Oral Administration Of Aqueous Extract Research Articles

In vivo antidiabetic activity of qwueous extract of Artemisia argyi (Chinese mugwort) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Purpose: To determine the antidiabetic, antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of aqueous leaf extract of Artemisia argyi (Asteraceae) in alloxan (ALX)-induced diabetic rats.
 Experimental: Soxhlet apparatus was packed with grinded leaves of A. Argyi and subjected to extraction by double distillation using water as running solvent for 4 – 5 h. Male albino Wistar rats weighing 150 ± 10 g were used in this study. Diabetes was induced in overnight-fasted rats via intraperitoneal administration of freshly prepared 10 % alloxan solution at a dose of 186.9 mg/kg. Serum glucose (Glc), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), triglycerides (TGs) and total cholesterol (TC) were evaluated using Randox assay kits. Serum reduced glutathione (GSH) was assayed using a slight modification of a previously reproted procedure, while histological examination was carried out microscopically after hematoxylin and eosin staining.
 Results: Oral administration of aqueous extract of Artemisia argyi significantly reduced ALX-induced increases in glycosylated hemoglobin and blood glucose, but significantly increased total protein, hemoglobin, insulin, and C-peptide levels (p < 0.05). Administration of the extract also led to a significant upsurge in non-enzymic antioxidants i.e. ceruloplasmin, GSH, vitamin E and vitamin C. The extract produced a hypolipidemic effect by significantly reducing total cholesterol (TC) and serum TGs. The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of the extract were dose-dependent (p < 0.05). Histological examination of the pancreas revealed that the extract protected the integrity of beta cells in ALXinduced diabetic rats.
 Conclusion: These results indicate the beneficial effects of Artemisia argyi against diabetes mellitus. Thus, Artemisia argyi may be useful in the management of diabetes mellitus.
 Keywords: Artemisia argyi, Antidiabetic, Glutathione, Histopathology, Antioxidant

Phytochemical screening, acute and sub-acute toxicity of aqueous extract from a mixture of some recipe of Herniaria glabra L., Opuntia ficus-indica, Zea mays L. and Zizyphus lotus L. used traditionally against renal lithiases

Introduction: Antiurolithiatic plants are used since ancient times, in the form of decoction, infusion, or juice, to eliminate kidney stones and to prevent their recurrence. On the basis of the available ethnopharmacological information, more scientific studies are needed to explore natural and safe antiurolithiatic compounds. Materials and Methods: The present work showed phytochemical screening, acute and sub-acute toxicity of aqueous extract of four plant's mixture: Aerial part (branches, flowers and leaves) of Herniaria glabra, flowers of Opuntia ficus-indica, Zea mays styles and fruits of Zizyphus lotus used traditionally against renal lithiases. Phytochemical screening was performed using qualitative methods. To measure acute toxicity, rats were administered orally by single doses of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 2.0 g/kg body weight (b. w.) of extract of plant's mixture. General behavior adverse effects and mortality were determined during 15 days. For sub-acute study, the aqueous extract was administered at 100 mg/kg b. w. for 28 days to Wistar rats. Animals were monitored daily after an oral administration of aqueous extract of the mixture to detect any changes in b. w., behavior, autonomic profiles, or mortality. Calculation of relative organ weight (ROW) and biochemical analysis were carried out. Results: The acute oral toxicity study showed no mortality and no statistically significant decrease in b. w. and ROW of the treated groups of rats when compared to the control group was observed. In biochemical analysis, there was a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, urea, and uric acid. Conclusion: This study found that aqueous extract of traditional recipe used against renal lithiasis in Fes-Meknes region containing: Flavonoids, tannins, catechic tannins, coumarins and the glycosides. The results of the acute and sub-acute toxicity studies indicated that the recipe extracts induce a slight hepatotoxic effects in rats treated orally with 100 mg/kg (b. w.).

