Normal Albino Rats Research Articles

Effects of methanolic fruit extract of Solanum macrocarpum L. (Solanaceae) on biochemical profile of albino rats (Rattus norvegicus)

The effects of methanolic fruit extract of Solanum macrocarpum on the biochemical parameters of normal albino rats were investigated for 21 days. Forty-eight (48) adult male albino rats were divided into a control group (A) and three treatment groups (B, C and D) of 12 rats each. Each group was further divided into three replicates of four rats each. Groups B, C and D received daily oral administration of the extract at doses of 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg of body weight (bw), respectively, while the control group received distilled water for 21 days. Blood samples were collected before the start of experimentation (week 0) and thereafter at weekly intervals from one rat per replicate. Biochemical parameters of the blood samples were determined using bioassay. All the treatment groups showed a progressive significant reduction in serum total cholesterol levels from week 0 to week 3. Similarly, there was significant decrease (p 0.05) in aspartate transaminase (AST), a significant decrease (p 0.05) in bilirubin. There was non-significant decrease in albumin levels of the treated rats across weeks, while total protein showed a non-significant increase. The urea and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels of the treated rats showed an overall non-significant (p > 0.05) increase. This study suggests that methanolic fruit extract of S. macrocarpum may be useful in reducing serum cholesterol levels.

English

Mucuna sloanei is a legume used as a soup thickener by communities in some parts of Africa countries. The effect of aqueous seed extract of M. sloanei on the haematological profile of normal albino rats was investigated for 28 days using standard methods. The results show no overall dose dependent significant difference (p > 0.05) in the serum levels of the white blood cell count, red blood cell count and its indices (haemoglobin content, pack cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) of the rats throughout the duration of the experiment when compared with the control. However, a dose independent significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the white blood cell level was observed in week 3, while the decrease observed in the remaining week was not significant. The effects of the interaction between the doses and duration of treatment were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) in all the haematological parameters tested. These findings suggest that consumption of the crude seed extracts of M. sloanei may not constitute any adverse effect on the haematological indices of the consumers. However, the significant reduction in white blood cell levels observed in week 3 could compromise the body’s immunity and may predispose consumers to opportunistic and supra-infections in the long run.   Key word: Mucuna sloanei seed, aqueous extract, haematological parameters, albino rats.

Possible involvement of corticosterone and serotonin in antidepressant and antianxiety effects of chromium picolinate in chronic unpredictable mild stress induced depression and anxiety in rats

In the present study, we investigated the effects of chromium picolinate (CrP) on behavioural and biochemical parameters in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) induced depression and anxiety in rats. The normal and stressed male Swiss albino rats were administered CrP (8 and 16μg/mL in drinking water), they received stressors for seven days (each day one stressor) and this cycle was repeated three times for 21 days. On 22nd day, behaviour assessments followed by biochemical estimations were conducted. The results showed that treatment of CrP produced significant antidepressant effect, which has been evidenced by decrease in immobility time in modified forced swimming test (FST) in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) induced depression in rats. In elevated plus maze (EPM), CrP (16μg/mL) showed significant reduction in time spent in open arm. CrP (8μg/mL and 16μg/mL) also showed significant decrease in number of entries in open arm that shows antianxiety effect of CrP in CUMS rats. It was also found that CrP (8 and 16μg/mL) significantly increased 5-HT concentration in the discrete regions of brain (cortex and cerebellum). On the other hand, the plasma corticosterone level was significantly decreased with CrP (16μg/mL). The results suggested that increase in the concentration of 5-HT and decrease in plasma corticosterone levels could be responsible for improvement in symptoms of depression and anxiety in CUMS induced depression and anxiety in rats.

Hepatotoxic and Antidiabetic Potentials of Aqeuous Bark Extracts of Ficus asperifolia on Normal and Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Albino Rats

Hepatotoxic and Antidiabetic Potentials of Aqeuous Bark Extracts of Ficus asperifolia on Normal and Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Albino Rats

Effect of low fat high protein diets in the presence of Arabic gum on weight loss of obese rats.

