Protective Effect Of Methanolic Extract Research Articles

Carthamus tinctorius L. (Safflower) Flower Extract Attenuates Hepatic Injury and Steatosis in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus via Nrf2-Dependent Hypoglycemic, Antioxidant, and Hypolipidemic Effects.

This study aimed to examine the hepatic and anti-steatotic protective effects of methanolic extract from Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) flowers (SFFE), using a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. Adult male Wistar rats were used for this study. First, T2DM was induced in some rats by feeding them a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks, followed by a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/kg, i.p.). Experimental groups included the following five groups (n = 8 in each): control, control + SFFE, T2DM, T2DM + SFFE, and T2DM + SFFE + brusatol (an Nrf2 inhibitor, 2 mg/kg, i.p.). SFFE was administered at a concentration of 300 mg/kg, and all experiments concluded after 8 weeks. Treatments with SFFE significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels, free fatty acids (FFAs), cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in both the control and T2DM rats, but they failed to reduce fasting insulin levels in these groups. SFFE treatments also improved the liver structure and reduced hepatocyte vacuolization and hepatic levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in T2DM rats, in addition to increasing the hepatic mRNA levels of keap1 and the cytoplasmic levels and nuclear activities of Nrf2 in both the control and T2DM rats. SFFE also stimulated the expression levels of PPARα and CPT-1 but reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA), mRNA levels of SREBP1, fatty acid synthase, and acetyl CoA carboxylase in both the control and T2DM rats; meanwhile, it reduced hepatic mRNA and the nuclear activities of NF-κB and increased levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and heme oxygenase-1 in the livers of both groups of treated rats. Furthermore, SFFE suppressed the levels of caspase-3, Bax, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 in the T2DM rats. Treatment with brusatol prevented all of these effects of SFFE. In conclusion, SFFE suppresses liver damage and hepatic steatosis in T2DM through Nrf2-dependent hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic effects.

Bioactive extract of Morchella esculenta ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiotoxicity by modulating KEAP1/NRF2 and pro-inflammatory genes expression

Prevention of anticancer drugs-induced cardiotoxicity remains an imperative area of oncology research as it continues to be a major challenge in cancer chemotherapy. This study was undertaken to investigate the protective effect of methanol extract of Morchella esculenta (ME) against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced cardiotoxicity. Myocardial damage was assessed by biochemical and histopathological methods. Proinflammatory cytokines gene expression was determined by RT-PCR analysis. To assess the mitochondrial dysfunction, TCA cycle and electron transport chain complexes enzymes activities were determined. Chemical finger print of ME was accomplished by HPTLC. CP (200 mg/kg) treated animals showed elevation in cardiac injury markers which was attenuated by ME (p < 0.05). CP-induced decline of antioxidant status and expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 were restored by ME. CP-induced expression of NF-ĸB, IL1-β, IL-6, TNF-α, COX-2 and iNOS (p < 0.05) was attenuated by ME (500 mg/kg). Bioactive compounds namely, 5-eicosapentaenoicacid (C20H30O2), 8-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (C18H32O3), 4,4-dipo-zetacarotene (C30H44), CynarosideA (C21H32O10) present in the extract might be responsible for cardioprotection. The findings reveal the protective effect of ME against CP-induced cardiomyopathy.

