Rats In Test Group Research Articles

Ameliorative Effect of Curcuma longa Ethanolic Extract on the Histology, Hepatic Glycogen Content and Some Biochemical Parameters of the Liver in Streptozotocin-Induced Hyperglycemic Wistar Rats

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a life threatening disease that requires immediate medical treatment. Numerous medicinal plants have been known for their anti-diabetic effects and Curcuma longa (turmeric) is one of them. This attribute is possible due to the pharmacological properties of its bio-constituents. In this study, the ameliorative potential of ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa was investigated on the liver of hyperglycemic adult Wistar rats. The objectives were to determine its effects on liver histology, hepatic glycogen content and some liver biochemical parameters. Methods: Forty (40) rats weighing between 120-180g were used for the research. Sixteen (16) rats were used for its acute toxicity study, while twenty-four (24) rats were grouped into four. The groups were labelled A to D and contained six rats each. Group A (normal control) rats were given food pellets and distilled water only. Group B (diabetic control) rats were given 65mg/kg BW of streptozotocin IP. Group C served as the standard group and was given 65mg/kg of streptozotocin IP + 250mg/kg of metformin IP, while Group D (test group) rats were given 65mg/kg BW of streptozotocin IP + 500mg/kg of Curcuma longa extract. Curcuma longa extract was administered through the oral route with the aid of an oral gavage. The administration lasted for twenty-eight (28) days, after which the rats were made to fast overnight with access to only water. The rats were then anaesthetized and whole blood obtained through cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. Liver tissue was obtained for histological and glycogen content analyses. Results: The results showed severe destruction of hepatocytes with widely spread cytoplasmic vacuolation, loss of hepatic lobules and hepatic inflammation in the diabetic group, whereas it showed prominent nuclei, hepatocytes and distinct sinusoidal spaces in the normal control group. The metformin group showed an intact architecture of the liver tissue with indicating regeneration in the liver, while the Curcuma longa extract group showed a preserved liver cytoarchitecture. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the fasting blood glucose level and liver enzyme activities in the standard and test groups compared to the diabetic group (p<0.05). There was also improvement in glycogen content of the standard and test groups in comparison with the diabetic group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Curcuma longa possesses hepato-protective properties and a strong anti-diabetic potential, therefore it can be considered as an alternative drug in the management of diabetes mellitus and its complications.

Preclinical Appraisal of the Aphrodisiac Effects of Emblica officinalis Seed Extract on Stress-induced Sexual Behavior in Albino Rats

Background: The king of herbs, Emblica officinalis, is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda. It contains significant amounts of Vitamin C and has been reported to have antioxidant, anticancer, antiretroviral, antidepressant, antiulcerogenic, wound healing, and many other medicinal properties. Objective: The current study is designed to investigate the aphrodisiac effects of E. officinalis seed extract on albino Wistar rats as well as its effects on stress-related sexual behaviour. Materials and Methods: The aphrodisiac effect of E. officinalis was evaluated by mating the pretreated male rats with female rats. For 30 days, test group rats (n=6) were given methanolic extracts (95%) from E. officinalis seeds (500 and 1000 mg/kg). Control rats received saline. Standard group rats received testosterone (0.5 mg/ kg, i.m). The sexual behavior study tracked Mount Latency (ML), Intromission Latency (IL), Mounting Frequency (MF), Intromission Frequency (IF), sniffing, and licking on days 0 through 30. After 30 days, rats were sacrificed, and the anabolic effect was assessed using body weight, reproductive organ weight, sperm concentration, and histopathology of the testes. The stress was induced by immobilization stress in the stress-affected alteration in the sexual behavior model, and the above procedure was repeated for evaluation. Results: The 95% methanolic extract (1000 mg/kg) of E. officinalis significantly reduced ML and IL while significantly increasing MF, IF, sniffing, licking, body weight, reproductive organ weight, and sperm concentration. Methanolic extract of E. officinalis increased sexual activities in the stress-free group and restored the stress-affected group's altered sexual behaviour. Conclusion: The current study's findings indicate that 95% methanolic extract of E. officinalis has dose-dependent aphrodisiac activity and restores sexual behavior in a stress-induced group.

