Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activity of ethyl acetate:Isopropanol (1:1) fraction of Vernonia anthelmintica seeds in Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Ethanolic extract prepared from the seeds of Vernonia anthelmintica was evaluated for its antihyperglycemic activity in STZ (Streptozotocin) induced diabetic rats. Administration of ethanolic extract at a dosage of 0.50 g/kg bw produced the maximum fall (82%) in the blood glucose levels in diabetic rats after 6 h of treatment. Bioassay-directed fractionation using silica gel column chromatography was performed. Among the five fractions (A1, B1, C1, A2 and B2) obtained, of an initial chromatographic separation of the ethanolic extract, fraction A2 (100 mg/kg bw) showed the maximum antihyperglycemic activity which is significantly higher than that of the reference drug glibenclamide (20 mg/kg bw). Administration of the active fraction (100 mg/kg bw) for 45 days resulted in significant reduction in plasma glucose, HbA1_C, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, free fatty acids, phospholipids and HMG-CoA reductase in STZ diabetic rats. In addition to that, significant decrease in plasma insulin, protein, HDL and hepatic glycogen observed in STZ diabetic rats, was normalized after 45 days of treatment with the active fraction of V. anthelmintica seeds. From the present study, it is evident that, the seeds of V. anthelmintica possess significant antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic property without evident toxic effects.     

Antidiabetic effect of plumbagin isolated from Plumbago zeylanica L. root and its effect on GLUT4 translocation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Plumbago zeylanica L. root is widely used in Indian medicine to treat diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of plumbagin isolated from P. zeylanica L. root and its effect on GLUT4 translocation in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Plumbagin (15 and 30 mg/kg b wt) was orally administered to STZ-induced diabetic rats for 28 days. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed on 21st day. The effect of plumbagin on body weight, blood glucose, plasma insulin, total protein, urea, creatinine, liver glycogen, plasma enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP) and carbohydrate metabolism enzymes (glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and hexokinase) were investigated. GLUT4 mRNA and protein expression in skeletal muscles were also studied. Plumbagin significantly reduced the blood glucose and significantly altered all other biochemical parameters to near normal. Further, plumbagin increased the activity of hexokinase and decreased the activities of glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase significantly in treated diabetic rats. Enhanced GLUT4 mRNA and protein expression were observed in diabetic rats after treatment with plumbagin. The results indicated that plumbagin enhanced GLUT4 translocation and contributed to glucose homeostasis. It could be further probed for use as a drug to treat diabetes.     

In vitro antioxidant,antidiabetic and antilipidemic activities of Symplocos cochinchinensis (Lour.) S. Moore bark

Symplocos cochinchinesis is used in Indian system of traditional medicine to treat diabetes mellitus. The present study investigates the in vitro antioxidant, antidiabetic and antilipidemic activities of S. cochinchinensis bark methanolic extract (SCBe) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. In in vitro studies SCBe showed very good scavenging activity on 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC₅₀ 820.34 ± 1.74 μg/ml), hydroxyl (IC₅₀ 884.19 ± 0.45 μg/ml) and nitric oxide (IC₅₀ 860.21 ± 1.18 μg/ml) radicals, as well as high reducing power. SCBe (250 and 500 mg/kg) was administered to STZ (40 mg/kg) induced diabetic rats for 28 days. SCBe showed a significant decrease in blood glucose and significant increase in plasma insulin and liver glycogen levels in treated diabetic rats. Further, SCBe showed antilipidemic activity as evidenced by significant decrease in serum TC, TG, LDL-C levels and significant increase in HDL-C level in treated diabetic rats. SCBe also restored the altered plasma enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP), total protein, urea and creatinine levels to near normal. The action of SCBe was comparable to the antidiabetic drug glibenclamide. Results of this experimental study indicated that SCBe possessed antioxidant, antidiabetic and antilipidemic activities.     

