Oral Administration Of Aqueous Extract Research Articles

13-Week repeated-dose toxicity study of optimized aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMoringa oleifera (Moringaceae family), commonly known as horseradish or tree of life, is traditionally used for various diseases, such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, neurological disorders, among others. Aim of the studyTo evaluate the toxicological profile of the oral use of an aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves for 13 weeks in mice. Materials and methodsInitially, a factorial design (23) was carried out to optimize aqueous extraction using as variables; the extraction method and proportion of drug. The 13-week repeated-dose toxicity trial used female and male mice, with oral administration of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg. The animals were evaluated for body weight, water and feed intake, biochemical and hematological parameters, urinalysis, ophthalmology and histopathology of the liver, spleen and kidneys. ResultsThe extraction efficiency was evidenced by the extraction by maceration at 5%, obtaining the optimized extract of Moringa oleifera (OEMo). The oral administration of OEMo did not promote significant difference (p > 0.05) in the weight gain, food and water consumption of the control animals and those treated with 250 and 500 mg/kg. However, treatment with 1000 mg/kg promoted a reduction (p < 0.05) in food intake and body weight from the 7th week onwards in male and female mice. No alterations were detected in the hematological and histological parameters in the concentrations tested for both sexes. The highest concentration treatment (1000 mg/kg) promoted an increase in transaminases in males and females. All concentrations promoted a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the serum lipid profile of mice. ConclusionThis study developed an optimized extract of Moringa oleifera leaves, which should be used with caution in preparations above 500 mg/kg for the long term because it leads to significant changes in liver enzymes. On the other hand, the extract proved to be a promising plant preparation for hyperlipidemia in mice.

Characterization of the metabolites of Eucommiae Cortex in rats provides a further insight into its estrogen-like effective substances

Eucommiae Cortex is one of important traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) used in Asia for preventing and treating osteoporosis induced by estrogen deficiency. However, the low exposure of prototype components in Eucommiae Cortex in vivo is difficult to interpret its efficacy. Under the guidance of UPLC-Q/TOF-MS, 42 metabolites including 32 lignans and 10 phenolics, 21 of which were new compounds, were isolated from rat urine and feces after oral administration of aqueous extract of E. ulmoides Oliv. by various chromatographic techniques. Their structures were determined based on extensive physicochemical analyses and spectral data. Their absolute configurations were determined by experimental and calculated ECD spectra, along with the calculated NMR with DP4 evaluation. Additionally, all isolated metabolites were evaluated for their estrogen-like activities, and there are 15 metabolites having estrogen-like effects after assessing influences in MCF-7 cells. Further, Dual Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay was used to determine their activation with estrogen receptor, M10 and M11 mixtures, M14, M19, M33, M27, M31, M38-M41 could activate ERα, and M19 and M41 could activate ERβ. These results not only clarify the pharmacological substances of Eucommiae Cortex, but also provide a basis for guiding its clinical application.

Effect of Aqueous and Methanolic Extract of Annona muricata Stem Bark on Liver Enzymes in Normal Sprague Dawley Rats

The use of plant extracts to treat diseases in herbal medicine has the potential of causing toxic effects, though of natural origin, it may not be safe. This study evaluated the effect of aqueous and methanolic extract of Annona muricata stem bark consumption in normal rats. Fresh stem bark of Annona muricata (Sour soup) was collected, pulverized, extracted with distilled water or methanol (Aqueous or Methanolic extract). The rats were divided into six (6) groups of five (5) rats per group, for aqueous or methanolic extract. Group 1 (control) rats were administered distilled water, while groups 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were administered 200, 500, 1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight of aqueous and methanolic extract for 28 days. Liver function indices in the serum and histopathological evaluation of the organ were performed. ALT levels at 200 and 500 mg/kg in aqueous or methanolic extract were significantly (p&lt;0.05) altered. Oral administration of aqueous extract significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced the concentrations of total bilirubin and increased (p&lt;0.05) total protein in a dose-dependent manner. The study showed that oral administration of aqueous or ethanolic extract did not have any deleterious effects on the liver architecture.

