Anticonvulsant effects of Searsia dentata (Anacardiaceae) leaf extract in rats

Searsia species are used in South Africa to treat epilepsy. Previous studies have demonstrated an in vitro N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonistic effect of the ethanolic leaf extract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential anticonvulsant properties of the ethanolic extract of S. dentata in various animal models of epilepsy. The extract was submitted to a screening in anticonvulsant assays including NMDA‐, kainic acid (KA)‐, pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)‐ and bicuculline (BIC)‐induced seizures in rats. The extract protected 47% of the PN 18 Wistar pups (postnatal day 18, date of birth PN 0) (p < 0.05, n > 10) against NMDA‐induced seizures and significantly delayed the onset of PTZ‐induced seizures (p < 0.05, n > 8) at a dose of 250 mg/kg. A dose optimum was detected at 500 mg/kg for protection against KA‐(63% protection, p < 0.05, n > 8) and BIC‐induced seizures (50% protection, p < 0.05, n > 8) in young adult and PN 18 rats, respectively. The ethanolic extract of S. dentata showed anticonvulsive properties in several models of epilepsy. These results are compatible with previous findings of NMDA receptor antagonism. Due to the complex composition of the extract, the effect might be caused by more than one compound. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hypoglycaemic activity of Nelumbo nucifera gaertn. (Fam. Nymphaeaceae) rhizome (methanolic extract) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The hypoglycaemic effect of the rhizome extract of Nelumbo nucifera was studied in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. A methanol extract of the plant obtained by soxhlet extraction from finely pulverized rhizomes was used. The LD₅₀ of the extract was found to be 2 g/kg. The extract (300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg, orally) caused a reduction of blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by 53% (p<0.001) and 55% (p<0.001) respectively at the end of 12 h. The results of this study indicate that the methanol extract of the rhizome possesses favourable hypoglycaemic activity in hyperglycaemic animals taking chlorpropamide as a standard.     

A randomized,double-blind placebo-controlled add-on trial to assess the efficacy,safety, and anti-atherogenic effect of spirulina platensis in patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus

The efficacy of spirulina platensis (S. platensis) as an add-on therapy to metformin and its effect on atherogenic keys in patients with uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) was evaluated. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to S. platensis (2 g/day) or placebo group for three months while continuing metformin as their usual treatment. The efficacy of S. platensis was determined using the pre- and post-intervention HbA1c levels (primary outcome) as well as tracking FBS and lipid profiles levels (TC, LDL-C, TG, and HDL-C) as secondary outcomes at the different treatment time points (0,30,60,90 days). During the three–month intervention period, supplementation with S. platensis resulted in a significant lowering of HbA1c (↓1.43, p < 0.001) and FBS (↓ 24.94 mg/dL, p < 001) levels. Mean TG in the intervention group was found to be significantly lower in the intervention group than in controls (p < 0.001). Total cholesterol (TC) and its fraction, LDL-C, exhibited a fall (↓41.36 mg/dL and ↓38.4 mg/dL, respectively; p < 0.001) coupled with a marginal increase in the level of HDL-C (↑3 mg/dL; p < 0.001). Add-on therapy with S. platensis was superior to metformin regarding long-term glucose regulation and controlling blood glucose levels of subjects with T2DM. Also, as a functional supplement, S. platensis has a beneficial effect on atherogenic keys (TG and HDL-C) with no adverse events.     

