Protective Effect Of Methanolic Extract Research Articles

Histological Changes in Testis of Adult Wistar Albino Rats - Nicotine-Induced Testicular Damages and the Protective Effects of Methanolic Extract of Sphaeranthus Amaranthoides

Nicotine which is the most dynamic substance present in tobacco is the vital cause of damaging the tissues and oxidative stress that in turn is the principal cause of numerous diseases. The succession and severity of nicotine toxicity which may be adjourned by the natural antioxidants may cause serious health, knock. We have scrutinized the consequences of methanolic extract of Sphaeranthus amaranthoides (SAE) on nicotine-induced reproductive toxicity, oxidative damage, and hepatotoxicity in adult Wistar male albino rats. In four groups 24 rats were contingently split up. Control, Nicotine N (0.4 mg/kg. i.p) methanolic extract of Sphaeranthus amaranthoides (SAE) and (N+ SAE) group. In order to compute the levels of testosterone and to measure the hematological and oxidative stress parameters, blood samples were collected after 48 days. The reproductive organs were weighed and taken for semen analysis and histopathology study. We could see decrease in the levels of testosterone, weights of reproductive organs, and even in the morphological features of sperms due to reproductive toxicity of Nicotine. On histological examination, testis showed atrophy, degenerative alterations of spermatogenesis in numerous seminiferous tubules together with increased interstitial spaces and a decrease in the number of Leydig cells. SAE played a defensive role against nicotine which persuaded the reproductive effects by enhancing the spermatogenesis, semen quality, and testicular histological damage.

Methanol Extract of Azanza garckeana Fruit Pulps Protects against Formalin-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Adult Albino Male Mice

Introduction: The aqueous extract of Azanza garckeana was recently reported of exhibiting ameliorative and pro-fertility properties however the protective effects on formalin testicular toxicity have not been studied.
 Objective: This study investigated the protective effect of methanol extract of Azanza garckeana on formalin-induced testicular toxicity.
 Methods: Forty male albino mice were randomly divided into 8 groups of 5. Animals in the first group (1) served as control and administered normal saline (1 ml/kg) by the oral route daily for 40 days. In similar manner, animal in groups 2 received formalin (10 mg/kg) by the IP route, while animals in groups 3; 4 and 5 concurrently received formalin (10 mg/kg IP) and extract at doses of 125; 250 and 500 mg/kg respectively by the oral route. Mice in groups 6; 7 and 8 received the extract at doses of 125; 250 and 500 mg/kg respectively. Phytochemical analysis was conducted for each constituent using specific methods. Gonadotropin and sperm analysis were carried out using standard methods.
 Result: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various constituents, but notably flavonoids. Induced-toxicity with formalin and concurrent treatment with extract at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg from day 20 to 40 caused significant body weight increase compared to baseline (p < 0.05). Similarly, treatment with the extract alone at all doses caused significant increase in body weight from day 20 to 40 (p < 0.05). Treatment with the extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg, caused a significant increase in weight of testes and epididymis compared to control and untreated group (p < 0.05).The extract induced significant increase in gonadotropin levels of animals compared to control and the untreated group (p < 0.05).The extract at 125 mg/kg demonstrated the highest fecundity potential, but there was no any consistent relationship between GSI and fecundity.
 Conclusion: This investigation was able to establish the protective and pro-fertility potentials of methanol extract of Azanza garckeana.

Protective Effect of Methanolic Extract of Euglena tuba Against Dalton Lymphoma Induced Oxidative Stress in BALB/c Mice.