Phytochemical and Anti-Anemic Properties of the Aqueous Extract of Pseudarthria hookeri (Fabaceae) Leaves

In order to contribute to the valorization of plants used in African traditional medicine for the improvement of the health of the populations, we undertook this study to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of an aqueous extract of leaves of Pseudarthria hookeri (Fabaceae), a plant reputed to be anti-anemic. Qualitative phytochemical tests performed with the aqueous extract of Pseudarthria hookeri (Fabaceae) leaves revealed the presence of sterols, polyterpenes, polyphenols, catechic tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, quinones and saponosides. The acute toxicity study of the aqueous extract of Pseudarthria hookeri leaves in female mice gave an estimate, according to the OECD-423 guidelines, of the 50% lethal dose (LD50). The results show that the administration of aqueous extract of Pseudarthria hookeri leaves at a dose of 2000 mg/kg bw and then at a dose of 5000 mg/kg bw did not induce any mortality in these animals during 14 days of observation; this allows us to conclude that aqueous extract of Pseudarthria hookeri leaves is not toxic by the oral route. Anemia was induced by administration of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride (4 mg/kg bw) for 6 days. Oral administration of aqueous extract of Pseudarthria hookeri leaves at doses of 50, 200, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg bw and the reference treatment (Ranferia hookeri) for 6 days did not induce anaemia. and the reference treatment (Ranferon®) resulted in normalization of red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, mean corpuscular haemoglobin volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and Mean corpuscular haemoglobin level (MCHL) in anaemic rats compared to the white control rats. In conclusion, this study showed that Pseudarthria hookeri leaves have similar properties to Ranferon® in rats, which justifies the traditional use of this plant in the treatment of anaemia.

The effect of phytoprotectors on the functioning of liver NAD⁺- and NADP⁺-maliс enzymes in rats with alloxan diabetes.

The development of experimental alloxan diabetes in rats was accompanied by the increase the activity of liver NAD⁺- and NADP⁺-dependent malic enzymes (ME; NAD⁺-ME, EC 1.1.1.39 and NADP⁺-ME, 1.1.1.40) associated with an increase in the rate of transcription of genes encoding these enzymes. Oral administration of aqueous extracts of Jerusalem artichoke and olive to diabetic rats caused a noticeable decrease in blood glucose, a decrease in the rate of transcription of the studied genes; and a decrease in ME activity towards normal values. Thus, extracts of Jerusalem artichoke and olive can be used as additives to the standard therapy of diabetes mellitus.

Thymus serpyllum Exhibits Anti-Diabetic Potential in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Mice: A Combined Biochemical and In Vivo Study.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disorder that is characterized by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and lack of insulin production. It has been previously reported that Thymus serpyllum has therapeutic potential against many diseases. To investigate the antidiabetic action of Thymus serpyllum, this study aimed to analyze its restorative impact in diabetic mice, in which it was administered in diet. Diabetes was induced in BALB/c mice fed with a high-fat diet and two intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin. With the onset of diabetes, the mice were administered daily with aqueous extract of Thymus serpyllum (500 mg/kg/d and 800 mg/kg/d) for 4 weeks. Body weight and fasting blood glucose levels were measured after every 1 week of the treatment. Subsequently, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance tests were conducted. In addition, liver tissue was isolated for assessment in terms of levels of gene expression of the AMPK, IRS1, and GLUT2 gene. Treatment with the aqueous extract of Thymus serpyllum was found to be significantly effective in controlling hyperglycemia and improving glucose and insulin tolerance. Predictable with these impacts, the extract of Thymus serpyllum upregulated the AMPK expression at the mRNA level, as well as upregulating the expression of IRS1 and GLUT2 gene. Histopathological examination of the liver, kidney, and pancreas also revealed the restorative impact in terms of cellular morphology. The results hence demonstrated that oral administration of aqueous extract of Thymus serpyllum can potentially attenuate hyperglycemia in the liver muscle of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice via AMPK and IRS1 upregulation.