Hypoglycaemic Effects of an Aqueous Leaves Extract of Combretum micranthum in Normoglycaemic Rats

Background: In order to promote the Ivorian pharmacopoeia, we undertook the study of Combretum micranthum (Combretaceae), a plant commonly used in Ivory Coast for the treatment of diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic effects of an aqueous leaves extract of Combretum micranthum (EaqCM) in Wistar rats. Methods and Materials: A phytochemical screening study was performed. The pharmacological test on normoglycaemic rats was carried out in 4 groups of 5 rats per group. Rats in group 1 received 2 ml of distilled water, and rats in the test groups received doses ranging at 100 to 300 mg/kg B.W. of the EAqCM. Tests in pre-treated temporarily hyperglycemic rats were performed in 4 groups of 5 rats per group. The rats in groups 1 and 2 received 2ml of distilled water, the rats in test groups (3 and 4) received the dose of 10-2g/kg B.W. and 100 mg/kg B.W. respectively glibenclamide and EAqCM. Thirty minutes later, all rats except those in group 1 received anhydrous glucose. The protocol for testing post-treated hyperglycaemic rats is the same as that for pretreated rats, except that in this experiment glucose is administered to the animals before the test substances. Blood glucose is measured in the rats at regular intervals of 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 minutes after administration of the substances. Results: Qualitative phytochemical analysis of EAqCM revealed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, catechic, tannins, quinonic compounds, alkaloids, sterols, and polyterpenes. Pharmacological tests on the glycemia of normoglycemic rats showed that EAqCM has hypoglycemic properties at a dose of 100 mg/kgB.W. with a percentage reduction of 30%. In hyperglycemic rats, EAqCM and glibenclamide exhibited anti-hyperglycemic activity with respective percentages reduction of 57.47 % and 58.82 %. Conclusion: Antihyperglycemic effect of EAqCM in post-treated rats would probably be due to the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids in this extract. These results support the use of this plant in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes.

Effect of Europinidin against Alcohol-Induced Liver Damage in Rats by Inhibiting the TNF-α/TGF-β/IFN-γ/NF-kB/Caspase-3 Signaling Pathway.

The effect of europinidin on alcoholic liver damage in rats was examined in this research. A total of 24 Wistar rats were grouped in the same way into four groups: normal control (normal), ethanol control (EtOH), europinidin low dose (10 mg/kg), and europinidin higher dose (20 mg/kg). The test group rats were orally treated with europinidin-10 and europinidin-20 for 4 weeks, whereas 5 mL/kg distilled water was administered to control rats. In addition, 1 h after the last dose of the above-mentioned oral treatment, 5 mL/kg (i.p.) EtOH was injected to induce liver injury. After 5 h of EtOH treatment, samples of blood were withdrawn for biochemical estimations. Administration of europinidin at both doses restored all of the estimated serum, i.e., liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP), biochemical test (Creatinine, albumin, BUN, direct bilirubin, and LDH), lipid assessment (TC and TG), endogenous antioxidants (GSH-Px, SOD, and CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), cytokines (TGF-β, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL-12), caspase-3, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) associated with the EtOH group. The results of the investigation showed that europinidin had favorable effects in rats given EtOH and may have hepatoprotective potential property.

Phytochemical Estimation and Therapeutic Amelioration of Aesculus hippocastanum L. Seeds Ethanolic Extract in Gastric Ulcer in Rats Possibly by Inhibiting Prostaglandin Synthesis.

To quantify phytochemicals using liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy (LCMS) analysis and explore the therapeutic effect of Aesculus hippocastanum L. (AH) seeds ethanolic extract against gastric ulcers in rats. Preliminary phytochemical testing and LCMS analysis were performed according to standard methods. For treatment, the animals were divided into 7 groups including normal control, ulcer control, self-healing, AH seeds low and high doses, ranitidine and per se groups. Rats were orally administered with 10 mg/kg of indomethacin, excluding the normal control group (which received 1% carboxy methyl cellulose) and the per se group (received 200 mg/kg AH seeds extract). The test group rats were then given 2 doses of AH seeds extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively), while the standard group was given ranitidine (50 mg/kg). On the 11th day, rats in all groups were sacrificed, and their stomach was isolated to calculate the ulcer index, and other parameters such as blood prostaglandin (PGE2), tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malonyldialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH). All isolated stomach tissues were analyzed for histopathological findings. The phytochemical examination shows that the AH seeds contain alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenolic components, and glycosides. LCMS analysis confirms the presence of quercetin and rutin. The AH seeds extract showed significant improvement in gastric mucosa conditions after indomethacin-induced gastric lesions (P<0.01). Further marked improvement in blood PGE2 and antioxidant enzymes, SOD, CAT, MDA and GSH, were observed compared with self-healing and untreated ulcer-induced groups (P<0.01). Histopathology results confirmed that AH seeds extract improved the mucosal layer and gastric epithelial membrane in treated groups compared to untreated ulcer-induced groups. LCMS report confirms the presence of quercetin and rutin in AH seeds ethanolic extract. The therapeutic effect of AH seeds extract against indomethacin-induced ulcer in rat model indicated the regenerated membrane integrity, with improved cellular functions and mucus thickness. Further, improved antioxidant enzyme level would help to reduce PGE2 biosynthesis.

