.

Toxicological Effect of Green Tea (Camelia sinensis) on Haematological Parameters in Wistar Rats

Introduction: Green tea, derived from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, has gained significant attention due to its potential health benefits. It contains various bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechins, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Despite its widespread consumption and positive reputation, limited information is available regarding the potential toxicological effects of green tea. In this study, the toxicological impact of green tea extract on haematological parameters was investigated using Wistar rats as an animal model.&#x0D; Method: Forty-eight adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=12 per group). The control group received a vehicle solution, while the treatment groups were orally administered different doses of green tea extract (low dose: 100 mg/kg, moderate dose: 200 mg/kg, high dose: 400 mg/kg) once daily for 28 consecutive days. Haematological analysis was performed at baseline (day 0) and on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of the study. Blood samples were collected from the retro-orbital plexus under light isoflurane anaesthesia, and various haematological parameters were assessed using automated Hematology analyzers.&#x0D; Results: The results of the haematological analysis showed that the administration of green tea extract did not significantly affect haemoglobin levels, packed cell volume, red blood cell count, eosinophil count, lymphocyte count, and neutrophil count compared to the control group throughout the study period. However, the white blood cell (WBC) count and its differential count exhibited some variations among the treatment groups. The low and moderate doses of green tea extract resulted in a slight increase in the WBC count compared to the control group, although the difference was not statistically significant. On the other hand, the high dose of green tea extract led to a slight decrease in the WBC count compared to the control group. Regarding platelet count, the low and moderate doses of green tea extract resulted in a significant increase compared to the control group. In contrast, the high dose of green tea extract caused a significant decrease in platelet count.&#x0D; Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the administration of green tea extract did not have significant adverse effects on the assessed haematological parameters in Wistar rats, except for some minor variations in the WBC count and platelet count at higher doses. These results suggest that green tea consumption may not cause significant haematological toxicity in rats. However, further studies are warranted to evaluate the long-term effects and safety of green tea consumption in humans.

Effect of Rosemary Extract on Some Internal Organs of Young Male Albino Rats: A Histological Study

Background: "Rosmarinus officinalis"( rosemary) is a natural herb that is used by humans for the treatment of many conditions. The extract of this plant has been used as an antioxidant to improve memory, stimulate hair growth, treat asthma, treat gastric ulcers, and even, some time ago, prevent and treat cancer. Aim: This work was performed to study the effect of different doses of rosemary extract on some internal organs of young albino rats whose mothers were treated with rosemary extract throughout the lactation period (21 days). Methods: The animals were classified into three groups: the first was regarded as the control, in which mothers received no treatment, while mothers in the second and third groups were treated orally with rosemary aqueous extract (prepared by using leaves of this plant) at doses of 200 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg respectively. At the end of the study, the young male rats from different groups were sacrificed, and their livers, kidneys, and testes were prepared for histological examination. Results: The physical and histological assessment of the offspring showed that treatment of lactating mothers with a high dose of rosemary extract (1000 mg/kg) affected the health of their young infants as they failed to gain weight and revealed some atrophic and degenerative changes in their liver and kidney, while the germinal epithelium of the testis is restricted to the spermatogonia and primary spermatocyte with a significant reduction in Leydig cells number compared to other groups. Conclusion: The research concluded that a high dose of rosemary extract, rather than a modest dose, can affect the health of young infants whose mothers were treated with this extract during lactation, so this plant has teratogenicity and should be avoided by humans during pregnancy and lactation.