龙葵抑制鸡胚绒毛尿囊膜血管新生的研究

目的:探讨龙葵对血管新生的影响。方法:应用鸡胚绒毛尿囊膜(CAM)血管新生模型进行研究,在鸡胚培养的第7天,分别给予高、中、低3个剂量(2·5,2·0,1·5mg·μL^-1)的龙葵水提物。培养至第9天收集数据进行评估。结果:龙葵给药组血管新生面积明显小于对照组(P<0·001)。病理形态学分析表明,给药组载体下CAM新生组织中新生血管数显著减少,并可见大血管结构破坏迹象。周围CAM组织中仅见少量新生血管。而对照组的载体下组织及周围CAM中均见大量新生血管。结论:龙葵可明显抑制鸡胚绒毛尿囊膜血管新生。     

Efficacy of a Proprietary Trigonella foenum‐graecum L. De‐Husked Seed Extract in Reducing Menopausal Symptoms in Otherwise Healthy Women: A Double‐Blind,Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Study

Trigonella foenum‐graecum seed extract has demonstrated hormone modulatory activity, providing biological plausibility for relieving menopausal symptoms. The study aimed to assess efficacy of a standardized T. foenum‐graecum de‐husked seed extract in reducing menopausal symptoms in healthy aging women. The study was a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial that recruited 115 women aged 40 to 65 years of which 59 were allocated to active (n = 54 completed) and 56 to placebo (n = 50 completed). Active treatment was T. foenum‐graecum de‐husked seed extract, 600 mg per day for 12 weeks. Outcome measures included Menopause‐Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire, frequency of hot flushes and night sweats and serum estradiol levels. There was a significant reduction in menopausal symptoms in the active group compared with placebo as assessed by total MENQOL score (p < 0.001); reflected by significant improvements in the vasomotor (p < 0.001), psychosocial (p < 0.001), physical (p < 0.001) and sexual symptoms (p < 0.001) domains. Vasomotor outcomes correlated with hot flushes, the active group reporting significantly less daytime hot flushes and night sweats at 12 weeks (p < 0.001). The average estradiol levels were similar in both the active group and placebo group after treatment. This study demonstrated that this proprietary T. foenum‐graecum de‐husked seed extract may reduce menopausal symptoms in healthy women. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antitumor and immunomodulating effects of polysaccharides isolated from Solanum nigrum Linne

We have examined the effects of the crude polysaccharides isolated from Solanum nigrum Linne (SNL‐P) in vitro and in vivo against U14 cervical cancer. SNL‐P showed no antiproliferative effects in vitro at a dose up to 1 mg/ml. In vivo administration with SNL‐P (90, 180, 360 mg/kg b.w., p.o.) decreased the number of ascites tumor cells and prolonged the survival time of U14 cervical‐cancer‐bearing mice. FACScan flow cytometer analysis showed that most of the ascites tumor cells were arrested in G2/M phase of cell cycle and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ peripheral blood T‐lymphocyte subpopulations were restored following treatment of SNL‐P. Furthermore, the treatment with SNL‐P also caused a significant increment in IFN‐γ (p < 0.01, 90, 180 and 360 mg/kg b.w.) and a remarkable decrease in Il‐4 (p < 0.01, 90, 180 mg/kg b.w.; p < 0.05, 360 mg/kg b.w.) by the method of ELISA. These data showed that SNL‐P possess potent antitumor activity and SNL‐P might exert antitumor activity via activation of different immune responses in the host rather than by directly attacking cancer cells on the U14 cervical cancer bearing mice. Thus, SNL‐P could be used as an immunomodulator and an anticancer agent. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Neuropharmacological activity of Solanum nigrum fruit

The ethanol extract of the fruit of Solanum nigrum L. (Solanaceae) was studied for its neuropharmacological properties on experimental animals. On intraperitoneal injection, the extract significantly prolonged pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, produced alteration in the general behavior pattern, reduced exploratory behavior pattern, suppressed the aggressive behavior, affected locomotor activity and reduced spontaneous motility. The observations suggest that the fruit of S. nigrum possesses potential CNS-depressant action.     