Electron microscopic GABA evaluation in hippocampal mossy terminals of genetic absence epilepsy rats receiving kindling stimulations

Objective: The hypotheses related to the fact of epileptic mechanisms are mainly based on excitation-inhibition imbalance in central nervous system. GAERS (Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg) is a well-known animal model of absence epilepsy, and frequently used in experimental studies. In the present study, we aimed to examine possible morphological and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) density changes in GAERS hippocampus after electrical kindling stimulations.&#x0D; Methods: All control and test group rats received 6 kindling stimulations. Rats were decapitated 1 h after the last stimulation. Ultrastructural GABA immunocytochemistry was used to evaluate GABA density quantitatively in mossy terminals of hippocampal CA3 region.&#x0D; Results: GABA levels were less in kindling groups compared to their controls, and in GAERS groups compared to Wistar groups; mitochondrial and dendritic spine area ratios were greater in GAERS groups compared to Wistar groups, although all these evaluations were statistically nonsignificant. Depletion of synaptic vesicles was evident in the mossy terminals of kindling groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: The reason of decreased levels of GABA found in the present study might be that GABA has been released from the synaptic pool rapidly at an early time period after the last stimulation, for compansation mechanisms. Depletion of synaptic vesicles observed in kindling groups shows that even 6 kindling stimulations have an impact of changing hippocampal morphology in trisynaptic cycle. The increased mitochondrial area in GAERS might be related to the increased mitochondrial activity. The increased dendritic spine area might be related to the increased performance of learning in GAERS. Our findings indicating that absence epilepsy and temporal lobe epilepsy have different mechanisms of epileptogenesis might be a basis for further experimental studies

Antihyperlipidemic effect of Punica granatum mesocarp extract (PGME) in rats

Hyperlipidemia is an umbrella term that refers to any disorder of elevated level of lipids circulating in the blood; and is considered the most significant risk factor contributing to the prevalence of cardiovascular, hepatic, and other diseases. The present study was designed to evaluate the possible antihyperlipidemic potential Punica granatum mesocarp extract (PGME) in albino rats using high-fat diet model of hyperlipidemia. Forty-two albino rats were utilized in this experiment arranged randomly in seven groups, six rats each, of different treatments. Hyperlipidemia model was induced by incorporating coconut oil (1.5% w/w) and cholesterol (1.5 % w/w) in diet supplied to rats, for 6 weeks (+ve control); test group rats received PGME at escalating doses of 100 or 200 mg/kg, orally, daily for 6 weeks with keeping on high-fat diet; standard group rats received Rosuvastatin at dose of 2 mg/kg, orally, daily for 6 weeks along with high-fat diet; further 2 groups of rats received only PGME at the same dose levels with keeping on normal diet; while rats of -ve control group received only the vehicles of the used agents. Blood samples were picked out at the end of the experimental course for different assays. Clinicochemical analyses revealed that PGME exhibited dose-dependent protection against hyperlipidemia indicated by improved biomarkers, including, lipid profile parameters, namely cholesterol, triacylglycerols and lipoproteins; enzymatic hepatic parameters, namely, AST, ALT, and GGT; and non-enzymatic parameters, namely, total protein, albumin, globulins, total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, unconjugated bilirubin. The mechanism of the obtained lipid profile improvement of PGME may be based on the phytochemical principals Tannins, Phenolics and Flavonoids, indicated by preliminary detection tests. Data of the present study may suggest PGME as a good natural source for promising antihyperlipidemic remedies. Â

Anti-Diarrhea Effects of OGI Produced Using Saccharomyces Boulardii As Starter Culture

