Protective Effect Of Aqueous Extract Research Articles

Gastroprotective Effect of Aqueous Extract of Unripe Musa Paradisiaca (Banana) Fruit in Rats with Experimentally Induced Gastric Lesions

Background: Unripe banana fruit extract is used to relieve stomach distress in some countries. A few studies in India, China, Sudan, Nigeria and South Africa revealed protection of gastric mucosa after exposed to aggressive agent following administration of unripe banana fruit extract in experimental animals. Objective: To determine the protective effect of aqueous extract of unripe Musa paradisiaca (banana) fruit against ethanol induced gastric lesion in rats. Methodology: This was a prospective experimental study carried out in the department of Pharmacology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka within the period from January 2015 to June 2015. Aqueous extract of unripe banana fruit was prepared accordingly. Total 24 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 6 in each group. Group-A served as a control group and provided with distilled water (5 ml/kg/body weight) orally by gastric tube. Aqueous extract of Musa paradisiaca was administered orally as Group-B: 0.2 mg/kg/body weight/day, Group-C: 0.4 mg/kg/body weight/day and Group-D: 0.8 mg/kg/body weight/day for 7 days. After 7 days, 1 ml absolute ethanol (a known gastric lesion inducing agent) was orally administered to all groups by gastric tube. After 30 minutes of ethanol administration, all rats were sacrificed and dissected. After separating and opening stomachs, observed lesions were examined and measured with some morphological & histological parameters. Obtained data were subjected to analysis by Student’s unpaired t-test. p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: At the end of experiment, Group-A (control) showed a total of 33 gastric lesions. Group-B, Group-C and Group-D showed 22, 20 and 19 stomach lesions respectively. The difference between control group and experiment groups was statistically significant (p<0.01). Conclusion: The unripe banana fruit extract has dose-dependent gastroprotective effect on rats. So, it may be effective in treating peptic ulcer disease. Eastern Med Coll J. July 2023; 8 (2): 19-23

Phenolic Contents, Enzyme Inhibitory Activities, and Protective Effect of Aqueous Extract of Rosa Pisiformis Fruits

Phenolic Contents, Enzyme Inhibitory Activities, and Protective Effect of Aqueous Extract of Rosa Pisiformis Fruits

Protective Effect of Aqueous Extract of Ocimum gratissimum Leaf against Cadmium- Induced Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Protective Effect of Aqueous Extract of Ocimum gratissimum Leaf against Cadmium- Induced Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Protective effect of Helianthus annuus seeds extract against CCl4-induced hepatocellular damage

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a hepatotoxin that causes toxicity in animals on its exposure. Hepatotoxins lead to hepatic demage that is treated by generating antioxidant effect. Synthetic and as well as natural drugs are available for this purpose but phyto-based herbal medicines got paramount importance against drug induced hepatotoxicity Current research was conducted to inspect the protective effect of aqueous extract of Helianthus annuus seeds pre-treatment on the carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Balb C mice. Study covered the valuation of the enzymatic activity such as alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and other biochemical components like bilirubin, total protein, catalase, glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde bis-(dimethyl acetal) tetra ammonium (MDA). The induction of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) caused rise in plasma ALAT, ASAT, ALP and LDH. Helianthus annuus seeds extract (HA extract) pre-treatment obliterated CCl4-induced deviations in the activities of these enzymes significantly. Bilirubin level increased whereas total protein contents decreased after the induction of CCl4 this effect was reversed by HA extract. Induction of CCl4 caused increased in MDA level while decrease in GSH and catalase. Helianthus annuus seeds extract also abolished these changes. Helianthus annuus seeds extract pre-treatment also prevented CCl4-induced changes in bilirubin and total protein contents. Carbon tetrachloride treatment resulted in huge hepatic damage. This was prevented by Helianthus annuus seeds extract. These results show that Helianthus annuus seeds extract pre-treatment prevented the mice from CCl4-induced hepatic damage, which visibly shows its defensive effects against hepatic damage.

