Therapeutic Effect Of Aqueous Extract Research Articles

Therapeutic effect of aqueous extract from Ampelocissus africana (Lour) Merr rhizomes on testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in Wistar rats

Introduction: Ampelocissus africana is a medicinal plant used to treat several diseases, including those affecting the prostate. This study investigated the effects of the aqueous extract of rhizomes from Ampelocissus africana (AAA) on a testosterone propionate (TP)-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) model. Methods: The effect of the extract at 50, 150, and 300 mg/kg on BPH in male rats was assessed using daily subcutaneous injections of 3 mg/kg TP for four consecutive weeks. After the induction schedule, physical parameters, prostate index (PI), serum biochemical parameters, homogenate antioxidant, enzyme parameters, and prostates histopathological studies were carried out. Triterpenes and sterols were also assessed. Results: Treatment with AAA reduced the PI level in a dose-dependent manner (up to 75.91% at the dose of 300 mg/kg). The inflammatory marker measured in the present study, namely C-reactive protein, increased significantly in the BPH group and improved with the treatments. In addition, AAA reduced oxidative stress by decreasing the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and increasing the catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in comparison to the positive control group. A histopathological examination corroborated the result of the analysis of the physical and biochemical parameters. The study also showed interesting levels of triterpenes (119.5 ± 4.5 mg UAE/g) and sterols (104.6 ± 3.06 mg CE/g). Conclusion: These results suggest that the aqueous extract of Ampelocissus africana could be used as a natural herbal therapy to treat BPH.

Folium crataegi boosts skin regeneration for burn injury in rats through multiple ways

Appropriate topical dressings for burn treatments are important to accelerate skin wound recovery and prevent external infections. This study aimed to evaluate the effect and investigate the mechanism of folium crataegi (Crataegus pinnatifida Bge.) for the treatment of burn wounds, as well as to compare the therapeutic effects of aqueous extracts (HLW) and alcoholic extracts (HLE) from folium crataegi. The results demonstrated that both HLW and HLE groups exhibited a higher wound contraction rate than the silver sulfadiazine (SSD) ointment group. Moreover, HLW showed more significant wound repair effects than HLE. HLW significantly increased levels of EGF and FGF-2 in wound tissue, as well as TGF-β1, VEGF, CAT and IL-10 in serum. Folium crataegi extract, especially aqueous extracts, exerted good anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial effects by upregulating the expression of lag3, txn1 and slpi, respectively. Folium crataegi extract significantly inhibits the expression of npas2, a key gene in the circadian rhythm pathway. In conclusion, this research illustrated that the folium crataegi extract, especially aqueous extracts, had better therapeutic effects on skin burns through multiple ways, possibly including a novel mechanism related to circadian rhythm pathway. These findings suggest that folium crataegi could be a valuable source of compounds for enhancing skin regeneration through multiple ways.

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

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

Effects of potassium bromate on Rattus norvegicus brain antioxidant markers, acetylcholinesterase activity, and DNA fragmentation: investigation of therapeutic effect of Allium cepa

BackgroundAllium cepa is well-known for its antioxidant capabilities and contains potent antioxidant quercetin (3, 30, 4, 5, 7-pentahydroxyflavone). We investigated the therapeutic effects of aqueous extract of Allium cepa (AEAC) that is quercetin-rich against potassium bromate (KBrO3)-induced oxidative damage in the brains of male Wistar rats using biochemical, immunohistochemical, and histological markers. For 90 days, 40 male Wistar rats were administered KBrO3, KBrO3 + AEAC, and/or quercetin on alternate days, or AEAC and quercetin alone.ResultsKBrO3 significantly (p > 0.05) suppressed and diminished antioxidant enzymes and acetylcholinesterase activities with notable decreased total protein levels. Additionally, oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA and NO), as well as DNA fragmentation, all increased significantly (p > 0.05). The immunohistochemical expression of P53, caspase 3, and COX2 protein also increased significantly in the cerebral cortex of the KBrO3-treated groups, but BCL-2 protein expression decreased significantly. Histological examination of brain tissues revealed patterns that corresponded to the enzyme markers. The effects of KBrO3 were all attenuated by the administration of AEAC and quercetin.ConclusionsThis research demonstrates the therapeutic effects of Allium cepa on KBrO3-induced oxidative stress, and biochemical perturbation in the brain of Rattus norvegicus. Even though the exact mechanism of action of Allium cepa at the molecular level cannot be completely deduced from the results presented above, it could possibly be due to a combination of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and apoptotic mechanisms. Further studies are required to examine the molecular pathways responsible for these aforementioned therapeutic effects.

