Protective Effect Of Aqueous Extract Research Articles

Effectiveness of aqueous extract of marjoram leaves in the treatment of aspartame liver toxicity

Background and objectives Although there are several toxicological studies on aspartame (ASP), its histopathological effects on the liver have received little attention. Natural marjoram [Origanum majorana (OM)] is extensively studied for its ability to protect cells from damages. The present study was to evaluate the chronic effects of ASP, and marjoram as well as the protective effect of aqueous extract of marjoram leaves (OM) against ASP-induced liver toxicity. Materials and methods Seventy-two female albino rats (180±20 g) were divided into nine groups: G1 as a control, G2 and G3 received ASP, G4 and G5 were administrated water extract OM, and G6, G7, G8, and G9 were treated with ASP+OM. Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, vascular endothelial growth factor levels, and histological examination of the liver tissues were detected for all groups. Results and conclusion ASP caused a significant increase in glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, and vascular endothelial growth factor levels. A combination of OM (100 or 300 mg/rat) with ASP (50 or 100 mg/rat) improved most of the previous parameters. Histological examination of the liver showed some abnormality, but no significant morphological changes in G6, G7, G8, and G9. The treated rats (G2 and G3) showed hepatic fibrosis, nuclear changes, hepatocyte degeneration disruption hepatic cords, and cytoplasmic vacillations. ASP groups treated with OM showed improvement of many hepatic changes. Thus, OM may have a protective effect on ASP hepatotoxicity.

Protective Effects of Aqueous Extract of Ocimum gratissimum on Prostate Functions in Hormonal Induced Enlarged Prostate in Adult Rats

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a histological disease characterised by an increased number of epithelial cells and stromal cells within the prostate gland. We investigated the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum on BPH induced animal model.
 Methods: BPH was induced in male rats weighing 250-350 g through exogenous administration of testosterone and estradiol. A total of 30 rats were divided into five groups. One group was used as a control, and the other groups received subcutaneous injections of the two hormones. Groups 1 to 2 were treated orally with different doses of extract and group 3 received finasteride, group 4 was left untreated, and group 5 served as normal control. After forty-five days of treatment with the extract, the animals were sacrificed blood collected through cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. The prostate glands were harvested and processed for paraffin embedding and stained with H and E.
 Results: Treatment with the extract and finasteride resulted in significant (P < 0.05) decrease in prostate-specific antigen (PSA), estradiol and prolactin and testosterone when compared to BPH control. Also, there was a significant increase in the protein content of the prostate gland when compared to BPH control. Prostate weight was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in treated groups compared to BPH control. This was supported by the histological examination of the prostate gland. Conclusion: Therefore, Ocimum gratissimum was effective in reducing PSA, prolactin, testosterone, estradiol and prostate weight induced BPH in a rat model, and may be useful for the clinical treatment of patients with BPH.

Protective Effect of Aqueous Extract from the Leaves of Justicia tranquebariesis against Thioacetamide-Induced Oxidative Stress and Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats.

The present study aims to examine the protective effect of Justicia tranquebariesis on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced oxidative stress and hepatic fibrosis. Male Wister albino rats (150–200 g) were divided into five groups. Group 1 was normal control. Group 2 was J. tranquebariensis (400 mg/kg bw/p.o.)-treated control. Group 3 was TAA (100 mg/kg bw/s.c.)-treated control. Groups 4 and 5 were orally administered with the leaf extract of J. tranquebariensis (400 mg/kg bw) and silymarin (50 mg/kg bw) daily for 10 days with a subsequent administration of a single dose of TAA (100 mg/kg/s.c.). Blood and livers were collected and assayed for various antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, GSH, and GR). Treatment with J. tranquebariensis significantly reduced liver TBARS and enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes in TAA-induced fibrosis rats. Concurrently, pretreatment with J. tranquebariensis significantly reduced the elevated liver markers (AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, and TB) in the blood. In addition, J. tranquebariensis- and silymarin- administered rats demonstrated the restoration of normal liver histology and reduction in fibronectin and collagen deposition. Based on these findings, J. tranquebariensis has potent liver protective functions and can alleviate thioacetamide-induced oxidative stress, hepatic fibrosis and possible engross mechanisms connected to antioxidant potential.

The aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves ameliorates acetic acid-induced colitis via improving antioxidant status and hematological parameters in male Wistar rats

The beneficial effects of Ocimum gratissimum, have been attributed mainly to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated the protective effects of aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves (AEOGL) on acetic acid induced colitis in male rats. Twenty male Wistar rats, 100–180 g were divided into four groups as follows: Group 1 (control) (n = 5) received 2 ml/kg of distilled water for 21 consecutive days. Group 2 (n = 5) received 2 ml of 6% acetic acid solution once intra rectally for induction of colitis. Group 3 and 4 (n = 5 each) were treated as group 2 and thereafter received AEOGL orally at 200 and 400 mg/kg/day respectively for 20 consecutive days. All the animals from each group were sacrificed 24 h after the induction of colitis and administration of AEOGL. The diarrhea score, ulcer score, hematological parameters, nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) markers and histopathological alteration were evaluated. Acetic acid-induced colitis significantly caused alteration in diarrhea score, ulcer score, hematological parameters, MPO and SOD activities, NO and GSH levels (p < 0.05). It induced significant inflammation of the colonic tissue. AEOGL administration significantly decreased diarrhea score and ulcer score to normal (p < 0.05). It prevented alteration effect of acetic acid on hematological parameters and significant decreases the activities of MPO, SOD, NO and increase GSH levels (p < 0.05) in colitis rats. In conclusion, Ocimum gratissimum leaves possesses ameliorative effects against acetic acid-induced colitis as a consequence of its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties.

Dual protective effect of ginger and rosemary extracts against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of aqueous extracts of ginger (GE) and rosemary (RE), both individually and in combination, on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in adult male rats. CCl4 induced significant increase in liver enzymes, bilirubin, triglycerides, and total cholesterol while total protein, albumin, and globulin were significantly decreased. Also, the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) and oxidative stress markers were found to be elevated with a concomitant decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in hepatic tissue. Supplementation with extracts of ginger or rosemary effectively relieved most of the CCl4-induced alterations when administered singly. The joint therapy of the two extracts was more effective. The histological investigation strongly confirmed the highly protective effect of the two plant extracts in the hepatocytes. These findings suggest that rosemary and ginger extracts are effective in improving both the function and structure of the hepatocytes through their potent antioxidant effect and point out to the possibility of using a combination of both as an adjunct therapy in liver diseases.

Protective effects of aqueous extract of internal septum of walnut fruit on diabetic hepatopathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Protective effects of aqueous extract of internal septum of walnut fruit on diabetic hepatopathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Some Biochemical and Histological Changes during Cadmium‐Induced Toxicity in Rats and the Protective Intervention of Phyllanthus nivosus Leaf Extract

