Aegle Marmelos Leaf Extract Research Articles

Aegle marmelos leaf extract ameliorates the cognitive impairment and oxidative stress induced by intracerebroventricular streptozotocin in male rats

AimsAegle marmelos (L.) Correa (A. marmelos) has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a brain tonic however its neuroprotective effect against streptozotocin (STZ) induced cognitive impairment and oxidative stress has not been reported yet in vivo. Therefore, the present study was attempted to investigate the neuroprotective potential of ethanolic extract of A. marmelos leaves (AME) on STZ induced memory impairment in male rats. Main methodsAlbino Wistar rats were pre-treated orally with AME at the doses 200 and 400 mg/kg for two weeks, followed by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of STZ (3 mg/kg) on day 1 and 3. Two weeks after STZ administration, behavioural parameters were monitored using Morris water maze task. Biochemical and histopathological studies were carried out after three weeks of STZ administration. The levels of oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione, nitrite, catalase) neuroinflammatory mediators; tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were estimated in hippocampus of rat brain. Donepezil (5 mg/kg) was taken as a standard drug. Key findingsThe levels of MDA, nitrite, TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly increased while glutathione levels were significantly decreased in hippocampus of STZ-treated rats. Further, a significant decrease in the activity of catalase and increase in AChE activity was observed indicating cholinergic hypofunction and neuronal damage in STZ-treated animals. All these alterations were significantly ameliorated by AME in a dose dependent manner. SignificanceThe neuroprotective potential of A. marmelos against STZ induced oxidative stress and cognitive deficit in rats indicates its therapeutic value in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Photocatalytic degradation of toxic phenols from water using bimetallic metal oxide nanostructures

Bimetallic metal oxide (BMO) are extremely useful heterogeneous and recoverable catalyst owing to improved semiconducting efficiency, cationic impurities and supports. Hence, their synthesis via ecofriendly green route based on biogenic sources (natural surfactant–water) is highly encouraging. Herein, three BMO nanoparticles, namely Ni-Cu oxide (NiCuO), Cu-Cr oxide (CuCr2O4) and Ni-Cr oxide (NiCrO3) were synthesized after employing Aegle marmelos leaf extract. Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed that highly crystalline BMO formed were below 50 nm with variable shapes, like nanorods of Ni-Cu oxide; nanospheres of Ni-Cr oxide and nanoflowers of Cu-Cr oxide. Successively, photocatalytic potential of BMO nanoparticles were evaluated for removal of various harmful phenols (phenol, 2, 4-dinitrophenol and 3-aminophenol) from simulated water. Under optimized conditions (phenol concentration: 1 × 10−4 M; catalyst dose: 15 mg; pH: ∼7.0), 3-aminophenol was supremely removed (97% Ni-Cu oxide > 95% Ni-Cr oxide > 92% Cu-Cr oxide) followed by phenol (95% Ni-Cu oxide > 92% Ni-Cr oxide > 89% Cu-Cr oxide) and 2,4-DNP (91% Ni-Cu oxide > 89% Ni-Cr oxide > 87% Cu-Cr oxide). Results seemed to appear in accordance of highest value of zeta potential, BET surface area and uniform distribution of Ni-Cu oxide. The maximum catalytic degradation of 3-aminophenol among other phenols was credited to its highest basicity. Minor and lesser-toxic metabolites like oxalic acid, benzoquinone, (Z)-hex-3-enedioic acid, (Z)-but-2-enal, (Z)-4-oxobut-2-enoic acid were identified, later undergo mineralization. Overall, green synthesized BMO nanocomposites are cheap, reusable (n = 10) with properties of greater active sites, high surface activity, low band gap with charge separation and semiconducting nature and recommended for bright future of environment.

Green synthesis of NiO nanoparticles using Aegle marmelos leaf extract for the evaluation of in-vitro cytotoxicity, antibacterial and photocatalytic properties