Obesity is considered a serious disease affecting a large population worldwide. The present work was conducted to study the effect of low fat high protein diets in the absence or presence of Arabic gum on weight loss, some nutritional and biochemical parameters of obese rats. Normal male's albino rats (49) of Sprague Dawley Strain weighted 130 ± 5 g. were used in this study. The rats were divided into two main groups. The first main group (7 rats) fed on basal diet as a control negative group. The second main group (42 rats) were fed on high fat diet (HFD) for four weeks to induce obesity. After this period, the mean values of serum cholesterol, triglycerides and body weight gain were determined in the first and second main group to ensure obesity induction. The rats in the second main group was divided into seven subgroups (n=7rats) as follow: Subgroup (1) were fed on HFD as a control positive group, subgroup (2) were fed on HFD containing 5% Arabic gum AG, subgroups (3 and 4) were fed on low and very low caloric diets respectively [through the replacement of some dietary fat (saturated fat) with protein], subgroups (5 and 6) were fed on low fat high protein diets respectively and containing the same amount of AG used in subgroup (2),. The results in this study revealed that, the mean value of feed intake, body weight gain relative, liver weight decreased in all treated groups, as compared to obese groups. The mean values of serum glucose, leptin hormone, all lipid fractions (cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, the ratio between LDL-c/HDL-c and VLDL-c), kidney functions (uric acid, urea nitrogen and creatinine) and liver enzymes (aspartate amino transferase AST, alanine amino transferase ALT and alkaline phosphatase ALP) decreased significantly p<0.05 in all tested groups, while HDL-c increased in all treated groups, as compared to the obese group (control +ve group). The best results recorded for the groups treated with low and very low fat high protein diets containing AG. It is concluded supplemented rat high protein low fat diet with Arabic gum improvedthe nutritional and biological parameters of obese rats.

Evaluation of Lead Hepatotoxicity; Histological, Histochemical and Ultrastructural Study

Lead is one of the most well-known naturally occurring environmental heavy metals. This experimental study was designed to evaluate lead induced toxic effects on hepatocytes and lobular architecture as judged microscopically. Material and Methods: This study was conducted in anatomy department, Benha faculty of medicine, Benha University, Egypt from May to October 2013 on 30 normal adult albino rats divided into 3 groups; one control and 2 experimental groups. The experimental groups were given 0.13% lead acetate solution in drinking water for 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. Animals were scarified and livers were removed and used to identify microscopic changes. Specimens were stained with Hematoxylin and eosin, with Masson trichrome stain for study of fibrous tissue and with periodic acid shiff's (PAS) to study the glycogen content. Other specimens were prepared for ultrastructural study. Results: Mild lymphocytic infiltration, vacuolar degeneration and mild increase of periportal fibrosis with mild depletion of glycogen content and partial disappearance of glycogen vacuoles were reported in animals received contaminated water for 4 weeks. Animals maintained for 8 weeks on contaminated water showed hepatic changes in the form of abundant lymphocytic infiltration, increased cellular polymorphism, pyknotic nuclei and areas of cell necrosis with evident moderate periportal fibrosis and marked vacuolar degeneration associated with marked depletion of glycogen content. Ultrastructural study revealed mitochondrial edema, appearance of interstitial inflammatory cells, and appearance of scattered variable sized lead electron-dense inclusion bodies. Conclusion: It could be concluded that chronic exposure to lead imposes a potent toxic effect on liver cells manifested as glycogen depletion, cellular infiltration and liver architecture in the form of initiation of periportal fibrosis that may progress to liver cirrhosis.

Evaluation of the Hepato and Nephron-Protective Effect of a Polyherbal Mixture using Wistar Albino Rats.