Human exposure to environmental carcinogens like Cadmium (Cd) is one of the major causes of cancer. Acute or chronic exposure induces severe toxicity in various organs, majorly through the induction of oxidative stress. Medicinal plants are sources of exogenous antioxidants which could offer protection against carcinogen-induced toxicity. The protective effect of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus nivosus leaf during cadmium-induced toxicity in rats was therefore investigated. Phytochemical composition and free radical scavenging ability of the extract were also determined. Four groups of four rats each, of an average weight of 148.02 ± 7.02g were given oral administration of 8 mg/kg of cadmium daily for seven days. The first group of Cd-exposed rats were only given 0.1 ml of distilled water while the next two groups were treated with aqueous extract of Phyllanthus nivosus at 200 and 400 mg/kg. The fourth group received 100 mg/kg of ascorbic acid. A fifth group of rats, which were not exposed to Cd received 0.1 ml distilled only. Blood samples obtained through the Jugular vein, as well as, liver and kidney samples were used for biochemical and histological examinations. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, phenols, carbohydrate, resins, balsam, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenes and steroids. Quantitative phytochemical analysis showed 4.80%w/w alkaloids, 3.67%w/w phenols, 8.72%w/w tannins, 7.92%w/w flavonoids and 6.82%w/w saponins. The extract was found to display DPPH-radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 56.4 μg/ml as compared with 51.9 μg/ml for ascorbic acid. There was a significant reduction (P<0.05) in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and levels of reduced glutathione in the liver of Cd-exposed rats. Lipid peroxidation was also increased as revealed by a significant increase in MDA concentration. Significant alterations were observed in the serum levels of liver function indices (Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and albumin). No significant change was observed in the biochemical parameters of kidney function. Nevertheless, histopathological examinations showed obvious liver and kidney injury characterized by inflamed hepatocytes around the central veins and tubular necrosis respectively. Significant improvements of these parameters were however observed in rats treated with 400mg/kg body weight of Phyllanthus nivosus leaf extract. Liver of unexposed and untreated rats showing normal hepatocytes interspersed by sinusoids (red arrows). A central vein (white star) is seen with red blood cells. Black arrows= cytoplasm, white arrows= nuclei. H&E. ×400. kidney of unexposed and untreated rat showing normal tissue architecture. The glomerular capsule (white arrows) is intact. White stars= glomerulus, black arrows= nuclei. H&E. ×400. Liver of Cd-exposed and untreated rat. Pockets of inflammatory cells (black arrows) seen amongst normal hepatocytes (white arrows). White star=Central vein containing red blood cells. H&E. ×400. Kidney of Cd-exposed and untreated rat showing severe inflammation as presented by inflammatory cells (white arrows). Black arrows= normal kidney cells. H&E. ×400 Liver of Cd-exposed rat, treated with 400mg/Kg body weight. Mild hemorrhage is observed as presented by the presence of red blood cells (black arrows) in the interstitial spaces. Cellular architecture and nuclear presentation are normal. H&E. ×100. Kidney (medulla) of Cd-exposed rat treated with 400mg/Kg body weight showing normal tissue morphology. Black arrows= collecting ducts, white arrows= nuclei of cells. H&E ×100. This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Antiulcer and hepatoprotective effects of aqueous extract of Plantago ovata seed on indomethacin-ulcerated rats

BackgroundThe objective of the study was to investigate the protective effects of aqueous extract of Plantago ovata seed (AEPOS) on peptic ulcer induced by indomethacin (IND) in rats. MethodsRats (250-300 g) were divided into three groups (5 rats in each group). Gastric ulcer was induced by a single oral gavage of 48 mg/kg IND. The first group received only 5% sodium bicarbonate orally (5 ml/kg) whereas the control (IND) group received only single oral dose of 48 mg/kg IND. The third group was pretreated with an extract (100 mg/kg) for 4 days. At the end of the 4th day, rats were kept fasted for 24 h before administration of IND 48 mg/kg. The rats were sacrificed 4 h after oral administration of IND and their stomach and liver were fixed in formalin (10%) and sections of 5 mm in diameter were prepared. Histological and morphological characteristics of stomach and liver were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. ResultsAEPOS (100 mg/kg) showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in microscopic and macroscopic ulcer index as compared to the IND group. Histological analysis indicated that AEPOS has hepatoprotective effect and can prevent mucosa damage in stomach. ConclusionResults revealed that AEPOS has anti-ulcer and hepatoprotective effects.

Protective effect of aqueous extracts from Canarium odontophyllum Miq. leaf on liver in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The fruit of Canarium odontophyllum Miq. are a traditional delicacy in Borneo for its anti-aging benefit. This study evaluated the protective effect of C. odontophyllum leaf aqueous extract on the damaged liver in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. A total of 30 male Spraque-Dawley rats (150-250g) were randomly divided into three groups: control group, diabetic without treatment and diabetic treated with 300 mg/kg aqueous extract once a day for 28 days. The diabetic condition was induced by intravenous injection of 65 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). The blood was collected to assess the biochemical changes and the oxidative stress marker whereas the liver section was examined for morphological changes. Result showed that the level of blood aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), total bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in STZ-induced rats treated with C. odontophyllum were significantly reduced (p<0.05) compared to STZ group. Oxidative stress test showed lower level of malondealdehid (MDA) and protein carbonyl but significantly (p<0.05) higher activity of GSH, SOD and GPx compared to untreated diabetic group. Abnormal cells were not detected from the histological observation. These findings demonstrated that the aqueous extract of C. odontophyllum has the potential to provide protective effect against liver damage in diabetic rat.