HYPOGLYCEMIC ACTIVITY OF $ORIGANUM~VULGARE$ L. AQUEOUS EXTRACT IN HYPERGLYCEMIA INDUCED BY IMMOBILIZATION STRESS IN RABBITS

Currently diabetes mellitus (DM) is a worldwide problem linked to hyper-glyce¬mia and has affected people both in developing and developed countries. DM is divided into Type 1 (T1DM) and Type 2 (T2DM). Moreover, the T2DM is the most prevalence form that encompasses a reduce responsiveness to insulin-sensitive cells or defects in insulin secretion. Exposure to chronic immobilization stress contributes to the development of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia that can lead to cardiovascular complications. Herbs with hypoglycemic properties, especially Origanum vulgare L., would be useful in hyperglycemia treatment. Oral administration of aqueous extract showed significant effect on hyperglycemia and improving glucose tolerance. In addition, extract of O. vulgare reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and vice versa increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and also decreased liver enzymes levels (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) compared with untreated group and might be recommended as herbal remedy in the treatment of stress-induced hyperglycemia.

Hepatoprotective effect of date palm fruit extract against doxorubicin intoxication in Wistar rats

Objective: To investigate the prophylactic efficacy of date palm fruit extract against doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Methods: The rats were equally and randomly assigned to 6 groups: group 1 (untreated control), group 2 and 3 given daily oral administration of prophylactic aqueous extract of date palm fruit at 0.75 and 1.5 mg/kg body weight, respectively, and group 4, 5 and 6 intraperitoneally injected with doxorubicin at 15 mg/kg on day 30. Rats in group 5 and 6 received daily oral administration of aqueous extract of date palm fruit at 0.75 and 1.5 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 30 d. The phytochemicals identified by GC-MS analysis were analyzed using in silico study. Antioxidant enzymes, liver enzymatic, biochemical parameters and histopathological analysis were determined to evaluate hepatoprotective activity of date extract. Results: Aqueous extract of date palm fruit significantly mitigated doxorubicin-induced changes in activities of liver enzymes, reduced reactive oxygen species levels, and suppressed lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. Moreover, aqueous extract of date palm fruit reduced doxorubicin-induced hepatic lesions. Molecular docking studies showed that most compounds of aqueous extract of date palm fruit identified via GC-MS had good interaction with proteins of human pregnane X receptor, oxygenase-1, and CYP2C9. Conclusions: The aqueous extract of date palm fruit mitigates doxorubicin-mediated DNA damage and hepatotoxicity, and restores normal liver function and may be a promising agent against the deleterious effects of doxorubicin.

The effects of aqueous extract of ocimum gratissimum on the cerebellum of male wistar rats challenged by lead acetate