Protective Potential of Methanol Extract of Drymaria cordata Willd. ex Schult (MEDC) on Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Via Modulation of Apoptotic Markers, Sex Hormones and Antioxidant Status in Rat Model.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a gynecological disorder among reproductive-aged women and a major cause of infertility. Different treatment options are being employed but with side effects. This has mandated alternative treatment options, especially complementary therapy. This study therefore investigated the possible protective effects of methanol extract of Drymaria cordata in Letrozole-induced PCOS. The plant is folklorically used in the treatment of diverse ailments including PCOS, fibroids, uterine/ovarian/breast tumors, and cancers. Forty-eight female Wistar rats were acclimatized and initially divided into two groups: group I(control group) and group II(PCOS group). PCOS was induced by the oral administration of letrozole/high-fat diet for 21 days. After the induction, the PCOS group was sub-divided into four groups (n = 4): group II (positive control with PCOS), group III (MET 2mg/kg), group IV (MEDC 200mg/kg), and group V (MEDC 400mg/kg). Rats were orally treated with MET and MEDC for six weeks after the PCOS induction. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected, sera were separated, mitochondria were isolated, and the mPT, some apoptotic biomarkers, hormonal and lipid profiles, and oxidative stress markers were determined. Ovarian histological evaluation and GC-MS analysis of MEDC were carried out. There was no significant mPT pore opening in the PCOS (untreated) group. However, treatments with MEDC caused significant mPT pore opening, upraised caspase 9, caspase 3, and Bax, and decreased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 levels. The MEDC treatments restored the hormonal and lipid profiles, increased the levels of GSH-Px and SOD and decreased TBARS. Histological examination revealed resolved ovarian cysts and improved follicular growth with MEDC treatments. Comparable results were observed for both MEDC and metformin. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of some major pharmacologically relevant compounds. These findings suggest that MEDC contains phytochemicals that can protect against letrozole-induced PCOS possibly by normalizing the impaired hormonal balance, restoring the lipid profile, and improving the antioxidant milieu of the system.

The protective effect of methanolic extract of Verbascum cheiranthifolium and Biebersteinia multifida DC on hippocampus damage induced by diazinon in male Wistar rats: An experimental study

Diazinon (DZN) an organophosphate (OP), with the most important mechanism of action of DZN being induction of oxidative stress (OS) and inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Verbascum cheiranthifolium (VER) and Biebersteinia multifida (BM) belong to the Scrophulariaceae and Biebersteiniaceae family respectively. These plants are widely used in Iranian traditional medicine due to their beneficial effects. Thus, this research aimed to appraise the protective effects of the methanolic extract of the VER and BM on changes in the level of expression of α7 and α4 subunits of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in hippocampus (HPC) of DZN-treated rats. In this research, 36 male Wistar rats were used and randomly divided into six groups: Control, DZN (40 mg/kg), VER (1 g/kg), DZN+VER (40 mg/kg+1 g/kg), BM (150 mg/kg), and DZN+BM (40 mg/kg+150 mg/kg). At the end of treatment periods, the animals of all groups underwent the Morris water maze (MWM) test. The rats were anesthetized, and blood sampling was performed. Eventually, the brain was removed for histological study and evaluation of OS parameters. The results indicated that DZN increased the extent of expression of nAChRs in the HPC and significantly inhibited cholinesterase (ChEs) activity plus OS parameters. Also, in MWM, the time to find the platform was significantly longer in the DZN group, while the time and the distance in the probe test were lower than in the control groups. VER and BM extract in the treatment groups simultaneously improved the extent of expression of nAChRs, ChEs activity, as well as the parameters of OS and spatial memory significantly. In conclusion, our results support the neuroprotective properties of VER and BM extract versus DZN in rats. Accordingly, the extracts of VER and BM may be useful as an approach for the treatment of learning disorders and memory enhancement.

Protective Effect of Methanolic Extract of Tamarindus Indica Leaves in Ethanol-Induced Esophageal Ulcer in Adult Wistar Rats

