Hydroalcoholic Extract Of Roots Research Articles

Effect of hydro-alcoholic root extract of Plumbago zeylanica l alone and its combination with aqueous leaf extract of Camellia sinensis on haloperidol induced parkinsonism in wistar rats.

Herbal medicines have been used to treat PD in ancient medical systems in Asian countries such as India, China, Japan and Korea based on their own anecdotal or experience-based theories. Mucuna pruriens commonly known asvelvet beans, or cow itch, are used in case of spasms associated with Parkinsonism. To investigate the antiparkinsonism activity of hydro alcoholic root extract of P. zeylanica L (PZE) aloneand its combination withaqueous extract of C. sinensis leaves (AECS) in Haloperidol induced model. Parkinsonism (PD) was induced by intraperitoneal administration of Haloperidol (1 mg/kg). The extracts/drugs being tested were administered orally (p.o) 60 min prior to the administration of the Haloperidol. Catalepsy was measured using the metal bar test. Haloperidol induced a time dependent increase in cataleptic score in rats, as compared to vehicle treated groups. All the groups ie L-dopa + carbidopa (syndopa), hydro-alcoholic extract of P. zeylanica alone and its combination with C. sinensis showed significantly (P<0.001) lower scores of catalepsy at all time periods as compared to Haloperidol. Results were analyzed by one way ANOVA followed by Dunnet's multiple comparison tests. It is concluded that P. zeylanica alone and its combination with C. sinensis exert a protective effect against PD, while bi-herbal extracts showed more significant protective effect. Hence it may offer a safer therapeutic approach to the treatment of PD and drug induced dyskinesia.

Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Salvadora persica in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Context: Many synthetic antidiabetic components show toxic and/or mutagenic effects. Hence, attention has been given to naturally occurring antidiabetic components. Identification of effective antidiabetic components from plants origin is an ideal strategy for new drug development. The fresh root, bark, and leaves of Salvadora persica L. (Salvadoraceae) have been used in folk medicine for the treatment of a wide range of medical problems such as cough, asthma, scurvy, piles, rheumatism, leprosy, and gonorrhea disorders.Objective: The S. persica root extract was investigated for the reduction of the risk of diabetes in diabetic rats.Material and methods: The hydro-alcoholic root extract, 200 and 400 mg/kg, was fed to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 21 d. Blood serum glucose, lipid profile, body weight, and food intake were monitored at 0, 7, 14, and 21 d after induction of diabetes.Results: S. persica hydro-alcoholic root extract was not toxic at doses up to 1200 mg/kg. Significant reduction of blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic rats treated with 400 mg/kg hydro-alcoholic root extract after 21 d versus diabetic control and glibenclamide-treated rats. The glibenclamide and root extract-treated group’s peak values of blood glucose significantly decreased from 281.50 to 106 mg/dL and 285.50 to 150.25 mg/dL, respectively. Hence, in this study, observations showed that root hydro-alcoholic reduced the blood glucose level in diabetic rats but values did not return to normal controls.Conclusion: The research suggests that the root extract was significantly effective when compared with control and standard in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia in diabetic rats. Therefore, it may be beneficial to diabetic patients.

The influence of aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts of roots and rhizomes of Rhodiola kirilowii on the course of pregnancy in mice.

Plants belonging to the Rhodiola genus, originating from Asia, are traditionally used as tonic, adaptogen, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory drugs. These plants have also potent immunomodulatory properties and in some situations possibly could be used instead of standard antibiotic therapy (e.g. during pregnancy or lactation). The aim of our present study was to establish whether aqueous (RKW) or hydro-alcoholic (RKW-A) extracts from roots and rhizomes of Rhodiola kirilowii given to pregnant mice influence the course of pregnancy and the number of progeny. Performed HPLC analysis showed that the RKW-A extract had a generally higher concentration of all identified polyphenols. The highest differences were observed for (+)-catechin, p-coumaric acid and naringenin. Everyday addition of the RKW or RKW-A extract did not change the length of pregnancy. At the same time, both RKW and RKW-A extracts significantly increased the number of mated females without offspring but only in the RKW-A group we noticed a few neonatal deaths in the first 5 days after delivery. The results reported in the present study do not encourage to the use of R. kirilowii hydro-alcoholic extracts supplementation during pregnancy and lactation, however the possibility of limited dietary intake of R. kirilowii water extract should be thoroughly examined.