MS/MS-based molecular networking for mapping the chemical diversity of the pulp and peel extracts from Citrus japonica Thunb.; in vivo evaluation of their anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer potential

Although inflammation is a beneficial response to harmful triggers, the associated diseases develop the potential for death-threatening conditions. Citrus species are valuable sources of chemical compounds with diverse structural properties that could alleviate damaging inflammation and reduce serious side effects of synthetic drugs. Kumquats are the smallest trees among the citrus family widely distributed in Asia, Europe, and North America, with little cultivation in Africa. The current study aims to conduct comprehensive chemical, anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer studies of Citrus japonica, thus focusing attention on extensive cultivation of these species in Africa to enhance their beneficial uses. A comparative chemical profiling of peel and pulp extracts was performed via HPLC-MS/MS analysis, 164 metabolites were annotated aided by the spectral similarity networks. Around 148 of which were visualized as a species-first documentation. Phenolics were the predominant classes including methoxylated flavonoids, O/C-glycosylated flavones, and flavanones with the less common O- or C-O-triglycosyl methoxylated flavones among the genus Citrus. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory study demonstrated the significant activity of the pulp and peel extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) via reducing paw swelling induced by carrageenan at all-time points and decreasing the formation of TNF-α and IL-1β. Moreover, in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer rat model, the high doses of both extracts significantly improved ulcer indexes and suppressed gastric inflammation by inhibiting myeloperoxidase activity and possessed an antioxidant effect via increasing reduced glutathione, decreasing malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide. Additionally, histopathological investigations confirmed the anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer effects. Considering the two fruit tissues, peels markedly improved inflammatory and gastroprotective properties associated with the high diversity of their flavonoid structures.

Anxiolytic Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Medjool Dates of Phoenix Dactylifera in Mice

Background: Anxiety is one of the most frequent psychiatric disorders, affecting 33.7% of the general population. However, the consumption of healthy diets has been found to help, at least in part, in the prevention and treatment of anxiety-like disorders.&#x0D; Methods: In this study, the anxiety behaviors of mice subjected to chronic intake of low-and high doses of ethanolic extract of Medjool dates (Phoenix Dactylifera) were evaluated in comparison to the counterparts of control mice. The elevated zero maze (EZM) test and marbles burying test were used as models of choice for evaluating anxiety behaviors in these mice. In addition, aphytochemical analysis of major secondary metabolite groups was done.&#x0D; Results: The findings of this study revealed that the ethanolic extract of dates is rich in flavonoids and steroids with known activity as anxiolytics, such as kaempherol. Mice received a low dose (300 mg/kg) of the extract exhibited lower anxiety in the EZM than the untreated mice (negative control), which was determined by a significant increase in the latency to the closed area, a significant decrease in the time spent in the closed area and a significant increase in the number of the entries to the open quadrants. The anxiolytic effect of low dose extract was comparable to that produced in positive control mice treated with diazepam (1.5 mg/kg, i.p) in all tested parameters. Data obtained from the marble burying test also showed a significant anxiolytic effect by low dose (300 mg/kg) of the extract as compared to untreated mice, which was manifested by significant decrease in the total number of buried marbles. The anxiolytic effect of low dose extract in the marbles burying test was comparable to that produced in counterparts of positive control mice treated with fluoxetine (5mg/kg, i.p). On the other hand, chronic intake of high doses (2583 mg/kg) of the extract did not cause any significant anxiolytic effect in the EZM and marbles burying tests.&#x0D; Conclusions: Overall, these results indicate that regular intake of low dose of ethanolic extract of Medjool dates may help to prevent and manage anxiety disorders. However, further studies are recommended to elucidate the putative mechanism underlying the anxiolytic effect of these dates.

Polygoni Multiflori Radix interferes with bile acid metabolism homeostasis by inhibiting Fxr transcription, leading to cholestasis.