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) possess anti-ulceration, wound healing, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties. This makes it useful in the treatment of various clinical challenges including gastrointestinal tract diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the protective effect of methanolic extract of Tamarindus indica leaves on esophageal ulcers in adult Wistar rats. Twelve rats (12) with average body weights of 130 ± 20 grams (g) were divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) (n=4). Group A (control) received 0.5 ml/kg body weight (bw) of distilled water, Group B received 0.5 ml/kg bw of 80% ethanol, Group C (Low dose) received 200 mg/kg of methanolic extract of Tamarindus indica leaves + 0.5ml/kg of 80% Ethanol and Group D (High dose) received 300 mg/kg of methanolic extract of Tamarindus indica leaves + 0.5ml/kg of 80% Ethanol. All administrations were done via gastric intubation for 6 days. At the end of the experimental period sections of the esophagus were collected for histological studies. The group administered 0.5ml/kg of 80% ethanol when compared with the control group, showed ulceration along the surface margin of mucosal layers and damage to submucosal glands. The group administered high and low doses of methanolic extract of Tamarindus indica leaves + 0.5ml/kg of 80% ethanol when compared with the control group, revealed an intact histoarchitecture. METL was protective in the ethanol induced esophageal ulceration.

Amaranthus viridis improves relative anxiety behaviour and cognitive deficit in rotenone induced Parkinsonism in albino rats

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is typically characterised by motor shortfalls. However, non-motor symptoms like mood disorders (anxiety, depression) and impaired cognition are also associated features. Previous studies have demonstrated a neuroprotective effect a plant against a disease. Consequently, this current study was focused on assessing its efficacy in extenuating non-motor shortfalls such as anxiety-like behaviour and impaired cognition induced by rotenone. Methods: PD was induced in rats by administering rotenone (10 mg/kg BW orally) for 28 days. The vehicle and the test drug were given orally daily for one hour prior to rotenone administration. The protective effect of methanol extract of A. viridis (500 mg/kg BW) was assessed through an array of tests; elevated plus maze test, Morris water maze test, and novel object recognition test. The rats were sacrificed on day 28th and neurobiochemical analyses of the hippocampus were performed using HPLC. Results: The findings of this study showed that co-administration of A. viridis reversed the rotenone-induced anxiety-like behaviour and cognitive shortfalls to a significant extent (p&lt;0.001). It also restored the hippocampal neurotransmitters [(5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-hydroxy indole acetic acid (5-HIAA), and dopamine (Da)] significantly (p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: Amaranthus viridis offered neuroprotective effects that ameliorate non-motor symptoms in PD. This could be a novel insight into the therapy of PD. This study provides scientific evidence that A. viridis attenuates non-motor symptoms like anxiety-like behaviour and cognitive deficits in Parkinsonism. This extract can be a potential candidate in herbal formulations as a neuroprotectant against PD.

Protective Effect of Methanolic Extract of Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter-Leaf) on Alloxan-Induced Pancreatic Toxicity in Adult Wistar Rats

Protective Effect of Methanolic Extract of Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter-Leaf) on Alloxan-Induced Pancreatic Toxicity in Adult Wistar Rats

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS EXTRACT ON THE NEPHROTOXICITY CAUSED BY NICKEL CHLORIDE IN WISTAR RATS

Nickel is a common environmental pollutant inducing nephrotoxicity. Oxidative stress has been proposed as a possible mechanism involved in this toxicity. The present study aimed to elucidate the potential protective effect of methanolic extract of Rosmarinus officinalis (RO) against nephrotoxicity induced by Nickel Chloride (NiCl2). The antioxidant activity and the metal chelating power of the plant extract were evaluated. An in vivo study on 28 rats divided into equal four groups including the first group as the control; the second received 100 mg/kg bw of RO extract; the third was exposed to 10 mg/kg bw of NiCl2, and the last was treated with the combination of the extract and NiCl2 by gavage for 28 days. Oxidative stress parameters, biochemical biomarkers, and histopathological examination of the kidney were determined. Analysis of the results showed that the plant has significant antioxidant and metal-chelating power. In addition, exposure of rats to NiCl2 caused a disturbance of renal function (urea, creatinine, and uric acid). This exposure also induced a renal oxidative stress, which results in increased MDA level and GST activity a decrease in antioxidant status (CAT, GPx, and SOD activity), and alteration in tissue architecture of kidney was observed. Co-administration of RO (extract and NiCl2) restored most of the parameters cited above to values close to normal. Therefore, the present study revealed the ability of RO to bind to NiCl2 and protect kidney tissue from NiCl2-induced oxidative damage.