Therapeutic effect of ashwagandha (Withania somniferaL.) in liver dysfunction of old dogs

The present study was aimed to assess the hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of hydro-alcoholic root extract of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) against liver dysfunction in geriatric canine. Geriatric canine (50) with hepatic dysfunction were divided randomly into 2 equal groups. The treatment group animals received principal therapy in combination with hydro-alcoholic root extract of W. somniferous for 28 consecutive days, while control group received only principal therapy as per the cause of disease which resulted in hepatic derangement. The herbal treatment of W. somnifera root extract significantly improved serum ALT, AST, albumin, cholesterol and protein levels. SOD, GSH, LPO and catalase levels regained to normal levels in treatment group animals in post-treatment period as compared to pre-treatment period. The results suggest that crude hydro-alcoholic root extract of W. somnifera possesses biologically active principles that are hepatoprotective and anti-oxidant in nature. It provides an opportunity of alternative therapy with medicinal plant for small animals that are not able to use the allopathic drugs.

Cute and Sub-Acute Toxicity Studies of Plumeria alba Linn. (Apocynaceae) Hydroalcoholic Extract in Rat

Plumeria alba Linn (Apocynaceae) is used in Togolese traditional medicine to treat diabetes mellitus and wounds. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the toxicity of hydroalcoholic extract of Plumeria alba roots in Sprague Dawley rats. The acute toxicity test was conducted by administering orally dose of 5 g/Kg. General behavior and mortality were examined for up to 14 days. The sub-acute toxicity test was performed by daily gavage at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/Kg for 28 days. Body weight and blood glucose were measured weekly. Hematological and biochemical parameters, relative organ weight were determined at the end of the 28 days administration. In acute study, no adverse effect of the extract was observed at 5.0 g/Kg. Sub-acute oral administration of the extract at the dose up to 1000 mg/Kg did not induce death or significant changes in body weight, relative weight of vital organs, hematological parameters and was not associated with liver and kidney toxicity.

Nephroprotector activity of hydro alcoholic extract of Tinospora cordifolia roots on cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective role of the Tinospora cordifolia root extract against cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats. MethodsIn the present study, the ethanol extract of roots of T. cordifolia (200 mg & 400 mg/kg bd.wt) was examined for its protective effect against cisplatin induced renal injury in rats. Thirty healthy male and female albino rats (150–200 g weight) were chosen and divided into five groups. Vehicle, cisplatin and ethanolic extract were given according to the experimental design. After 8 days of treatment, urinary functional parameters were analysed. ResultsHistopathological characters were examined after scarifying and dissecting the rats. Cisplatin (6 mg/kg) alone significantly elevated serum markers level, increased urinary protein excretion, reduced urine to serum creatinine ratio and creatinine clearance. In curative regimen, the extract significantly reduced the elevated serum creatinine and urea levels. Renal antioxidant defense systems, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxides activities and reduced glutathione level, depleted by cisplatin therapy were restored to normal by treatment with the extract. ConclusionThe present investigation suggests that the hydro alcoholic extract of roots of T. cordifolia has protective effect against cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity.

Antinociceptive Effects of Valeriana Extract in Mice: Involvement of the Dopaminergic and Serotonergic Systems

Valeriana officinalis has been extensively used as a herbal remedy in traditional medicine. However, there is no clear evidence on the antinociceptive effects of this plant. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of Valeriana officinalis hydroalcoholic extract on pain modulation and its possible mechanism in mice. Adult male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into nine experimental groups. They received i.p. injections of saline, hydroalcoholic root extract of Valeriana officinalis (800, 200, or 50 mg/kg), and morphine; four groups received Valeriana (800 mg/kg) + antagonists of the systems involved in antinociception effects, naloxone, ondansetron, metoclopramide, or scopolamine. Tail-flick and writhing tests were used for estimation of possible modulation of pain. The tail-flick latencies in the Valeriana 800 and 200 mg/kg, but not 50 mg/kg, morphine, and combined Valeriana 800 + + naloxone, ondansetron, metoclopramide, or scopolamine-treated groups were significantly longer than that in the control group. However, the tail-flick latencies in the Valeriana 800 mg/kg + ondansetronand metoclopramide-treated groups were significantly shorter than that upon single action of the extract (800 mg/kg). The numbers of writhings in the extract-treated groups were smaller than in the control one. The numbers of writhings in the Valeriana (800 mg/kg) + ondansetron- and metoclopramidetreated groups were significantly greater than in the extract (800 mg/kg) group. It is concluded that Valeriana officinalis extract possesses a clear analgesic effect and works through the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems.