Protective Effects of Aqueous Extract of Allium Sativum (Garlic) On the Histomorphology and Biochemical Parameters of Lead -Induced Cerebellar Injury on the Adult Male Wistar Rats

The study was aimed at evaluating the effects of an aqueous extract of Allium sativum on the biochemical parameters and histo-architecture of lead-induced cerebella damage in male Wistar rats. Sixteen male rats were procured for the study. They were divided into 4 groups, with 4 rats in each group. Group 1 (Control group) received only food and water, those in group 2 were given lead at the dosage of 120 mg/kg body weight. Group 3 received lead at the dosage of 120 mg/kg body weight and the extract at 300 mg/kg body weight while those in group 4 were given lead at the dosage of 120 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight of the extract. The extracts were administered orally for 21 days. Blood samples were collected for biochemical evaluation. The rats were sacrificed, and their cerebella were harvested for histo-morphological studies. The levels of Superoxide dismutase (22.49 ± 1.21) and Malondialdehyde (1.17 ± 0.092) were normal in group 1. There was significant derangement in their levels in group 2, Superoxide dismutase (9.83 ± 0.93) and Malondialdehyde (11.42 ± 1.82). In groups 3 and 4, the levels of Superoxide dismutase increased towards the levels of the control group (12.81 ± 1.13, 16.06 ± 0.29), while those of Malondialdehyde also decreased towards the levels of the control group (6.49 ± 0.57, 3.12 ± 0.36). The histo-architecture of the cerebella in group 1, appeared normal, those in group 2 showed traumatic encephalopathy of the granular cell layer. In groups 3 and 4, there was mild tissue traumatic encephalopathy. The extract of A. sativum showed a significant protective effect on the biochemical parameters and histo-architecture of lead-induced cerebella damage in adult male Wistar rats.

The potential protective effect of aqueous extract of Acanthophyllum glandulosum root on Streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice.

Treatment of diabetes using traditional medicine has attracted attention in recent decades because of its unique benefits. Acanthophyllum glandulosum is known as an herb with therapeutic potential. This research explored the likely protective effects of Acanthophyllum Glandulosum Root (AGR) in mice with Streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to provide complementary therapy. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of Streptozotocin (STZ) in mice. STZ-diabetic mice were treated with oral dosages of AGR (25, 50, 100, and 200mg/kg) on different experiment days. During the experiment, the effect of a topical extract of AGR on Glucose level, serum lipid profile, and liver and kidney biomarkers, with the histopathological assessment of heart, kidney, spleen, and liver, were investigated. The gene expression level of inflammation biomarkers (Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1)), apoptosis factor (Caspase3), glucose regulatory genes (Glucose transporter (GLUT) 4 and 2), and lipid regulatory gene (Adenosine 50-monophosphate protein-kinase (AMPK)) were investigated. Administration of AGR to STZ-diabetic mice decreased blood glucose level (p < 0.01), normalized the lipid profile (p < 0.01), improved the serum level of kidney (p < 0.01) and liver biomarkers (p < 0.01), and normalized Kidney hypertrophy (p < 0.01), inflammation (p < 0.001), and apoptosis (p < 0.01). The AGR effect was better at 100mg/kg than Metformin (100mg/kg) on healing T2DM condition in mice. AGR possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-glycation activity, thus exhibiting a protective function in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Further in vitro and in vivo works are necessary, especially to elucidate the mechanism of action of AGR at the cellular and molecular levels.

Protective Effects of Aqueous Extracts of the Herb of Paederia scandens (Lour.) Merr. against HCl/EtOH-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats: Involvement and Inhibitors’ Identification of NF-κB Signaling