The identification and pharmacological validation of plant-based lead compounds for the cure of different diseases including cancer have always been globally strived. In addition to possessing numerous medicinal properties, many of the phytochemicals display antioxidant potential activities. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) causeoxidative stress leading to several severe diseases such as cancer. The antioxidants are substances that fight against ROS to protect the cells from their damaging effects. In the present study, the effects of methanol extract of Euglena tuba(ETME) have been evaluated for its antioxidant and antitumor potential against Dalton's lymphoma (DL) introduced in BALB/cmice. After 24h of intraperitoneal inoculation of DL cells in mice, ETME (300 mgkg-1 body weight) was administered intraperitoneally upto18 alternative days. On the 18th day, the mice were sacrificed; the blood and tissues (liver and brain) were collected to determine the tumor growth parameters including morphological, behavioural, haematological profile, and antioxidant indices. The results indicated that ETME exhibited significant antioxidative and antitumor properties when compared with the data from DL bearing mice. The results from the present study indicated that ETME contained remarkable antitumor efficacy, which was mediated through amelioration of oxidative stress. The data suggested that ETME could be used as a potential natural anticancer agent.

Protective effect of methanol extract of latex of Calotropis procera in an experimental model of colorectal cancer

The plant, Calotropis procera, has been used for treating various gastrointestinal disorders and cancer. Some of these medicinal properties have been attributed to the latex produced by the plant. To evaluate the efficacy of methanol extract of air-dried latex (MeDL) of C. procera in the rat model of colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC was induced in the rats by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) and the effect of MeDL was evaluated at two doses (50 and 150mg/kg). MeDL and reference drug aspirin (60mg/kg) were administered orally starting from 1h before injecting DMH till 8 weeks after the second dose of DMH. The study also included experimental and normal control groups. Microscopic analysis was carried out to determine the count for aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and histology score whereas enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemical analyses were performed for markers of carcinogenesis and angiogenesis. Other parameters that were evaluated include deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation, laddering, Bcl2 and Bax immunoreactivity, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) positivity. Subcutaneous injection of DMH induced pre-neoplastic changes in the colon of rats with the appearance of ACF with multiple crypts (1-3, 4-6 or >6). In the experimental control group, total ACF count was 3.49±0.23/cm of the colon length and the median histology score was 2.0 for architectural abnormalities, 2.0 for dilatation of crypts and 1.5 for hyperplasia/dysplasia against 1.0 for all the characteristics in normal rats. Oral administration of MeDL similar to aspirin, led to a reduction in ACF count and histology score of CRC concomitant with a decrease in the levels of markers of carcinogenesis - β-catenin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA); markers of angiogenesis - matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and an increase in apoptotic DNA fragmentation. MeDL confers protection in the rat model of CRC and the study suggests its therapeutic potential in this condition.

Assessment of Protective Effects of Methanolic Extract of Salvia verbenaca Roots Against Oxidative Damage Induced by Hydrogen Peroxide

Salvia verbenaca is a medicinal plant that has been traditionally used in Algeria for the treatment of wounds and emptied abscesses. The present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of methanolic extract of S. verbenaca roots and explore its ability to bestow protection against oxidative damage induced by H2O2 (200 μM). The cytotoxic effects and protective properties of S. verbenaca on human monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1) was studied using thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide assay. The protective effects of the extract against H2O2-induced oxidative damage was evaluated using single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay and 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescien diacetate (H2DCFDA) assay. S. verbenaca extract was found to be non-cytotoxic at concentrations <500 μg/mL. However, the use of 500 and 1000 μg/mL of the extract decreasedcell viability. H2DCFDA assay provided evidence for anti-oxidative properties of S. verbenaca. Addition of S. verbenaca (1 and 10 μg/mL) resulted in significant reductionin H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Further, comet assay showed that addition of the extract resulted in a significant reductionin the length and % DNA content of comet tail. Additionally,nuclei in the cells also appeared to be devoid ofdegradation. The use of S. verbenaca root extract conferred protection against H2O2-induced ROS production and DNA breakage in vitro.

Modulatory Effect of Chaetomorpha gracilis on Erythrocytes Functions and Metabolic Disorders in Mice Fed a High-cholesterol Diet.