A polyherbal formulation prepared from a mixture of leaves of Gongronema latifolia, Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina (GOV) was evaluated for hepato-nephro protective properties against acetaminophen-induced toxicity in Wistar albino rats. Normal Wistar albino rats were orally treated with different doses of GOV extract (2, 4 and 8 g/kg b. wt), distilled water and some standard hepatoprotective drugs such as Liv 52 and silymarin for 14 days. However, a day prior to the 14th day, 3 g/kg body weight dose of Acetaminophen (APAP) was administered p.o. 1h before GOV and the standard drugs to induce hepatic and renal damage. The normal control was setup which received only distilled water. The serum levels of liver marker enzymes, biochemical analytes, antioxidant enzymes and hematological parameters were monitored. The results showed that pretreatment of experimental animals with a different doses of the polyherbal formulation dose dependently caused a significant (p≤0.05) increase in the levels of most of the measured hematological parameters but significantly (p≤0.05) reduced the levels of MCV and monocytes when compared to the APAP induced toxin control group. Rats pretreated with GOV exhibited significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum levels of ALP, ALT, AST, GGT, LDH, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Urea and a subsequent decrease in Albumin, Creatine and Total protein when compared to the normal rats. This trend in enzyme and biochemical analytes levels were significantly (p < 0.05) reversed when compared to toxin control group. GOV significantly (p < 0.05) and dose dependently increased the serum, kidney and hepatic CAT, GPx, GSH, GST, SOD and total protein activity in APAP induced damage in rats compared to the toxin control groups. The data from this study suggest that the polyherbal formulation possess hepato and nephron-protective potential against acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity in rats, thus providing scientific rationale for its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of liver diseases.

Determination of Phytochemical Constituents of the Aqueous Extracts of the Leaves, Stem Bark and Root Bark of &lt;em&gt;Vitex doniana&lt;/em&gt; and its Effects on Lipid Profile of Albino Rats

The phytotochemical screening of Leaves, stem bark and root bark of Vitex doniana were carried out and some Lipid profile were assessed in normal albino rats after administration of the extracts. Twenty mixed sex Wistar rats weighing 150-200 g was divided into 4 groups. Group 1 serves as control while 2, 3, 4 were administered (100 mg/kg) aqueous extracts of leaves, stem bark and root bark of <em>Vitex doniana</em>. The phytochemical screening of the leaves, stem bark and root bark of <em>Vitex doniana</em> shows the presence of Glycosides, Cardiac glycosides, Saponins, Flavonoids and Tannins while the quantitative analysis showed a higher value in the amount of saponin present in the extracts. Daily oral administration of the extracts (100 mg/kg) for the period of 21days shows that all the extracts significantly (p<0.05) decreased the levels of serum total Cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. The atherogenic risk predictor indices also showed that root bark extract significantly (p<0.05) increased HDL-Cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio which may possess antiatherogenic effect and therefore these findings may be of clinical importance to individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease.

Biochemical effects of energy drinks alone or in combination with alcohol in normal albino rats.

To determine the biochemical effects of energy drink alone or in combination with alcohol in normal albino rats. Twenty male albino rats weighing 160-180g were assigned into groups A-E of four rats per group. Group A and B rats were given low and high doses of ED, respectively, groups C and D were administered low and high doses of EDmA, respectively while group E rats were given distilled water and served as control. The treatment lasted for 30 days after which the animals were killed and their blood collected for laboratory analyses using standard methods. There were no significant differences in body weight, packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration with either administration of ED or EDmA in comparison to the control. Energy drink alone or EDmA has significant effects on total white blood cell count, plasma potassium, calcium, renal functions, liver enzymes and plasma triglycerides, with EDmA having more effects than ED alone, except for body weight where the energy drink alone has higher effect. Consumption of energy drink alone or in combination with alcohol is associated with significant alterations in some biochemical parameters. Caution should be exercised while consuming either of them. Public health education is urgently needed to correct the wrong impression already formed by the unsuspecting consumers, especially the youths.