•Chronic lead acetate toxicity was induced in male rats by oral administration.•Effect of Ocimum gratissimum in lead acetate toxicity on the cerebellum.•Oral lead acetate administration led to oxidative stress in the cerebellum.•Ocimum gratissimum extract attenuated oxidative stress and enhanced antioxidant enzymes.•Ocimum gratissimum ameliorated lead acetate-induced toxicity in the cerebellum. ObjectivesLead acetate (LA) is a known toxicant, and its exposure in the environment has been on the increase in recent times, leading to oxidative stress and tissue damage. Based on this background, we investigated the role of the antioxidative properties of Ocimum gratissimum (OG), a potent medicinal plant, in ameliorating and protecting the brain from lead acetate-induced cerebellar damage via the assessment of oxidative stress parameters and brain histology.MethodsThirty-five adult male Wistar rats weighing 145–200g divided into five groups were used for this experimental study. Groups 1, 2, and 3 served as positive and negative controls and were administered sterile water, 252.98 mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaves extract of OG and 120 mg/kg of LA for 21 days. Furthermore, following the administration of LA, rats in groups 4 and 5 were treated with 125 and 250 mg/kg body weight of OG. OG and LA were administered orally for 42 days. Oxidative stress parameters, as well as histoarchitectural investigations following LA and OG treatment, were analysed.ResultsResults showed normal histoarchitecture of the cerebellum in control and group 2 animals (OG only). In group 3 animals that received LA only, we observed severe stages of neurodegenerative features in the Purkinje, granular cell molecular cell layers of the Cerebellum. Also, results from groups 4 and 5 rats that were co-administered with LA and OG revealed regenerative tendencies and an increase in the neuronal cell density of the cerebellum. Nevertheless, we recorded an increase in the brain content of malondialdehyde and decreased antioxidant status (catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and sodium dismutase (SOD)) following LA administration. OG attenuated this heightened MDA activity and depletion of the antioxidant status.ConclusionOverall, these findings suggest that oral administration of aqueous extract of OG improved cerebellar neurotoxicity and degeneration in rats exposed to LA by modulating oxidative damage. Lead acetate (LA) is a known toxicant, and its exposure in the environment has been on the increase in recent times, leading to oxidative stress and tissue damage. Based on this background, we investigated the role of the antioxidative properties of Ocimum gratissimum (OG), a potent medicinal plant, in ameliorating and protecting the brain from lead acetate-induced cerebellar damage via the assessment of oxidative stress parameters and brain histology. Thirty-five adult male Wistar rats weighing 145–200g divided into five groups were used for this experimental study. Groups 1, 2, and 3 served as positive and negative controls and were administered sterile water, 252.98 mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaves extract of OG and 120 mg/kg of LA for 21 days. Furthermore, following the administration of LA, rats in groups 4 and 5 were treated with 125 and 250 mg/kg body weight of OG. OG and LA were administered orally for 42 days. Oxidative stress parameters, as well as histoarchitectural investigations following LA and OG treatment, were analysed. Results showed normal histoarchitecture of the cerebellum in control and group 2 animals (OG only). In group 3 animals that received LA only, we observed severe stages of neurodegenerative features in the Purkinje, granular cell molecular cell layers of the Cerebellum. Also, results from groups 4 and 5 rats that were co-administered with LA and OG revealed regenerative tendencies and an increase in the neuronal cell density of the cerebellum. Nevertheless, we recorded an increase in the brain content of malondialdehyde and decreased antioxidant status (catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and sodium dismutase (SOD)) following LA administration. OG attenuated this heightened MDA activity and depletion of the antioxidant status. Overall, these findings suggest that oral administration of aqueous extract of OG improved cerebellar neurotoxicity and degeneration in rats exposed to LA by modulating oxidative damage.

Evaluation of the nutrient composition and hepatotoxic potential of Thaumatococcus danielli

The aim of this work was to evaluate the nutritional and hepatotoxic potential of leaf of T. danielli. Freshly harvested leaves of T. danielli was dried at room temperature, ground to fine powder. 500 g of powdered plant sample was soaked in 2 litres of 70% methanol for 72 hrs. The resulting extract was filtered and filtrate concentrated. Twenty adult male albino rats were divided into 4 groups of 5 rats per group. · Group I: Normal control was fed with only normal rat diet and water ad libitum. · Group II: Rats were administered with 200 mg/kg b.w of extract of T.danielli leaf orally. · Group III: Rats were administered with 400 mg/kg b.w of methanol extract of T.danielli leaf orally. · Group IV: Rats were administered with 600 mg/kg b.w of methanol extract of T.danielli leaf orally. Nutrient composition of the leaf of T. danielli was determined using standard procedures. The proximate analysis on the leaf of the said plant revealed the presence of moisture, ash, fat, protein, fibre and carbohydrate with fat being more abundant (17.30±1.28%) than every other components and carbohydrate the least abundant (8.29±0.20%). However, analysis on the mineral composition, revealed the presence of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, sodium and iron. While calcium (7.20±0.23 g/ 100 g) was reportedly the most abundant of all elements, sodium was the least (0.40±0.03 g/ 100g). Evaluation of the vitamin composition of the leaf of T. danielli revealed the presence of vitamins A, B1, B3, B5, B6 and B12. B12 was the most abundant (8.32±0.42 g/ 100g) of the vitamins. The activity of serum hepatomarkers evaluated was not significantly (P&gt;0.05) different from that reported on the control following oral administration of aqueous extract of T. danielli. In conclusion, the leaf of T. danielli contains vital nutrients and has no hepatotoxic effect.