Paederia scandens (Lour.) Merr. (P. scandens), as an edible and medicinal herb, is commonly used for treating gastric ulcer in China; however, its mechanistic and effective substances’ studies remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the antigastric ulcer effects of aqueous extracts of P. scandens (PS-AE) and explore the involvement of NF-κB signaling in this effect. In addition, the study aimed to identify the effective substances by exploring NF-κB inhibitors. The main components of PS-AE were identified using an UPLC-MS method. HCl/EtOH-induced acute gastric ulcer in rats, and LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells were used to determine the antigastric ulcer effects of PS-AE in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Histopathological changes of the ulcer tissues were observed using staining methods of HE and PAS; secretions of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress indexes were measured using biochemical test kits; protein levels of NF-κB signaling pathway-related molecules were measured using Western Blot. NF-κB inhibitors’ identification in P. scandens was performed by developing HipHop pharmacophore model, and the results were further validated by molecular docking. In vivo, PS-AE significantly attenuated gastric ulcer in rats; reduced inflammation by adjusting the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels; and induced oxidative stress can be alleviated via adjusting the levels of SOD, MDA, and GSH-Px. In addition, PS-AE may play an anti-inflammatory role mainly through NF-κB signaling pathway. Following pharmacophore modeling and molecular docking, 13 potential inhibitors targeting NF-κB were identified. In addition, in vitro, PS-AE and paederoside could significantly inhibit the activation of NF-κB p65 and the productions of downstream cytokines including NO, TNF-α, and IL-6. PS-AE protective effects on gastric ulcer damage induced by HCl/EtOH in rats, which is probably associated with its antioxidant effect and the inhibitory effects on levels of inflammatory mediators regulated by NF-κB signaling pathway. 13 potential NF-κB-targeting inhibitors are probably effective substances contributing to the herb’s pharmacological effect. In practical application, Paederia scandens, a traditional food and medicinal plant, possessed diversified chemical components and multiple pharmacological activities (anti-inflammatory, bacteriostasis, and antioxidative.). In China, P. scandens has been used as a traditional medicine to treat gastritis for hundreds of years, and it may be a potentially effective dietary product to improve gastric ulcer. This study shows that P. scandens exerts protective effects on gastric ulcer damage induced by HCl/EtOH in rats, which is probably associated with its antioxidant effect and the inhibitory effects on levels of inflammatory mediators regulated by NF-κB signaling pathway, which provides pharmacological justifications for the functional food use of P. scandens for treating gastric disease.

Protective effect of aqueous extract of Pleurotus eous against Dalton's lymphoma ascites tumor in mice

The antitumor efficacy of Pleurotus eous aqueous extract (PEAE) was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. The MTT test was used to determine in vitro cytotoxicity against the Dalton's Lymphoma Ascites (DLA) cell line. PEAE's in vivo antitumor effect was compared to that of the conventional drug cyclophosphamide in a DLA-induced solid tumor model. After 24 h following DLA inoculation, experimental animals were given PEAE (500 and 1000 mg/kg bw) and cyclophosphamide (CTX, 25 mg/kg bw) orally for 30 days. PEAE was also subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening as part of the research. PEAE has a high total phenolic (9.63 GAE mg/g) and total flavonoid (3.81 CAE mg/g) content, according to phytochemical analyses. The phytochemical components of PEAE were identified by HPTLC analysis, which revealed three phenolic and one flavonoid compound peaks. PEAE exhibited antioxidant capacity, as per ABTS and FRAP assays. At 1000 μg/mL, anti-proliferative activity against the DLA cell line was moderately inhibited. PEAE reduced tumor burden in a dose-dependent way. At 500 and 1000 mg/mL PEAE treatment, there was a significant decrease in tumor volume (62.47 and 72.13%), tumor weight (53.32 and 73.72%), and improved longevity (30.89 and 58.14%). PEAE restored normal haematological and serum biochemical profiles in a dose-dependent manner, with a concurrent decrease in lipid peroxides and an increase in enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants. Major chemical components of PEAE may be responsible for the anticancer effect, which was attributed to its enhancing endogenous mechanism, according to this study. The usefulness of PEAE as a possible naturally sourced therapeutic target for tumor prevention is emphasised.

Protective effect of aqueous extract of Adiantum capillus leaves against renal toxicity induced by gentamicin

The study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of Aqueous Extract of Adiantum capillus-veneris leaves (AEA) against nephrotoxicity induced by Gentamicin. Twenty four adult male rats housed in animal house unit / college of veterinary, underwent to the necessary laboratory conditions. Study period was 8 days. Rats divided into four groups: first was normal control, second treated gentamicin(80mg/kg/day.im), third group treated with gentamicin(80mg/kg/day.im) and AEA(250mg/kg/day. oral) and fourth group treated with gentamicin (80mg/kg/day.im) and metformin (100mg/kg/day.oral). Blood were taken by cutting jugular vein serum were used to estimate levels of albumin, urea, creatinine, malondialdehyde(MDA), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Also Kidney were weighted and homogenate to estimate oxidant-antioxidant parameters. Results showed a significant increase in albumin, urea, creatinine, MDA and a significant decrease in GSH and SOD in rats treated by gentamicin compared to control in P&lt;0.01, while treating by AEA and metformin showed a significant decrease in Albumine, Urea, creatinine, MDA and a significant increase in GSH and SOD and CAT in AEA group compared to gentamicin group. The significance was higher in AEA than metformin. We concluded that AEA has a therapeutic activity against nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin in male rats.