Therapeutic effects of aqueous extract of bioactive active component of Ageratum conyzoides on the ovarian-uterine and hypophysis-gonadal axis in rat with polycystic ovary syndrome: Histomorphometric evaluation and biochemical assessment

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder, affecting women of reproductive age. Ageratum conyzoïdes (AGC) is used traditionally in the treatment of fever, rheumatism, and ulcer. This study investigates the effects of AGC on ovarian-uterine in PCOS rats. MethodsFemale rats were randomized into four groups (n = 6). Group A control received 2 ml distilled water. Group B received a single dose of 4 mg/kg body weight (bwt) i.p estradiol valerate (EV). Group C received 500 mg/kg bwt AGC and group D received a single dose of 4 mg/kg bwt i.p EV followed by 500 mg/kg bwt AGC orally for 30 days. Parameters tested include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- α, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), total protein (TP), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and ovary and uterus histomorphometric. ResultsAgeratum conyzoides decrease insulin resistance, obesity indices, TC, TG, LDL, MDA, T, LH, FSH, CRP, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF- α in PCOS rats. And increase HDL, E2, P, TP, CAT, and SOD in PCOS rats. AGC improved ovary and uterus histo-architecture, tertiary, and Graafian follicles, corpus luteum and endometrial thickness increased,and cystic and atretic follicles decreased. ConclusionAgeratum conyzoides improved insulin sensitivity, antioxidant activities, hormonal imbalance, inflammatory makers, and histological changes in PCOS rats. Therefore AGC can be used as a potential adjuvant agent in the treatment of PCOS.

Aqueous Extract of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Leaf Ameliorates Hyperglycemia by Promoting Hepatic Glycogen Synthesis and Modulating Gut Microbiota.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health concern. Psidium guajava L. (guava) is widely used for food as well as a folk medicine. Previous studies have shown its anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the underlying mechanisms remains to be elusive. In this study, we assessed the potential therapeutic effects of aqueous extract of guava leaves (GvAEx) on T2DM and explored their potential mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. GvAEx was gavage administered for 12 weeks in diabetic db/db mice. Our results have demonstrated that GvAEx significantly lowered fasting plasma glucose levels (p < 0.01) and improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively). Additionally, GvAEx increased hepatic glycogen accumulation, glucose uptake and decreased the mRNA expression levels of gluconeogenic genes. Furthermore, GvAEx-treatment caused higher glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) expression in the membrane in hepatocytes. Notably, for the first time, we have elaborated the possible mechanism of the hypoglycemic effect of GvAEx from the perspective of intestinal microbiota. GvAEx has significantly changed the composition of microbiota and increased short chain fatty acid (SCFA) -producing Lachnospiraceae family and Akkermansia genus in the gut. Taken together, GvAEx could alleviate hyperglycemia and insulin resistance of T2DM by regulating glucose metabolism in the liver and restoring the gut microbiota. Thus, GvAEx has the potential for drug development against T2DM.

White Tea Reduced Bone Loss by Suppressing the TRAP/CTX Pathway in Ovariectomy-Induced Osteoporosis Model Rats

Osteoporosis is an important skeletal disease characterized by bone weakness and high risk of fracture in postmenopausal women. Tea consumption is known to play an important role in the prevention or alleviation of osteoporosis. However, the therapeutic effects of aqueous extracts of white tea (WT) have not been evaluated in osteoporosis rat models. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential anti-osteoporotic role of WT in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. WT was given orally at 0.5% w/v doses for 12 weeks in OVX rats. Biochemical parameters in blood samples, bone tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) and estradiol levels were evaluated. Bone mineral density and bone mineral content values were measured in the left femur. In addition to histopathological examination, osteolcalcin, osteopontin and TUNEL levels were determined. OVX group data demonstrated that bone loss occurred by thinning of the metaphyseal growth plates of the femur. Similarly, the levels of TRAP and CTX, markers of osteoclastic activity, were found to be high concurrently with a decrease in femoral bone mineral density. In addition, increased osteolcalcin and osteopontin levels were present in the metaphyseal growth zones. On the other hand, while TRAP and CTX levels were suppressed in the OVX-WT group, bone mineral content increased. In ad­dition, TUNEL, osteocalcin and osteopontin positivity decreased in the right femoral metaphysis growth zones, proliferating zone and resting zone cells. These results showed that chronic WT consumption has a protective effect by reducing bone resorption in OVX-induced osteoporotic rats.