Effects of commonly used medicinal herbs in Jordan on serum total antioxidant status and clinical laboratory testing

The use of medicinal herbs is widespread and growing. We tested the in-vivo effects of commonly used medicinal herbs in Jordan, on normal human volunteers after oral administration of aqueous extracts for several days, to see whether the in-vitro chemical antioxidant activity of a given herb replicates in-vivo and to see whether a given medicinal herb affects the results of selected clinical chemistry tests performed on the serum. Healthy volunteers were given orally aqueous herbal extracts daily for five days. Venous blood samples were taken before and one hour after the first dose of aqueous extract and then one day after the last dose of day five. Total antioxidant status and 13 of routine clinical chemistry tests were assayed on the serum. The tested herbs caused a significant increase in serum total antioxidant status. The studied herbs can be arranged in decreasing order of their in-vivo antioxidant strength after one hour of first consumption as follows: Nigella sativum > Rosmarinus officinalis > Zingiber officinale > Verbena triphylla > Origanum syriacum > Salvia triloba. The studied herbs except for Rosmarinus officinalis also caused a significant increase and/or decrease in 10 out of 13 laboratory tests performed on the serum. These results indicate that oral administration of aqueous extracts of medicinal herbs although improve the serum total antioxidant status, they could also significantly alter some laboratory results used for diagnosis or evaluation of diseases and this may negatively affect patient’s care. The present study highlights the importance of obtaining information regarding patients’ uptake of herbal products that might interfere with some laboratory testing.

Ameliorative effects of Mentha aquatica on diabetic and nephroprotective potential activities in STZ-induced renal injury

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia which causes secondary pathophysiological changes in multiple organ systems. Clinically used oralhypoglycemic agents are associated with a lot of side effects and high cost of treatment. As per ethnobotanical relevance, traditional medicines and natural products offer a valuable alternative to the oralhypoglycemic drugs. This study was hypothesized to evaluate the antidiabetic and nephroprotective activities of Mentha aquatica in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ at a dosage of 40 mg/kg bw. At the end of the study, overnight-fasted rats were dissected, and the blood and kidney samples were analyzed for biochemical and histopathological analysis. Oral administration of aqueous extract of leaves of Mentha aquatica (AELMA) at a dose of 100 mg/kg bw/day for 90 days significantly decreased the level of fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, TC, TG, plasma urea, creatinine, urine albumin, and kidney lipid peroxidation and increased the body weight, insulin, HDL cholesterol, plasma albumin, urinary urea, urinary creatinine, and antioxidant enzyme activities. The present study demonstrates that aqueous extract leaves of Mentha aquatica exert significant antidiabetic activity by stimulating secretion of insulin and nephroprotective potential activity by reducing the lipid peroxidation and enhancing the scavenging ability of antioxidant defense system in the body.

Comparative Study of the Effect of Aqueous Extract of Entandrophragma angolense and Vitamin B12 on Induced Hemolytic Anemia and Inflammation in the Wistar Rat

Entandrophragma angolense is a plant of the family Meliaceae of African pharmacopoeia. It is used in traditional medicine as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory in cases of abdominal or hips pain. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of oral administration of aqueous extract of E. angolense and vitamin B12 on hemolytic induced anemia and inflammation in the rat. Anemia was induced by intraperitoneal administration of phenylhydrazine at the dose of 40 mg / kg / day for two days in 24 Wistar rats, followed by aqueous extract of E. angolense and vitamin B12 chosen as reference molecule administered orally to rats once a day for 28 days. A biological assessment on blood count, CRP and the study of secondary metabolites of the aqueous extract of E. angolense have been realized. The results obtained showed the existence of anemia characterized by a significant decrease (p <0.01) of the hemoglobin level of 42.80% ± 3.09 and red blood cells of 44.21% ± 3.16 in rats, and inflammation revealed by the significantly elevated CRP assay (p <0.05). The aqueous extract of E. angolense at the dose of 200 mg / kg increased significantly (p <0.001) the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin at the 4th week of treatment compared to the vitamin B12.
 In conclusion, the aqueous extract of the plant has an anti-inflammatory and anti-anemic effect. This double physiological action could come from the phytochemicals (flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids) contained in the extract.