The effects of fenugreek seed extract supplementation in patients with Alzheimer's disease: A randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial

The aim of the current randomized control trial (RCT) study was to investigate the effects of fenugreek seed extract on memory, depression, quality of life, blood pressure, and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels in adult AD patients. This randomized clinical trial was conducted in geriatric homes in Iran. The study participants included 82 AD patients with mild-to-moderate memory deficit. Patients in the intervention group received 5 cc of fenugreek seed extract for 4 months and subjects in the control group received a placebo. Memory, depression, quality of life, and BP levels, as well as serum MDA and TAC, were assessed before and after the intervention. There was a significant increase in serum levels of TAC (p < 0.001) and a reduction in serum MDA status (p < 0.001) after 4 months of fenugreek seed extract supplementation. In addition, increasing levels of memory (p < 0.001) and quality of life (p < 0.001), as well as reduction of depression (p = 0.002), systolic BP (p < 0.001), and diastolic BP (p < 0.001) levels were detected in the intervention group compared with baseline. Fenugreek seed extract supplementation in AD patients shows promising positive effects on memory, quality of life, BP, and selective oxidative indices levels.     

The effect of the extract of Crocus sativus on tracheal responsiveness and plasma levels of IL-4, IFN-γ, total NO and nitrite in ovalbumin sensitized Guinea-pigs

Ethnomedical relevance

Anti-inflammatory, anti oxidant and effect of Crocus sativus (C. sativus) on Th₁/Th₂ balance were described previously.

Aim of the study

The preventive effects of the extract of Crocus sativus on tracheal responsiveness and plasma levels of IL-4, IFN-γ, total NO and nitrite were examined on sensitized guinea pigs.

Materials and methods

Five groups of sensitized guinea pigs to ovalbumin (OVA), were given drinking water containing three concentrations of the extract of Crocus sativus, dexamethasone (S+D) or alone (group S). Tracheal responses (TR) of control animals (group C) and sensitized guinea pigs (n=6, for each group) to methacholine, OVA and the levels of IL-4, IFN-γ, total NO and nitrite in serum were examined.

Results

The TR to both methacholine and OVA, the levels of serum IL-4, total NO and nitrite in S guinea pigs were significantly increased but that of IFN-γ and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio (Th₁/Th₂ balance) were decreased compared to the controls (p<0.05 to p<0.001). In the treated animals with dexamethasone and all concentrations of the extract, TR to both methacholine and OVA, IL-4, total NO and nitrite were significantly decreased but IFN-γ and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio increased compared to S group (p<0.05 to p<0.001). The effects of the highest concentration of the extract was greater than those of other concentrations and the effect of dexamethasone (p<0.05 to p<0.01).

Conclusions

These results not only showed a preventive effect of C. sativus extract on tracheal responses and serum levels of inflammatory mediators in sensitized guinea pigs but also showed increased Th₁/Th₂ balance.     

Neem (Azadirachta indica) treatment decreases spontaneous motor activity in rats: implications for its central sedative action

The administration of a crude steroidal extract of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) leaf significantly decreased the total spontaneous motor activity (SMA) scores in rats receiving either 100 mg/kg body weight (i.p.) twice per week for 6 weeks (p <0.01) or a single dose (p <0.05), indicating that neem may have a sedative effect on rats. Single dose (acute) treatment also significantly decreased (p <0.01) the amplitude of the peak twitch force of the gastrocnemius muscle in vivo, but the neem extract exerted no significant effect on amplitude or conduction velocity of the compound action potential of the toad sciatic nerve preparation in vitro. It is therefore concluded that the depression of the SMA may be due to an effect of neem on the central nervous system and/or muscle strength, but not on peripheral nerve conduction. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An alkaloidal extract (ALKS1) from Trophis racemosa lowers intraocular pressure in dogs