The current study was carried out to estimate the protective effect of methanolic extract of Chaetomorpha gracilis (MECG) against High Cholesterol Diet (HCD) induced erythrocyte damage in mice. The results of the in vitro assay showed that MECG have higher antioxidant capacities in the DPPH, TAC, ABTS, NBT, NO. inhibition assays. The HPLC analysis confirmed that this potential antioxidant seems to be due to the active compounds, in particular polyphenols, flavonoids. HCD promoted oxidative stress with a rise the level of malonaldehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) levels and a significant decrease of the Vitamin C content, as well the antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, HCD treatment caused significant lipid profile disorders via increase the cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels and reduction HDL-Ch level. A statistically significant decrease of Mg2+ and Ca2+ ATPase activities accompanied with a severe damage in the erythrocytes structure and hematological parameters alterations were also noted in hypercholesterolemic mice. Pre-treatment with MECG significantly restored biochemical markers and pathological lesions. It can be suggest that supplementation of MECG displays high potential to quench free radicals and attenuates high cholesterol diet induced erythrocytes oxidative stress and related damages.

Nigella sativa Seed Protects Against Cadmium-induced Renal Toxicity in Rats

Background: Prevalence of chemical-induced renal injuries has been on a fast rise over the years and has become the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the society, with environmental pollutants, heavy metals inclusive, seen as the causal agents. Recently, the role of medicinal foods in human health has gained considerable attention. Objective: We investigated the protective effects of methanolic extract of Nigella sativa (MENS) (Black seed) against cadmium-induced renal toxicity in albino rats. Methods: Twenty-five (25) male albino rats, weighing (150-170g), were randomly grouped into five groups: A-E. Group B (Negative Control) received intraperitoneal administration of cadmium chloride (CdCl2, 5mg/kg) only, group C received CdCl2 and low dose MENS (300mg/kg, oral), group D received CdCl2 and high dose MENS (600mg/kg, oral), group E (Positive control) received CdCl2 and Vitamin C (200mg/kg, oral), for 7 days. No treatment was administered to group A (Normal control). Renal injury was assessed by measuring serum levels of Na+, K+, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) using standard methods. The kidneys were harvested for histopathological examination. Results: CdCl2 induced significant nephrotoxicity with marked elevation in the levels of biochemical markers of renal functions (p&lt;0.05 or p&lt;0.01); these were, however, ameliorated by a low dose of MENS. Histopathological examination of the kidney sections supported the biochemical findings. Conclusion: We conclude that Nigella sativa seed extract, at a low dose, is potentially nephroprotective against harmful chemical toxins such as cadmium.

Nigella sativa seed extract protects against cadmium-induced cardiotoxicity in rats

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects of methanolic extract of Nigella sativa (MENS) (Black seed) against cardiotoxicity of cadmium in albino rats.&#x0D; Methods: Twenty five (25) male albino rats, weighing (150-170g), were randomly grouped into five groups: A-E. Group B (Negative Control) received intraperitoneal administration of cadmium chloride (CdCl2, 5mg/kg) only, group C received CdCl2 and low dose MENS (300mg/kg, oral), group D received CdCl2 and high dose MENS (600mg/kg, oral), group E (Positive control) received CdCl2 and Vitamin C (200mg/kg, oral), for 7 days. No treatment was administered to group A (Normal control). Cardiac injury was assessed by measuring serum levels of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and Creatine kinase (CK-MB) using standard methods. The heart was harvested for histopathological examination.&#x0D; Results: CdCl2 induced significant cardiotoxicity with marked elevation in the levels of biochemical markers of cardiac functions (p&lt;0.05 or p&lt;0.01); these were however attenuated by MENS. Histopathological examination of the heart sections supported the biochemical findings.&#x0D; Conclusion: Nigella sativa seed extract is potentially cardioprotective against harmful chemical toxins such as cadmium.&#x0D; Keywords: Cadmium, CdCl2, Nigella sativa, Medicinal food, cardiotoxicity

Methanolic extract of Ephedra alata ameliorates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity through reducing oxidative stress and genotoxicity.