Protective Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Flos lonicerae Japonicae against Hydroquinone-Induced Toxicity in Hepatic L02 Cells.

Hydroquinone (HQ) is widely used in food stuffs and is an occupational and environmental pollutant. Although the hepatotoxicity of HQ has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo, the prevention of HQ-induced hepatotoxicity has yet to be elucidated. In this study, we focused on the intervention effect of aqueous extracts of Flos lonicerae Japonicae (FLJ) on HQ-induced cytotoxicity. We demonstrated that HQ reduced cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner by administering 160 μmol/L HQ for 12 h as the positive control of cytotoxicity. The aqueous FLJ extracts significantly increased cell viability and decreased LDH release, ALT, and AST in a concentration-dependent manner compared with the corresponding HQ-treated groups in hepatic L02 cells. This result indicated that aqueous FLJ extracts could protect the cytotoxicity induced by HQ. HQ increased intracellular MDA and LPO and decreased the activities of GSH, GSH-Px, and SOD in hepatic L02 cells. In addition, aqueous FLJ extracts significantly suppressed HQ-stimulated oxidative damage. Moreover, HQ promoted DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and the level of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine and apoptosis. However, aqueous FLJ extracts reversed HQ-induced DNA damage and apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Overall, our results demonstrated that the toxicity of HQ was mediated by intracellular oxidative stress, which activated DNA damage and apoptosis. The findings also proved that aqueous FLJ extracts exerted protective effects against HQ-induced cytotoxicity in hepatic L02 cells.

The effect of aqueous extract of Rosa damascena on formaldehyde-induced toxicity in mice testes

Context: Rosa damascena L. (Rosaceae) (RD) essential oil and extracts are commonly used as a flavour in herbal medicine which increase libido. Previous studies have shown inhalation of RD flower’s oil increases libido and causes protective effects in formaldehyde (FA)-induced testicular damage.Objective: The protective effects of aqueous extract of RD on the male reproductive system of mice were examined following FA-induced damage.Materials and methods: Forty-eight adult NMRI male mice were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 8): control (normal saline, 10 mg/kg); RD40 (40 mg/kg, p.o.); FA treated (10 mg/kg of 10%, i.p.) and FA + RD treated at 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg (FA + RD10), (FA + RD20) and (FA + RD40), respectively, for 40 days. At the end of treatment regimes, serum testosterone (T) level and the reproductive activity, viz. body/organ weights, testicular structure and sperm characteristics were studied.Results: Formaldehyde administration significantly decreased serum T level (p < 0.001), testicular weight/volume, tubular diameter and sperm characteristics compared to the control group (p < 0.05). RD (40 mg/kg) administration in FA-treated mice significantly improved serum T level, testicular weight/histological structure, tubular diameter, Leydig cell number and epididymal sperm characteristics in comparison to its lower doses and the control group (p < 0.05).Discussion and conclusions: We may conclude that RD flower extract can withstand effects of FA in the male reproductive system of mice possibly due to its antioxidative properties.

CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF PHYLLANTHUS FRATERNUS LEAVES EXTRACT AGAINST CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE - INDUCED MYOCARDIAL INJURY IN RATS

Objectives: This study was undertaken to investigate the possible protective effect of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus fraternus (AEPF) leaves against cyclophosphamide (CP) induced myocardial toxicity in rats.Methods: Wistar rats were given CP single intraperitoneally injection (200 mg/kg) on day 1 of the experiment and two doses of AEPF (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) p.o. daily for 10 days. Cardiac biomarker enzymes such as creatinine kinase (CK), CK isoenzyme MB, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase were determined. Histopathological examinations of the hearts were done.Results: CP treated groups exhibited significantly increased in cardiac biomarker enzymes. Treatment with AEPF prevented the elevation of these enzymes. Potential protective effect was also seen in histopathological examination of the heart characterized by decreased myocardium cell damages in AEPF treatment group.Conclusion: The study showed the protective role of AEPF against CP-induced myocardial injury. The possible role of antioxidant activity is anticipated.

RENO-PROTECTIVE EFFICACY OF AQUEOUS CINNAMON BURMANNI EXTRACT ON MULTI-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES-INDUCED TOXICITY

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are widely used in industrial and biomedical applications. Exposure to these tubes causes inflammation, oxidative stress and/or function disorders in the body tissues and systems. The use of certain natural products that have antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory activities might decrease this toxicity. Thus, the present study aims to assess the four weeks toxicity effect of inhaled MWCNTS on the kidneys of male rats, and the possible protective effect of aqueous extract of Cinnamon Burmanni (C. Burmanni). MWCNTs were synthesized in nano-photonic lab (Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University). Thirty-two male rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided equally into 4 groups: control group, cinnamon-treated group (daily, orally administrated 75 mg/kg body weight of aqueous C. Burmanni extract for 4 consecutive weeks), MWCNTs-treated group (animals were subjected to wood shaving cage litter containing 1.0 g MWCNTs/kg body weight, twice a week), and cinnamon and MWCNTs-treated group (treated simultaneously with both MWCNTs and aqueous C. Burmanni extract). Estimation of nitrite content, total thiols and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations, as well as glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in serum, in addition to the histopathological examination of kidney sections, were carried out. MWCNTs exposure resulted in significant elevation of nitrite content with significant decrease in GSH and total thiols levels and GST activity, and non-significant change in GPx activity in the serum samples. Histopathological studies of MWCNTs inhaled rats showed proteinaceous material accumulation in the lumen of renal tubules, vacuolation and congestion of glomerular tufts and perivascular oedema. Aqueous C. Burmanni extract greatly ameliorated these lesions via a significant decrease in serum nitrite content and significant elevation of serum GSH and total thiols contents as well as GST and GPx activity compared to their respective controls. In conclusion, aqueous C. Burmanni extract showed reno-protective effect against MWCNTs-induced cytoxicity via lowering reactive nitrogen species level and alleviating antioxidant enzymatic and non-enzymatic markers.

Vascular protective effects of aqueous extracts of Tribulus terrestris on hypertensive endothelial injury

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is involved in endothelium injury during the development of hypertension. Tribulus terrestris (TT) is used to treat hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and post-stroke syndrome in China. The present study aimed to determine the effects of aqueous TT extracts on endothelial injury in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and its protective effects against Ang II-induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). SHRs were administered intragastrically with TT (17.2 or 8.6 g·kg−1·d−1) for 6 weeks, using valsartan (13.5 mg·kg−1·d−1) as positive control. Blood pressure, heart rate, endothelial morphology of the thoracic aorta, serum levels of Ang II, endothelin-1 (ET-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malonaldehyde (MDA) were measured. The endothelial injury of HUVECs was induced by 2 × 10−6 mol·L−1 Ang II. Cell Apoptosisapoptosis, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was assessed. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), ET-1, SOD, and MDA in the cell culture supernatant and cell migration were assayed. The expression of hypertension-linked genes and proteins were analyzed. TT decreased systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, mean arterial pressure and heart rate, improved endothelial integrity of thoracic aorta, and decreased serum leptin, Ang II, ET-1, NPY, and Hcy, while increased NO in SHRs. TT suppressed Ang II-induced HUVEC proliferation and apoptosis and prolonged the survival, and increased cell migration. TT regulated the ROS, and decreased mRNA expression of Akt1, JAK2, PI3Kα, Erk2, FAK, and NF-κB p65 and protein expression of Erk2, FAK, and NF-κB p65. In conclusion, TT demonstrated anti-hypertensive and endothelial protective effects by regulating Erk2, FAK and NF-κB p65.