Sub-acute Effects of Ethanol Extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius Root on Some Physiologically Important Electrolytes in Serum of Normal Wistar Albino Rats

Sarcocephalus latifolius (Synonym, Nauclea latifolia) is a shrub commonly seen in the South East of Nigeria. It is widely applied as herbal remedy in the treatment of various illnesses. The effect of ethanol extract of the root of the plant on some serum electrolytes was studied. A total of thirty Wistar albino rats were used to determine serum concentrations of K+, Ca2+, Cl- and HCO3-. The animals were divided into six groups of five rats each. Five groups labeled A, B, C, D and E, were administered orally with graded doses of root extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius at concentration of 300, 350, 400, 450 and 500 mg kg(-1) body weight, respectively. The sixth group (Group F) was used as the control and its animals were simply sustained on normal diet and water. Administration of the extract lasted for twenty-one days after which the animals were sacrificed by cardiac puncture. K+, Ca2+, Cl- and HCO3- were determined from each sample and the mean concentration was calculated for each dose and the control. Potassium, calcium and chloride determination were done by colorimetric methods while determination of bicarbonate concentration was done by simple titration. Na+ was separately assayed, by flame photometer, from a set of 18 rats of six animals in each of three groups. For K+, non dose dependent increases were observed which was non-significant (p > 0.05), for A, D and E but significant (p < 0.05) for B and C. Ca2+ showed a dose dependent and significant (p < 0.05) decreases, except for A (p > 0.05). Decreases (p < 0.05) for C, D, E and (p > 0.05) for A and B were observed for Cl-. Serum bicarbonate appeared almost completely unaffected by the extract, showing no significant changes. Na+ levels were depressed for the two test groups, A and B compared with the control (group C), with test group B showing a significant decrease (p < 0.05). From the analysis, it could be concluded that Sarcocephalus latifolius has the capacity to influence various electrolytes to physiologically important degrees. Significant reductions in sodium and calcium levels indicate the usefulness of the plant in treatment of hypertension and pain/fever, respectively. However, significant reductions in chloride may negatively affect the normal balance of fluid in the body. Therefore, more scientific research is needed to establish the best approach to optimizing the numerous medicinal potentials of the plant.

Antioxidant property of Grewia serrulata DC and its hypoglycemic effect on normal and hyperglycemic rats

AimThe present study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant property and hypoglycemic activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of aerial parts of Grewia serrulata DC (AEGS & EEGS) in normal and hyperglycemic male Wistar Albino rats. MethodsThe antioxidant property was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo model using standard procedures. The hypoglycemic activity was evaluated by normal glucose and oral glucose tolerance test (NG-OGTT) method and by acute administration of AEGS and EEGS extracts at doses 200 and 400 mg/kg body wt p.o in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced hyperglycemic rats. ResultsThe ethanolic extract of Grewia serrulata DC exhibited strong free radical scavenging activity as evidenced by their low IC50 values in DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) (9.16 ± 1.05 μg/ml), Superoxide (35.59 ± 1.6805 μg/ml) and nitric oxide (151.80 ± 1.79 μg/ml) methods. In in vivo study, treatment with ethanolic extract at both doses shows a significant dose dependent increase (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) and a significant decrease (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) in the levels of Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), when compared to CCl4 treated control in both liver and kidney. In NG-OGTT method EEGS shows reduction in glucose levels in normal rats and glucose loaded hyperglycemic rats and in STZ-induced hyperglycemic rats. ConclusionEEGS was found to possess strong antioxidant activity and good hypoglycemic activity compared to that of AEGS.

Phytochemical Constituents and Effect on Haematological Parameters and Lipid Profile of Aqueous Extracts of &lt;em&gt;Eugenia jambolana&lt;/em&gt; Leaves, Stem Bark and Root Bark in Normal Albino Rats