The antidiarrhea effect of 96 hr fermented ‘Ogi’ (Corn slurry) using Saccharomyces boulardii as starter culture against Escherichia coli was investigated in-vitro and in-vivo using Wistar rats. The pH and titratable acid of the slurry were determined, while the antimicrobial effect on diarrhea causing organisms, Escherichia coli was also determined. Using well diffusion method, 0.1 ml of the slurry effectively inhibited the growth of E. coli with zones of inhibition ranging from 2.4 (±0.14)a mm at 24hr of fermentation to 8.4(±0.11)d mm at 96hr of fermentation. The zones of inhibition increased with increasing period of fermentation of the filtrate which is Ogi. The titratable acidity of the fermenting Guinea corn increased with increasing period of fermentation and reached a peak at 96hr of fermentation (0.25 (± 0.02)c %). The pH however decreased with increase in the period of fermentation from 5.65 (± 0.01)a at 0hr to 3.54 (± 0.02)e at 96hr of fermentation. The antidiarrheal activity of Guinea corn slurry was investigated in-vivo using E. coli to induce diarrhea. The infected test groups of rats were fed orographically with fermented slurry of Guinea corn (Ogi), whereas positive control group was neither being infected nor fed with ogi while negative control group was infected with E. coli but not fed with Ogi. In test groups fed with fermented ‘Ogi’ recovered from diarrhea infection. The obtained results of the present study confirm the possibility of using fermented guinea corn slurry (Ogi) produced using Saccharomyces boulardii as starter culture for the treatment of diarrhea rather than the organisms in drug presentation which reduces compliance in diarrheal patients most especially children.

Effect Of AJI-NO-MOTO On Kidney Of Adult Albino Rat: A Histopathological Evaluation

Abstract Introduction: Aji-No-Moto (MSG), the wonder flavoring agent, has been reportedly overused in all packed food products and the cuisines being served in restaurants. This salt effect almost all the organs of the body but the evidences regarding its ill effects are very limited. Thus, no guidelines are there for the safe limits of Aji-No-Moto use. In current study we planned to analyses the histopathological effects of Aji-No-Moto on kidney. Methods: The study was conducted on 18 inbred adult albino rats of either sex. The rats of control group (C) received only standard diet with distilled water, low dose test group (T₁) rats received 0.5mg/kg of MSG dissolved in distilled water and high dose test group (T₂) rats received 1.5mg/kg of MSG dissolved in distilled water per orally for 28 days. After the experimental period, the rats were sacrificed to dissect out the renal tissue which was later subjected to histological processing and tissue sectioning. Observations: The kidney tissue sections of the control group (C) revealed normal renal architecture consisting of cortical labyrinth and medulla. The cortical labyrinth consisted of glomeruli, PCT and DCT whereas the medulla consisted of the ascending and descending limbs of loop of henle and collecting ducts. On the other hand, renal sections of low dose group (T₁) showed focal shrinkage of renal glomerulus and widening of the Bowman’s space. Furthermore, these changes were more pronounced in high dose group (T₂) along with hypercellularity of glomeruli, dilatation, hyperaemia and congestion in the intertubular cortical blood vessels and mononuclear cell infiltrate. Conclusion: Aji-No-Moto is the most widely used flavoring agent whose minimal dose for use has to be evaluated. The current study was planned to access the minimal low dose limit of MSG for use. The results of aforementioned study revealed that even small dose of 0.5mg/kg/day is capable of producing histopathological effects on kidney.

Assessment of Wound Healing Potential of Cleome viscosa Seeds Extracts

In a natural way, wound healing is slow phenomenon and sometimes may become long lasting with a long clinical course there by causing constant liberation of inflammatory modulators that cause pain and redness. Wound healing begins at the time of injury and can vary in length depending on the severity of the wound. The wound healing process can be divided into three stages: the inflammatory stage, the growth stage, and finally the remodeling stage, which determines the strength and appearance of the healed tissue. In the present work an attempt had been made to evaluate wound healing potential of Simple ointment base B.P was applied on control group rats. Cipladine (Povidone-Iodine IP 5% w/w, Batch no. UZ300) ointment was applied on standard group rats. Ointments with different extracts concentrations i.e. 0.5% (w/w), 1% (w/w) and 2% (w/w) assimilated in simple ointment base were applied on test group rats, in each model.