Cisplatin (CP) is a powerful anticancer agent used in the treatment of a diverse type of cancers. Oxidative stress is one of the most important side effects limiting the use of cisplatin. The protective effects of methanolic extract (ME) and ephedrine (EP), major compound, of Ephedra alata on CP-induced damages were here assessed. Treatment with CP-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity characterized by biochemical alterations. In fact, using CP reduced significantly glutathione (GSH) levels, enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Nonetheless, CP-treatment induced DNA damage at renal, hepatic, and blood cells and increased interferon gamma (IFNγ) level in serum. Co-treatments of mice with ME normalized relative kidney/body weight, restored biochemical and oxidative stress parameters, reduced DNA damage and IFNγ level. In conclusion, ME exhibited the best protective effect against CP damage compared with ephedrine. This is could be attributed to the presence of polysaccharides, organic acids, flavonoids, and tannins in addition to ephedrine alkaloids. These compounds were reported to play a major role in inhibiting and scavenging free radicals, providing an effective protection against CP- induced oxidative damage. Graphical abstract.

Protective efficacy of Tinospora sinensis against streptozotocin induced pancreatic islet cell injuries of diabetic rats and its correlation to its phytochemical profiles.

Tinospora sinensis Lour. (Merr.) belongs to the family Menispermaceae and its stem extract have been used traditionally in broad aspects of therapeutic remedies including debility, dyspepsia, fever, jaundice, ulcer, bronchitis, urinary disease, skin disease, liver disease and diabetes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the protective effects of methanol extract of stem of Tinospora sinensis (METS) on streptozotocin induced pancreatic islet cell injuries of diabetic rats and its correlation to its phytochemical profiles. A high-performance liquid chromatography technique (HPLC) was used to identify and quantify the major phytochemicals present in the METS. Diabetic rats were administered with METS at a dose of (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively orally) and standard drug Metformin (300 mg/kg) was given orally to group serving positive control. Effect of the METS on glucose homeostasis, oxidative stress, antioxidant status, histopathology of pancreas and also on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential, apoptosis, cell cycle of pancreatic islet cells were studied in diabetic rats. The major phytochemicals identified and quantified by HPLC in the extract were berberine, caffeic acid, myricetin and ferulic acid. This result showed that methanol extract exhibited good antioxidant effect. The methanol extract of the plant prevented the diabetogenic effect of STZ and significantly lowered the fasting blood glucose level, glycated haemoglobin and increased insulin and C-peptide level in treated rats. METS reduced apoptosis of STZ treated islet cells by significantly decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL6), intracellular ROS generation, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide (NO) production and increasing mitochondrial membrane potential and sub-G0 peak area, enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants. The results revealed that the methanol extract of the stem of the plant possesses protective effects against diabetes and associated complications.

피부 섬유아세포에서 광노화에 대한 오가피순 메탄올 추출물의 피부 보호 효과

피부 섬유아세포에서 광노화에 대한 오가피순 메탄올 추출물의 피부 보호 효과

ATTENUATION OF DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS BY METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF BOUGAINVILLEA SPECTABILIS AERIAL PARTS

Diabetic nephropathy has become a leading cause of end stage renal failure worldwide. To develop Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy, the present study investigated the protective effects of methanolic extract of Bougainvillea spectabilis (MEBS) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy. In this study, diabetes was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 45 mg/kg, i.p.) in rats. STZ diabetic rats were treated with oral doses of MEBS (200 and 400 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. At the end of the experimental period body, kidney weight, blood glucose levels, serum and urine parameters were investigated. Antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxide levels were determined in the kidney along with histopathological examination of the same. MEBS significantly increased body weight, lowered blood glucose levels and ameliorated kidney hypertrophy index in the STZ-diabetic rats. The extract also decreased the levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, total cholesterol, triglycerides, advanced glycation end products and albumin in serum and urine, respectively. MEBS significantly increased the antioxidant parameters in the kidney. Histological evaluation revealed that MEBS treated STZ-diabetic rats demonstrated reduced vacuolar degeneration of tubules; periodic acid Schiff base (PAS) positivity staining intensity in glomeruli and basement membrane thickening. Present findings provide experimental evidence that MEBS has potential antioxidant, antihyperglycemic and anti-glycation activities which might be helpful in slowing the progression of diabetic nephropathy.