Inhibitory Effect of Cuphea aequipetala Extracts on Murine B16F10 Melanoma In Vitro and In Vivo.

Cuphea aequipetala (C. aequipetala) has been used in Mexican traditional medicine since prehispanic times to treat tumors. In this paper, we evaluated the antiproliferative and apoptotic effect of the methanolic and aqueous extracts of C. aequipetala on several cancer cell lines including the B16F10 cell line of murine melanoma and carried a murine model assay. In vitro assay analyzed the effect in the cellular cycle and several indicators of apoptosis, such as the caspase-3 activity, DNA fragmentation, phosphatidylserine exposure (Annexin-V), and induction of cell membrane permeabilization (propidium iodide) in the B16F10 cells. In vivo, groups of C57BL/6 female mice were subcutaneously injected with 5x105 B16F10 cells and treated with 25 mg/mL of C. aequipetala extracts via oral. Aqueous and methanolic extracts showed a cytotoxic effect in MCF-7, HepG2, and B16F10 cell lines. The methanolic extract showed more antiproliferative effect with less concentration, and for this reason, the in vitro experiments were only continued with it. This extract was able to induce accumulation of cells on G1 phase of the cell cycle; moreover, it was able to induce DNA fragmentation and increase the activity of caspase-3 in B16F10 cells. On the other hand, in the murine model of melanoma, the aqueous extract showed a greater reduction of tumor size in comparison with the methanolic extract, showing an 80% reduction versus one of around 31%, both compared with the untreated control, indicating a better antitumor effect of C. aequipetala aqueous extract via oral administration. In conclusion, the in vitro data showed that both C. aequipetala extracts were able to induce cytotoxicity through the apoptosis pathway in B16F10 cells, and in vivo, the oral administration of aqueous extract reduces the melanoma tumoral mass, suggesting an important antitumoral effect and the perspective to search for effector molecules involved in it.

Evaluation of Humoral Immunity to Infectious Bronchitis and Newcastle Disease Vaccines and Received Artemisia herba alba Extract in layer hens

The present study aims to evaluate the effect vaccination and oral administration of aqueous extract of artemisia herba alba on the immune status. forty laying hens (Lohman Brown,1 year-old, body weight 1.8 kg) were divided into four groups (ten) individuals. First one is the control; the second group treated with vaccine against NDV and IBV; third group received 2ml/bird/day 5% extracts of artemisia herba alba; fourth group treated with 2ml/bird/day 5% extracts of artemisia herba alba and vaccinated against NDV and IBV. Antibody titers against NDV and IBV were measured after 14 and 28 days. Results present significant increase in the globulin of the fourth group as compared to the others. The level of NDV antibodies increases significantly in this group as compared with control and third groups after 14 days. The same group shows a significant increase at 28 days as compared with the control one only. On the other hand, antibody titer of IBV increased significantly in the second and the fourth groups compared to the control group at 28 days, but no significant differences among all groups after 14 days of the experiment.In conclusion, this study indicates a limited positive effect of the herb extract on humoral immunity of layer chickens.

HEPATOPROTECTIVE AND NEPHROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF THE AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF TURMERIC (CURCUMA LONGA) IN RIFAMPICIN AND ISONIAZID-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY AND NEPHROTOXICITY IN RATS