This study was designed to investigate the effect of <em>Eugenia jambolana</em> on haematological parameters and lipid profile being a commonly used plant in Nigerian folklore medicine. Aqueous extracts of the leaves, stem bark and root bark of <em>Eugenia jambolana</em> were screened for phytochemicals and its effect on haematological parameters and lipid profile in normal albino rats were investigated. Twenty four Albino rats weighing between 150-200 kg body weights were divided into four groups of six rats each. Group 1 served as control while groups 2, 3 and 4 were administered (50 mg/kg body weight) of leaves, stem bark and root bark respectively for 21 days. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, tannins and carbohydrates and quantitative analysis by gravimetric method showed significantly (p<0.5) higher levels of saponins and alkaloids in the aqueous extracts of leaves and root bark respectively. The aqueous extracts (leaves, stem bark and root bark) had no significant (p>0.05) effect on haematological parameters. Aqueous extracts of the root bark significantly (p<0.5) increased TC, TG and LDL-c levels and the stem bark extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced HDL-c compared to the control. All three aqueous extracts significantly (p<0.05) lowered HDL-c/TC ratio, the root bark significantly (p<0.05) increased LDL-c/HDL-c ratio and both aqueous extracts of stem bark and root bark significantly (p<0.05) increased log (TG/HDL-c) of treated groups when compared to control.

Comparative Toxicity Study of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine on Adult Albino Rats

Expanded use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine drugs for non-malarial disease entities has resulted in prolonged duration of therapy and higher daily dosages leading to cumulative doses greater than those used in antimalarial therapy. The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the toxic effects of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine on different organs of albino rats. The study was conducted on 60 normal albino rats divided into 3 groups, the 1st group is the control group that received only distilled water, the 2nd and the 3rd group were given a single daily oral doses equivalent to 1/10th of LD50 chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine respectively. Assessment of liver and kidney functions, and histopathological changes in liver, kidney, and heart in different groups was done.The chloroquine treated group showed significant elevation of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB), serum creatinine-urea (Cr-U), Creatine Kinase-MB, C-reactive protein and Malonicdialdehyde levels as compared to control and hydroxychloroquine treated group.The histopathological evaluation showed marked hydropic degeneragtion, vascular congestion, interstitial hemorrhage, and necrosis in the liver, kidney and heart of chloroquine treated group, while hydroxychloroquine treated group showed mild congestion and slight cellular degeneration.Thus,hydroxychloroquine is less toxic and physicians should prescribe it better than chloroquine. Chloroquine if prescribed for therapeutic uses should be taken for short periods.

In vitro and in vivo aphrodisiac properties of Corchorus depressus Linn. on rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle relaxation and sexual behavior of normal male rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCorchorus depressus Linn. has been used as an aphrodisiac in traditional Indian medicine to treat male sexual dysfunction and impotency. Aim of the studyThe petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions of 95% methanol extract of Corchorus depressus were screened initially for their in vitro aphrodisiac activity on rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle. The chloroform fraction (CDC) was found to be the most active and therefore investigated further on general mating behavior, libido and potency of normal male Wistar albino rats in comparison with the standard drug, Sildenafil citrate. Materials and methodsAnimals were divided into the following groups: Control, SC CDC 100, CDC 200, and CDC 400, who received saline, Sildenafil citrate or the chloroform fraction of Corchorus depressus at doses of 100, 200 or 400mg/kg b.wt., respectively. The route of administration for all the groups was oral dosing, which was once in a day for 45 days. To analyze the mating behavior, female rats with estrus phase were used. ResultsThe chloroform fraction of methanolic extract of Corchorus depressus significantly reduced ML, IL, PEI and III. There was a significant increase in the MF, IF and EL and serum testosterone levels throughout the study period. The potency test significantly increased erections, quick flips, long flips and total reflex. In vitro aphrodisiac activity was significantly higher in chloroform fraction at a concentration of 25.0mg/ml, which induced 71.4% relaxation. The combined results of the above mentioned models indicate that the chloroform fraction of Corchorus depressus produces a significant increase in sexual activity as exhibited by 25mg/ml in vitro and 400mg/kg in vivo. In comparison with the control, all the drug-treated groups have shown drug-induced effects for a few parameters. ConclusionsIn vitro and in vivo studies provide valuable experimental evidence that the chloroform fraction of methanolic extract of Corchorus depressus possesses aphrodisiac property. This study further substantiates the ethnopharmacological claims of Corchorus depressus as a sexual stimulating agent and offers a significant potential for studying the effect on male sexual response and its dysfunctions.