Toxicological evaluation of banana and milk combination as incompatible diet - An experimental exploration of Samyoga viruddha concept

BackgroundFood is the basic requirement and an essential part of all living beings which sustains life. A lot of emphasize has been given to food in the classics of Ayurveda and a detailed description of food which are both wholesome and unwholesome have been described. Viruddhahara (incompatible food) is a unique concept explained in Ayurveda which, in long run, may be harmful to the body. Objective(s)Intake of Kadaliphala (Musa paradisiaca. Linn, a variety of banana) and cow milk is an example of Samyoga Viruddha (incompatibility with reference to combination of things). This combination is routinely consumed by people. The present study was planned to evaluate the toxicological implication of their combination on wistar rats. Materials and methodsA subacute toxicity study was conducted on Wistar rats following the repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity study in rodents, 407 - OECD guidelines. Different haematological and biochemical parameters along with histopathology of important organs were carried out to assess the toxicological implication of the combination. ResultsRepeated administration of the combination of Kadaliphala (Banana) and cow milk showed statistically significant increase in SGOT & urea and statistically significant decrease in creatinine. Significant decrease was observed in the food intake, faecal wet weight and faecal water in the 7th day of study, food conversion ratio in the 14th day of study, in the food intake, faecal wet weight and faecal water in the 21st day of study and significant decrease in the food conversion ratio in the 28th day of study. In histopathological examination, the test drug administered group showed mild to moderate myocarditis in the sections from heart. In sections from liver of two rats of test group, diffused micro fatty changes were observed. In sections from spleen; mild to moderate increase in the white pulp portion was observed. ConclusionMarked variation in SGOT, urea and creatinine levels and alteration in sections of heart, liver and spleen are indicative of mild toxicological implications of the combination of banana and milk. Continuous intake of this incompatible combination may hence prove harmful to the body.

Pharmacological impact of Agaricus bisporus extract in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Drug-induced hepatotoxicity is a frequent cause of liver injury worldwide. The present study was designed to evaluate the possible hepato-protective potential Agaricus bisporus extract (ABE; a type of mushrooms) in albino rats using Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-model of liver injury. Forty-two albino rats were utilized in this experiment arranged randomly in seven groups, six rats each, of different treatments. He-patic injury model was induced by administration of CCl4 (25% in corn oil) at a dose of 2.5 ml/kg, interperitoneally, twice weekly for 8 weeks (+ve control); test group rats received ABE at escalating doses of 200 or 400 mg/kg, orally, daily for 8 weeks with exposure to CCl4; standard group rats received Silymarin at dose of 100 mg/kg, orally, daily for 8 weeks along with CCl4; further 2 groups of rats received only ABE at the same dose levels; while rats of -ve control group received only the vehicles of the used drugs. Blood and liver tissue sam-ples were picked out at the end of the experimental course for different assays. Biochemical analysis revealed that ABE exhibited dose-dependent hepatoprotection indicated by almost normalized biomarkers, including, enzymatic liver function parameters, namely, AST, ALT, GGT &amp; ALP with potential % of 93.1, 58.2, 65.2, 68.9, respectively, after ABE large dose when standardized by Silymarin; non-enzymatic parameters, namely, total protein, albumin, globulins, total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, unconjugated bilirubin, TAGs, Cholesterol, HDL, LDL &amp; VLDL with potential % of 59.3, 54.5, 57.3, 81.8, 81.0, 80.0, 75.5, 90.4, 80.8, 84.5 &amp; 78.7, respectively, after ABE large dose when standardized by Silymarin. The mechanism of the obtained hepatoprotection of ABE may be based on impeding the oxidative stress mediated by the used hepatotoxin, indicated by reduced MDA (37.9 % of Silymarin), and restored SOD, Catalase &amp; GPx in liver homogenate with potentials of 94.9, 63.0 &amp; 88.4 % of Silymarin, respectively. Pathological findings, both macroscopic and microscopic, were supportive to the biochemical findings, where the pathological lesions caused by CCl4 as fatty degeneration of hepatocytes with vacuolated cytoplasm, proliferated fibrous connective tissue with eosinophilic edematous fluid cells plus focal and diffuse necrotic areas and hyperplastic biliary epithelium, were ameliorated dose-dependently when ABE was administered together with CCl4. Data of the present study may suggest ABE as a good natural source for promising hepatoprotective and antioxidative remedies.