Objectives: The present study was designed to estimate the influences of oral administration of aqueous extract of turmeric (Curcuma longa) in hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced in rats by isoniazid and rifampicin (RIF) for 4 weeks. Influences were determined through the estimation of liver and kidney functions and histopathological changes.
 Materials and Methods: A total of 48 male albino rats were randomly divided into six groups: Normal control, INH+RIF treated rats, Turmeric aqueous extract 100 mg/kg treated rats, Turmeric aqueous extract 100 mg/kg + INH and RIF treated rats, Turmeric aqueous extract 200 mg/kg treated rats, Turmeric aqueous extract 200 mg/kg+ INH and RIF treated rats. Turmeric aqueous extract and INH + RIF (50 mg/kg bwpo, daily) were given for 4 weeks. Liver and kidney function markers (aspartate transaminase [AST], alanine transaminase [ALT], alanine phosphatase [ALP], bilirubin, blood urea, and creatinine) were determined enzymatically. In addition, tissues of liver and kidney were quickly separated and fixed in 10% formalin and subjected to histopathological studies. Statistical analysis was carried out using t-test.
 Results: The aqueous extract of turmeric (at a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg bw, p.o. daily ) showed hepato- and reno-protective effects in hepato- and reno- toxicity induced by RIF and INH in rats. Significant elevation of serum ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, creatinine, urea, and total protein, due to RIF and INH treatment, were significantly decreased. The histopathological study further confirmed the biochemical results.
 Conclusion: Results of the present study indicated that turmeric has hepatoprotective and renoprotective action against RIF- and INH-induced hepatic and renal injury in rats.

Evaluation of acute toxicity of plants' mixture used in traditional treatment of kidney diseases in Morocco

Background: The use of plants' mixture in the traditional treatment of kidney diseases in Morocco is widespread. Objective: To evaluate the toxic effects of plants' mixture used in the traditional treatment of kidney diseases in Morocco. Materials and Methods: The phytochemical screening was performed. For acute toxicity, single doses of low dose (300 mg/kg), medium dose (500 mg/kg), high dose (2000 mg/kg), lethal dose (6000 mg/kg), and traditional dose (10 ml/kg) body weight of aqueous extracts of plants' mixture were administered orally in Wistar rats. Animals were monitored daily for at least 15 days after an oral administration of aqueous extract of the mixture to detect any changes in body weight, behavior, autonomic profiles, or mortality. Calculation of relative organ weight (ROW), hematological, biochemical analysis, and histopathology evaluation were carried out. Results: The acute oral toxicity study showed diarrhea, somnolence, and agitation of different groups of rats, while no mortality and no statistically significant decrease in body weight was observed. Statistically, the kidneys, liver, and spleen showed significant decrease in the ROW of the treated groups of rats when compared to the control group. In biochemical analysis, there was a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, urea, and uric acid. Hematological parameters showed a significant decrease in leukocytes, eosinophil, basophil, lymphocytes, monocytes, and hematocrit. Histopathological evaluation which revealed major histology changes of liver sections of rats treated with low and medium doses had lymphocyte and plasma cell inflammatory infiltrates; whereas, the liver sections of rats treated with high, lethal, and traditional doses exhibited lymphocyte, plasma cell, and eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrates. Conclusion: The study finds that the plants' mixture marketed by herbalists for the treatment of kidney diseases is toxic to body organs such as the liver and the hematopoietic system.

The Hypoglycaemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Aqueous Extract of <i>Alkanna strigosa</i> in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Many plants have been used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in Jordanian system of medicine and in other ancient systems of the world. The present study is aimed to evaluate the potential mechanism of antidiabetic action of aqueous extract of Alkanna strigosa aerial part and its hypolipidemic effects in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. This study was conducted on fifty experimental animals. Adult albino rats (Sprague- Dawely strain) weighing about 220 g each were used throughout the study. Fifty rats were randomly assigned to five experimental groups of 10 rats each: Group 1 - received normal saline (0.5 ml/kg), and serves as control. Group II - gavaged daily for thirty days with 1ml of the extract at doses of 400 mg/kg body wt and served as control. Group III - Untreated diabetic rats that received two doses of alloxan 150 mg/kg. Group IV – Treated diabetic rats for thirty consecutive days with 1 ml of the extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg body wt. Group V: Treated diabetic rats for thirty consecutive days with 14.2 mg/kg of metformin. Several hematological and biochemical parameters were assessed. It was found that the administration of aqueous extract of Alkanna strigosa produced significant reduction in blood glucose level in diabetic rats after thirty days of treatment. However, there was a significant (p < 0.05). Increase of insulin secretion. Also, the RBC and WBC count, PCV and neutrophil percentage decreased significantly (p < 0.05). This study indicated that the aqueous extract of Alkanna strigosa increased the RBC and WBC counts, PCV, ESR, and neutrophil percentage in diabetic rats. However, the WBC count of the extract - treated diabetic group was still lower than those of control values. Administration of the extract resulted in a significant reduction in the mean values of serum cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C, ESR, urea, uric acid, creatinine accompanied by an increase in the mean values of total protein, albumin, insulin, HDL-C, neutrophile count and PCV in diabetic rats. No significant changes in these parameters were found in the control group. Effects produced by this extract were closely similar to a standard antidiabetic drug, metformin. (p < 0.05) hypoglycemic effects in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, protection against body weight loss of diabetic animals and might alleviate diabetes-induced disturbances of some biochemical and hematological parameters. These results suggest that the oral administration of aqueous extract of the aerial part of Alkanna strigosa possesses antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Anti-Alzheimer's Activity of aqueous extract of leaves of Murraya koenigii in Aluminium chloride Induced Neurotoxicity in rats

Objective: The present study was aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Murraya koenigii on aluminium chloride (AlCl3) induced neurobehavioral and pathological changes in Alzheimeric rats. Methods: Wistar albino rats were selected in this study and were divided into 6 groups (6each). Group I animals received saline and were considered as control. Group II rats were administered with AlCl3 (40mg/kg b.w, oral) for 35 days. Group III rats were treated with standard Vitamin E (100mg/kg b.w, p.o) and AlCl3 (40mg/kg b.w, oral). Group IV, V,VI received aqueous extract of leaves of Murraya koenigii (100mg/kg b.w, p.o,200mg/kg b.w, p.o,400mg/kg b.w, p.o) and inducing agent AlCl3 (40mg/kg b.w, oral) .The rats were given respective treatment for 35 days and behavioural parameters were determined on the 35th day. On the 35th day the rats were sacrificed and anti-oxidant parameters, brain acetylcholinesterase content were determined. Results: Oral administration of aqueous extract of leaves of Murraya koenigii at doses 100,200, 400mg/kg body weight showed improvements in behavioural parameters when compared to AlCl3 induced rats; showed increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione and decreased levels of malondialdehyde and also a showed decrease in brain acetylcholinesterase content when compared to AlCl3 induced rats. Conclusion: This study strongly suggested that M koenigii could possibly restore the altered neurological capacities and antioxidant power in rats, and it could even be a good alternative to chemical medicines against AlCl3 induced neurotoxicity

Function indices of liver and kidney and haematological parameters of male Wistar rats after oral administration of aqueous extract of Terminalia avicennioides root barks

Terminalia avicennioides is a member of the Combretaceae family with a lot of medicinal properties. This study aims to investigate the effects of aqueous extract of T. avicennioides root barks on biochemical and haematological parameters of Wistar rats. Male rats were distributed randomly into four groups (A–D) and orally administered aqueous root bark extract of T. avicennioides (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight) for 7 days. Liver, kidney and serum enzymes, function indices and malondialdehyde, as well as haematological parameters were monitored. The extract significantly (p 0.05) alter kidney alkaline phosphatase at 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight, liver alanine aminotransferase at 250 and 1000 mg/kg body weight and serum chloride ions at 250 mg/kg body weight, serum total bilirubin, albumin, creatinine and haematological parameters at all the experimental doses. Overall, the findings in this study revealed that the extract at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight when administered repeatedly for 7 days has adverse effects on hepatic and renal functions without evidence of systemic toxicity.