Hypoglycemic and Antidiabetic Profile of the Aqueous Root Extracts of Leptadenia hastata in Albino Rats

This study was designed to evaluate the antidiabetic profile and the hypoglycaemic activity of aqueous root extracts of L. hastata in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats model. Eighty five albino rats were used for this study out of this thirty five were used subjected to experimental diabetes by the use of alloxan at a dose of 160 mg kg(-1) body weight. Seven experimental groups of five rats per group (A-G) were used for this study. A standard antidiabetic drug (insulin) group (B) and normal saline group (G) serves as positive control. The blood glucose lowering activity of the extract, insulin and normal saline groups were monitored at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 hpost extract administration. On the other hand the remaining fifty albino rats were used to determine the acute toxicity and the hypoglycemic activity of the extract. The blood glucose levels of the rats were monitored at 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post extract administration. Oral administration of aqueous root extract at 600 and 800 mg kg(-1) b.wt have significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the blood glucose in diabetic albino rats. On the other hand the hypoglycemic activity of the aqueous root extract on normal rats at dose of 1000 mg kg(-1) b.wt have significantly (p < 0.05) decreases blood glucose level in normal albino rats. The results of the current study have demonstrated the antidiabetic and hypoglycaemic effects of L. hastata aqueous root extracts and underscore its potentials in the management of diabetes mellitus especially following prolonged use in days.

The Effect of Carvedilol on Blood Glucose Levels In Normal Albino Rats

Carvedilol is a commonly used drug in hypertension, congestive heart failure in diabetics. It has moderate calcium channel blocking property in addition to α1 and non selective β antagonistic activity. Though some studies bring forth the beneficial effects of Carvedilol in cardiovascular comorbidities in diabetes, there is no consensus on its effects on glycaemic levels. To evaluate the effect of oral Carvedilol administration for 5 days on blood glucose levels in normal albino rats through Oral Glucose Tolerance Test. Twelve adult albino rats of either sex weighing between 150 - 200 g were selected from central animal facility and randomly divided into 2 groups - Control [Distilled water (1ml/rat orally)] and Test (0.8mg/kg body weight orally) and the respective drugs were administered over 5 days. Following overnight fasting, on the fifth day 1 hour after the last dose of the respective drug, OGTT was performed. The CBG (Capillary Blood Glucose) levels were measured at 0 min, glucose (2g/kg body weight) dissolved in water was administered to all the rats orally. The blood sample from tail vein (obtained by tail snipping) at 60 and 150 minutes were analysed for CBG levels using a standardized glucometer. Data was presented as Mean ± SEM. One way ANOVA, independent samples t-test, non-parametric tests, percentages and cross tabs were used in the analysis of data within the same group and between different groups when required. Carvedilol group showed higher CBG levels at all time intervals of OGTT as compared to the Control group i.e., 0, 60 and 150 minutes, the highest being (103.8±5.029 )mg/dl at 60 minutes and was statistically significant. Carvedilol group however showed lesser inter-interval variation compared to the Control group at the same time intervals respectively but was statistically insignificant. Carvedilol has hyperglycaemic potential when given orally for 5 days in normal albino rats. Though it may be beneficial in diabetics for various comorbid conditions, the glycaemic control may worsen during its use in subjects with prediabetes, diabetes, high risk diabetes.

Effects of ethanolic extract of green tea on decreasing the level of lipid profile in rat.

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the possible biochemical improving effect in lipid metabolic that may result from continuous treatment with Green Tea extract in normal albino rats and those rendered hyperlipidemic by long term supplementation of fat-enriched diet. Fifty male albino rats aged six weeks with 200±10 g weight were randomly divided into five groups: Group A (negative control), groups B (positive control), Group C (treatment with drug), Group D (treatment with extract), and Group E (prevention with extract). All groups except Group A were received fat-enriched diet throughout the study. Group C received 25 mg/kg/day of the nicotinic acid from day 28 to the end of study. Group D was also treated with 100 mg/kg/day of the extract from day 28 to the end of study and finally group E was also treated with 100 mg/kg/day of the extract from the start of the study to the end. Lipid levels were determined weekly. Data were expressed as mean±SEM which were calculated using SigmaPlot® software. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using Student's t-test. In group (D), total cholesterol, LDLc, HDLc, and triglyceride levels were significantly decreased by 33.3%, 30.2%, 40%, respectively, compared with the group C (p<0.001 ). There was no significant difference in lipid profile in group E through the study. Nicotinic acid in group C decreased the serum levels of all measured parameters (p<0.001). The body weight of animals in treated groups with extract (groups D & E) were decreased by 8% (p<0.01). The results of this study demonstrated that the extract of green tea has a hyperlipidemic lowering effect.