Amaranthus roxburghianus root extract in combination with piperine as a potential treatment of ulcerative colitis in mice

The present work was undertaken to determine the effects of Amaranthus roxburghianus Nevski. (Amaranthaceae) root alone and in combination with piperine in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. Swiss albino mice were divided into seven groups (n = 6). Standard group received prednisolone (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Treatment groups received hydroalcoholic extract of roots of A. roxburghianus (50 and 100 mg/kg, per oral) and a combination of hydroalcoholic extract of roots of A. roxburghianus (50 and 100 mg/kg, per oral) and piperine (5 mg/kg, per oral). Ulcer index, colitis severity, myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde and glutathione were estimated from blood and tissue. Column chromatography of the extract was done and purified fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Treatment with the combination of hydroalcoholic extract of A. roxburghianus and piperine showed minimal ulceration, hemorrhage, necrosis and leucocyte infiltration by histopathological observation. Acetic acid increased MPO levels in blood and colon tissue to 355 U/mL and 385 U/mg, respectively. The combination of hydroalcoholic extract of A. roxburghianus (100 mg/kg) and piperine (5 mg/kg) significantly decreased MPO in blood and tissue to 182 U/mL and 193 U/mg, respectively (P < 0.05). Similarly, this combination significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels and increased glutathione levels in blood and tissue. Various phytoconstituents were detected by GC-MS. The combination of hydroalcoholic extract of A. roxburghianus and piperine is effective in the treatment of UC and the effects are comparable with the standard drug prednisolone. 4H-pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl, eugenol and benzene, and 1-(1,5-dimethyl-4-hexenyl)-4-methyl are reported having analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties; they may play a role in the biological activity of A. roxburghianus root.

Effect of Boerhaavia diffusa in experimental prostatic hyperplasia in rats

Objective:Present investigation was undertaken to study the effectiveness of hydroalcoholic extract of roots of Boerhaavia diffusa in experimental benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in rats using various animal models.Materials and Methods:BPH in rats was induced by subcutaneous injection of testosterone (5 mg/kg) daily for 28 days. Rats were divided in to five groups (six rats each). A negative control group received arachis oil (1 ml/kg s.c.) and four groups were injected testosterone. These four groups were further divided into reference group (finasteride 1 mg/kg), model group (testosterone), study group A (B. diffusa 100 mg/kg), and study group B (B. diffusa 250 mg/kg). On the 29th day, rats were sacrificed and body weight, prostate weight, bladder weight, and serum testosterone level were measured and histological studies were carried out. Further in vitro analysis of B. diffusa extract on contractility of isolated rat vas deferens and prostate gland, produced by exogenously administered agonists were carried out. All results were expressed as mean ± SEM. 0 Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's test.Results:B. diffusa (100 mg/kg) treatment for 28 days resulted in significant inhibition of prostate growth (P < 0.05). Drug extract did not have significant change on serum testosterone level. Histopathological analysis of prostate gland supported above results. Results of in vitro experiment suggest that extracts had attenuated the contractile responses of isolated vas deferens and prostate gland to exogenously applied agonists.Conclusion:The results suggested that treatment with B. diffusa may improve symptoms of disease and inhibit the increased prostate size. In vitro study implies that herbal extracts has the machinery to produce beneficial effect on prostatic smooth muscle, which would relieve the urinary symptoms of disease. B. diffusa could be a potential source of new treatment of prostatic hyperplasia.