Protective effect of methanolic extract of Areca catechu nut on ethanol withdrawal symptoms in mice

BackgroundThe purpose of the current study was to examine the potential impact of a methanolic extract of Areca catechu nut (MAN) on handling-induced convulsions (HIC), anxiety and anhedonia behaviour of alcohol-withdrawn mice. 30 female Swiss albino mice were divided into 5 groups, each with 6 animals. Group 1 (saline withdrawal) received saline during the 3-day alcohol/saline induction phase, while the other 4 groups (alcohol withdrawal) received 20% v/v ethanol (1.25 ml/100 g body weight, i.p.; 20% v/v ethanol was made from absolute ethanol with 79.9 ml saline + 0.1 ml fomepizole, an alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor). Day four (test day) involved studying handling-induced convulsions; open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze test (EPM), marble burying test (MBT) for anxiety; 24-h sucrose preference test (SPT) for anhedonia in mice. On the test day, Group I and II (saline withdrawal and alcohol withdrawal) received oral treatments with 1% w/v sodium carboxyl methylcellulose 1 h prior to the behavioural testing. Group III received an injection of diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p., 30 min prior) and Group IV and V were treated with two different doses of MAN (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) 1 h prior to the behavioural test.ResultsAt doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o., the Areca catechu nut methanolic extract significantly reduced handling convulsions and anxiety, and had an anti-anhedonic effect using various evaluation criteria, such as convulsion score (HIC), no. of central and peripheral line crossings (OFT), % entries and time spent in open arms (EPM), no. of marbles buried (MBT), and sucrose intake ratio (SPT) in alcohol-withdrawn mice.ConclusionIn mice undergoing alcohol withdrawal, Areca catechu nut extract (MAN) greatly lessens handling-induced convulsions, anxiety and depression symptoms.Graphical

Nepeta paulsenii Briq. inhibits hepatic toxicity in albino rats: Phytochemical analysis and chemical profiling

Nepeta paulsenii is a less explored plant found in the South-Eastern hilly region of Pakistan. Local people consider it a medicinal plant. The protective effect of methanol extract of N. paulsenii leaves on carbon-tetrachloride (CCl4) tempted liver damage in male rats was assessed. Forty-eight rats were equally divided into 8 groups and various concentrations of extract + CCl4 were induced for 30 days. Crude methanolic extract of N. paulsenii plant was examined through phytochemical analyses and gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometre (GC–MS) before biological testing on albino rats. Phytochemical analysis of extract showed coumarins, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins and betacyanins, while GC–MS results revealed the existence of several compounds belonging to diverse classes, responsible for the hepatoprotective attribute of N.paulsenii. CCl4 exposure substantially decreased the antioxidant enzymes activity while increased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and reactive oxygen species levels. A remarkable increase in the aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels was observed in CCl4 treated rats. Comet-parameters were observed after CCl4 administration. N. paulsenii extract administration substantially improved the antioxidant enzyme activity, hepatic markers as well as comet parameters and reversed the CCl4 induced histopathological damages. The results revealed that N. paulsenii has therapeutic effects against CCl4-induced liver damages.

Analyzing the Impact of Ramalina digitellata, R. fastigiata, R. fraxinea, and R. polymorpha's Usnic Acid Concentration on Antioxidant, DNA-Protective, Antimicrobial, and Cytotoxic Properties.