In the present study, we report the green synthesis of NiO nanoparticles using Aegle marmelos as a fuel and this method is ecofriendly and cost effective. The plant Aegle marmelos is used in the field of pharmaceuticals to cure diseases like chronic diarrhea, peptic ulcers and dysentery in India for nearly 5 centuries. The as-prepared nanoparticles were confirmed as pure face centered cubic phase and single crystalline in nature by XRD. The formation of agglomerated spherical nanoparticles was shown by HR-SEM and HR-TEM images. The particle size calculated from HR-SEM was in the range 8–10 nm and it matches with the average crystallite size calculated from the XRD pattern. NiO shows intense emission peaks at 363 and 412 nm in its PL spectra. The band gap of 3.5 eV is observed from DRS studies and the formation of pure NiO is confirmed by FT-IR spectra. The as-prepared NiO nanoparticles show super paramagnetic behavior, when magnetization studies are carried out. It is then evaluated for cytotoxic activity towards A549 cell culture, antibacterial activity and photocatalytic degradation (PCD) of 4‑chlorophenol (4‑CP), which is known as the endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC). From the results, it is found that the cell viability of A549 cells was effectively reduced and it showed better antibacterial activity towards gram positive bacterial strains. It is also proved to be an efficient and stable photocatalyst towards the degradation of 4‑CP.

Nontargeted analysis and cancer cells cytotoxicity of Aegle marmelos Correa Ex Roxb.

Background: Aegle marmelos belongs to the family Rutaceae, a medium-sized perennial tree which grows in subtropical and tropical parts of India and South-East Asia. Studies have reported that leaf extracts of A. marmelos have anticancer, cardiotonic, antidyslipidemic, and hypoglycemic effects and were ethnologically used for the treatment of dropsy, opthalmitis, ulcers, beri beri, and cholera. Objective: In the present study, we have carried out nontargeted analysis of the leaf extract of A. marmelos Correa ex Roxb., by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and estimated the inhibitory concentration (IC50) in human cancer cell lines using MCF-7, H-460, and SF-268. Materials and Methods: Dried leaves of A. marmelos were extracted with 50% aqueous alcohol using Soxhlet apparatus. The dried extract was suspended in water and re-extracted with petroleum ether and the fraction was named as AMPEF (petroleum ether fraction of Aegle marmelos leaf extract); the dry yield of the AMPEF was found to be 7.56% (w/w). Nontargeted GC/MS analysis of AMPEF was performed using Shimadzu QP 2000 GC equipped with ULBON-HR-5 capillary column and mass spectrometer as detector. The cancer cell lines were obtained from the National Centre for Cell Science, Pune. In vitro cytotoxic activity of AMPEF on cancer cell lines was conducted using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium assay. Results: GC/MS analysis of the AMPEF enabled the identification of 26 compounds, and IC50of AMPEF in MCF-7, H-460, and SF-268 was found to be 0.53 ± 0.10, 0.65 ± 0.05, and 0.18 ± 0.01 μg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: The AMPEF was found to be a potential cytotoxic agent against the used cell lines. Abbreviations used: AMPEF: Petroleum ether fraction of leaf extract of Aegle marmelos; DMBA: 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene; IC: Inhibitory concentration; MTT:3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; NIST: National Institute of Standards and Technology; RT: Retention time; TIC: Total ion chromatogram.

Aegle marmelos differentially affects hepatic markers of glycolysis, insulin signalling pathway, hypoxia, and inflammation in HepG2 cells grown in fructose versus glucose-rich environment.

Fructose consumption is responsible for the onset of insulin resistance (IR), and metabolic syndrome. It possesses no functional utility in body and its detrimental effects on hepatic metabolic milieu are beyond those produced by glucose. The need of the hour is to identify fructose-induced IR as an unique pathological state to be managed differentially. The effect of aqueous leaf extract of Aegle marmelos (AM) on hepatic markers of insulin resistance using HepG2 cells cultured in either fructose or glucose-rich environment is investigated. Human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) were grown under standard conditions in either-DMEM without glucose (NC), DMEM with high glucose 25mM (Glu), DMEM-glucose+0.55mM fructose (FC1), DMEM-glucose+1mM fructose (FC2) or DMEM-glucose+1mM fructose+0.1µM insulin (FC3). The cells were treated with either AM, rutin, quercetin, metformin or pioglitazone and assessed for levels of hexokinase, phosphofructokinase (PFK), aldehyde dehydrogenase, phosphatidylinositol kinase (PI3K), signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3), mitochondrial target of rapamycin (mTOR), hypoxia-induced factor (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α). Summarily, when results from fructose- and glucose-rich environment were compared, then (1) IR was more pronounced in former; (2) AM performed better in former; (3) metformin and pioglitazone were equivocal in either; (4) rutin and quercetin showed deviant effects from AM; and lastly (5) effects of rutin were closer to AM than quercetin. We hypothesize that AM ameliorates fructose-induced IR through a mechanism which is distinct from standard drugs and not shared by individual phytoconstituents in toto.