Aqueous extract of &lt;i&gt;Aconitum carmichaelii&lt;/i&gt; Debeaux attenuates sepsis-induced acute lung injury via regulation of TLR4/NF-ΚB pathway

Purpose: To investigate the therapeutic effect of aqueous extract of Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux (AEACD) on sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI), as well as explore the underlying mechanism of action.&#x0D; Methods: C57BL/6 mice were treated with AEACD by gavage (4.0 g/kg/day) for 5 days before cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) challenge. After 24 h, the pathological morphology of lung tissue and the biochemical parameters in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined by H&amp;E staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, the total protein content and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level of BALF, as well as the oxidative biomarkers (malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD)) were evaluated in the lung homogenates by ELISA assay. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6, in lung tissue were measured by qRT-PCR or ELISA. Finally, key proteins in Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway in lung tissue were evaluated by western blot.&#x0D; Results: CLP challenge induced abnormal changes in the histological structures of lung tissue, lung wet-to-dry weight (W/D) ratio, protein content and LDH levels of BALF, which were remarkably reversed by AEACD. In addition, AEACD decreased MDA levels, and increased GSH levels and SOD activity in the lung tissue of CLP–treated mice (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, AEACD attenuated the CLP challengeinduced upregulation of TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6. Finally, AEACD inactivated TLR4/NF-κB pathway by upregulating IκBα and downregulating TLR4 and phosphorylated-p65 levels.&#x0D; Conclusion: AEACD administration protects mice against sepsis-induced ALI through the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in lung tissues. The underlying mechanism occurs by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.&#x0D; Keywords: Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux, Acute lung injury, Sepsis, TLR4, NF-κB

The effect of Phaseolus vulgaris pods extract on cytokines profile in the condition of alkali burn esophagus 2 degree

Introduction: As a result of alkaline substances entering the esophagus wall, necrosis occurs, as well as destruction of the mucous, submucosal and muscular layers of the esophagus. The cellular immune system plays an important role in regulating the various phases of the wound healing process, during which, depending on the time and through specific adhesion interactions, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages, and lymphocytes penetrate the site of the trauma and lead to an intensive proliferation of fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and keratinocytes. The substances of natural origins based on polyphenolic compounds are possible as a remedy for the normalization of physiological and biochemical parameters in a condition of various pathologies. Phaseolus vulgaris pods extract (PVPE) are an example of a rich source of bioactive compounds with proven human health benefits. Our results revealed imbalance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in esophageal homogenates in rats with alkali burn of esophagus II degree, which can indicate a prolonged inflammation in the burned area. In the groups of animals with the alkaline burn of the esophagus, that were injected extract there can be traced a change of the indicators in the direction of normalization, indicating about the therapeutic effect of aqueous extract of pods of Phaseolus vulgaris.&#x0D; Objective: The cellular immune system plays an important role in regulating the various phases of the wound healing process, and can be used as a marker of pathological post-burn wound healing, Phaseolus vulgaris pods extract (PVPE) are an example of a rich source of bioactive compounds with proven human health benefits. The aim of the study was to investigate changes in cytokines levels in rat esophageal supernatants in the condition of alkali burn esophagus second degree (AEB 2) and treatment with Phaseolus vulgaris pods extract.&#x0D; Material and Methods: The animals were experimentally simulated with the alkali esophageal burn with 20% (grade II) solvent of NaOH. Levels of cytokines in esophageal tissue homogenates were done by ELISA.&#x0D; Results: In the present study, we investigate the imbalance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in esophageal homogenates in rats with AEB 2, which can indicate a prolonged inflammation in the burned area. In the groups of animals with the AEB 2, that were injected extract there can be traced a change of the indicators in the direction of normalization.&#x0D; Conclusion: The administration of the extract, in conditions of alkaline burn of the esophagus, contributes change of the indicators in the direction of normalization indicating the therapeutic effect of aqueous extract of pods of Phaseolus vulgaris.&#x0D;