Effect of nanoemulsion particle size on the bioavailability and bioactivity of perilla oil in rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the bioavailability and bioactivity of perilla (Perilla frutescens) oil nanoemulsions prepared at different homogenization pressures by measuring the weight, fatty acid profile, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in rats. The high-pressure homogenization significantly reduced the particle size of perilla oil nanoemulsions and enhanced their stability, and the minimum particle size was 293.87 ± 6.55nm at 120MPa. There was an increase in the weight and fatty acid levels in the plasma and liver of test group rats. The highest glutathione (GSH) and the lowest malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of 18.76 ± 10.51mg GSH/g prot and 20.27 ± 2.46nmol/mg prot, respectively, were recorded in rats administrated perilla oil nanoemulsions prepared at 120MPa. However, there was no significant difference in superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) between the groups. The interferon-gamma (IL-γ), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6 (interleukin-6), and IL-8 (interleukin-8) levels in the test groups were lower than those in the blank and control groups at 8 hr after lipopolysaccharide injection. The IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 levels were 49.52 ± 14.06, 90.13 ± 6.04, and 419.71 ± 32.03ng/L, respectively, in rats treated with perilla oil nanoemulsions prepared at 120MPa. Both perilla oil and its nanoemulsions decreased estradiol levels and damaged the ovaries. Overall, our findings show that the test nanoemulsions enhanced the bioavailability of perilla oil, which resulted in enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses; thus, we provide a new approach to deliver perilla oil. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Nanoemulsions can be used to deliver drugs and bioactive compounds, and perilla oil nanoemulsions can be used in healthcare products and beverage industries.

Chronic REM-sleep deprivation induced laryngopharyngeal reflux in rats: A preliminary study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of chronic REM-sleep deprivation with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and its mechanism. MethodsForty healthy male SD rats (body weight 250–280 g) were randomly divided into four groups. The first three ones were test group, which underwent REM-sleep deprivation with different duration of time by modified multiplatform water surface method. The last group was the control one having normal sleep. All the animals were performed Dx-pH monitoring when finishing sleep deprivation, and sacrificed to study the gastric residual rate (GRR) and small intestine peristalsis (SPR) rate by charcoal meal method. ResultsAt prone position, the reflux incidence in the test groups fairly increased with the duration of sleep deprivation (p<0.05). The total number of reflux episodes at prone position in the test group rats with 3 months duration of sleep deprivation was significantly increased compared with that in the control ones (p<0.05). GRR in rats experiencing sleep deficiency for different duration all reduced significantly when compared to the control group (p<0.05). GRR and SPR presented continuous decline tendency with the duration of sleep deprivation (p>0.05). ConclusionsIt is suggested that chronic sleep deficiency could cause LPR in rats, which might result from the uncoordinated digestive tract motility caused by dysfunction of central nervous system after chronic REM-sleep deprivation. Our results implied that chronic REM-sleep deprivation might be one of the causes of LPR. Addressing sleep problems might help to decrease the prevalence of LPR and enhance its treatment efficacy.

Protective Effects of Bi-Herbal Formulation of Aqueous Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina and Gongronema latifolium against Gentamicin Induced Nephrotoxicity and Liver Injury in Rats

The study was carried out to investigate the protective effects of bi-herbal formulation of aqueous extracts of Vernonia amygdalina and Gongronema latifolium against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity and liver injury in rats. Forty (n=40) male Wistar albino rats were procured and separated into five groups. Groups I and II served as normal control and experimental control respectively. Groups III to V served as test groups. Rats of experimental control (group II) and test groups were induced with lethal dose of gentamicin. Test groups III and IV were placed on herbal formulation of aqueous extracts of V .amygdalina and G. latifolium respectively, whereas rats in test group V received bi-herbal formulation of aqueous extracts of V. amygdalina and G. latifolium. Nephrotoxic indices such as urea reduced significantly (p&lt;0.05) in test groups (III, IV, and V) when compared to experimental control (group II) and normal control (group I). Creatinine also reduced significantly (p&lt;0.05) in test groups III and V against group II (experimental control), and increased insignificantly (p&gt;0.05) in test group V when compared to normal control (group I). Rats induced with gentamicin had upsurge in liver enzymes indicating possible compromise of hepatocellular integrity but the ameliorating effects of the herbal formulations were seen clearly in test groups in this study as they tried to protect the hepatocellular integrity. The bi-herbal formulation of aqueous extract of 5% v/v each of V. amygdalina and G. latifolium offered the best protection as observed in this study. This study has revealed the protective effects of bi-herbal formulation of aqueous extract of V. amygdalina and G. latifolium against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity and liver injury in rats.

Ovariectomy and timing of impaired maxillary alveolar bone regeneration: An experimental study in rats.