Phytochemicals mediated synthesis of multifunctional Ag-Au-TiO2 heterostructure for photocatalytic and antimicrobial applications

In this study, Ag-Au bimetallic composite type nanoparticles (∼13 nm) were prepared in aqueous media using Aegle marmelos leaf extract. Upon etching with ammonia solution, the formed ∼13 nm particles were reduced to ∼5 nm spherical alloy type Ag-Au with higher Au content (∼82.0%). In addition, with Tetrabutyl orthotitanate introduction in the same reaction media, Ag-Au-TiO2 heterostructures (∼9 nm) were obtained. The synthesized nanoparticles of various types were analyzed by UV–Vis. and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, HR-TEM, and FTIR techniques. It was found that among the synthesized particles, Ag-Au-TiO2 heterostructures displayed promising PL properties, superior photocatalytic activity towards SDBS degradation, and antimicrobial activity against the studied bacterium, Escherichia coli. The multifunctionality of these particles may be useful for many industrial applications such as catalysis to waste water treatment.

Oxidative Stress in Liver of Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats: Ameliorating Role of Aegle Marmelos Leaf Extract

Oxidative Stress in Liver of Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats: Ameliorating Role of Aegle Marmelos Leaf Extract

A promising technique of Aegle marmelos leaf extract mediated self‐assembly for silver nanoprism formation

The Aegle marmelos leaf extract (LE) mediated synthesis of prismatic and spherical Ag nanoparticles (NPs) has been studied. The formation of prismatic structures from spherical NPs was observed microscopically using scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and atomic force microscope. The shape transformation from spherical NPs to prismatic nanostructures was studied by simply changing LE concentration, keeping constant AgNO3 concentration (1 mM). The role of pH toward prism formation and the effect of sonication on the formed structures were also investigated. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized Ag spherical/prismatic NPs was evaluated against gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and on a phytopathogen Fusarium solani. This green synthesis approach for the synthesis of prismatic Ag nanostructures may be useful for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy application for the detection of low concentration organic molecules, apart from the studied antimicrobial activity. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 3670–3680, 2017

Aegle marmelos Leaf Extract is an Effective Herbal Remedy in Reducing Hyperglycemic Condition: A Pre-clinical Study

Diabetes is one of the alarming health problem in Pakistan. According to international diabetes federation (IDF), about 7 million Pakistanis are victims of diabetes accounting a total of 3% population. Most of Pakistanis still prefer to use herbal medicines for almost all of their health issues. Aegle marmelos (commonly known as the bael tree) is highly reputed ayurvedic medicinal tree as it has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. In this pre-clinical work, 32 mice were induced for diabetes via injecting alloxan intraperitoneally at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight and mice having 104-170 mg/dl sugar level were considered diabetic. All mice were divided into two groups, each group with three sub-groups containing normal, control and diabetic mice. One group was given normal feed whereas other group was given a food containing Aegle marmelos leaf extract at 300 mg/kg body weight as an effective dose against alloxan induced hyperglycemia. The experiments lasted for 60 days and blood samples (05 ml to 1.0 ml) were collected from coccygeal vein of rats on 1st day, 30th day and 60th day of the experiment in heparinized tubes and blood glucose level was measured using spectrophotometer by enzymatic kit at a wavelength of 540nm. It was observed that the Aegle marmelos leaf extract is an effective herbal remedy in reducing and maintaining the glucose level in normal and hyperglycemic mice

Aegle marmelosLeaf Extract and Plant Surfactants Mediated Green Synthesis of Au and Ag Nanoparticles by Optimizing Process Parameters Using Taguchi Method

The Taguchi method was used to optimize the phytochemicals mediated green synthesis parameters of silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanoparticles. The ratio of respective metal ion precursor to Aegle marmelos leaf extract, plant based surfactants (Reetha, Acacia, and Shikakai), pH, temperature, and color of the light source were chosen as significant parameters affecting the size of the nanoparticles. The Ag (∼13 nm) and Au (∼23 nm) nanoparticles with narrow size distributions were produced after optimization of process parameters by the Taguchi method. Statistical analysis based on experimental results indicates that the pH and temperature have greater influence on the Ag nanoparticles size, whereas it is surfactant media and temperature for the Au nanoparticles. The square plate type nanoplates of Au with edge length of ∼630 nm and width ∼45 nm were also obtained by just changing the process parameters. This study shows the suitability of the Taguchi methodology in green synthesis and obtaining desired size nanoparticles for simple, one-pot, economical, and large scale production.