The present study is focused on the antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and DNA protective effects of methanol extract obtained from R. digitellata, R. fastigiata, R. fraxinea, and R. polymorpha species that are distributed in Turkey. The highest total phenol content was determined in R. digitellata (144.6 mgGAE/gextract ), and the highest total amount of flavonoids was found in R. fastigiata (20.40 mgGAE/gextract ). The content of usnic acid was determined by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and the highest amount was found in R. digitellata. DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS [2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzathiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] radical scavenging methods were used for antioxidant activity. R. fraxinea showed the highest DPPH⋅ and ABTS+ ⋅ scavenging activity. In addition, the DNA protective effect was investigated using pBR322 plasmid DNA, and; all studied species were found to have DNA protective effects. The antibacterial activity was investigated using the disc diffusion method, and the R. digitellata methanol extract showed the best results with a 12.35 mm zone on Proteus mirabilis. On the human lung cancer (A549) and breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell lines, cytotoxic activity was assessed using an MTT assay. All lichen extracts were found to have a significant cytotoxic effect on both cancer cell lines at 1000 μg/mL concentration. These results suggest that Ramalina species may be potential candidates for developing new phytopharmaceuticals and functional components.

Haematological and biochemical changes in arsenic trioxide-induced toxicity in Wistar rats treated with methanol extract of Parquetina nigrescens leaf.

This study was designed to investigate the phytochemical composition and protective effects of methanol extract of Parquetina nigrescens leaf (MEPL) in male Wistar rats. Phytochemical screening, in vitro antioxidant assay, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and LD50 were determined. Forty male Wistar rats were grouped into eight and orally treated for 54 days as follows: Group 1 (10% tween 80), Group 2 (3 mg/kg As2O3) Groups 3, 4 and 5 (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg MEPL) and groups 6, 7 and 8, (250 mg/kg+As2O3, 500 mg/kg+As2O3 and 1000 mg/kg+As2O3). The animals were sacrificed on day 55 under anaesthesia. Blood was collected by cardiac puncture for heamatological studies. Liver concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were determined spectrophotometrically. Liver histology was also assessed. Flavonoids, tannin, alkaloids, saponin, and anthraquinone were present in MEPL, also, MEPL scavenged 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) and Azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid radical (ABTS+). The IC50 of MEPL required to chelate metal was also low. The GC-MS revealed the presence of 24 essential oil. The LD50 was > 5000 mg/kg. Packed cell volume and red blood cell count were significantly reduced in 1000 mg/kg MEPL group, white blood cell count and SOD activity reduced (P<0.05) in 3 mg/kg As2O3 when compared with control but increased in groups co-treated with As2O3 and 250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg + As2O3. MDA concentration, AST, ALT and ALP activities increased significantly in 3 mg/kg As2O3 group but decreased (P<0.05) in groups co-treated with As2O3 and 250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg. The methanol extract of Parquetina nigrescens leaf in male Wistar rats has antioxidant, hepatoprotective and white blood cell protective effects.

Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of Protective Effect of Methanolic Extract of Cleodendrum viscosum Leaves in Rat Model of Vincristine Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy is a disabling pain condition resulting from cancer therapy. However, no scientific data available for many herbal drugs which are locally used and evaluating these drugs would be worth to have scientific approach of using them. In this study an indigenous plant called Clerodendrum viscosum leaves have been used to evaluate the effect of plant in vincristine induced peripheral neuropathy in rat model. Vincristine sulfate was administered to Male sprague dawley rats to induce neuropathy. Pain behavior was assessed by Hot plate, Cold plate, sciatic function index and formalin test were also estimated. Animals were sacrificed and the sciatic nerve excised for histopathological studies. The whole preclinical studies revealed that the aforementioned plant extract exhibited less neuronal damage. The study concluded that methanolic extract of Cleodendrum Viscosum leaves can used against chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy.

Protective Function of Malus baccata (L.) Borkh Methanol Extract against UVB/Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Skin Aging via Inhibition of MAPK and NF-κB Signaling.