Hits vitality of aqueous extracts of Borago officinalis Linn in the reduction of renal toxicity developed by hyhrogen peroxide in female rabbits

This study is conducted to determine the protective effect of aqueous extracts of Borago officinalis Linn and its impact as histological antioxidant and on some parameters on the functions of the kidny in female of the albino rabbits exposed to oxidative stress-induced by 5%H2O2. The study included 20 rabbits at age (4-5 months) and they are divided into 4 groups (5animals/ group). These groups were: the control group, borage aqueous extract,H2O2 group, H2O2 group + borage aqueous extract. The study measures some of physiological and biochemical parameters (like count of (RBCs), measures The concentration of urea and creatinine). At the end of the experiment, the animals are killing in a manner of slaughter, and the kidny is eradicated and saved in 10% formalin, then microscopic slides of it are prepared for the histological study.this results showed increased significantly in number of red blood corpus in H2O2 group while the group of aqueous extract and H2O2with extract did not appear the significant differences when compared with the control. increased significantly appers in urea concentration of H2O2 and H2O2 with extract while the aqueous extacrt did not appear significant difference when compared whith control group.this study showed increased significantly in creatinine concentration in H2O2 group while the result showed decrease significantly in aqueous extacrt and H2O2 whith extract group when compared whith control group.

Curative Effects of Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) Aqueous Extract on Reproductive Parameters and Oxidative Stress Markers in Female Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus) Exposed to Lead

Some medicinal plants with antioxidant properties have protective effects on reproductive parameters and neutralize the harmful effects of hazardous. Spirulina possesses high concentration of nutrients responsible of their biological activities and nutritional properties. The present study aimed at assessing the protective effect of aqueous extract of Spirulina platensis (AESP) in alleviating the lead-induced impairment of reproductive function in female guinea pig. For this purpose, Sixty (60) sexually mature females were divided into six groups of ten (10) animals each. The first batch served as neutral control, receiving distilled water, the second as negative control, receiving lead acetate at a dose of 12 mg/kg body weight (bw) while the third set, the positive control, was given 12 mg of lead acetate/kg bw and 100 mg of vitamin C; the groups 4, 5 and 6 were treated with 12 mg/kg bw of lead acetate and thereafter received 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg bw of AESP respectively. Lead acetate was administered for 30 days and then after the curative substances were given for 60 days. All the administrations were done through oral route. The reproductive and biochemical parameters were studied. Results revealed that lead acetate induced significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in final body weight, sex organs weight, concentrations of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and estradiol. Lead acetate also lead to an increase in malondiadehyde concentration and to a drop in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. The post exposure treatment of female guinea pig with AESP improved the harmful effects of Lead acetate. Therefore, the AESP can be promising as a natural therapeutic agent in Lead-induced reproductive toxicity and oxidative stress in female guinea pig.

Antioxidant Activity of Aqueous Extract of Spatholobi Caulis and Its Ameliorative Effect on CCl4 Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice

The acute liver injury model of mice induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) was used to explore the protective effect of aqueous extract of Spatholobi Caulis on acute liver injury. Methods: The contents of total phenols and total flavonoids in the aqueous and ethanol extracts of Caulis spatholobi were determined, and the antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH, ABTS free radical scavenging rate and FRAP total reducing capacity. 30 C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into model group, bifendate group, the low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups of aqueous extract of Spatholobi Caulis (n = 6). The animal model of acute liver injury was established by intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ after 7 days with corresponding drugs. The pathological changes of liver tissue were observed by H&E staining. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were determined by ELISA. The indexes of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and antioxidant effects of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Results: Liver histomorphology observation showed that aqueous extract of Spatholobi Caulis could significantly improve liver cell injury and inflammatory cell infiltration, and significantly increased the activities of CAT, SOD and GSH-Px antioxidant enzymes in liver, decreased the contents of MDA and ALT and AST in serum, significantly down-regulated the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum, and up-regulated the levels of IL-10 and other inflammatory factors. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Spatholobi Caulis can improve acute liver injury induced by CCl₄ in mice through improving antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Protective Effect of Aqueous Extract from Erigeron annuus Against Cell Death Induced by Free Radicals