Pharmacognostic Study, Phytochemical Screening and Neuroprotective Activity of Methanolic extract of Gynandropsis gynandra against Transient Global Ischemia induced brain damage in rats

Gynandropsis gynandra is found to contain flavonoids which are proven to be potent neuroprotective agents which could cross blood brain barrier easily and treat neurotoxicity. Neurons get damaged easily because of our current lifestyle which includes usage of gadgets, smartphones etc causing memory loss, degraded cognitive thinking and other disorders like stroke. The best way to treat or prevent this is intake of flavonoids which have protective effect. The aim of the work was to assess protective effect of methanolic extract of whole herb of Gynandropsis gynandra against cerebral ischemia induced brain damage in albino wister rats. Pharmacognostic studies and phytochemical screening was carried out using standard methods. Cerebral ischemia was induced by occluding carotid artery using nylon thread followed by reperfusion. Animals were sacrificed and immediately brains were isolated and analysed for various biochemical parameter estimation, brain infarct area and histopathological studies. Biochemical estimations were measured and results were expressed in terms of Mean ± SEM by using ANNOVA software. Pharmacognostic study gave relevant information about ash values and Extractive values. Methonolic extract of Gynandropsis gynandra have proven to have protective effect. Of all the three doses, 300mg/kg dose of the drug have shown maximum protective effect when compared to other two doses.

The Protective Effect of Methanol Extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria against the Clastogenicity and Hepatotoxicity of Sodium Arsenite in Mice

Exposure to arsenic is a public health concern and many strategies are being employed to counter arsenic intoxication. Here, we investigated the effect of methanol leaf extracts of Rauvolfia vomitoria (MRV) on mice exposed to sodium arsenite (SA) using micronucleus assay and monitoring the activities of γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT), alkaline phosphate (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) in the plasma. In addition, pathological examination of the liver of test and control mice was carried out. Test mice were exposed to 1300, 650 and 325 mg/kg body weight of MRV for seven consecutive days before injection (i.p.) with 1 mg/kg body weight of SA on the seventh day. Negative control mice were given distilled water, while the positive control animals were injected with 1 mg/kg body weight of SA twenty hours before the experiment was terminated on the eighth day. The SA significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increased the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte (mPCE) and the activities of γ-GT, ALP, AST and ALT when compared to the negative control. Mice treated with SA showed portal inflammation and hepatocyte necrosis. Pretreatment with MRV significantly (p&lt; 0.05) reduced the biochemical parameters except ALT that was increased in animals treated with SA and 1300 mg/kg body weight MRV. Histopathological changes induced by SA were prevented by 650 and 325 mg/kg body weight MRV. This suggests that methanol extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria offers some degree of chemo-protection against SA induced clastogenicity and liver damage at lower doses

Protective effects of methanolic extract of Vicia cracca against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice

Vicia genus has 45 species in Iran. Many protective and biological activities have been reported from these species. In spite of many works, nothing is known about protective effect of V. cracca against hypoxia conditions. In this study, protective effects of V. cracca extract against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice were evaluated by three experimental models of hypoxia, asphyctic, haemic and circulatory. Statistically significant protective activities were observed in some doses of extract in three models. Antihypoxic activity was especially pronounced in asphyctic model. Extract at 200 mg/kg prolonged survival time (27.37 ± 4.0 min) but was not comparable with that of phenytoin (39.80 ± 1.92). At 100 mg/kg it also prolonged survival time (24.76 ± 3.7 min) which was so higher than control group. In haemic model, V. cracca extract significantly and dose dependently prolonged survival time as compared to control group. At 200 mg/kg, extract was being capable of keeping the mice alive for 15.38 ± 1.93 min. It was also effective in circulatory model. V. cracca extract at 200 mg/kg prolonged survival time (16.84 ± 1.47 min) that was statistically significant as compared to control group (13.14 ± 0.51 min). V. cracca extract showed a very good protective effect against the hypoxia in some models. Specifically, they produced significant and dose-dependent effect on the model of asphytic and haemic hypoxia. The presence of polyphenols in this plant may be a proposal mechanism for reported antihypoxic activities of this plant.