Phenolic and flavonoid compounds in aqueous extracts of thunbergia laurifolia leaves and their effect on the toxicity of the carbamate insecticide methomyl to murine macrophage cells

Background: Thunbergia laurifolia is a Thai herb and has been used in Thai folklore medicine for centuries. Generally, Thais consume T. laurifolia as a herbal tea because of its beneficial properties as an antidote for chemical toxins, drug-, arsenic-, strychnine-, alcohol- and food-poisoning. However, its effectively against some insecticide compounds, e.g. methomyl, has not yet been determined.Objective: To examine the protective effect of aqueous extract from leaves of T. laurifolia on methomyl (MT) poisoning of murine macrophage cells (anti-MT effect) and to identify phenolic and flavonoid compounds in the extract. Methods: T. laurifolia was extracted with water and stored in freeze-dried form. The extract was investigated for its antioxidant activity and some phenolic and flavonoid compounds were identified using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). To study anti-MT effects in RAW264.7 murine macrophage cells, these were treated with leaf extract either before (pre-treatment), concomitantly (combined) or after (post-treatment) exposure to MT and cell viability determined in an MTT test (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide).Results: The extract exhibited strong antioxidant properties based on total extractable phenolic content (TPC), total extractable flavonoid content (TFC), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and Ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity. The LC-MS analyses of phenolic compounds indicated the presence of caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, catechin, rutin, isoquercetin, quercetin and apigenin as bioactive compounds. Viability of RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells treated with MT was increased significantly by post-treatment with leaf extract but not by combined or pre-treatments. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of T. laurifolia leaves contained abundant antioxidant activity. Flavonoids present were catechin, rutin, isoquercetin, quercetin and apigenin. The aqueous leaf extract was able to help cells recover from the effects of exposure to MT.Keywords: Thunbergia laurifolia, phenolics, flavonoids, methomyl, RAW264.7 murine macrophages, insecticide

Protective effects of aqueous extract of cinnamon on diabetes-induced nephrotoxicity in wistar rats

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder with multi-systemic adverse effects on the body. Cinnamon is atraditional folk herbsused for treatment of diseases and was popularas an embalming agent. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of crude aqueous extract of Cinnamon for its protective activities on diabetes-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistarrats. Twenty-four adult Wistar rats of both sexes were assigned to three groups containing eight rats (n=8). Group A was the control group, group B was the streptozotocin-treated group, and group C was the streptozotocin followed by crude aqueous extract of Cinnamon treated group. Group B received 50mg/kg of STZ by the intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. Group C received 50 mg/kg of STZ i.p. and 300 mg/kg/day of the aqueous extract of Cinnamon for 21 days. All the rats including the control group were fed with commercially formulated feeds and water ad`libidum for the same number of days. Effect of concurrent oral administration of crudeaqueous extract of Cinnamon at a dose of 300 mg/kg/day on the renal integrity was determined using serum creatinine, blood urea as indicators of kidney damage supporting histopathological findings. It was observed that the crude aqueous extract of Cinnamon significantly protect rat kidneys from diabetes-induced histopathological changes. This extract also normalized the increase in serumcreatinine and blood urea that characterized the diabetic group of rats.In conclusion, administration of aqueous extract of Cinnamon protects the kidneys of adult Wistar rats against diabetes-induced nephrotoxicity.Keywords: Aqueous extract, Cinnamon, Histological, Nephrotoxicity, Streptozotocin (STZ), Integrity

Protective effect of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus fraternus against bromobenzene induced changes on cytosolic glutathione S-transferase isozymes in rat liver

The aim of this study was to investigate beneficial effect of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus fraternus (AEPF) on bromobenzene (BB) induced changes on cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (GST) isozymes in rat liver. Administration of BB significantly decreased the activity of GST, however, prior administration of AEPF prevented the BB induced decrease in GST activity. Further the cytosolic GSTs were purified from 3 groups of animals (control, BB and AEPF+BB administered) and resolved into three protein bands on SDS-PAGE. Densitometric analysis showed a significant decrease in BB group compared to control. Further, 2D PAGE analysis resolved these proteins into 8 bands which were identified as five isozymes of alpha, two of Mu and one of theta by MALDI-TOF MS and also observed decreased levels of isozymes in BB group. However, on prior administration of AEPF significantly prevented the BB induced decrease in GSTs and restored to normal levels.