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation induces ROS production, which activates activator protein (AP)-1 and nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling and downstream molecules, ultimately triggering the generation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and degradation of collagen. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of methanol extract from Malus baccata (L.) Borkh (Mb-ME) against aging. DPPH and ABTS assays showed that Mb-ME had a significant antioxidant capacity. Flow cytometry results indicated that Mb-ME attenuated UVB and H2O2-stimulated apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. RT-PCR analysis in HaCaT and HDF cells suggested that Mb-ME treatment blocked the expression of MMPs, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, HYALs, and p53 while promoting the levels of TGM1, FLG, HASs, Sirt1, and Col1A1. Mechanically, Mb-ME inhibited the phosphorylation of MAP kinases and NF-κB signaling. Overall, these results strongly suggest that Mb-ME can be developed as an antiaging therapy.

Protective effects of methanolic extract of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees leaves against arsenic-induced damage in rats

BackgroundMedicinal plants are natural sources of antioxidants effective in the treatment of oxidative stress-mediated diseases. This study aims to evaluate the hepato-renal protective efficacy of Andrographis paniculata leaves methanolic extract in arsenic-induced oxidative stress. Animals were divided into four groups of six animals per group. The rats in groups 1 and 2 received normal saline, while rats in groups 3 and 4 received 200 mg/kg body weight of A. paniculata or ascorbic acid per day, respectively, for 7 days orally. The rats in groups 2, 3, and 4 received a single dose of arsenic at 10 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally on day 7, and 24 h later, rats in all the groups were killed and the blood, liver, and kidney samples were collected for biochemical/histological studies.ResultsAdministration of arsenic to rats induced a significant increase in the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cholesterol, urea, creatinine, and triglycerides in the plasma, while it decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) activities in the liver and kidney. It also significantly reduced the levels of white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), platelet (PLT), and lymphocytes (LYM) in the blood. However, the levels of AST, ALT, cholesterol, urea, creatinine, and triglycerides in the plasma of groups of rats that received A. paniculata extract before administration of arsenic were decreased, while their SOD, GSH, and CAT levels were elevated in the liver and kidney. The values of their WBC, RBC, PLT, and LYM were also significantly increased when compared to the arsenic group rats. Histological observations showed varying degrees of liver damage in the arsenic group rats, while the histoarchitecture of the liver of rats that received A. paniculata extract were significantly improved.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that A. paniculata extract ameliorates arsenic-induced hepato-renal toxicity and could be exploited in the management of toxicity effects associated with the arsenic.

Attenuation of cisplatin induced myelosuppression by methanol extract of Cedrus deodara in Wistar rats.

The present study was performed to evaluate the protective effects of methanol extract of Cedrus deodara against cisplatin induced. Myelosuppression in albino Wistar rats. All experimental animals were administered with cisplatin on 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th day to induce bone marrow toxicity and rats were treated with methanol extract of C.deodara for 21days. Blood samples were collected from all the animals on day 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st after 1h before the administration of the drugs and hematological parameters like RBC, WBC, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, eosinophils, basophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes, bleeding time and clotting time were determined were determined. At 21st, all rats were sacrificed and bone marrow samples were collected. The part of bone marrow samples was used for the determination of antioxidant enzymes and remaining were subjected to histopathological examination. The animals of therapeutic groups administered with extract of C.deodara have exhibited significant rise in hematological parameters and shorten bleeding time and clotting time when compare to toxic control animals on the day 14 and day 21. The histopathological examination revealed the regeneration of bone marrow cells in the extract treated animals. There wassignificant reduction in lipid peroxidation and increase in antioxidant enzymes was found in extract treated animals. The methanol extract of C.deodara of have shown significant protective effects against cisplatin induced myelosuppression in albino Wistar rats.