The aim of this study was to seek the critical time for impairment of alveolar bone regeneration after ovariectomy (OVX) in rats. A total of 32 female rats were used. Test group rats were divided into a 2M group (n=8), a 3M group (n=8) and a 4M group (n=8) according to the duration from OVX to defect creation. Bilateral OVX was performed in all test groups, and a sham operation was performed in the control group (n=8). Drill-hole defects (1.5mm diameter, 2mm length) were created on both sides of the maxilla. All rats were euthanized 2 and 4weeks after the surgery. Microcomputed tomographic (micro-CT), histological, and histomorphometric analyses and in vitro experiments were performed. The 4M group showed significantly less new bone formation and a lower bone mineral density than the other groups in the micro-CT analysis. The histomorphometric analysis also revealed that the 4M group showed significantly less new bone formation than the control and 2M groups. The rats in the 4M group showed significantly higher alkaline phosphatase expression levels and a larger number of calcified nodules than rats in the other groups, whereas osteoclastic activity was significantly lower in the 4M group than in the other groups. The critical time for impairment of alveolar bone regeneration was 4 months after OVX in rats.

English

In view of World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation on the use of medicinal plants for the management of diabetes mellitus, this study evaluated the effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Vinca major L. on biochemical parameters and glucose level of alloxan induced diabetic rats as objective. Sixty-four male Wistar albino rats were induced with diabetes by a single intraperitoneal injection and were separated into four groups (1-4) of sixteen rats each. Group 1 served as the control while groups 2 to 4 served as the test groups. Apart from the control, the test groups were treated with different concentrations of the leaf extract, and four rats from each group were sacrificed every seven days for assessment. The treatment period lasted for 28 days. Haemoglobin (Hb) levels in groups 3 and 4 rats significantly increased (p<0.05) against the control throughout the number of days of the study. Red blood cell (RBC) levels in groups 2 and 4 increased significantly (p<0.05) against the control on the 14th day, while all the test group rats had significantly increased (p<0.05) RBC levels on the 21st and 28th days of the study. The observed trend followed by electrolyte ions, urea and creatinine in test rats against the control in the present study, may be attributed to V. major leaf extract trying to salvage the excretory organs of alloxan battered diabetic rats. Glucose level, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) liver enzymes reduced significantly (p<0.05) in test rats against the control. Diabetic rats treated with V. major leaf extract in this study, showed significant improvements on those associate problems of diabetes which include anaemia, dyslipidaemia, and hepatic necrosis and inflammation. Rats treated with the leaf extract also showed reduced glucose level (Hypoglycemia). From the observations of this study, extract from leaf of V. major may be effective against diabetes and some of its associate problems. Key words: diabetes, biochemical parameters, Vinca major, leaf extract, Wistar rats.

Protective effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins against iron overload-induced renal oxidative damage in rats

BackgroundExcessive exposure to iron can cause kidney damage, and chelating drugs such as deferoxamine and deferiprone have limited usefulness in treating iron poisoning. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPAs) against iron overload induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The roles of GSPAs in chelating iron, antioxidant activity, renal function, pathological section, and apoptosis-related gene expression were assessed. MethodsNewly weaned male Sprague–Dawley rats aged 21 days (weight, 65 ± 5 g) were randomly divided into four groups containing 10 rats each: normal control (negative) group, iron overload (positive) group, GSPAs group, and GSPAs + iron overload (test) group. Iron dextran injections (2.5 mg⋅ kg−1) and GSPAs (25 mg⋅ kg−1) were intraperitoneally and intragastrically administered to rats daily for 7 weeks, respectively. Measurements included red blood cell (RBC) count and hemoglobin (Hb) level, serum total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), renal iron content, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, total antioxidant activity (T-AOC), creatinine (CR) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, pathological changes, and apoptotic Fas, Bax expressions in the kidney tissue. Differences among the dietary groups were determined using one-way analysis of variance with post-hoc Tukey’s test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsRBC count, Hb level, renal iron content, MDA content, CR and BUN levels, and Fas, Bax expressions significantly increased in the positive group than in the negative group; contrarily, TIBC, GSH-Px activity, and T-AOC significantly decreased in the positive group than in the negative group (P < 0.05). Although not statistically significant, SOD activity was slightly reduced in the positive group than in the negative group. Inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrous tissue proliferation were observed in the kidney tissue of the rats in the positive group; in contrast, the rats exhibited better recovery when GSPAs were used instead of iron alone. Compared with the positive group, RBC counts, Hb levels, renal iron contents, the MDA content, CR and BUN levels, and Fas, Bax expressions significantly decreased, whereas the TIBC, the GSH-Px and SOD activities as well as T-AOC significantly increased in the test group rats (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the RBC counts, Hb levels, TIBC, renal iron contents, the SOD activity and MDA content, CR and BUN levels, and Fas expression between the GSPAs and negative groups. The GSH-Px activity and T-AOC were significantly increased whereas Bax expression was significantly decreased in the GSPAs group rats than in the negative group rats (P < 0.05). The rats in the GSPAs, test, and negative groups displayed glomeruli and tubules with a clear structure; further, the epithelial cells in the renal tubules were neatly arranged. ConclusionsGSPAs have protective effects on nephrotoxicity in rats with iron overload. Thus, further investigation of GSPAs as a new and natural phytochemo-preventive agent against iron overload is warranted.