Biochemical changes associated with the administration of aqueous pulp extract of Irvingia gabonensis fruit on adult male Wistar rats

Biochemical changes associated with the administration of aqueous pulp extract of Irvingia gabonensis fruit on adult male Wistar rats

Hematological Changes In Administration Of Garcina Kola Seed Extract To Wistar Rats

In a number of ailments, hematological tests are useful in diagnosing and determining the extent of blood production. The impact of Garcina kola seed extract (G. kola) on blood parameters was investigated in this study. Twenty-five (25) adult male wistar rats (weighing 130–180 g on average) were acclimatized for two weeks before being divided into five (5) groups of five (5) rats each (n = 5). They were subsequently fed G. kola seed extract in various quantities (doses) for 21 days (3 weeks). While normal control (Group I) mice were fed standard rat chow and water ad libitum, group 2 animals were fed 100 mg/kg of test extract, while groups 3 - 5 were fed 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg of the same G.kola seed extract, respectively. Rats were venipunced, blood samples were obtained, and haematological alterations were analyzed in the laboratory after a period of administration of test chemicals. During this time, student's t-test was used to compare the connection in means between each group and the control group. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Finally, hematological measures such as PCV, RBC, HGB, LYM, MON, BAS, EOS, and NEU counts showed a significant effect. Oral administration of aqueous extract of G. kola seed to the mice decreased RBC and HGB levels insignificantly compared to control, while higher dose administration significantly increased PCV and HGB counts (p 0.05). In comparison to the control, lymphocyte counts were considerably (p 0.05) higher in group 4, but not in the other extract-fed groups. The counts of basophils and eosinophils, as well as neutrophils, were significantly higher than the control group, especially as the dose was raised. In rats, an extracts of G. kola raised the immune system while lowering RBC production, causing anemia and having a negligible effect on PCV and HGB. Further research into the likely molecular mechanism for this could be useful in clinical treatment, thus it is recommended.

Erectogenic Effect of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Extract in Normal and 5-Fluorouracil induced Oxidative Stressed Adult Male Wistar Rats

This study determined the effect of oral administration of aqueous extract from Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) extract (TVE) on the antioxidant status and activity of some penile function enzymes (acetylcholinesterase (AChE), phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5), adenosine diaminase (ADA), and arginase) activity in normal and 5- Fluorouracil- induced oxidative stressed rats. Sixty adult Wister rats (210-225)g were divided into ten (10) groups (n=6): Group 1: received oral administration of normal saline (NC), Group 2: received 100 mg/kg of thyme extract orally (TE 100 mg/kg), Group 3: received 200 mg/kg of thyme extract orally (TE 200 mg/kg), rats in group four were treated with 400 mg/kg of thyme extract orally (TE 400 mg/kg), Those in group 5: received 25 mg/kg of Vitamin C orally, while group 6 to 10 were induced with 150 mg/kg of 5-Fluorouracil solution (5-FLU, i.p), but group 7-10 were treated 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and Vitamin C (25mg/kg), respectively. After fourteen (14) days of treatment, the rats were sacrificed and the penile tissue was carefully isolated and prepared into homogenate, which was used for antioxidant and enzymes biochemical analysis. The result revealed that i.p induction of 5-FLU caused a significant increase in malondialdehyde level, as well as AChE, ADA, PDE-5 and arginase activities wth concomitant decrease in thiol level when compared to control rats. However, the administration of TVE was found to reverse the effect of 5-FLU. The TVE was also found the reduced MDA level and all the enzyme activities, but boosted the thiol level in the normal rats when compared to control rats. Interestingly the effect of the TVE was found dose-dependently, and 400 mg/kg TVE was found to be more potent among all the doses used in both normal and 5-FLU-induced oxidative stress rats.