Protective Effect of Aqueous Extract from <i>Erigeron annuus</i> Against Cell Death Induced by Free Radicals

Gut microbiota and transcriptome profiling revealed the protective effect of aqueous extract of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum leaves on ulcerative colitis in mice

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, possesses various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions. The purpose of this study was to determine the alleviating effect of the water extract of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum leaves (THLW) on ulcerative colitis (UC) and its relationship with gut microbiota. The administration of THLW significantly decreased the severity of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced intestinal damage, as demonstrated by the stabilization of body weight and colon length, and decreased disease activity index (DAI) and histological scores. THLW also decreased NF-κB protein expression in colon tissues and reduced the serum levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Further co-housing experiment confirmed that the anti-UC effect of THLW was possibly by regulating the structure and composition of gut microbiota, including increasing the abundance of Oscillospiraceae, Prevotellaceae and Corynebacterium. Additionally, the expression of genes related to inflammation and immunity was also regulated by THLW treatment as evidenced by transcriptome analysis. These results suggested that the protective effect of THLW on DSS-induced colitis was mediated by alleviating inflammation and modulating the microbiota composition. This work proved the potent protective effects of THLW treatment on colitis and may have potential for UC relief.

Clerodendrum viscosum leaves attenuate lead-induced neurotoxicity through upregulation of BDNF-Akt-Nrf2 pathway in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceClerodendrum viscosum is an important medicinal plant in Ayurveda in Bangladesh and its leaves are used as a remedy for various diseases such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hyperglycemic, hepatoprotective effects. Aim of the studyThe present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of aqueous extract of C. viscosum leaves against Pb-induced neurobehavioral and biochemical changes in mice. Materials and methodsSwiss albino mice were divided as a) control, b) lead treated (Pb) and c) C. viscosum leaves (Cle) d) Pb plus Cle groups. Pb-acetate (10 mg/kg body weight) was given to Pb and Pb + Cle groups mice, and water extract of leaves (50 mg/kg body weight) was provided as supplementation to Cle and Pb + Cle groups mice for 30 days. Elevated plus maze and Morris water maze tests were used for evaluating anxiety, spatial memory and learning, respectively. Status of cholinesterase, SOD, GSH enzyme activity and neurotoxicity markers such BDNF and Nrf2 levels were analyzed in the brain tissue of experimental mice. ResultsPoorer learning, inferior spatial memory, and increased anxiety-like behavior in Pb-exposure mice were noted when compared to control mice in Morris water maze and elevated plus maze test, respectively. In addition, expression of BDNF and Nrf2, cholinesterase activity along with antioxidant activity were significantly reduced compared to control group (p < 0.01). Interestingly, C. viscosum leaves’ aqueous extract supplementation in Pb-exposed mice provide a significant improved neurochemical and antioxidant properties through the augmentation of activity of cholinergic enzymes, and upregulation of BDNF and Nrf2 levels in the brain tissue compared to Pb-exposed mice. ConclusionsThis study suggested that C. viscosum leaves restore the cognitive dysfunction and reduce anxiety-like behavior through upregulation of BDNF mediated Akt-Nrf2 pathway in Pb-exposure mice.

The Potential Protective Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Some Herbs on Renal Toxicity Induced by Formaldehyde in Experimental Rats

The Potential Protective Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Some Herbs on Renal Toxicity Induced by Formaldehyde in Experimental Rats

In vitro protective effect of Heterothalamus alienus against the Philodryas patagoniensis venom

BackgroundTeas from aerial parts of Heterothalamus alienus are traditionally used in Southern Brazil for the treatment of snakebite. PurposeIn this study, we evaluated the protective effect of aqueous extract of H. alienus (ExHa) against Philodryas patagoniensis venom (PpV). Chemical composition, as well as antioxidant and toxicological potential of the ExHa were also evaluated. MethodsColorimetric assays characterized the profile and antioxidant potential of extract after decoction of its leaves and lyophilization. In addition, HPLC-DAD allowed to identify some compounds. We used the Artemia salina model and canine leukocytes to test the toxicological potential of ExHa. Finally, in vitro protective effect of ExHa against PpV was verified in mononuclear leukocytes. ResultsExHa presented high polyphenols levels, among these, rutin, quercetin, and ferulic acid. Moreover, the extract showed antioxidant activity (TAC, DPPH•, ABTS•+), including decreased ferrous-induced lipoperoxidation in brain and liver tissues. Contributing to these data, ExHa was nontoxic in A. salina (LD50 = 5,140 µg. ml−1) but increased cell death and generated genotoxicity from 100 µg. ml−1. Hence, we used 10 µg. ml−1 to evaluate antivenom activity, which protected the cells against cytotoxicity triggered by PpV. ConclusionWe conclude that ExHa presents antioxidant capacity, which can be related to protection against PpV. This fact opens new perspectives for the use of teas or similar in the treatment adjacent to antivenom against snakebite. However, its high concentrations can be toxic, and we must ensure its safe use.