Objective: To explore the possible mechanisms of cholestasis induced by Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PM). Methods: Low and high doses of water extract of PM were given to mice by gavage for 8weeks. The serum biochemical indexes of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glutamyltransferase (GGT) alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and so on were detected in the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth weeks after administration. At the end of the eighth week of administration, the bile acid metabolic profiles of liver and bile were screened by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-QQQ-MS/MS). Liver pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the mRNA transcription of the target genes and Western blotting (WB) was used to the detect target protein expression. Results: Biochemical tests results showed the values of ALP and GGT were two and three times greater than the normal values respectively, and the value of R was less than 2. Histopathology also showed that PM caused lymphocyte infiltration, a small amount of hepatocyte necrosis and nuclear fragmentation in mouse liver. The proliferation of bile duct epithelial cells was observed in the high group. These results indicated that PM may lead to cholestatic liver injury. HPLC-QQQ-MS/MS analysis with the multivariate statistical analysis revealed significant alterations of individual bile acids in liver and gallbladder as compared to those of the control group. RT-qPCR showed that the transcription of Fxr, Shp, Bsep, Bacs, Mdr2, and Ugt1a1 were downregulated and that of Cyp7a1, Mrp3, and Cyp3a11 was significantly upregulated in the treatment group. WB demonstrated that PM also markedly downregulated the protein expression of FXR, BSEP, and MDR2, and upregulated CYP7A1. Conclusion: PM inhibited the expression of FXR, which reduced the expression of MDR2 and BSEP, leading to the obstruction of bile acids outflow, and increased the expression of CYP7A1, resulting in an increase of intrahepatic bile acid synthesis, which can lead to cholestasis.

Dose-Related Regulatory Effect of Raspberry Polyphenolic Extract on Cecal Microbiota Activity, Lipid Metabolism and Inflammation in Rats Fed a Diet Rich in Saturated Fats.

The amount of berry polyphenols required to exert health-promoting effects seems to be difficult to achieve by fresh fruit ingestion, so polyphenol-rich extracts could be considered a dietary alternative. In the present study, laboratory rats were fed high-fat diets supplemented with 0.1 or 0.3% raspberry polyphenols from pomace, with the former dose reflecting the amount of polyphenols consumed with a glass of fresh raspberries. It was hypothesized that beneficial changes in blood and hepatic tissue related to lipid metabolism would accompany both treatments, but the health-promoting effect would be more noticeable with the higher dose of extract. This hypothesis was confirmed, and the high dose of raspberry polyphenols was better than the low dose extract in terms of decreased epididymal white adipose tissue weight, hepatic triglyceride content, PPARγ and SREBP-1c expression in the liver, and plasma IL-6 concentration, as well as increased acetic acid concentration in the cecal digesta. These effects might be partially associated with the enhanced content of ellagitannin and anthocyanin metabolites found in the blood plasma of rats administered the high dose of the extract. The results showed that this extract could be considered a dietary vehicle to provide an amount of raspberry polyphenols that could promote health.

Role of Goldenberry (Fruits with Husk) Extract in Ameliorating the Architecture and Osmotic Fragility of Red Blood Cells in Obese Rats.

Goldenberry (GB) is a promising fruit that can be a constituent in many possible nourishments. No notifications were obtained regarding the impact of exposure to goldenberry extract in the viewpoint of blood rheological properties as well as erythrocyte osmotic fragility of red blood cells (RBCs) in obese rats. A substantial reduction in plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL, with a considerable increment in HDL levels relative to the obese group (p ≤ 0.05), was observed in rats receiving low and high doses of GB, accompanied by restoration of SOD activity and GSH levels. Rheological parameters of rats' blood have been studied over a wide range of shear rates (225-1875 s-1). A significant decrease in blood viscosity in rats who received low and high doses of GB extract was compatible with every shear rate compared to the control group. The shear stress values of the obese rats reduced appreciably (p ≤ 0.05) in all values of shear rate (from 75 to 500 s-1) proportional to the control group, while in the groups that received low and high doses of GB extract, shear stress was restored to the control values. Finally, administration of GB extract significantly decreased yield stress and indices of whole blood aggregation, with an extremely substantial increment in flow rate, in rats given low or high doses of GB compared to obese ones. The result also showed a decrease in both the average raised osmotic fragility and the hemolysis rate in rats after supplementation with low and high doses of GB extract.