Histopathological and biochemical assessments of Costus afer stem on alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

In continuation of our study of the biological activity of the aqueous extract of Costus afer stem used in tradomedicare in Nigeria, this work has investigated the biochemical, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective and protective effects of aqueous extract of C. afer stem on alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic albino Wistar rats. Thirty male albino Wistar rats (150-200 g) were weight-matched into six groups of five rats each. Groups 1 and 2 were the normal (non-induced) and toxic (alloxan-induced) controls, respectively. Groups 3-6 were induced and treated with 1, 2 and 3 g/kg of the aqueous extract of C. afer stem and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg), respectively. Food and fluid intake, body weight, absolute and relative weight of organs (liver, pancreas, and kidneys) and biochemical parameters were measured. There was a significant reduction in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin triglyceride, creatinine, urea and electrolyte when compared with toxic control group. The liver marker enzymes were restored in all the treated groups. The aqueous stem extract possessed hypoglycaemic effect and reversed the histopathological damage in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. This study suggests that aqueous stem extract of C. afer possesses both hypoglycaemic and organ protective properties.

Aqueous extract of Cortex Dictamni protects H9c2 cardiomyocytes from hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis by PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is the major manifestation of ischemic heart disease, which facilitates cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure and death. Oxidative stress and apoptosis have been involved in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Modern pharmacological studies have indicated that the extracts and active compounds of Cortex Dictamni exhibit antioxidative and cardiovascular protective activities. This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of aqueous extract of Cortex Dictamni (CDAE) on regulating hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced cardiomyocytes oxidative stress and apoptosis. H9c2 cardiomyocytes pretreatmented with CDAE for 24h were exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation. Cell survival was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, and by the detections of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and cardiac troponin I (cTn-I) content in cultured supernatant. Cell apoptosis was measured by Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide (PI) staining, Annexin-V/PI staining, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were measured to examine antioxidant activity. Mitochondrial membrane potential and release of cytochrome c were measured to examine mitochondrial changes. The expressions of anti-oxidant, pro-apoptosis and anti-apoptosis proteins were measured by performing western blotting assay. Inhibitor LY294002 was used to confirm the regulation effect of CDAE on PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. CDAE pretreatment prevents H/R-induced cardiomyocytes oxidative stress and apoptosis through activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Total Coumarins from Hydrangea paniculata Protect against Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Damage in Mice by Suppressing Renal Inflammation and Apoptosis.

Aim. Hydrangea paniculata (HP) Sieb. is a medical herb which is widely distributed in southern China, and current study is to evaluate renal protective effect of aqueous extract of HP by cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in animal model and its underlying mechanisms. Materials and Methods. HP extract was prepared and the major ingredients were coumarin glycosides. AKI mouse models were established by single i.p. injection of 20 mg/kg cisplatin, and HP was orally administrated for total five times. The renal biochemical functions, pathological staining, kidney oxidative stress, and inflammatory status were measured. Apoptosis of tubular cells and infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils were also tested. Results. HP administration could improve the renal function by decreasing concentration of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine and attenuates renal oxidative stress and tubular pathological injury and apoptosis; further research demonstrated that HP could inhibit the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines and regulate caspase and BCL-2 family proteins. HP also reduced renal infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils, and its effect might be by downregulating phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and stat3 signaling pathway. Conclusions. This present study suggests that HP could ameliorate cisplatin induced kidney damage by antioxidation and suppressing renal inflammation and tubular cell apoptosis.