Protective Effects of Aqueous Extract of Bay Leaf (Laurus Nobilis) on Endotoxin-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rabbits

ABSTRACT The protective effect of oral co-administration of Laurus nobilis on Escherichia coli endotoxin-exposed rabbits was studied. Twenty-five (25) rabbits were randomized into five groups containing five rabbits each – Group A, 500 Endotoxin Unit (EU) kg−1 bw, Group B, 500 EU kg−1 bw + 6.6 mg kg−1 bw extract, Group C, 500 EU kg−1 bw + 3.3 mg kg−1 bw extract, Group D, 500 EU kg−1 bw + Ascorbic acid (100 mg kg−1 bw) and Group E (0 EU kg−1 bw). The rabbits were pre-administered with the bay leaf extract in the first 7 days, then endotoxin oral administration was started and repeated daily for 21 d. At the end of days 7 and 21, assays for the serum superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, reduced glutathione, catalase, and malondialdehyde were done. The animals were sacrificed to collect kidneys and liver. Histopathological analysis of the liver and kidneys showed that exposure to 500 EU kg−1 bw endotoxin for 21 d + bay leaf extract at 6.6 and 3.3 mg kg−1 bw increased specific activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, and reduced glutathione and catalase compared to the negative control. There was a decrease in the concentration of malondialdehyde in groups treated with the aqueous extract of bay leaf.

Protective effect of aqueous extract of Nigella sativa on Oxidative Enzymes, Homocysteine, and Lipids in Methionine induced Hyperhomocysteinemic rats

Hyperhomocysteinemia has emerged as an independent risk factor for development of various diseases such as coronary, cerebrovascular and peripheral arterial occlusive diseases. Its association is found with atherosclerosis, cancer and some other aged-related illnesses including Alzheimer’s disease. The present study was designed to investigate the homocysteine lowering potential, effect on lipids and oxidative enzymes of standardized aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) in hyperhomocysteinemia induced by L-methionine. Hyperhomocysteinemia was induced in wistar albino rats by methionine treatment (1 g/kg, p.o.) for 30 days. Folic acid (100 mg/kg, p.o.) given to rats as a standard drug treatment. Rats were fed with the aqueous extract of Nigella sativa (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) for 30 days. The results of the present study after treatment with Nigella sativa aqueous extracts in two doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight, showed lipid lowering, cardio- and neuro-protective potential of Nigella sativa. The results of test drug were compared with folic acid, a standard positive control. The present study results indicate that the aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds treatment protect the antioxidant defense against hyperhomocysteinemia, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in methionine-induced rat model.

Protective effect of aqueous extracts from Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats

As one of classic Chinese kidney-tonifying herbal medicines, Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser is widely applied in Chinese folk medicine as herbal tea for nutraceutical purposes including nourishing kidney, strengthening muscle and bone to against weakness, etc. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of aqueous extracts from Taxillus chinensis (AETCs) on the ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis in rats. Results showed that AETC treatment at the dose of 12.0 g raw materials/kg for 12 weeks significantly enhanced the bone mineral densities of femur and tibia, improved the trabecular microarchitecture compared with OVX controls. The serum levels of osteogenic markers alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were increased, and the levels of bone resorption biomarkers tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b and telopeptides of collagen type I were suppressed by AETCs. Moreover, 12.0 g raw materials/kg AETC treatment significantly reduced the OVX-induced up-regulation of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA and protein expression in bone tissues. Data suggested that AETCs showed anti-osteoporotic effect in OVX rats, possibly via promoting bone formation and inhibiting bone absorption. The down-regulation of inflammatory COX-2 might be involved in the protection of AETCs against OVX –induced osteoporosis.