Evaluation of the Antidiarrhoeal Activity of Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Terminalia catappa in Castor oil-induced Diarrhoeal Albino Rats

Diarrhoeal illness remains a key global health problem causing 15% of deaths among children under five years of age. This study evaluated the antidiarrhoeal activity of Terminalia catappa aqueous stem bark extract on albino rats. Antidiarrhoeal activity of T. catappa was assessed by measuring the stool inhibition, gastrointestinal motility and castor oil-induced enteropooling. Thirty (30) albino rats were divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each, where groups I and II remained the normal and negative control groups respectively; group III was treated with standard drug, groups IV, V and VI were treated with 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg b. wt. of aqueous stem bark extract of T. catappa, respectively. Percentage stool inhibition of treated groups was significantly greater than that of the negative control. However, group II treated with standard drug (loperamide) showed higher percentage inhibition. The volume of intestinal fluid decreased with increase in dose of the extract. The volume of intestinal fluid of the group treated with standard drug significantly decreased when compared to group treated with extract. Distance travelled by the charcoal significantly decreased at higher dose of extract. Aqueous stem bark extract of T. catappa has a dose-dependent antidiarrhoeal activity. Keywords: Stool inhibition, diarrhoea, enteropooling, gastrointestinal motility, Terminalia catappa

Anti- and Pro-Oxidant Activity of Polyphenols Extracts of Syrah and Chardonnay Grapevine Pomaces on Melanoma Cancer Cells.

The phenolic composition of Syrah and Chardonnay grape pomaces was studied to assess their antioxidant and prooxidant properties. Polyphenols were extracted by a "green" hydroalcoholic solvent (ethanol/water 1:1 v/v), and a detailed chemical and electrochemical characterization of the phenolic compounds was performed. The antioxidant and prooxidant capacity of the pomace was first studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and other reference analytical assays, then with biological tests on B16F10 metastatic melanoma cancer cells. Electrochemical data showed that, when a +0.5 V potential was applied, a low to moderate antioxidant capacity was observed. MTT test showed an increasing viability of melanoma cells, after treatments at low concentration (up to 100 μg/mL) and for a short time (6 h), but when cells were treated with higher doses of extract (≥250 μg/mL for 12/24 h), their viability decreased from 25 to 50% vs. control, depending on treatment time, dose, and extract origin. A stronger prooxidant activity resulted when 250 μg/mL of extract was combined with non-toxic doses of H2O2; this activity was correlated with the presence of copper in the extracts. This study shows the potential of winemaking by-products and suggests the opportunity to exploit them for the production of cosmeceuticals, or for combined therapies with approved anticancer drugs.

Toxicity of Toddalia asiatica is associated with microcephaly and hypochondroplasia in mice

In Kenya various plant extracts are widely used as folklore remedies for various ailments including malaria etc. However, use of these traditional remedies poses a risk to the users due to the scarcity of data on their safety including their teratogenic potential. Hence this study evaluated the teratogenic and sub-acute toxic effects of methanol: dichloromethane extract of Toddalia asiatica in animal mice. In the study, young female mice aged between 6-7weeks were mated with mature males and conception confirmed using vaginal plug, maternal weight and breast enlargement. Administration of the dosed of the plant extract and controls was done from day 6 through 15 of gestation. The mice were euthanized on the 19th day of gestation. The weight of the gravid uterus, pups, number of pups and gross examination to identify any physical abnormalities was done. In the toxicity study male mice aged between 6-7 weeks received oral administration of high doses of plant extract and the control daily for 28days. On the 29th day animals were sacrificed, cardiac puncture conducted and collected blood for hematology and biochemistry analysis. The data obtained was analyzed using one way ANOVA followed by Tukey as the post hoc test. Statistical significance was set p &lt; 0.05. The extracts caused significant reduction (p&lt;0.001) in head size, birth weights and length of the limbs but no effects on hematology parameters. Hence the plant extract exhibited teratogenic effects and thus should be used with care during pregnancy.

The Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Justicia Secunda on Kidney Function in Female Wistar Rats

Purpose: The kidneys serve as the excretory organ of the body. The assessment of serum creatinine, urea, and electrolytes (Na+, K+, HCO3-, Cl-) are crucial and sensitive biochemical markers that are usually involved in the diagnosis of renal impairments (Agbasi et al. 2010; Tietz, 2008; Yakubu et al. 2003).&#x0D; Methodology: Thirty-six animals were grouped into 6, with 6 rats in each group. The animals were housed at room temperature in metal cages. Animals in each group had access to clean water and commercial standard rodent pellets. Group 1 (control group) received distilled water, Groups 2-6 were treated orally with low, middle, and high doses of ethanolic extract of Justicia secunda leaves daily for 42 days.&#x0D; Findings: A significant increase in the level of urea concentration was observed compared to the control. From the present study, Na+, K+, Cl-, and HCO3 increased significantly in the moderate and high dose groups.&#x0D; Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: In conclusion, this study indicates that ethanolic extract of Justicia secunda increased the serum level of urea, creatinine, and electrolytes.

Dose-dependent effects of neem crude extract on human dental pulp cell and murine osteoblast viability and mineralization

Neem has been used as a medicine due to its beneficial properties such as anti-microbial effects. Neem products for oral application are on the rise. Before recommendation for therapeutic use in human, its effects on cellular activities need to be examined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test the effects of the ethanolic neem crude extract on dental pulp cells and osteoblasts in terms of cell viability, mineralization, and gene expressions. The ethanolic neem extract derived from dry neem leaves was subjected to chemical identification using GC-MS. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and pre-osteoblasts (MC3T3) were treated with various concentrations of the neem crude extract. Cell viability, mineralization, and gene expressions were investigated by MTT assay, real-time PCR, and alizarin red S assay, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett test. GC-MS detected several substance groups such as sesquiterpene. Low to moderate doses of the neem crude extract (4 - 16 µg/ml) did not affect hDPSC and MC3T3 viability, while 62.5 µg/ml of the neem extract decreased MC3T3 viability. High doses of the neem crude extract (250 - 1,000 µg/ml) significantly reduced viability of both cells. The neem crude extract at 1,000 µg/ml also decreased viability of differentiated hDPSC and MC3T3 and their mineralization. Furthermore, 4 µg/ml of neem inhibited viability of differentiated hDPSC. There is no statistical difference in gene expressions related to cell differentiation. In conclusion, the neem crude extract affected cell viability and mineralization. Cell viability altered differently depending on the doses, cell types, and cell stages. The neem crude extract did not affect cell differentiation. Screening of its effect in various aspects should be examined before the application for human use.

Achyranthes Aspera Root Extract Attenuates the Damage Caused by High Fat Diet and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Wistar Rats

Achyranthes aspera is an herb found in the Indian subcontinent and has been used for decades because of its traditional anti-diabetic and antiobesity properties. Since studies are not reported on Achyranthes aspera protection in high-fat diet and diabetes-induced animal models, our aim was to investigate the protective effect of root extract of Achyranthesaspera on the combined effect of high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced biochemical changes in Wistar rats. To achieve this aim, the objectives of the study were to estimate the body weight, serum glucose, insulin, Glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c), Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA- IR), serum lipid profile, and liver glycogen among the Wistar rats which were divided into 6 groups having 6 rats in each group. Group 1 - control rats Group 2 - diabetic group rats, Group 3 – HFD diabetic rats and the rats from groups 4 to 6 were given a high-fat diet+ Streptozotocin 40 mg/kg + a low dose of root extract of Achyranthes aspera (250 mg/kg), high dose of root extract of Achyranthe saspera (500 mg/kg), metformin (250 mg/kg), respectively treated for 35 days. Body weight followed by serum glucose, insulin, HBA1C, HOMA- IR, serum lipid profile, and liver glycogen were evaluated. HFD + Diabetic group showed an elevated level of lipid profile and alterations in serum glucose, HbA1C, HOMAIR, Insulin and liver glycogen. Administration of Metformin and hydro alcoholic root extract of Achyranthes aspera500 mg/kg to HFD + diabetic group protected the biochemical alterations and serum insulin, glucose levels, HbA1c, HOMA- IR, liver glycogen. In comparison with HFD group, there was 1.76,2.02, and,1.3-fold decrease in Glucose levels in HFD+STZ+ Metformin, HFD+STZ+HEAA250, and HFD+STZ+HEAA500 groups respectively. In comparison with HFD group, there was a 1.38,1.15 and,1.59-fold increase in Insulin levels in HFD+STZ+ Metformin, HFD+STZ+HEAA250, and HFD+STZ+HEAA500 groups respectively. The HbA1C levels (mean±SEM) of control, STZ, HFD+STZ, HFD+STZ+ Metformin, HFD+STZ+HEAA250, and HFD+STZ+HEAA500 were 7.36±0.22,10.18±0.74,8.94±0.33,8.10±0.22,8.94±0.22 and 7.0±0.41 respectively. The HOMA-IR levels (mean±SEM) of control, STZ, HFD+STZ, HFD+STZ+ Metformin, HFD+STZ+HEAA250, andHFD+STZ+HEAA500were 2.08±0.12,3.99±0.85,17.05±3.53,1.61±0.28,2.46±0.74 and 2.01±0.20 respectively The study findings reveal the protective role of Achyranthesaspera on high-fat diet and a diabetic induced biochemical changes.