Evaluation of the protective and therapeutic effects of Pistacia atlantica gum aqueous extract on cellular and pathological aspects of experimental asthma in Balb/c mice.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective and therapeutic effects of aqueous extract of P. atlantica gum on an experimental asthma in BALB/c mice. Aqueous extract of dried and milled P. atlantica gum was assemble and evaluate by GC-MS. In order to investigate the effect of P. atlantica gum extract on cellular and pathological aspects of asthma, 60 BALB/c mice were divided into six groups as: negative control, asthmatic group, asthmatic group receiving dexamethasone (1mg/kg; intraperitoneal (IP)) and three asthmatic groups receiving different concentrations of the extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, orally) from the beginning of the study and continued for 84 days. The examined parameters included cell population, IgE antibody production, levels of IL-4, IL-5, TGF-β, INF-γ, IL-10, and IL-17 cytokines, and lung tissue damage. Regardless of the dose, aqueous extract of P. atlantica gum, caused significant decrease in the number of BALF eosinophilic cells and levels of anti-ovalbumin IgE, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-17 cytokine levels, as well as pathologic damage of the lung tissue. In addition, the amount of anti-inflammatory IL-10, TGF-β, and INF-γ Th1 cytokines significantly increased in the extract-treated groups compared to the asthmatic and dexamethasone-treated groups. Moreover, IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner compared to the un-treated asthma group. The aqueous extract of P. atlantica gum can be considered as a potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory compound and may be used as a natural compound for treatment of immune system disorders.

Asparagus cochinchinensis stimulates release of nerve growth factor and abrogates oxidative stress in the Tg2576 model for Alzheimer\u2019s disease

BackgroudUse of multifunctional drugs with neurotrophic supporting and oxidative stress suppressing activity may be considered a therapeutic strategy to protect or repair cellular damage caused during the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of aqueous extract of A. cochinchinesis root (AEAC), particularly its role as a nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulator and anti-oxidant in Tg2576 mice showing AD phenotypes of human.MethodsTg2576 mice were received 100 mg/kg/day AEAC via oral administration, while mice in the Vehicle treated group received dH2O for 4 weeks. Non-Tg littermates were used as a control group. Following AEAC treatment for 4 weeks, NGF function, anti-oxidantive status, Aβ-42 peptide level, γ-secretase expression and neuronal cell functions were analyzed in the brain of Tg2576 mice.ResultsAEAC containing flavonoids, phenols, saponins and protodioscin induced enhancement of NGF secretion and decreased intracellular ROS in the neuronal and microglial cell line. These effects as well as enhanced SOD levels were also detected in AEAC treated Tg2576 mice. The expression of p-Akt among downstream effectors of the high affinity NGF receptor was dramatically recovered in AEAC treated Tg2576 mice, while the expression of p75NTR was slightly recovered in the same group. Significant recovery on the level of Aβ-42 peptides and the expression of γ-secretase members including PS-2, APH-1 and NCT were detected in AEAC treated Tg2576 mice. Furthermore, AEAC treated Tg2576 mice showed decreased numbers of dead cells and suppressed acetyl choline esterase (AChE) activity.ConclusionsThese results suggest that AEAC contribute to improving the deposition of Aβ-42 peptides and neuronal cell injuries during the pathological progression stage of AD in the brain of Tg2576 mice through increased NGF secretion and suppressed oxidative stress.