Interaction of aqueous leaf extract of Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. with cholinergic, serotonergic and adrenergic receptors: an ex vivo study.

Objectives:The aim was to study interaction of aqueous leaf extract of Aegle marmelos (AM) with cholinergic, serotonergic, and adrenergic receptor systems using appropriate rat tissues-ileum, fundus and tracheal chain, respectively.Materials and Methods:Cumulative concentration-response curves (CRC) were constructed at various doses on each tissue for AM and respective standard agonist. The CRC was again plotted in presence and absence of respective standard antagonist to confirm the interaction of receptor system and AM.Results:AM induced concentration-dependent contractions in isolated rat ileum (0.2–6.4 mg/ml) and fundus (0.2–3.2 mg/ml) that were inhibited significantly (P < 0.05) in the presence of atropine (10−7 M) and ketanserin (10−6 M), respectively. The relaxant effect, produced by AM (0.2 mg/ml) on carbachol (10−5 M) precontracted rat tracheal chain, was also inhibited significantly (P < 0.05) by propranolol (1 ng/ml).Conclusion:It may be concluded that AM possesses agonistic activity on cholinergic, serotonergic and adrenergic receptors.

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using aqueous Aegle marmelos leaf extract and their application for thiamine detection

Nanoparticles of noble metals, especially gold nanoparticles are studied extensively because of their new and amazing properties. Among several synthesis techniques, green synthesis of nanoparticles is promising in recent years. In this study, we investigated the potential of Aegle marmelos leaf extract (LE) in reduction of HAuCl4 to form ∼38.2 ± 10.5 nm spherical shape polyphenol capped gold nanoparticles. The stoichiometric proportion of the LE to HAuCl4 and the equilibrium time to complete the reduction process for the nanoparticle formation were also identified. The total reaction time was observed to be within ∼30 min from the particle formation kinetics study. The as-synthesized gold nanoparticles capped with polyphenols of leaf extract were shown to be very effective for the detection of vitamin B or thiamine to a minimum concentration of ∼0.5 μM.

Effect of Aegle marmelos leaf extract on N-methyl N-nitrosourea-induced hepatocarcinogensis in Balb/c mice

Context and objective: Tobacco smoke and nitrostable foods containing N-methyl N-nitrosourea (MNU) are among the primary causes of liver cancer. To substantiate the beneficial claims ascribed to Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa (Rutaceae), the hepatoprotective potential of its leaf extract was studied using an MNU-induced hepatocarcinogenesis model in Balb/c mice.Materials and methods: After dose selection, 40 mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups: I (control), II (intraperitoneally (i.p.) primed with 50 mg/kg MNU), III (100 mg/kg A. marmelos hydroalcoholic extract (HEAM) i.p.) and IV (MNU + HEAM, i.p.). Inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6), anti-inflammatory (IL-4) cytokine expression, apoptosis (Bcl-2) and tumor-related (p53, c-jun) genes were assessed at mRNA level. HEAM effects on hematological parameters were examined.Results and discussion: HEAM treatment decreased IL-1β, IL-6, Bcl-2 and c-jun respectively expressions by 90, 25, 53 and 30%, respectively. p53 and IL-4 expression was up-regulated by 1.5- and 2-fold. MNU decreased hemoglobin concentration (25%), lymphocyte count (42%) and increased leukocyte (100%), platelet (4-fold), neutrophil (43%), monocyte (10-fold) and eosinophil (10-fold) counts in Group II mice while HEAM modulated the same parameters by −7%, −21%, +24%, +3-fold, +12%, +3-fold and +4-fold, respectively, in MNU-induced mice compared to control. HEAM protective effect was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy where the MNU-induced peak at 1252 cm−1 was normalized. DNA fragmentation data suggest apoptosis as one of the protective mechanisms of HEAM.Conclusion: The hepatoprotective, anti-carcinogenic and immunomodulatory effects of A. marmelos extract indicate potential beneficial effects in cancer therapy.