English

This study investigates the effect of barley (Hordeum vulgare), black plum (Syzygium cumini) and Chinese tree leaves (Pistacia chinesis) aqueous extracts on serum glucose, cholesterol, urea, uric acid level and body weight of normal and alloxan-induced diabetic male rabbits. Rabbits were kept in fasting condition for 12 h, then diabetes was induced using alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/Kg) . From the 7th day of diabetes induction, blood serum was collected for glucose analysis. Rabbits having fasting glucose level ≥ 250 mg/dL were considered as diabetic. Rabbits were treated with 1% barley, black plum and Chinese tree aqueous extract to check their effects on the serum glucose, serum cholesterol, serum urea, uric acid and body weight of the animals. Samples were collected after every 72 h for biochemical analysis. It was noted that 1% barley, black plum and Chinese tree aqueous extract reduced 43.92, 39.05 and 32.47% glucose level. Results suggest that oral administration of aqueous extract of barley, black plum and Chinese tree reduced glucose, cholesterol, urea, and uric acid level. Therefore, these medicinal plants should be supplemented as herbal drugs in the treatment of various complex diseases and specially to control diabetes. Key words: Chinese tree leaves, antidiabetic agents, barley, black plum, rabbits, diabetes mellitus.

A simple and sensitive LC–MS/MS approach for simultaneous quantification of six bioactive compounds in rats following oral administration of aqueous extract and ultrafine powder of Astragalus propinquus: Application to a comparative pharmacokinetic study

A rapid, simple and selective approach based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem with mass spectrometry was established and validated for simultaneous quantification of six compounds in rat plasma, including astragaloside I, astragaloside II, astragaloside IV, calycosin‑7‑O‑β‑d‑glucoside, ononin and formononetin. The approach was applied to a comparative pharmacokinetic investigation of routine aqueous extract and ultrafine powder of Astragalus propinquus. Six compounds were extracted from plasma by using one-step protein precipitation. Chromatographic separation was conducted with a Waters BEH C18 UHPLC column using mobile phases of acetonitrile/0.1% formic acid-water. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was optimized for mass quantification in a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The approach elicited good linearity for the six compounds (r2 > 0.9991) in the concentration ranges. The lower limits of quantification (LLOQ) of astragaloside IV, astragaloside II, astragaloside I, calycosin‑7‑O‑β‑d‑glucoside, ononin and formononetin were determined as 6.0, 9.6, 11.8, 5.8, 6.9, and 9.4 ng/mL, respectively. Intra- and inter-day precision, accuracy, selectivity and stability of the method met the required limits. The extraction recoveries of the six compounds were from 91.1% to 107.5% and the matrix effects ranged from 92.1% to 106.7%. The normalized Cmax and AUC0–t values of calycosin‑7‑O‑β‑d‑glucoside, and formononetin of the ultrafine powder group was much higher than that of the routine aqueous extract. Administration of Astragalus propinquus in the form of ultrafine powder showed enhanced bioavailability than that of routine aqueous extract.

Aflatoxin induced renal toxicity in Albino rats and the ameliorative effect of green tea aqueous extract: Histological, Morphometric and Immuno-histochemical Study

Tea is the most common drink worldwide besides water. It is rich in antioxidant polyphenolic flavonoids. Further, it has anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and autoantigen-inhibitory properties. To evaluate the effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of green tea against experimental aflatoxicosis on the renal tissues of adult male albino rats. Twenty five adult male rats were included and they were divided equally into 5 groups: Group 1 (aflatoxin group): the rats received aflatoxins (2.5 mg/kg diet for 15 days), group 2 (aflatoxins and green tea aqueous extract group) for 15 days, group 3, the rats received aflatoxins for 15 days and aqueous extract of the green tea for 30 days, group 4 (green tea aqueous extract group) and group 5(control negative group). Detailed non-traditional histological and morphometrical analyses for renal tissues stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson's trichrome stain, Periodic Acid Schiff’s (PAS), Alizarin red S stains and immunohistochemical detection of Ki-67 were done. The main observed renal lesions in rats received aflatoxins were dilatation of the renal pelvis, increases in glomerular areas (GA), widening of Bowman's spaces and necrosis of the renal lining epithelium and proliferation of fibrous connective tissues. Morphometric analysis revealed the presence of significant difference between group I and the other experimental groups. Meanwhile, groups 2 and 3 revealed a significant improvement in the histological changes and decrease in most of parameters. The highest percentage of PAS positive reaction was significantly found in group 4. Quantitative analysis of positive reactions of Ki-67 revealed the highest positive immunohistochemical reactions were detected in group 1 which significantly different in groups 4 and 5. In conclusion, green tea has a protective effect against the adverse effects of aflatoxins on renal tissues evidenced by improvement of histopathological alterations and regulation of Ki-67 expressions.&#x0D;