Identification of the Therapeutic Effects of Gamma-Irradiated Chamomile Aqueous Extract Against Alcohol Induced Hepato-nephrotoxicity in Rats

Alcohol consumption represents the third largest risk factor for disease burden in most countries of the world and can damage several organs and systems in the body such as liver and kidney. Medicinal herb plants may act as an effective remedy for the enormous health burden posed by alcohol consumption. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of an aqueous extract of gamma-irradiated chamomile (GCE) (10 kGy) on alcohol-induced hepato-nephrotoxicity in rats. In this study, results of rats that received alcohol alone (1 ml of 70 % ethanol daily for 56 days) showed hepato-nephrotoxicity as indicated by significant increases in the activity of hepatic enzyme markers. These changes include: increased levels of serum creatinine, urea and uric acid with significant decreased levels of total protein, albumin and globulin. Ethanol administration also resulted in elevation in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and the activity of xanthine oxidase (XO) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) with reduction in glutathione level (GSH) and the activities of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) , xanthine dehydrogenase(XDH),superoxide dismutase(SOD) and catalase (CAT) in both liver and kidney tissues compared to control rats. Post-treatment of ethanol-administered rats with aqueous gamma-irradiated chamomile extract significantly ameliorates the deleterious effects of ethanol on all biochemical parameters and enhances the hepato-renal antioxidant status and improved alterations in hepatic alcohol metabolizing enzymes. Conclusion: Thus, gamma-irradiated chamomile can be suggested to offer distinct treatment against ethanol induced organ damage.

Therapeutic Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Cerasus Avium Stem on Ethylene Glycol- Induced Kidney Calculi in Rats.

To investigate the therapeutic effects of the aqueous extract of Cerasus Avium stem on kidney calculi. In this experimental study, forty-eight (48) male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into six (6) groups and were studied during a 30 day period. Group A served as normal control and Group B received 1% ethylene glycol in drinking water (EG group). C, D, E, and F Groups, received 1% ethylene glycol from day 1 and were used as prevention and treatment subjects. Rats in prevention groups of low dose (C) and high dose (D) extract, were gavaged with 200 and 400 mg/kg extract respectively from first day of the experiment and treatmentgroups of low dose (E) and high dose (F) extract, were gavaged with 200 and 400 mg/kg extract respectively from the 15th day of the experiment. On the 30th days of the experiment, serum level of magnesium and potassium decreased significantly in EG group compared with A,C,D,E and F groups (P &lt; .05), while serum level of calcium, creatinine, uric acid, sodium and urine level of calcium, creatinine, uric acid, increased significantly in EG group compared with A,C,D,E and F groups (P &lt; .05). In the prevention and treatment groups, the number of deposits decreased significantly compared with EG group on the 30th day (P &lt; .05). Cerasus Avium stem has a therapeutic effect on calcium oxalate stones in rats with nephrolithiasis and reduces the number of calcium oxalate deposits.

БІОХІМІЧНІ ПОКАЗНИКИ СИРОВАТКИ КРОВІ ЩУРІВ ПРИ ЛУЖНОМУ ОПІКУ СТРАВОХОДУ ІІ СТУПЕНЯ ЗА УМОВ УВЕДЕННЯ ВОДНОГО РОЗЧИНУ СУХОГО ЕКСТРАКТУ ЛУШПИННЯ P. VULGARIS

During modeling of esophageal alkali burns II degree in immature rats were observed violations of various metabolic systems. It was shown that under the esophageal burns there occurred violations of protein (total protein, albumin), nitrogen metabolism (creatinine, urea), changed the activity of enzymes (GOT, GPT), violated fluid and electrolyte balance (Na+, К+, Cl-, Ca2+, Mg2+). In the groups of animals with the alkaline burn of the esophagus, that were injected aqueous extract of pod of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) there can be traced a change of the indicators in the direction of normalization, indicating about the obvious therapeutic effect of aqueous extract of pod of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris).

Therapeutic Effects of Aqueous Extract of Pheonix Dactilyfera on Lead Acetate Induced Sperm Toxicity in Adult Male Wistar Rats