Antiatherosclerotic Activity of Methanolic Extract of Woodfordia fructicosa Flowers

In the present investigation the methanolic extract of Woodfordia fructicosa flowers at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg was investigated for antiatherosclerotic against high fat diet induced atherosclerosis and triton induced atherosclerosis. In high fat diet induced atherosclerosis several parameters of lipid profile such as total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG), lipoprotein profile such as low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDLc) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), atherosclerotic markers such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and atherogenic index parameters such as TC/HDLc, LDLc/HDLc were determined and found to significantly altered in induction control group treated with high fat diet. The histopathological studies of liver and heart tissue were also performed wherein high fat diet showed toxic effects on cardiac and hepatic tissue. Similarly, in triton induced atherosclerosis parameters of lipid profile such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein levels were determined and were found to be significantly increased in induction control group. methanolic extract of Woodfordia fructicosa flowers showed protection against the atherosclerosis by bringing back the altered parameters to normal I both the models and showing ameliorating effects against high fat diet induced hepatic and cardiac damage. The multistep putative action of methanolic extract of flowers of Woodfordia fructicosa is attributed to the prominent phytoconstituents namely ellagic acid estimated through HPTLC analysis of the extract. Thus the study exhibited the protective effect of methanolic extract of flowers of Woodfordia fructicosa against atherosclerosis.

Ficus sur methanol leaf extract ameliorated doxorubicin-induced cardio-renal damage in Wistar albino rats

Doxorubicin is an effective and still-used antineoplastic agent. However, the clinical use of doxorubicin is marred by life-threatening cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Free radicals have been implicated in the toxicity of doxorubicin. The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical contents and protective effects of methanol extract of Ficus sur (MEFS) in doxorubicin-induced oxidative damage in Wistar albino rats, using biomarkers of cardiac, renal functions and oxidative stress as indicators. Phytochemical analyses revealed that MEFS is rich in tannins, alkaloid, saponins, flavonoids, but low in steroids. Acute toxicity studies show that MEFS was non-toxic up to 5000mg/kg b.w of Wistar rats. Administration of doxorubicin led to a significant (P&lt; 0.05) increase in Creatine kinase (CK-MB), troponin, creatinine, urea and MDA concentrations. Sodium and potassium concentrations were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) affected. Cardiac and renal superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione (GSH) were also significantly reduced. Results also show that pre-administration of MEFS was cardio- and nephroprotective in doxorubicin oxidative damage as evidenced by significant (P&lt;0.05) reduction of elevated troponin, CK-MB, creatinine and urea concentrations. Concentrations of renal and cardiac SOD, catalase and GSH were also significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased by MEFS compared to doxorubicin-treated group. Cardiac and renal MDA concentrations were significantly reduced. It may be concluded that protective effects of MEFS on doxorubicin toxicity may be due to the antioxidant properties of MEFS.

Disease modifying activity of methanolic extract of Colchicum luteum against experimental gout in broiler chicken

Colchicum luteum, a Himalayan herb has been found associated with immense pharmaceutical properties. The present study was aimed to study the protective effect of methanolic extract of C. luteum against the haemato-biochemical alterations due to sodium bicarbonate induced gout in broiler chicken. A total of 72 day old broiler chicks of average body weights 178±20.8 g were divided into 6 groups (I to VI, n=12). Group I served as vehicle-treated control and was given drinking water by oral gavage. Group II and III were given sodium bicarbonate @ 2.5 and 5% respectively in drinking water. Group IV and V were provided with 2.5 and 5% sodium bicarbonate along with C. luteum extract @ 50 mg/kg body weight respectively. Group VI served as treatment control and was given C. luteum extract @ 50 mg/kg body weight alone. Haematological and biochemical analysis revealed a significant increase in haematological parameters (Hb, PCV, TEC, TLC, and heterophil) and biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, uric acid, BUN, creatinine, total protein and albumin) in sodium bicarbonate intoxicated groups. All these parameters however, were comparatively reduced in the birds given C. luteum extract. Also, heterophil and monocyte counts were decreased significantly in group VI birds, supplemented with C. luteum extract only with no adverse effect on health of birds. The results from the present study establish the protective role of C. luteum extract against sodium bicarbonate induced haematological and biochemical alterations.

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.