The effects of aqueous leaf extract of Aegle marmelos on immobilization-induced stress in male albino Wistar rats

Aim: Stress is the major problem in the modern world. Stress is one of the basic factors in the development of many diseases and has been exposed to be associated with altered homeostasis that may lead to antioxidant imbalance. Our aim was to evaluate the anti-stress activities of aqueous leaf extract of Aegle marmelos (AM) in immobilization-induced stress in rats. The anti-stress activities of AM were assessed by monitoring the change in the status of stress hormone, glucose, and non-enzymic antioxidants in immobilization-induced stress in rats. Materials and Methods: Immobilization stress was induced in rats by placing in 20 cm × 7 cm plastic tubes for 2 h/day for 21 days. Aqueous leaf extract of AM was given by gavage to the experimental rats at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight daily for 21 days. Results: Immobilization stress induced in rats for 21 days caused increased corticosterone, glucose levels and decreased levels of non-enzymic antioxidant such as Vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione in plasma, liver, and kidney. AM significantly increased the non-enzymic antioxidants and decreased the levels of corticosterone at the end of experimental period as compared to control. Conclusion: Natural antioxidants strengthen the endogenous antioxidant defenses from reactive oxygen species and restore an optimal balance by neutralizing the reactive species. They are gaining immense importance by virtue of their critical role in disease prevention. In this context, AM can rightly be mentioned as a plant of considerable interest. In the present study, treatment with AM was found to reverse the oxidative stress in the hypothalamus caused by immobilization stress. So, it is concluded that AM is having high antioxidant properties and anti-stress activity.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from aqueous Aegle marmelos leaf extract

Synthesis of nanoparticles by green route is an emerging technique drawing more attention recently because of several advantages over the convention chemical routes. The present study reports one-pot synthesis and in situ stabilization of silver nanoparticles using Aegle marmelos leaf extract. Nanoparticles of almost uniform spherical size (∼60nm) were synthesized within ∼25min reaction time at room temperature. The size of particles depends on the ratio of AgNO3 and leaf extract. The crystallinity, size, and shape of the nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy respectively. The size stability was attained by the capping effect of polyphenolic tannin compound, procatacheuate in the extract. The capped polyphenols can be removed from the particle surface by simple NaOH/methanol wash. The involvement of phenolic compounds in metal ion reduction and capping were supported by UV–visible spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, high performance liquid chromatography, and zeta potential measurements.

FUNGITOXIC SPECTRUM OF AMALAB-A AGAINST FUNGAL PATHOGENS IN RICE UNDER IN-VITRO

ABSTRACT Through the present study a botanically derived product Amalab-a was developed by combining Aegle marmelos leaf extract with a formulating agent (coded A+) and tested against three fungal pathogens of rice viz. Helminthosporium oryzae , Curvularia lunata and Fusarium moniliforme. Product registered complete inhibition of conidial germination at 0.01% in H.oryzae, C. lunata and F.moniliforme and mycelial growth inhibition at 1% in H.oryzae, F.moniliforme and at 0.1% in C. lunata whereas the extract alone could not at the same concentration. The shelf-life test displayed greater fungitoxic effect against all the three tested pathogens and retained its fungitoxicity upto 0.01% concentration till 12 months storage period. This formulated product has therefore improved the efficacy and shelf-life of this botanical product compared to the unformulated botanical extracttested under in-vitro, hence possesses greater potential for its integration against rice brown spot and grain discolouration control strategy but needs to be tested under in-vivo.

Ameliorative effect of Aegle marmelos leaf extract on early stage alloxan-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats

Objective: The pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is complex, and the therapeutic options available to treat DCM are limited. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (Rutaceae) leaf extract on early stage DCM in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.Methods: Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats (150–200 g) by injecting alloxan (150 mg kg−1; i.p.). Ethanol extract of A. marmelos leaves was administered at varying doses (100, 200, and 400 mg kg−1) and tolbutamide (100 mg kg−1) as standard. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) were determined by standard methods.Results: A. marmelos extract (AME) was found to decrease the levels of FBG, total cholesterol, TBARS, LDH and CK, and increase the levels of GSH, CAT and SOD dose dependently as compared to diabetic control groups. The maximum dose-dependent decrease in TBARS (63.46%), LDH (34.04%), CK (53.14%), and increase in GSH (64.91%), CAT (59.34%), SOD (69.65%) was evident at an optimum dose of 200 mg kg−1. Histopathological studies revealed salvage in the morphological derangements as indicated by absence of necrosis and marked decrease in inflammatory cells in AME-treated groups as compared to diabetic control.Conclusions: The present investigations conclude that treatment with AME attenuates the severity and improves the myocardium in the early stages of alloxan-induced DCM at a dose of 200 mg kg−1.