Simultaneous determination of twenty-five compounds with anti-inflammatory activity in Spatholobi Caulis by using an optimized UFLC-MS/MS method: An application to pharmacokinetic study

As a kind of commonly used Traditional Chinese Medicine in clinical, Spatholobi Caulis (SPC) contains a wide variety of bioactive compounds, including protocatechuate (1), nicotinic acid (2), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (3), salicylic acid (4), 6,9-dihydroxy megastigma-4,7-dien-3-one (5), 8,9-dihydroxy megastigma-4,6-dien-3-one (6), daidzin (7), genistin (8), isolariciresinol (9), ononin (10), 4′,8-dimethoxy-7-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl isoflavone (11), 3′-methoxydaidzein (12), odoratin (13), spasuberol A (14), (+)-pinoresinol (15), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy cinnamic acid methyl ester (16), (+)-epipinoresinol (17), calycosin (18), 8-O-methylretusin (19), formononetin sodium (20), formononetin (21), biochanin A (22), butesuperin A (23), homovanillyl-4-oxo-nonanoate (24) and (6aR,11aR)-maackiain (25). The pharmacokinetic characteristics of these twenty-five compounds in rat plasma were quantitatively and simultaneously studied using a fast, sensitive and precise ultra fast liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC-MS/MS) method after oral administration of aqueous extract of SPC to rats. The mobile phase consists of acetonitrile and 0.5 mM ammonium acetate in water, and these compounds were well separated at a gradient elution program with flow rate of 0.35 mL/min. Carbamazepine was employed as the internal standard (IS) and all samples were precipitated with MeOH-ACN (2:1, v/v). The analytical method has been proved to be good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9957), precise, accurate, stable, recovery and matrix effect, which applicated becomingly to study the pharmacokinetic processes of these compounds in rat plasma. In addition, these twenty-five compounds exhibited anti-inflammatory activity on the inflammatory model of NO over production in RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Isoflavones, especially compounds 20-22 (The IC50 of which were 22.75 μM, 21.11 μM and 48.29 μM, respectively.) might be the important constituents for anti-inflammatory activity of SPC. This study provides reference values for the clinical application, in-depth study on new dosage forms and pharmacological activities of SPC.

Antioxidant Properties of Orally Administered of Aqueous Extracts of Selected Medicinal Plants and Paracetamol in Human Volunteers: In vivo

Objectives: In the current study, we used the herbal plant extracts and studied antioxidative value against the well-known drug Paracetamol. Methods: 54 Healthy volunteers were grouped into six groups, 5 groups drinking 200-250ml of aqueous extract from selected medicinal plants daily for 5 days and group six received 2 tablets of paracetamol (each tablet, 500 mg) daily for five days. Blood samples were taken before and 1 hr after the administration (samples 1 and 2, respectively) and then one day after the last dose of day five (sample 3). Serum total antioxidant status (TAS), red blood cell reduced glutathione (GSH), red blood cell malonyldialdehyde (MDA, and red blood cell superoxide dismutase (SOD) were used as assays. Results: Oral administration of aqueous extracts of studied plants increased significantly the serum total antioxidant status and red blood cell reduced glutathione after 5 days of administration compared to 0 time of administration. Data also showed that red blood cell superoxide dismutase increased significantly after five days of aqueous extracts of Zingiber officinale, Rosmarinus officinalis &amp; Saliva triloba administration compared to 0 time of administration. Oral administration of aqueous extracts of Zingiber officinale, Rosmarinus officinalis, Verbena triphylla, caused a significant decrease in red blood cell malonyldialdehyde. Oral administration of Paracetamol for 5 days did not affect total antioxidant status red blood cell malonyldialdehyde, red blood cell reduced glutathione and red blood cell superoxide dismutase.

Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of cantharidin after oral administration of aqueous extracts from Mylabris in rats.

A sensitive gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy method was established for the determination of cantharidin (CTD) in rat plasma and liver homogenates. During the experiment, rats were randomly divided into two groups (low, high) and were administered aqueous extract of Mylabris compound for 7days. Then, plasma and tissue samples were taken at different time points to study the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of CTD in rats. The selected reaction monitoring transitions for CTD and clofibrate (internal standard) were m/z 128 → 85 and m/z 169 → 141, respectively. The calibration curve ranged from 10.26 to 3,078 ng/ml for plasma and from 10.26 to 246.24 ng/ml for liver homogenates. The lower limits of quantification were 10.26 ng/ml for both plasma and liver. The intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy were <20% for both plasma and liver homogenates. Extraction recovery ranged from 89.21 to 103.61% for CTD in rat plasma and liver and from 83.79 to 102.74% for IS in rat plasma and liver. Matrix effects ranged from 93.06 to 110.44% for CTD and from 91.65 to 110.80% for IS.

EFFECT OF AQUEOUS CRUDE EXTRACT OF ALOE VACILLANS LEAVES ON INDUCED HEPATIC DAMAGE IN MALE RABBITS

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of Aloe vacillans leaves juice on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)- induced hepatotoxicity in rabbits. Hepatotoxicity was induced in rabbits by intraperitoneal injection of (CCl4) at dose l ml/kg on day 7 and 8.The aqueous crude extract of Aloe vacillans leaves was administrated at dose 100 mg,300 mg and 500 mg/kg of body weight pass orally (p.o) daily for 8 days. The hepatotoxicity and its prevention were assessed by serum parameters like alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin (Bil) and total protein (T.P). In CCl4 treated rabbits, a significant, increasing the ALT, AST, bilirubin and decreasing the Total protein levels were shown (p&lt;0.05), due to liver damage, when compared with the normal group.Treatment with the aqueous extract of Aloe vacillans could significantly decrease the (ALT), (ALT) and bilirubin, increased T.P in serum at p&lt; 0.05 when compared with CCl4 –treated group The data concluded that oral administration of aqueous extract of the leaves of Aloe vacillans significantly decreases the intensity of hepatic damage induced by CCl4 in rabbits.

Biochemical Assessment of Fertility-Enhancing Effect of Aqueous Extract of Symphonia globulifera (Linn. F.) In Adult Male Wistar Rats

The present study investigated the effect of oral administration of aqueous extract of Symphonia globulifera root on fertility in addition to its effect on some biochemical indices in adult male Wistar rats. After the aqueous extraction, phytochemical screening was carried out. Twenty-four (24) mature and healthy adult male wistar rats of weights between 150-220 g were used. The rats were randomly divided into four (4) groups each containing six (6) rats. Group 1 rats were gavaged with distilled water which served as control group. Group 2, 3 and 4 rats were orally treated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract of S. globulifera respectively for 21 days. After the treatment, the rats were sacrificed and their organs (heart, liver, kidney and testes) were excised. Hormonal analysis which include seminal fluid analysis (SFA), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), leutenizing hormone (LH), testosterone and prolactin were carried out following standard procedures. The data were analysed using students t-test and ANOVA with the aid of SPSS with P &lt; 0.05 level of statistical significance. The phytochemical screening of the extract revealed presence of major phytochemicals. There was dose-dependent decrease in the body weight of the rats after the treatment. In hormonal analysis, SFA increased significantly when compared to that of the control rats. The analysis also revealed that the blood level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) was significantly increased whereas; there was decrease in testosterone level when compared with the control animals. In conclusion, aqueous extract of S. globulifera was found to be safe and showed significant fertility enhancing effects.

