Normal Wistar Albino Rats Research Articles

Nephrotoxic Evaluation of Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Dialium guineense in Normal Wistar Rats

The present study investigated the nephrotoxic effect of aqueous extract of Dialium guineense stem bark in normal Wistar albino rats. Thirty-five male rats were used. Graded doses of the extract ranging from 200 to 5000 mg/kg body weight, bwt, were administered to the test rats daily for twenty-eight days. The control rats received distilled water. Thereafter plasma levels of creatinine, urea, electrolytes and urease activity were determined. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of the measured renal parameters, when compared with control group (p > 0.05). These results appear to suggest that the extract may be safe at concentrations not exceeding 5000 mg/kg bwt. However, further studies spanning several months may be necessary.

Nephrotoxic evaluation of ethanol stem bark extract of Dialium guineense in normal wistar rats

The present study was undertaken to investigate the nephrotoxic effect of ethanol extract of Dialium guineense stem bark in normal Wistar albino rats. Thirty-five male rats were assigned to seven (7) groups (5 rats per group). One group served as control, while graded doses of the extract (200 - 5000 mg/kg body weight, bwt) were administered to the test rats daily for twenty-eight days. The control rats received distilled water. Thereafter plasma concentrations of creatinine, urea, electrolytes and urease activity were measured. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of the measured renal parameters before and after treatment, among the groups (p > 0.05). These results indicate that ethanol extract of the medicinal plant stem bark may be relatively safe. However, further studies spanning several months may be necessary.

Comparative Investigation of the Effects of the Commonly-consumed Aqueous Extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Zobo Drinks) on Body Weight, Glucose Level and Lipid Profile Using Normal Wistar Albino Rats

Comparative Investigation of the Effects of the Commonly-consumed Aqueous Extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Zobo Drinks) on Body Weight, Glucose Level and Lipid Profile Using Normal Wistar Albino Rats

Effect of aqueous extract of <i>Hibiscus sabdariffa</i> Calyces on anaemia induced and normal Wistar albino rats

The effect of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa Calyces on anaemia-induced and normal wistar albino rats were investigated using standard protocols. The haematological parameters which include haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Red Blood Cell count and White Blood Cell count were investigated in experimental rats. Twenty-four albino rats were used for the study. The rats were divided into six groups comprising four rats per group (n= 4). Twelve rats were kept unbled and were later assigned to Groups B (negative control), D and F randomly. The remaining twelve experimental animals were assigned to Groups A (positive control), C and E and were made anaemic by bleeding off 30% of their total blood through ocular puncture. Each of Groups A, B, C, D, E and F were administered the extract through oral intubation: 0 ml/kg body weight, 0 ml/kg body weight, 2 ml/kg, 2 ml/kg body weight, 4 ml/kg body weight and 4 ml/kg body weight of H. sabdariffa Calyces extract. The blood samples of the rats were collected using heparizined capillary tubes into EDTA bottles and haematological indices were analyzed. According to the result, H. sabdariffa calyces significantly (p<0.05) increased the erythrocyte indices which were initially reduced by bleeding. Significant (p<0.05) increases were observed in hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and red blood cell count especially with 2 ml/kg of H. sabdariffa Calyces that also caused increase in the packed cell volume. In some, 4 ml/kg of the extract showed significant (p>0.05) decrease, suggesting the dose level at which the extract can have a diminishing effect. The extract had an obvious significant (p<0.05) increase in the white blood cell count and was able to reduce the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It could therefore be concluded that, H. sabdariffa Calyces extract can be used in herbal medicine to boost immune system and active components of Hibiscus sabdariffa could be isolated and incorporated in some drug formulations for more therapeutic effects. There is the need to exercise caution on excessive and prolonged use of the plant, since high doses may have a diminishing effect.Keywords: haemoglobin; herbal; anaemia and haematology

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.

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.

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.