The therapeutic effects of aqueous extract of Pheonix dactilyfera was evaluated on lead II acetate induced testicular toxicity. Twenty four (24) male adult Wistar rats were used for this experiment and divided into six (6) groups of four (4) Wistar rats each. Group I was assigned as the control group and was administered distilled water; Group II was the toxic group and was administered 120mg/kg per body weight; Group III was the treated group 1 which was first administered the 120mg/kg of lead acetate for 14 days, followed by administration of 1000mg/kg per body weight of date palm for 14 days; Group IV was treated group 2 which was also administered the 120mg/kg of lead acetate and followed by administration of 1500mg/kg of date palm; Groups V and VI were both administered 1000mg/kg and 1500mg/kg of date palm respectively. Groups I, II, V and VI were sacrificed on the 15 th day while Groups III and IV were sacrificed on 29 th day. There was a significant increase in non motile sperms, non viability of sperm in lead group (p<0.05) with non significant increase in abnormal morphology. Date palm treated groups (Groups III and IV) had a non significant increase in normal motility, normal morphology, sperm viability, concentration. Date palm only groups had a significant increase in non motile and non viable cells (p<0.05) but with an increase in the weights, normal morphology of sperm cells. Based on the above observations and results, it can be concluded that date palm may have a possible curative effect on lead acetate induced testicular damage.

Quantitative evaluation of therapeutic effect of Liriope platyphylla on phthalic anhydride-induced atopic dermatitis in IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 Tg mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceA variety of previous pharmacological studies have suggested that Liriope platyphylla may exert beneficial biological effects on inflammation, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorder, obesity, and atopic dermatitis (AD). Aim of the studyThe therapeutic effect of aqueous extract of Liriope platyphylla (AEtLP) on AD was quantified using the luciferase report system in IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 transgenic (Tg) mice. Materials and methodsAlteration of the luciferase signal was quantified in IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 Tg mice co-treated with phthalic anhydride (PA) and AEtLP for 2 weeks using the IVIS imaging system. Phenotypes of AD were assessed by ear thickness analysis, measurement of immune-related organ weights, ELISA, and histological and pathological analysis in Tg mice. ResultsA strong luciferase signal was detected in the abdominal region of IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 Tg mice treated with only PA. However, this signal was significantly reduced in IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 Tg mice co-treated with PA+AEtLP in an AEtLP concentration-dependent manner. Especially, three organs, the thymus, pancreas, and submandibular lymph node (SL), showed a high signal response to PA treatment. Furthermore, to verify whether or not alteration of the luciferase signal is associated with AD, these disease response phenotypes were measured in the same group of mice. Common allergenic responses including increases in ear thickness, lymph node weight, IgE concentration, and infiltrated mast cells were detected in IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 Tg mice treated with PA. However, these responses were dramatically decreased by AEtLP treatment for 2 weeks. ConclusionThese results indicate that the luciferase signal may successfully reflect the therapeutic effects of AEtLP in IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 Tg mice. Further, we suggest additional evidence that Liriope platyphylla may be considered as an effective therapeutic drug for the treatment of AD.

Mucuna pruriens seed extract reduces oxidative stress in nigrostriatal tissue and improves neurobehavioral activity in paraquat-induced Parkinsonian mouse model

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease which causes rigidity, resting tremor and postural instability. Treatment for this disease is still under investigation. Mucuna pruriens (L.), is a traditional herbal medicine, used in India since 1500 B.C., as a neuroprotective agent. In this present study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of aqueous extract of M. pruriens (Mp) seed in Parkinsonian mouse model developed by chronic exposure to paraquat (PQ). Results of our study revealed that the nigrostriatal portion of Parkinsonian mouse brain showed significantly increased levels of nitrite, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced levels of catalase compared to the control. In the Parkinsonian mice hanging time was decreased, whereas narrow beam walk time and foot printing errors were increased.Treatment with aqueous seed extract of Mp significantly increased the catalase activity and decreased the MDA and nitrite level, compared to untreated Parkinsonian mouse brain. Mp treatment also improved the behavioral abnormalities. It increased hanging time, whereas it decreased narrow beam walk time and foot printing error compared to untreated Parkinsonian mouse brain.Furthermore, we observed a significant reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity in the substantia nigra (SN) and striatum region of the brain, after treatment with PQ which was considerably restored by the use of Mp seed extract. Our result suggested that Mp seed extract treatment significantly reduced the PQ induced neurotoxicity as evident by decrease in oxidative damage, physiological abnormalities and immunohistochemical changes in the Parkinsonian mouse.