The effect of hydroalkoholic extract urtica dioica on concentrations of sex hormones in adult male rats

Nowadays using herbal products as an alternative or supplement to contraceptive synthetic drugs is common. There are reports of anti-estrogenic effects of nettle resulting in sterility in mammals. We asked if hydro-alcoholic extract of the nettle root (Urtica diocia) could alter serum concentrations of hormones; gandotropins and testosterone, in adult male rats. Materials and Methods: 80 adult male rats were randomly divided into 8 groups of 10. Three groups received 300, 600 and 1000 mg/ kg body weight of hydro-alcoholic extract of nettle root intraperitoneally for 3 days to lethal dose.In remaing groups, one as control, another as sham, and three others received 75, 150, 300 mg/kg body weight for 20 days. The rats were then sacrificed and FSH and LH serum concentrations were determined by ELISA. Results: The nettle extract increased LH significantly (P<0.05), whereas the effect on FSH was variable and nonsignificant. The extract tended to increase testosterone serum concentration but did not reach significant level. Conclusion: Hydro-alcoholic extract of nettle root has a positive effect on LH hormone at the dose of 300 mg/kg body weight.

Evaluation of the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Berberis vulgaris root on the activity of liver enzymes in male hypercholesterolemic rats.

Hyperlipidemia can cause a variety of diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and fatty liver which is followed by increased liver enzymes. Since Berberis vulgaris (B. vulgaris) root possesses antioxidant properties, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of its extract on the activity of liver enzymes in rats. In this experimental study, sixty Wistar rats were selected and allocated to six groups of ten each. The control group received a normal diet and the sham group received a fatty diet while the other groups including experimental groups received a fatty diet and the alcoholic extract of B. vulgaris at minimum (75 mg/kg), moderate (150 mg/kg), and maximum (300 mg/kg) doses by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) or oral atorvastatin (10 mg /kg) with a fatty diet. At the end of this 21-day period, blood samples were drawn and the levels of the intended factors were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 11.5. The comparison of the obtained results showed that the levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymes in the sham group that only received fatty food increased (p≤0.05), whereas in the treatment groups receiving B. vulgaris extract as well as in the group receiving Atorvastatin, these enzymes significantly decreased; however, no significant changes were observed in aspartate transaminase (AST) levels. Noticing the antioxidant properties of B. vulgaris root extract and its effects on reducing the activity of liver enzymes, the extract of this plant can be a good choice for improving the function of liver.

Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic Effect of Salacia Oblonga in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a standardized hydroalcoholic root extract of Sala¬cia oblonga (SOE) on the Random Blood Glucose (RBG) levels, serum insulin, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and the serum lipid profile in long standing, experimentally induced Diabetes Mellitus (DM) with glibenclamide (Glb) as the standard. Streptozotocin (STZ) induced, dia-betic, Wistar rats of either sex were treated with two oral doses of SOE, 100 and 50mg/kg body wt /day, for a period of 16 weeks. The RBG was estimated at day-1 and at the end of the 16 weeks by using a glucometer. The fasting serum insulin was determined by an ELISA technique. The plasma HbA1c was evaluated by a Turbidimetric Inhibition Immunoassay (TINIA) and the lipid profile was estimated enzymatically. A 45% decrease in the RBG was seen after the treatment with the higher dose of SOE, whereas a 44% decrease was observed with the lower dose as com¬pared to the diabetic control. Serum insulin was significantly increased (P<0.05) in all the treated groups as compared to the diabetic control. Plasma HbA1c was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The serum Triacyl Glycerol (TG) levels were signifi¬cantly decreased (P<0.05) in the treated rats as compared to the diabetic control. A significant increase in HDL-cholesterol (P<0.05) in the diabetic rats as a result of the 100mg/kg SOE treatment was a remarkable finding. SOE improves the glycaemic parameters in diabetic rats after a prolonged treatment. The serum TG levels were normalized on treatment. A higher dose of the extract could not alter the parameters significantly, except for HDL-C.

Effect of bergapten from Heracleum nepalense root on production of proinflammatory cytokines

In the present investigation, the anti-inflammatory activity of isolated bergapten from hydroalcoholic extract of Heracleum nepalense root was evaluated in vitro using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Bergapten exhibited significant inhibition of the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely tumour necrotic factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by PBMCs stimulated with lipopolysaccharide in a concentration-dependent manner.