A 1.0% solution of ALKS1, an alkaloidal extract obtained from Trophis racemosa, produced a significant fall in intraocular pressure in the dog's eye (p <0.001). The fall was antagonized by atropine (p <0.0025), suggesting ALKS1 is acting through a muscarinic mode of action. Further purifcation of the extract is required to determine the actual compound producing this effect on the eye. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Boswellia serrata has Beneficial Anti‐Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties in a Model of Experimental Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease that involves only the colon and rectum, being characterized by leukocyte infiltrate and superficial ulcers in the intestinal mucosa. To evaluate the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects of extract from the Boswellia serrata plant in an experimental rat model of acute ulcerative colitis induced by the administration of acetic acid (AA). An extract of B. serrata (34.2 mg/kg/day) was administered by oral gavage for 2 days before and after the induction of colitis with 4 mL of 4% AA. The anal sphincter pressure in the colitis group showed a significant decrease compared to that of the control groups (p < 0.001). The analysis of the values of lipid peroxidation (LPO) obtained by substances that react with thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) showed a significantly increased LPO in the colitis group compared to the control groups (p < 0.001). The nitric oxide levels and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) showed a significant increase in the colitis group compared to control groups (p < 0.01). Both pretreatment and treatment with B. serrata exhibited significantly reduced lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide and iNOS and showed improvements in tissue injury and anal sphincter pressure in animals with ulcerative colitis. The B. serrata extract has protective anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects that inhibit inflammatory mediators in acute experimental colitis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Adjuvant Therapy with Bioavailability‐Boosted Curcuminoids Suppresses Systemic Inflammation and Improves Quality of Life in Patients with Solid Tumors: A Randomized Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Trial

Curcuminoids are bioactive polyphenolics with potent antiinflammatory properties. Although several lines of in vitro and preclinical evidence suggest potent anticancer effects of curcuminoids, clinical findings have not been conclusive. The present randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of curcuminoids as adjuvant therapy in cancer patients. Eighty subjects with solid tumors who were under standard chemotherapy regimens were randomly assigned to a bioavailability‐boosted curcuminoids preparation (180 mg/day; n = 40) or matched placebo (n = 40) for a period of 8 weeks. Efficacy measures were changes in the health‐related quality of life (QoL) score (evaluated using the University of Washington index) and serum levels of a panel of mediators implicated in systemic inflammation including interleukins 6 (IL‐6) and 8 (IL‐8), TNF‐α, transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), substance P and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1). Curcuminoid supplementation was associated with a significantly greater improvement in QoL compared with placebo (p < 0.001). Consistently, the magnitude of reductions in TNF‐α (p < 0.001), TGFβ (p < 0.001), IL‐6 (p = 0.061), substance P (p = 0.005), hs‐CRP (p < 0.001), CGRP (p < 0.001) and MCP‐1 (p < 0.001) were all significantly greater in the curcuminoids versus placebo group. In contrast, the extent of reduction in serum IL‐8 was significantly greater with placebo versus curcuminoids (p = 0.012). Quality of life variations were associated with changes in serum TGFβ levels in both correlation and regression analyses. Adjuvant therapy with a bioavailable curcuminoid preparation can significantly improve QoL and suppress systemic inflammation in patients with solid tumors who are under treatment with standard chemotherapy protocols. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Behavioral properties of Balanites aegyptiaca in rodents

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Balanites aegyptiaca is a native plant from the dry tropical areas of Africa and Arabia. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat psychoses, epilepsy, rheumatism and for the management of cough, liver and spleen conditions for many years. The plant is also used as antihelmintic and molluscicide.

Aim of the study

The present studies aimed at investigating the behavioral properties of ethanol extract of the root of this medicinal plant, which is already in common applications in the Nigerian traditional medicine.

Materials and methods

The intraperitoneal and oral mean lethal dose (LD₅₀) of the extract was determined using the Lorke's method. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract was carried out to identify the secondary metabolites in the extract. Furthermore, the behavioral properties of the extract were evaluated using diazepam-induced sleep, open field test, staircase test and beam walking assay all in mice.