Evaluation of the Activity of Leea Indica Merrill in Inflammatory Bowel Disease using Experimental Models

Leea indica is traditionally well-known for its versatile uses. The present study was carried out to evaluate the protective effect of methanolic extract of Leea Indica on DNBS (2, 4 dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid) induced inflammatory bowel disease in rats. Adult Wistar rats of either sex weighing 150-200 g were selected. Thirty animals were randomly divided into 5 groups each consisting of 6 animals. The period of experiment was of 12 days. Animals of Group I, Group-III, Group-IV &amp; Group-V were given water, methanolic extract of Leea indica (200mg/kg &amp; 400mg/kg) and sulfasalazine (360 mg/kg body weight) respectively once a day orally for 1st to 7th days. On 8th day of the study, DNBS solution (30 mg dissolved in 0.25 ml of 50% ethanol) was administered intrarectally to induce IBD in animals of Group-II to V, on same day &amp; no treatment was given. Then from 9th to 11th day, they were again given treatment. On 12th day, blood was collected from all animals and sacrificed and dissected to isolate colon. Finally, macroscopic, microscopic and biochemical studies were carried out. At all the two doses, the methanolic extract of Leea Indica showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in experimental models. Results obtained in this study substantiate the anti-inflammatory effect of methanolic extract of Leea Indica roots.

Protective Effects of Methanol Extract of Vernonia amygdalina (del.) Leaf on Aspirin-Induced Gastric Ulceration and Oxidative Mucosal Damage in a Rat Model of Gastric Injury

This study investigated the quantitative polyphenolic constituents and gastroprotective effects of methanol extract of Vernonia amygdalina leaf (MEVA) against aspirin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Ulceration was induced by 3 days’ oral administration of aspirin (150 mg/kg body weight). Wistar rats were pretreated with cimetidine (reference drug) at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight and MEVA at 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg body weight once daily for 28 days prior to ulcer induction. At the end of the experiment, gastric secretions, antioxidant status, and histopathological alteration were evaluated. We observed that the significantly increased ulcer index, gastric volume, free and total acidity, malondialdehyde level, and pepsin activity were effectively reduced following treatment with 200 and 300 mg/kg MEVA. The extract also markedly attenuated the reduced activity of superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione level as well as pH and mucin content in the ulcerated rats. Administration of the extract also significantly attenuates necrosis of the stomach tissue of the ulcerated rats. The results suggested that the MEVA leaf, preferably at 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight, ameliorated aspirin-induced gastric ulceration via antioxidative and H2 receptor antagonist.

PROTECTIVE ROLE OF AERVA MONSONIAE AND SELENIUM ON CADMIUM- INDUCED OXIDATIVE LIVER DAMAGE IN RATS

Objective: The present study was aimed to investigate the protective effect of methanolic extract of the whole plant of Aerva monsoniae (MEAM) and selenium on cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative liver damage in experimental rats.Methods: In the present study, albino Wistar rats were treated with Cd (5 mg/kg), selenium (1 mg/kg), and MEAM (250 and 500 mg/kg) for 21days. After 21 days of the treatment, the rats were sacrificed, and blood was collected for estimation of biochemical parameters and liver was used for histopathological studies.Results: Oral administration of Cd significantly elevated the levels of hepatic markers such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, cholesterol, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and decreased levels of total proteins and albumin. We also observed that elevated oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde reduced the enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as reduced glutathione in the liver. Co-administration of MEAM and selenium in Cd-intoxicated rats, the altered biochemical parameters, and pathological changes were recovered significantly (p&gt;0.01) than the individual effects of MEAM and selenium.Conclusion: From the above findings, it was concluded that combination of MEAM and selenium exhibited remarkable protective effects against Cd-induced oxidative liver damage in rats.