Therapeutic effect of aqueous extract from Ecliptae herba on bone metabolism of ovariectomized rats

Ecliptae herba (EH) has long been used in China to strengthen bones. Accumulating evidence indicates that EH may have antiosteoporotic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous EH extract (EHE) on rats that had osteoporosis-like features induced by ovariectomy, using aqueous Fructus Ligustri Lucidi extract as positive control agent. Three-month-old female rats that underwent ovariectomy were treated with EHE (1.4 g/kg per day). After 12 weeks, bone mineral density and bone histomorphometric indices of tibiae were measured. Protein and messenger RNA expressions of osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand (RANKL) in tibiae were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. In addition, serum concentrations of osteocalcin, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 (IL-6), calcitonin (CT), and parathyroid hormone were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. EHE treatment prevented body weight gain and loss of uterine wet weight in ovariectomized rats. It remarkably increased bone mass in ovariectomized rats compared with ovariectomized controls. EHE treatment significantly down-regulated RANKL expression in tibiae from ovariectomized rats compared with controls; however, it had no significant effect on osteoprotegerin expression. In addition, EHE treatment significantly reduced serum IL-6 levels and remarkably increased CT levels but had no effect on parathyroid hormone. EHE increases bone mass in ovariectomized rats by inhibiting bone loss: down-regulated RANKL expression in tibiae and IL-6 level in serum, and up-regulated CT level in serum. This suggests that EHE may be developed as an alternative therapeutic agent for osteoporosis induced by postmenopause.

Assessment the therapeutic effects of aqueous extracts of Cilantro and Garlic in mercuric chloride poisoning in rats

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of cilantro and garlic aqueous extracts in toxicopathological changes due to acute and chronic mercuric chloride poisoning in rat. The acute toxic signs appeared at short time after treatment with mercuric chloride. Severity of intoxication and mortality rate were proportional to the dose of mercuric chloride given. Chronic clinical signs were checked continuously which characterized by anorexia, body weight loss, pale –yellow mucous membranes, rough skin, ruffled hair, dyspnea and hemoglobin urea the severity of signs was dose dependant. Results showed severe toxicopathological changes in kidneys, liver and brain with precancerous lesions in liver and fore stomach, with residual accumulation of the compound in these organs reaching the highest rate in kidneys in both acute and chronic toxicity. Treatment with plant extracts resulted in decreasing the severity of the pathological changes in the mentioned organs and increase in the immune response of the body especially in the animals treated with combination of cilantro and garlic extracts together. This was reflected in decreased levels of compound accumulation in tissue. It could be concluded that mercuric chloride poisoning in rats causes toxicopathological changes in the kidneys, liver and brain with precancerous lesions in liver and highest residual accumulation in kidneys .Treatment with cilantro and garlic extracts could reduce the severity of these lesions and residual accumulation with elevation in the immune response.

Therapeutic effects of aqueous extracts of Petroselinum sativum on ethylene glycol-induced kidney calculi in rats.

To investigate the therapeutic effects of the aqueous extract of Petroselinum Sativum aerial parts and roots on kidney calculi. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 6 groups and treated for 30 days. Group A served as normal control and group B received 1% ethylene glycol in drinking water. Groups C, D, E, and F received 1% ethylene glycol from day 0 and were used as the treatment subjects. Rats in groups C and D received 200 and 600 mg/kg body weight of aerial parts aqueous extract, respectively, and those in groups E and F received 200 and 600 mg/kg body weight of root aqueous extract in drinking water, respectively, from the 14th day of the experiment. On the 14th and 30th days of the experiment, serum level of magnesium (1.71 ± 0.12 and 3.81 ± 0.25, respectively) decreased significantly while serum level of calcium (10.45 ± 0.26 and 11.33 ± 0.18, respectively) increased significantly in group B compared with the control group (14th day: magnesium = 2.87 ± 0.17 and calcium = 8.80 ± 0.00 and 30th day: magnesium = 6.01 ± 0.00 and calcium = 8.30 ± 0.22; P < .001). In the treatment groups of C, D, E, and F, the number of deposits decreased significantly compared with group B on the 30th day (P < .001). The weight of the kidneys increased significantly in group B (2.01 ± 0.17) compared with the control group (1.52 ± 0.07) and decreased significantly in treatment groups (P < .05). Petroselinum Sativum has a therapeutic effect on calcium oxalate stones in rats with nephrolithiasis and reduces the number of calcium oxalate deposits.