Results

The extract significantly (p < 0.001) prolonged the duration diazepam (20 mg/kg i.p)-induced sleep in mice dose dependently. However, the extract showed no significant effect on the onset of diazepam-induced sleep. In the open field test, the extract (150 and 300 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.05 mg/kg) produced a significant (p < 0.05, p < 0.005 and p < 0.001) decrease in the number of square crossings. There was no significant effect on the number of centre square crossing following the administration of the extract. The extract (75 and 150 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.05 mg/kg) produced a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the number of rearing suggestive of sedation. In the staircase experiment there was a decrease in the number of upward step climbing as well as number of rearing suggesting anxiolytic and sedative properties of the extract. In the beam walking assay the extract did not produce any significant increase in the time taken to complete task as compared to diazepam 1 mg/kg which was significant at p < 0.05. Furthermore, 300 mg/kg of the extract and diazepam 1 mg/kg showed significant (p < 0.05) mean number of foot slips, suggesting that the central nervous system depressant activity might not necessarily due to peripheral neuromuscular blockade.

Conclusion

The result indicates that the extract of Balanites aegyptiaca possess biologically active compound(s) that have anxiolytic and sedative properties, which support the ethnomedicinal use of the plant as antipsychotic and antiepileptic agents.     

人参、藜芦合用对大鼠肝P450酶活性及mRNA表达的调控作用

目的 :研究中药十八反中人参与藜芦合用对P450同工酶在酶活性及mRNA水平的调控作用。方法 :采用紫外分光光度法测定大鼠肝微粒体细胞色素P450与细胞色素b₅含量及氨基比林N 脱甲基酶 (APND)、对硝基苯酚羟化酶 (pNPH)活性。采用RT-PCR技术检测大鼠肝中 5种P450同工酶CYP1A1,CYP2B1/ 2 ,CYP2C11,CYP2E1及CYP3A1mRNA的表达。结果 :人参与藜芦合用可明显降低P450蛋白含量 ,可降低细胞色素b₅的含量 ,单药及其与藜芦配伍都能使APND活性下降。在mRNA水平上 ,藜芦可诱导CYP2C11的基因表达 ,与人参合用后却使得CYP2C11的表达下降。藜芦与人参配伍诱导了CYP1A1的表达。人参可抑制CYP2B1/ 2的基因表达 ,与藜芦合用后却明显诱导了CYP2B1/ 2的表达 ,人参与藜芦合用后也明显诱导了CYP3A1的表达。结论 :人参与藜芦配伍前后对一些CYP亚型调控作用发生明显变化 ,可能存在基于药物代谢酶机理的相反作用 ,需进一步结合代谢研究加以综合分析 ,阐明相反作用的机理。     

Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Paraoxonase 1 Activities and Oxidative Stress Status in Young Soccer Players

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of astaxanthin (Asx) on paraoxonase (PON1) activities and oxidative stress status in soccer players. Forty soccer players were randomly assigned in a double‐blind fashion to Asx and placebo (P) group. Blood samples were obtained before, 45 and 90 days after supplementation. PON1 activity was assessed by using two substrates: paraoxon and diazoxon. The oxidative stress biomarkers were also examined: total sulphydryl group content (–SH groups), thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), advanced oxidation protein products and redox balance. The significant interaction effect of supplementation and training (p < 0.05) on PON1 activity toward paraoxon was observed. The PON1 activity toward diazoxon increased in Asx group after 90 days (p < 0.01), while there was no significant difference in P group. SH groups content rose from pre‐ to post‐supplementation period only in Asx group (supplementation and training, p < 0.05; training, p < 0.01). TBARS levels decreased after 45 days and increased after 90 days of regular soccer training in both groups (training, p < 0.001). Redox balance decreased significantly in response to the regular training, regardless of treatment group (training, p < 0.001). Asx supplementation might increase total SH groups content and improve PON1 activity through protection of free thiol groups against oxidative modification. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Male contraceptive efficacy of Ricinus communis L. extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ricinus communis L. (Rc), of Euphorbiaceae family is a widespread plant in tropical regions and it is used in traditional medicines as an antifertility agent in India and different parts of the world.