Cardioprotective and antioxidant effects of &lt;em&gt;Bougainvillea glabra&lt;/em&gt; against isoproterenol induced myocardial necrosis in albino rats

&lt;p&gt;The present study was executed to evaluate the myocardial protective effect of methanol extract of &lt;em&gt;Bougainvillea glabra &lt;/em&gt;against isoproterenol induced myocardial necrosis in rats. Myocardial necrosis was induced by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (85mg/kg body weight) on 29&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; and 30&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; day at an interval of 24 hours. Myocardial necrosis was evident from the changes of marker enzymes in serum, plasma and heart tissue. The activities of serum cardiac marker enzymes such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase myoglobin (CK-MB), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and total protein (TP) were estimated. In addition, plasma TBARS and plasma LDH levels were also recorded. Antioxidant parameters viz catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were performed in heart tissue homogenate. The outcome of the study indicated that, pretreatment with methanol extract of &lt;em&gt;Bougainvillea glabra&lt;/em&gt; to isoproterenol induced rats significantly prevented the altered serum cardiac marker enzymes, plasma levels and antioxidant parameters to near normal status. The cardioprotective effect was compared with propranolol (10 mg/kg, oral) which was used as the standard. Histopathological findings exposed a reduced degree of necrosis and inflammation succeeding pretreatment with &lt;em&gt;Bougainvillea glabra.&lt;/em&gt;Based on these results, it was suggested that methanol extract of &lt;em&gt;Bougainvillea glabra&lt;/em&gt; prevents myocardial necrosis and oxidative stress induced by isoproterenol.&lt;/p&gt;

Protective effects of methanol extract of Plukenetia conophora seeds and 4H-Pyran-4-One 2,3-Dihydro-3,5-Dihydroxy-6-Methyl on the reproductive function of male Wistar rats treated with cadmium chloride.

ObjectivesMale infertility caused by exposure to heavy metals is a current global issue. Exposure to cadmium chloride (CdCl2) negatively affects the male reproductive system. Many infertile people, especially in developing countries, resort to folkloric treatment. Plukenetia conophora is used in Nigerian folk medicine to promote fertility. This study investigated the effects of Plukenetia conophora (PC) and 4H-Pyran-4-One 2,3-Dihydro-3,5-Dihydroxy-6-Methyl (DDMP) on Wistar rats with cadmium chloride-induced testicular damage.MethodsForty-two male Wistar rats (150-190g) were divided into seven groups (n=6) and treated daily for 54 days as follows: Controls (normal saline); CdCl2 (2mg/kg single IP dose); CdCl2 + 200 mg/kg vitamin E; CdCl2 + 100 or 200 mg/kg PC; and CdCl2 + 25 or 50 mg/kg DDMP. The rats were sacrificed 55 days after the start of the study; Samples were collected for analysis. Biochemical parameters malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, antioxidant enzymes, and proton pumps were measured by spectrophotometry. Reproductive hormones were measured using ELISA. Data were analysed using ANOVA and differences in mean values were considered significant at p<0.05.ResultsSignificant increases in sperm count, motility, and viability were observed in the groups given CdCl2+Vitamin E, CdCl2+PC or CdCl2+DDMP as compared with the CdCl2 group. Malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels in the groups treated with CdCl2+PC or CdCl2+DDMP decreased significantly when compared with the group given CdCl2. Significant increases were observed in antioxidant enzymes, proton pump, and testosterone in the groups treated with CdCl2+PC or CdCl2+DDMP, respectively.ConclusionPlukenetia conophora alleviated male reproductive toxicity induced by cadmium chloride in Wistar rats. 4H-Pyran-4-One 2,3-Dihydro-3,5-Dihydroxy-6-Methyl present in Plukenetia conophora may be responsible for the ameliorative effects.