Evaluation of the Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Activities of an Indigenous Triherbal Formulation from South Eastern Nigeria using Wistar Albino Rats

A triherbal formulation prepared from a mixture of the leaves of Gongronema latifolium Benth., Ocimum gratissimum L. and Vernonia amygdalina Delile (GOV) was evaluated for hepato-nephro protective and antioxidant properties against D-galactosamine-induced hepatic and renal toxicity in Wistar albino rats. Normal Wistar albino rats were divided into seven groups of seven animals each. Two control experiments were setup which included normal rats treated with D-galactosamine and normal rats that received only distilled water. Three groups were treated with different doses of GOV extract (2000, 4000 and 8000mg kg-1 b. wt) and some standard hepatoprotective drugs such as Liv 52 and silymarin for 13 days prior to intoxication with D-galactosamine. The activities of serum liver enzymes, concentrations of some biochemical analytes, effect on heamatologic parameters and antioxidant status were monitored. The results showed that rats treated with GOV dose dependently exhibited significant (p<0.05) decrease in levels of ALP, ALT, AST, GGT, LDH, cholesterol, creatinine, triglycerides, urea and MDA and subsequently significantly (p<0.05) increased the albumin, total protein, catalase, GPx, GSH, GST and SOD levels when compared to the toxin control rats. The data from this study suggest that the triherbal formulation possess hepato- and nephro-protective potential against D-galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity in rats, thus providing scientific rationale for its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of liver diseases.

Antioxidant Properties of Diospyros Preussi (Ebenaceae Gurke) Seed Oil

Purpose: To evaluate the lipid peroxidation inhibiting and glutathione-sparing activities (i.e., antioxidant effect) of Diospyros preussi seed oil in male Wistar albino rats. Methods: The n-hexane extract of the seed (seed oil) of Diospyros preussi (DP) was tested for its antioxidant properties against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress in male Wistar albino rats by evaluating its lipid peroxidation inhibition and glutathione-sparing activity (free radical scavenging effect). Vitamin E, at a dose of 4 ml/kg body weight, was used reference. These parameters were determined in vivo by assaying the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the serum of exposed and normal Wistar albino rats. Results: At doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg of DP seed oil, the values of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, TBARS, (0.80 ± 0.04 and 0.72 ± 0.01 μg/ml, respectively) were not significantly different (p < 0.05) from the TBARS level of 0.83 ± 0.03 μg/ml induced by the reference, Vitamin E. Animals treated with 1000, 500 and 200 mg/kg doses of DP seed oil manifested glutathione levels of 206.7 ± 6.5, 188.0 ± 4.7 and 156.0±7.6 μg/100 ml of serum, respectively. These levels were significantly different from each other at p < 0.05 as well as the level (138.7 ± 8.0/100 ml) produced by the reference, Vitamin E. Conclusion: The results indicate that DP seed oil significantly protected the rats from H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, its antioxidant effect is dose-related.Keywords: Seed oil; Diospyros preussi; (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress; Antioxidant effect, Vitamin E; Lipid peroxidation inhibition; Glutathione-sparing activity

Transient c- fos expression accompanies naturally occurring cell death in the developing interhemispheric cortex of the rat

We have searched for the possible correlation of naturally occurring cell death with spontaneously enhanced c- fos expression in the developing cerebral cortex of normal Wistar albino rats. During the late prenatal and early postnatal period, cells with irregular contours and intracytoplasmic electron-dense granules (granule-containing cells) were apparent in the interhemispheric cortex, including the anterior cingulate and the retrosplenial cortices. These cells were loosely packed within the cortical layers derived from the cortical plate. Having excluded the possibility that these cells could be phagocytes by immunocytochemical experiments, we propose that they are cells in different phases of a process of autophagic degeneration and death. Images of extreme nuclear pyknosis were also apparent in identical locations. Cells showing immunoreactivity for c-Fos protein appeared in the same cortical areas. The immunoreactive cells were very abundant in the retrosplenial cortex, but were also present in the anterior cingulate cortex. These cells showed markedly irregular contours and large, densely immunoreactive intracytoplasmic inclusions; these images were similar to those of granule-containing cells revealed by conventional stains. The immunoreactivity for c-Fos protein was ephemeral, occurring exclusively during embryonic days 20 and 21, but granule-containing cells were observed for a longer period. The present results provide evidence, albeit indirect, that c- fos expression may occur in certain neural cells at the onset of a process of death by autophagia, and suggest a possible involvement of the proto-oncogene c- fos in certain forms of naturally occurring neuronal death.