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study is to revalidate the ethnobotanical knowledge by evaluating the activity of only crude stem bark extracts of Rc. In this study, effects of extracts on male contraceptive efficacy were experimented in vitro with human sperm sample. The work is based on primordial and contemporary therapeutic uses of this plant.

Materials and methods

In this study, dose of petroleum ether extract, ethyl acetate extract, acetone extract and lyophilised aqueous extract of Rc were added to fresh human semen in 1:1 volumetric ratio. As the aqueous extract showed a promising result in 1:1 ratio, therefore, the Hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOS), Nuclear chromatin decondensation test (NCD) and Acrosomal status and function test (AFT) were also carried out with the aqueous extract of Rc.

Results

The sperm immobilisation effects of the extract appeared immediately in a dose-dependent manner when the samples were treated with four different extracts of this plant. At a concentration of 100 mg/mL, 100% (p<0.001 and p<0.05) sperms lost their progressive motility. At a concentration of 300 mg/mL, 100% (p<0.001 and p<0.05) became immotile when treated with aqueous extract. There was 88% (p<0.001 and p<0.05) morphological deformities in sperm sample due the effect of aqueous extract when they were tested for HOS and 91% (p<0.05) sperms behaved against NCD as compared to control group. Also there was a distinct decline (p<0.05) in AFT with increase in dosage concentration.

Conclusion

The findings of the study revealed that aqueous stem bark extract of the plant showed dose dependent loss of sperm motility by influencing the morphological deformation, blockage in nuclear envelope and distinct declination in acrosomal status of spermatozoa. This research, thus, opens up scope for future exploration of bark of the plant as commercial source of new male contraceptive.     

Preventive and curative effects of Berberis aristata Fruit extract on paracetamol- and CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity

The effect of an aqueous-methanol extract of Berberis aristata fruits (Berberidaceae) was investigated against paracetamol- and CCl₄-induced hepatic damage. Paracetamol produced 100% mortality at a dose of 1 g/kg in mice while pre-treatment of animals with crude extract (500 mg/kg) reduced the death rate to 10%. Pre-treatment of rats with fruit extract (500 mg/kg, orally twice daily for 2 days) prevented (p<0.05) the paracetamol (640 mg/kg) as well as CCl₄ (1.5 mL/kg)-induced rise in serum transaminases (GOT and GPT). Post-treatment with three successive doses of extract (500 mg/kg, 6h) restricted the hepatic damage induced by acetaminophen (p<0.01) but CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity was not altered (p>0.05). Plant extract (500 mg/kg) caused significant prolongation (p<0.01) in pentobarbital (75 mg/kg)-induced sleep as well as increased strychnine-induced lethality in mice suggestive of inhibitory effect on microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes (MDME). These results indicate that the crude extract of Berberis aristata fruits exhibits hepatoprotective action partly through MDME inhibitory action.     

Toxic and hypericaemic effects of Opuntia megacantha extract in rats

The effect of O. megacantha extract on blood uric acid levels and other biochemical profiles were investigated over a 5 week period of giving rats an oral dose of 20 mg/100 g body weight of the extract daily. The results show that O. megacantha extract significantly lowered (p <0.01) serum uric acid and increased renal excretion of uric acid by comparison with controls. Serum creatinine, AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and phosphate levels were significantly raised (p <0.05) in the experimental group. However serum magnesium, calcium and ALP (alkaline phosphatase) were lowered (p <0.05) in the same group by comparison with control rats. An increase (p <0.05) in total water intake, an increase (p <0.05) in total urinary uric acid excretion as well as a slight increase in total urine voided over the 5 week period were observed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hypoglycaemic activity of Leucas lavandulaefolia Rees. in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The antidiabetic activity of Leucas lavandulaefolia Rees (Family - Labiatae) extract on streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats has been investigated. A methanol extract of the herb at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, and glybenclamide (1 mg/kg) were administered concurrently to STZ-diabetic rats. The extract caused a significant reduction of blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by 29.8% (p <0.001) compared with control groups. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.