Effects of Oral Administration of Aqueous Extract of Tridax procumbens Leaves on Some Haematological Variables in Rats

The haematological indices (haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean Corpsular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), platelets, neutrophil, lymphocytes, basophil, monocytes and eosinophil) following oral administration of aqueous extract of Tridax procumbens leaves at doses of 25 mg/kgbw, 50 mg/kgbw and 100 mg/kgbw in albino rats were evaluated progressively on daily basis for 28 days. The acute toxicity value of oral administration of aqueous extract was greater than 5000 mg/kgbw. Extract administration at 25 mg/kgbw significantly (P 0.05) toxic effects on differential counts, RBC, WBC and MCHC. In the first week of treatment with the extract at 25 mg/kgbw and 500 mg/ kgbw, feed and fluid intake of rats were not significantly (P>0.05) altered while 100 mg/kgbw significantly reduced these parameters when compared with the control. These results indicate that aqueous extract of T. procumbens leaves exhibit low toxicity in rats and may be safe for use as therapeutic for managing clinical conditions.

Hypolipidemic activity of Tamarix articulata Vahl. in diabetic rats

ObjectiveTamarix articulata Vahl. (Tamaricaceae) is a medicinal plant commonly used in Morocco for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hypolipidemic activity of aqueous extract of T. articulata in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Phytochemical analysis as well as determination of polyphenol and flavonoid contents in the aqueous extract of T. articulata was performed. MethodsThe effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of T. articulata (5 mg/kg) on the plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) concentrations were measured in both normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats. Total phenolic content of the aqueous extract was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method. In addition, determination of flavonoid content was performed using colorimetric AlCl3 method. ResultsA single oral administration in diabetic rats induced a significant increase in the HDL-c concentration after 6 h of treatment with T. articulata (5 mg/kg). The results also demonstrated that the aqueous extract of T. articulata produced a significant decrease of serum total cholesterol after repeated oral administration in diabetic rats (P < 0.01). The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of T. articulata aqueous extract were equal to 102.50 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram of extract and 54.83 mg of quercetin equivalent per gram of extract, respectively. ConclusionAccording to preliminary phytochemical screening of the aerial part of T. articulata, several classes of chemicals have been found, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, cyanidins (flavones, catechols), mucilage, sesquiterpenes, terpenoids and carbohydrates. In conclusion, T. articulata exhibits a hypolipidemic effect in diabetic rats and its beneficial role as hypolipidemic agent should be evaluated in clinical studies.

Hypoglycaemic activity of Mathurameha, a Thai traditional herbal formula aqueous extract, and its effect on biochemical profiles of streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats

BackgroundThe Thai traditional herbal formula–Mathurameha, consisting of 26 medicinal plants, has been used as an alternative and complementary medicine for diabetes treatment in Wangnamyen Hospital, Thailand. To provide scientific evidences on the efficacy and safety of this herbal formula, in vivo hypoglycaemic activity, effect on serum biochemical profiles and acute toxicity were investigated.MethodsExperimental type 2 diabetes was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injection of nicotinamide 15 min prior to intravenous injection of streptozotocin. The most effective extract from the oral glucose tolerant test (OGTT) was administered daily via the oral route to diabetic rats for 2 weeks. Two-hour postprandial plasma glucose (2h–PPG) levels were measured on days 0, 7, and 14. Biochemical data were measured at the end of daily oral administration experiment.ResultsAqueous extract of the herbal formula was the most potent extract for improving glucose tolerance of streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats after single oral administration. After 2 weeks of daily oral administration, the aqueous extract showed a dose-dependent glucose lowering effect. At doses of 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg, the 2h–PPG level of diabetic rats decreased by 3.32%, 15.78%, and 17.94%, respectively. Most of the biochemical profiles of diabetic rats were improved, including the total cholesterol (TC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine, and uric acid levels. The significantly increased triglyceride (TG) level observed in treated diabetic rats indicated a lack of a beneficial effect of the extract on lipid homeostasis. Nevertheless, there were no signs or symptoms of acute toxicity observed after oral administration of aqueous extract (5 g/kg) to both male and female rats.ConclusionsThe results revealed that the herbal formula aqueous extract has hypoglycaemic activity, beneficial effects on biochemical profiles and a lack of acute toxicity. This study confirms the efficacy and safety of the Mathurameha herbal formula used for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Aqueous extract of Antrodia cinnamomea reduced high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice and suppressed adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells

This study examined the anti-obesity and anti-adipogenic effects of Antrodia cinnamomea. Oral administration of aqueous extract of A. cinnamomea (ACW) significantly reduced high-fat diet-induced body weight gain and relative perirenal and mesenteric fat weight in C57BL/6J mice. Administration of ACW significantly reduced serum insulin, leptin, aspartate aminotransferase levels, HOMA-IR index, and hepatic cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels. Next, investigation of whether ACW and its polysaccharides (PS) and non-polysaccharides (NPS) subfractions possess anti-adipogenic action was conducted. Evidence showed that ACW, PS and NPS significantly inhibited lipid deposits in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Both ACW and NPS significantly inhibited mitotic clonal expansion process of adipocyte differentiation. ACW and NPS also significantly decreased the expressions of PPARγ, C/EBPα, aP2 and FAS genes, while PS markedly inhibited PPARγ and aP2 gene expression. Our data indicated that ACW inhibits preadipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis. These results suggested that ACW may have therapeutic potential for obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Neuroprotective potential of Aloe arborescens against copper induced neurobehavioral features of Parkinson’s disease in rat

Copper (Cu) is an important trace element for the organism survival, which ensures the normal functioning of different biosystems. However, excessive levels of this heavy metal are responsible for profound physiological alterations including the central nervous system. Numerous findings sustain the involvement of heavy metals, as an environmental risk factor such as copper (Cu), in the neuropathology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) which is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that principally affects the motor system. The classic and evident symptoms of PD namely rigidity, tardiness of movement, and difficulty with walking, result from progressive dopaminergic neurons death within substantia nigra. Whereas, few pharmacological trials have shown a beneficial role against Cu neurotoxicity, Aloe arborescens is one of the powerful medicinal plants with an array of therapeutic effects. Thus, we aimed through the present study, to evaluate the impact of acute Cu intoxication (10μg/g B.W. i.p) for 3days on the dopaminergic system and locomotor performance, together with the possible restorative effect of oral administration of aqueous extract of Aloe arborescens gel (AEAAG) (200mg/kg B.W.). By means of immunohistochemistry, we noted, in the Cu intoxicated rats, a significant loss of TH (tyrosine hydroxylase) expression within substantia nigra compacta (SNc), ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the subsequent striatal outputs, those alterations were correlated to behavioral abnormalities such as a severe drop of locomotor performance. While AEAAG administration to Cu intoxicated rats showed a noticeable beneficial effect; this potential was featured by a complete recovery of the TH expression and locomotor behavior deficiencies in the intoxicated rats. The present investigation have brought, on the one hand, an experimental evidence of an altered dopaminergic innervations following Cu intoxication and on the other hand, a new pharmacological property of Aloe arborescens that may be used as a neuroprotective plant for neurodegenerative disorders, such as PD, touching the dopaminergic system trigged by heavy metals.