P2‐043: ROLE OF ALTERNATIVE COMPLEMENTARY REMEDIES IN NEUROLOGICAL DEFICITS: A POTENTIAL ROAD MAP FOR MANAGEMENT OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by cognitive decline with insufficiency of acetylcholine in brain. Acetylcholine is broken down by acetylcholinesterase enzyme and many allopathic medications as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are used for palliative AD treatment but these are expensive and not devoid of side effects. Therefore, there is a need for cost-effective indigenous remedies with minimal side effects and better efficacy. For this reason, methanolic extracts of natural herbs such as saffron (S) and chamomile (C) are considered for AD treatment in this study. Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition activity of methanolic extracts of both herbs S and C have been evaluated and found to strongly inhibit these enzymes. Fifty white albino Wistar rats roughly 2 years old and weighing approximately 300 grams were randomly divided into five groups of healthy controls (HC), diseased controls (DC), and test groups S (10mg/kg), C (30mg/kg), S + C (10mg/kg+30mg/kg). DC and test group rats were given intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin 60mg/kg body weight once to develop diabetes. The controls were given normal saline while the test animals were given saffron and chamomile in doses of 10mg/kg and 30 mg/kg respectively for a period of ten days. Behavioral tests for exploration and memory were evaluated through open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze test (EPMT), novel object recognition test (NORT). The comparison was made between the groups and the analysis showed that the exploration and memory in DC decreased significantly in the OFT, EPMT, NORT, whereas a significant improvement was observed in the test groups treated with medicinal plants. However, S+C group results in all the behavioral tests were analogous to HC but on the other hand showed significant improvement when compared with the behavioral tests of S, C and DC groups. Therefore, it has been concluded that herbs as saffron and chamomile with strong acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities can bring betterment in the age-related brain dysfunctions as dementia and despair that are hall marks of AD. These indigenous herbs may become a prospective treatment modality in people with AD.

Curcumin as a permeability enhancer enhanced the antihyperlipidemic activity of dietary green tea extract

BackgroundGreen tea has polyphenols like flavonoids and catechins; mainly epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC) and epicatechin (EC), out of which EGCG is of higher abundance. EGCG has shown preventive role in hypercholesterolemia. However, due to low oral bioavailability, a need arises to improve its membrane permeability and transporter-mediated intestinal efflux. Therefore, an attempt was made to enhance permeability and bioavailability of EGCG using curcumin to treat hyperlipidemia. Further, it was formulated in herbal tea bags to achieve patient compliance.MethodsEGCG extracted from green tea leaves was confirmed by High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography. Green tea extract (GTE), curcumin and their mixtures were subjected to Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry for compatibility studies. Powder formulation was prepared comprising GTE, curcumin, sucralose and cardamom.ResultsEx-vivo study was performed on everted goat intestine, analyzed by HPLC and demonstrated highest permeation of GTE:curcumin (220:50) (53.15%) than GTE (20.57%). Antihyperlipidemic activity was performed in rats for 15 days. Blood sample analysis of rats of test groups (formulation and GTE solution) fed on high fat diet showed (mg/dl):cholesterol 80 and 90, triglycerides 73.25 and 85.5, HDL 50.75 and 46, LDL 43.9 and 46, VLDL 14.65 and 17.1 respectively with significant lipid regulating effect.ConclusionCurcumin enhanced permeability of EGCG. Therefore, P-glycoprotein pump inside intestine can be potential mechanism to enhance permeability of EGCG. Thus, EGCG-curcumin herbal tea bag is promising nutraceutical to treat hyperlipidemia in day-to-day life achieving patient compliance.