Immunomodulatory effect of Aegle marmelos leaf extract on freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio infected by bacterial pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila

Context: Aquatic organisms (especially fish) require potent defense mechanisms to protect themselves against pathogen invasion and disease formation. The use of immunostimulants in fish culture can prevent the diseases through augmentation of both specific and non-specific immunity.Objective: A study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of different dietary doses of Aegle marmelos (Linn.) Corr. Serr. (Rutaceae) leaf extract for the immune response and the disease resistance of the freshwater fish, Cyprinus carpio Linn. (Cyprinidae) infected by Aeromonas hydrophila Chester (Aeromonadaceae).Materials and Methodology: Hematological, specific immune response, non-specific immune response and enzyme assay studies were performed on fish and were scrutinized after 50 days of feeding trial.Results: Fish were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila at a dose of 1.5 × 104 cells/mL through intraperitoneal injection, and the hematological changes, the immune response, the enzyme activity and the disease resistance of Cyprinus carpio against the pathogen were also studied for 20 days at 5-day intervals.Discussion: The results obtained from the study demonstrated that the fish fed with leaf extract of Aegle marmelos incorporated into feed significantly enhanced the red blood cell count, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, phagocytic activity, nitroblue tetrazolium chloride assay, lysozyme, pathogen clearance and enzyme activity compared with the control group. The survivability was higher in the fish which consumed leaf extract-incorporated feed, and the fish group fed with 5 g diet showed highest percentage survival of the fish.Conclusion: These results indicate that Aegle marmelos stimulates the immunity and makes the freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio more resistant to Aeromonas hydrophila.

Biochemical evaluation of the protective effect of Aegle marmelos (L.), Corr. leaf extract on tissue antioxidant defense system and histological changes of pancreatic β-cells in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Oxidative stress is produced under diabetic conditions and is likely involved in the progression of pancreatic damage found in diabetes. This study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of Aegle marmelos leaf extract, a medicinal plant, on the tissue antioxidant defense system and lipid peroxidative status in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Ethanol extract of A. marmelos was administered orally for 30 days (150 mg/kg body weight/day) to diabetic rats. Activity of the three primary scavenger enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase), levels of glutathione, and lipid peroxidation were estimated in plasma and pancreas of diabetic rats and compared to the reference drug, glibenclamide (600 µg/kg body weight/day). A significant increase in the levels of plasma glucose, vitamin E, ceruloplasmin, lipid peroxides, and a concomitant decrease in the levels of vitamin C and reduced glutathione were observed in diabetic rats. The activities of antioxidant enzymes were altered in diabetic rats. These alterations were reverted back to near normal levels after treatment with A. marmelos and glibenclamide. Histopathological studies also revealed the protective effect of A. marmelos on pancreatic β-cells. The present study indicates that extract of A. marmelos modulates the activity of enzymic and nonenzymic antioxidants and enhances the defense against reactive oxygen species–generated damage in diabetic rats.

Preventive effect of Aegle marmelos leaf extract on isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats: biochemical evidence

We have evaluated the preventive effects of an aqueous Aegle marmelos leaf extract (AMLEt) in isoprenaline (isoproterenol)-induced myocardial infarction in rats. Rats were pretreated with AMLEt (50, 100 or 200 mg kg(-1)) for 35 days. After the treatment period, isoprenaline (200 mg kg(-1)) was administered subcutaneously to rats at an interval of 24 h for two days. The activity of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was significantly increased in serum and significantly decreased in heart of isoprenaline-treated rats. Pretreatment with AMLEt decreased the activity of CK and LDH in serum and increased them in the heart. The activity of sodium-potassium dependent adenosine triphosphatase (Na(+)K(+)ATPase) was significantly decreased while the activity of calcium dependent adenosine triphosphatase (Ca(2+)ATPase) was simultaneously increased in the heart and aorta. AMLEt pretreatment increased the activity of Na(+)K(+) ATPase and decreased the activity of Ca(2+)ATPase in the heart and aorta simultaneously. The levels of cholesterol and triglycerides increased, while the levels of phospholipids decreased in the heart and aorta of isoprenaline-treated rats. In AMLEt-pretreated rats the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides decreased whereas phospholipids increased in heart and aorta. All the deranged biochemical parameters were restored with 200 mg kg(-1) AMLEt. Similarly alpha-tocopherol (60 mg kg(-1))-pretreatment to isoprenaline-treated rats exhibited a significant effect on all the parameters studied. The results from this study may have clinical relevance.