Protective effect of hydroalcoholic root extract of Rubia cordifolia in indomethacin-induced enterocolitis in rats

This study was undertaken to investigate the possible effect of hydroalcoholic root extract of Rubia cordifolia against indomethacin-induced enterocolitis in rats. Male Wistar rats received vehicle or hydroalcoholic root extract of Rubia cordifolia (300 and 600 mg/kg) for 11 consecutive days. Enterocolitis was induced by subcutaneous administration of indomethacin (7.5 mg/kg) on 8(th) and 9(th) day. The colonic mucosal injury was assessed by macroscopic scoring and histopathological examination. Furthermore, the serum lactate dehydrogenase activity was estimated. Indomethacin treatment to rats produced acute intestinal inflammation, manifested by a thickening of the bowel wall, mesenteric haemorrhage, mesentery adhesion and multiple mucosal ulcers of small intestine and colon. Treatment with hydroalcoholic root extract of Rubia cordifolia revealed less damage to intestinal tissue and decreased serum lactate dehydrogenase activity which was elevated by induction of colitis. The present data suggests protective effect of Rubia cordifolia in indomethacin-induced enterocolitis and may be beneficial in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

Psychotropic activity of Argyreia speciosa roots in experimental animals

Argyreia speciosa (L.f.) Sweet (convolvulaceae) commonly known as Briddhadaraka is regarded as a “Rasayana” drug in the ayurvedic system of medicine to cure diseases of nervous system. In this study, hydroalcoholic root extract of A. speciosa was subjected to evaluate psychotropic effects in classical experimental models. Effect of the extract on spontaneous motor activity, pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, motor coordination, exploratory behavior, and apomorphine-induced stereotypy were investigated in mice. Effect of the extract on catalepsy and haloperidol-induced catalepsy were studied in rats. Preliminary phytochemical and acute toxicity screenings were also performed. The extract (100, 200, and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly decreased spontaneous motor activity, exploratory behavior, and prolonged pentobarbital sleeping time in mice. The extract also remarkably attenuated the intensity of apomorphine-induced stereotypy but had no effect on motor coordination. The extract produced catalepsy and potentiated haloperidol-induced catalepsy in rats. These results provide evidence that the hydroalcoholic extract of A. speciosa roots may contain psychoactive substances that are sedative in nature with possible neuroleptic properties.

Metabolic profiling of roots of liquorice ( Glycyrrhiza glabra) from different geographical areas by ESI/MS/MS and determination of major metabolites by LC-ESI/MS and LC-ESI/MS/MS

Liquid chromatography electrospray mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS) has been applied to the full characterization of saponins and phenolics in hydroalcoholic extracts of roots of liquorice ( Glycyrrhiza glabra). Relative quantitative analyses of the samples with respect to the phenolic constituents and to a group of saponins related to glycyrrhizic acid were performed using LC-ESI/MS. For the saponin constituents, full scan LC–MS/MS fragmentation of the protonated (positive ion mode) or deprotonated (negative ion mode) molecular species generated diagnostic fragment ions that provided information concerning the triterpene skeleton and the number and nature of the substituents. On the basis of the specific fragmentation of glycyrrhizic acid, an LC–MS/MS method was developed in order to quantify the analyte in the liquorice root samples. Chinese G. glabra roots contained the highest levels of glycyrrhizic acid, followed by those from Italy (Calabria).

Evaluation of anti-oxidant activities and total phenol and flavonoid content of the hydro-alcoholic extracts of Rhodiola sp.

Rhodiola sp. (R. heterodanta and R. imbricata), belonging to the stone crop family Crassulaceae, is an important medicinal plant and food crop in Trans-Himalayan cold desert. It is a well known medicinal plant in the Amchi system of medicine (Tibetan system of medicine) being used in various ailments like anti-stress, radio-protective, anticancer, anti-inflammatory agent, adaptogen etc. Hydro- alcoholic extracts of Rhodiola sp. root and shoot were investigated in the present study to quantify total Phenolic as well as anti-oxidant activity. Total phenolic contents were determined as total flavonoids (TF), and total polyphenols (TPP). Rhodiola heterodanta root extract had highest amount of total phenol and flavonoids are found to be 79.21±.26 mg GAE/g and 269.3±.82mg Qc/g respectively. In vitro antioxidant activity was investigated by DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power assay. R. imbricata hydro-alcoholic root extract showed the highest reducing power and DPPH. radical scavenging. A significant correlation existed between concentrations of the extract and percentage inhibition of free radicals and reducing power. These results clearly indicate that Rhodiola sp. are effective against free radical mediated diseases and also helpful to draw special attention for further studies.