Oxidative stress in streptozocin-diabetic rats: Amelioration by mulberry (Morus Indica L.) leaves.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate amelioration of oxidative stress by mulberry (Morus indica L.) leaves in streptozocin (STZ)-diabetic rats, as the leaves of mulberry (Morus indica L.) of Moraceae, are reported to be rich in a number of bioactive principles, i.e. antioxidant vitamins, flavonoids and moracins that can fight against oxidative stress in diabetes. METHOD: Normal wistar albino rats and STZ-diabetic rats were treated with dried mulberry leaf powder at 25% in the diet for a period of 8 weeks. The antioxidant role of mulberry was assessed by determining the effect of the leaves on hepatic lipid peroxidation, a marker of oxidative stress and the activity of hepatic antioxidant enzymes and serum antioxidant vitamins in comparison with untreated normal and diabetic rats. RESULTS: Increased oxidative stress as shown by increased lipid peroxidation and increased activity of catalase (CAT) in hepatic tissue, decreased serum ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and tocopherol (vitamin E) in diabetic rats were countered by mulberry leaves. In addition, decreased activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes, i.e. glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathinone-S-tranferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly increased by 34%, 61%, 19% and 53% respectively in mulberry leaves-treated diabetic rats as compared with diabetic control rats. CONCLUSION: Treatment with mulberry leaves protected STZ-diabetic rats from lipid peroxidation and elevated the activities of defense enzymes. This study reveals ameliorating effect of mulberry leaves on oxidative stress in diabetic rats by the synergistic action of a number of bioactive compounds present in mulberry leaves.

The effects of Nigella sativa L. ethanolic extract on thyroid function in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Context: Nigella sativa, (black cumin seeds) compounds display a remarkable array of biochemical, immunological, and pharmacological actions, including bronchodilatory, antibacterial, hypotensive, immunopotentiating, hypoglycemic, and antitumor activity. Aims : The aim of the present study was to evaluate effects of Nigella sativa L. ethanolic extract (NSE) on the thyroid function test in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar albino rats. Settings and Design: Experimental study. Materials and Methods: Alloxan monohydrate was injected intraperitoneally at single dose of 150 mg/kg body weight to induce diabetes. Twenty Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: NSE-treated normal, diabetic, NSE-treated diabetic, and control. NSE was administered daily orally by gavage at a dose of 1 g/kg body weight for 14 days. Serum concentration of TSH, T 4 , T 3 were measured by radioimmunoassay on day 7 th and 14 th . Statistical Analysis Used: Data are expressed as the mean ± S.E.M. For statistical analysis, ANOVA was used. Results: NSE induced a significant increase in the T 3 serum concentration on both day 7 th and 14 th in the diabetic rats and increase T 4 serum concentration on day 14 th in the normal rats. Conclusions: The results revealed that daily oral administration of Nigella sativa L. ethanolic extract (1 g/kg Bwt.) for 14 days significantly increased the serum concentration of T 4 in the normal Wistar albino rats. On the other hand the results revealed that treatment returned the serum concentration of T 3 to the normal level in the Alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Further work is suggested for evaluating the effect of Nigella sativa L. on the serum concentration of thyroid hormones to elucidate the possible mode of action.

Hypoglycemic effect of ethanolic extract of bark of Terminalia arjuna Linn. in normal and alloxan-induced noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus albino rats

Hypoglycemic effect of ethanolic extract of bark of Terminalia arjuna Linn. in normal and alloxan-induced noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus albino rats