Histo-Pathological Alterations Associated Metabolic Alterations in STZ Induced Diabetic Rats with Leaves Extract of Sapindus saponaria

In the present study oral administration of aqueous extract of Sapindus saponaria (SS) to streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats secluded the rats from the changes in Histopathological tissues of rats. STZ induces diabetes that resembles human hyperglycemic non-ketotic diabetes mellitus. Further rats treated with STZ display many of the features in human subjects with uncontrollable DM and are invaluable when studying the mechanisms by which hyperglycemia may contribute to microvascular complications such as neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy. The functioning of pancreas, liver and kidney may be affected due to decreased levels of insulin, hyperglycemia and its consequences. In the present investigation the histological changes in these tissues of diabetic rats and the effect of Sapindus saponaria SS aqueous extract on these was studied.

Aqueous leaf extract from Luehea divaricata Mart. Modulates oxidative stress markers in the spinal cord of rats with neuropathic pain

Ethnopharmacological relevanceReactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in neuropathic pain (i.e., pain caused by lesion or disease of the somatosensory system). We showed previously that the aqueous extract prepared from Luehea divaricata leaves, a plant explored by native ethnic groups of Brazil to treat different pathologic conditions, exhibits good antioxidant activity and induces analgesia in rats with neuropathic pain (J Ethnopharmacol, 2020; 256:112761. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112761). The effect was comparable to that of gabapentin, a drug recommended as first-line treatment for neuropathic pain. However, increasing evidence has indicated the need to accurately determine the oxidative stress level of an individual before prescribing supplemental antioxidants. Aim of the studyThis study assessed the effects of the oral administration of aqueous extract from leaves of L. divaricata on the sciatic functional index (SFI) and spinal-cord pro-oxidant and antioxidant markers of rats with neuropathic pain. Materials and methodsPlacement of four loose chromic thread ligatures around the sciatic nerve produced chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, a commonly employed animal model to study neuropathic pain. Aqueous extract from leaves of L. divaricata (100, 300, 500 and 1000 mg/kg), gabapentin (50 mg/kg) and aqueous extract (500 mg/kg) + gabapentin (30 mg/kg) were administrated per gavage daily for 10 or 35 days post-CCI. Antinociception was assessed using the von Frey test while SFI showed functional recovery post-nerve lesion throughout the experimental period. At days 10 and 35 post-surgery, the lumbosacral spinal cord and a segment of the injured sciatic nerve were dissected out and used to determine lipid hydroperoxide levels and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The spinal cord was also used to determine superoxide anion generation (SAG), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels and total thiol content. ResultsAs expected, the extract, gabapentin and extract + gabapentin induced antinociception in CCI rats. While no significant functional recovery was found at 10 days post-CCI, a significant recovery was found in SFI of extract-treated CCI rats at 21 and 35 days post-CCI. A significant functional recovery was found already at day 10 post-CCI in gabapentin and gabapentin + extract-treated CCI rats. The extract treatment prevented increases in lipid hydroperoxides levels and TAC in injured sciatic nerve, which were found in this tissue of vehicle-treated rats at 10 days post-CCI. Extract also prevented an increase in SAG, H2O2 and lipid hydroperoxides levels in the spinal cord, which were elevated in this tissue of vehicle-treated rats at 10 and 35 days post-CCI. Extract also prevented a decrease in total thiol content and an increase in TAC in the spinal cord of CCI rats in these same time periods. ConclusionsAqueous extract from L. divaricata leaves was demonstrated, for the first time, to improve SFI and modulate oxidative stress markers in injured sciatic nerve and spinal cord of CCI rats. Thus, the antinociceptive effect of the extract involves modulation of oxidative stress markers in injured sciatic nerve and spinal cord.