A study on anti-fatigue effects in rats by nanoemulsion and liposome prepared from American ginseng root residue extract

Ginseng root residue, a by-product obtained during ginseng beverage processing, was shown to contain a high amount of ginsenosides. This study aims to prepare nanoemulsion and liposome from American ginseng root residue extract (AGRE-NE and AGRE-LP) for evaluation of anti-fatigue effects in rats. The AGRE-NE was prepared by mixing an appropriate ratio of ginseng root residue extract, soybean oil, lecithin, Tween 80 and deionized water, while the AGRE-LP prepared by a suitable ratio of ginseng root residue, extract, Tween 80, phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, PEG400 and deionized water. Based on dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopic methods, the mean particle size was 10.4 and 12.3 nm for AGRE-NE respectively, while 53.5 and 61.2 nm for AGRE-LP. Also, both AGRE-NE and AGRE-LP showed a high stability over a 90-day storage period at 4 and 25°C, but the former possessed a lower stability at 80 and 100°C. The anti-fatigue experiment using a swimming rat model with caffeine as positive control demonstrated an extension of exhaustive swimming time and elevation of hepatic glycogen as well as a decline in both blood urea nitrogen and lactic acid levels, following administration with high and low doses of ginseng root residue extract, AGRE-NE and AGRE-LP. By comparison, both AGRE-NE and AGRE-LP showed a pronounced anti-fatigue effect in rats, with a great potential to be developed into a functional food or even a botanic drug.

Evaluation of Antidiabetic activity of the marine gastropod, Turbinella pyrum from Gulf of Mannar, India

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder and is becoming the world’s third “killer” together with cancer, cerebro and cardiovascular diseases due to its wide spread prevalence, morbidity and mortality. Modern anti-diabetic agents produce undesirable adverse effects. As a result, alternative therapy is required. A shift towards marine natural products is desperately needed. Hence, this research was carried to examine the antidiabetic activity of methanolic extract of Turbinella pyrum. Alloxan was induced to get experimental diabetes animals in albino rats. A comparison was made between the action of methanolic extract of Turbinella pyrum extracts and a known antidiabetic drug glibenclamide (600 μg/kg body wt). An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was also performed in experimental diabetic rats. The diabetic rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=6/group). Group I served as control and received distilled water. Group II served as standard (Glibenclamide 600μg/kg). Group III and IV received the methanolic extract of Turbinella pyrum at a dose of 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg respectively. Maximum effect was observed at 3 hours with the low (200 mg/kg) and high (400 mg/kg) doses of methanolic extract of Turbinella pyrum which exerted more pronounced effects (87.33mg/dl and 57.17mg/dl). The effects of methanolic extract of Turbinella pyrum were more than that of the standard drug glibenclamide. Treatment of diabetic rats with the methanolic extract of Turbinella pyrum improved the body weight that is 15.49g and 16.75g at 200 and 400mg/kg doses respectively. The glibenclamide treated diabetic rats also showed improved body weight (13.88). These results demonstrate significant antidiabetic potential of the methanolic extract of Turbinella pyrum (p&lt;0.01) and can be used for drug production in pharmaceutical industries.