Protective effect of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Rubia cordifolia roots against ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis in rats

This study investigated the protective effect of the hydro-alcoholic extract of roots of Rubia cordifolia Linn. (HARC) against ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis and its possible underlying mechanisms using male Wistar albino rats. Ethylene glycol feeding resulted in hyperoxaluria, hypocalciuria as well as increased renal excretion of phosphate. Supplementation with HARC significantly prevented change in urinary calcium, oxalate and phosphate excretion dose-dependently. The increased calcium and oxalate levels and number of calcium oxalate crystals deposits in the kidney tissue of calculogenic rats were significantly reverted by HARC treatment. The HARC supplementation also prevents the impairment of renal functions. Results Indicate that the HARC can protect against ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis as it reduced and prevented the growth of urinary stones. Therefore, HARC is helpful to prevent the recurrence of the disease as it showed its effect on early stages of stone development. The mechanism underlying this effect is mediated possibly through an antioxidant, nephroprotection and its effect on the urinary concentration of stone-forming constituents and risk factors.

Tinospora cordifolia induces enzymes of carcinogen/drug metabolism and antioxidant system, and inhibits lipid peroxidation in mice

The present study is an effort to identify a potent chemopreventive agent against various diseases (including cancer) in which oxidative stress plays an important causative role. Here, we investigated the effect of a hydroalcoholic (80% ethanol: 20% distilled water) extract of aerial roots of Tinospora cordifolia (50 and 100mg/kg body wt./day for 2 weeks) on carcinogen/drug metabolizing phase-I and phase-II enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, glutathione (GSH) content, lactate dehydrogenase and lipid peroxidation in liver of 8-week-old Swiss albino mice. The modulatory effect of the extract was also examined on extrahepatic organs, i.e., lung, kidney and forestomach, for the activities of GSH S-transferase (GST), DT-diaphorase (DTD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Significant increases in the levels of acid-soluble sulfhydryl (-SH) and cytochrome P(450) contents, and enzyme activities of cytochrome P(450) reductase, cytochrome b(5) reductase, GST, DTD, SOD, catalase, GSH peroxidase (GPX) and GSH reductase (GR) were observed in the liver. Both treated groups showed decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. In lung SOD, catalase and GST; in kidney SOD and catalase; and in forestomach SOD, DTD and GST showed significant increase at both dose levels of treatment. BHA (0.75%, w/w in diet), a pure antioxidant compound, was used as a positive control. This group showed increase in hepatic levels of GSH content, cytochrome b(5), DTD, GST, GR and catalase, whereas MDA formation was inhibited significantly. In the BHA-treated group, the lung and kidney showed increased levels of catalase, DTD and GST, whereas SOD was significantly increased in the kidney and forestomach; the latter also showed an increase in the activities of DTD and GST. The enhanced GSH level and enzyme activities involved in xenobiotic metabolism and maintaining antioxidant status of cells are suggestive of a chemopreventive efficacy of T. cordifolia against chemotoxicity, including carcinogenicity, which warrants further investigation of active principle (s) present in the extract responsible for the observed effects employing various carcinogenesis models.

Evaluation of the trypanocidal and leishmanicidal in vitro activity of the crude hydroalcoholic extract of Pfaffia glomerata (Amarathanceae) roots

Three different concentrations (1, 10 and 50 microg/ml) of lyophilized hydroalcoholic crude extract of Pfaffia glomerata roots were assayed in vitro against strains of Trypanosoma cruzi (Y) and Leishmania braziliensis. It was observed that P. glomerata hydroalcoholic extract was relatively active within the tested concentrations for L. (V) braziliensis, but inactive against T. cruzi. Despite the fact that both protozoans belong to the Trypanosomatidae family, we suggest that the difference observed for activity should be related to the biological differences between the two parasite species.