Influence of chrysin on hepatic marker enzymes and lipid profile against d-galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity rats

Chrysin is a flavonoid that exists in nature and is the major component of some traditional medicinal herbs. We investigated the hepatoprotective and antihyperlipidaemic potential of chrysin against d-galactosamine (a single intraperitoneal injection 400 mg/kg BW) induced hepatotoxicity in male albino Wistar rats. d-GalN rats exhibited an increased hepato and nephro toxicity marker activities aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase and total bilirubin level while urea, uric acid and creatinine and lipid profile. It also negatively affected the serum total protein, albumin and A/G ratio. Rats treated with chrysin at different concentrations (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg BW) caused a significant improvement in serum protein level, decreased hepato and nephro toxicity markers. It also decreased the levels of very low density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol while high density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly increased. It also decreased the levels of total cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, free fatty acids in the plasma and tissues of liver and kidney. The effect of chrysin (25 mg/kg) is comparable with silymarin, a known hepatoprotective drug. Chrysin thus exhibits hepatoprotective and antihyperlipidaemic activity.     

Biochemical Evaluation of the Hypoglycemic Effects of Extract and Fraction of Cassia fistula Linn. in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Various extracts of flowers of Cassia fistula Linn (Leguminosae) such as petroleum ether (60-80°), chloroform, acetone, ethanol, aqueous, and crude aqueous extracts and two fractions of ethanol extract were tested for antihyperglycemic activity in glucose-overloaded hyperglycemic rats. The effective antihyperglycemic extracts and fraction were tested for their hypoglycemic activity at two dose levels, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. To confirm their utility in higher models, the effective extracts and fraction of C. fistula were subjected to antidiabetic study in an alloxan-induced diabetic model at two dose levels, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Biochemical parameters like glucose, urea, creatinine, serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, hemoglobin, and glycosylated hemoglobin were also assessed in experimental animals. The petroleum ether and ethanol extracts of C. fistula and the water-soluble fraction of ethanol extract were found to exhibit significant antihyperglycemic activity. The extracts, at the given doses, did not produce hypoglycemia in fasted normal rats, and the fraction exhibited weak hypoglycemic effect after 2 h of the treatment. Treatment of diabetic rats with ethanol extract and water-soluble fraction of this plant restored the elevated biochemical parameters significantly (P<0.05) to the normal level. No activity was found in the petroleum ether extract of the plant. Comparatively, the water-soluble fraction of ethanol extract was found to be more effective than the ethanol extract, and the activity was comparable with that of the standard, glibenclamide (5 mg/kg).     

Ginsenoside Re attenuates diabetes-associated cognitive deficits in rats

Objective

This study was designed to investigate the effect of ginsenoside Re (Re) on cognitive functions, oxidative stress and inflammation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Research design and method

Diabetic rats were treated with Re (40 mg/kg) for 8 weeks, blood glucose and body weight were measured monthly and weekly, respectively. Cognitive performances were evaluated with Morris water maze. Brain was obtained for measurements of TNF-α and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in both temporal cortex and hippocampus, blood was collected for assays of TNF-α, MDA and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels.

Results

Learning and memory abilities were significantly (both P < 0.01) impaired in diabetic rats, accompanied by the marked (all P < 0.01) elevations of TNF-α and MDA levels in temporal cortex and hippocampus. Increment of MDA and decrement of GSH in serum also occurred with significant differences (both P < 0.01). Chronic treatment with Re markedly (P < 0.05) improved the cognition of diabetic rats, evidenced by the decreased escape latency and the increased percentage of time spent in the target quadrant. Furthermore, Re treatment remarkably (P < 0.05) reduced the levels of TNF-α and MDA in both brain areas of diabetic rats. Decline of MDA level and elevation of GSH level in serum were also seen in Re-treated diabetic rats, coupled with decrease in serum glucose level, all with statistically significant differences.

Conclusions

Our findings firstly provide the first evidence that ginsenoside Re can remarkably attenuate diabetes-associated cognitive decline, secondly confirm the involvement of oxidative stress and inflammation in the development of cognitive impairment caused by diabetes, finally point toward the potential of ginsenoside Re as an adjuvant therapy to conventional anti-hyperglycemic regimens as well as diabetes-associated cognitive decline.     

Hypoglycemic effect of aqueous extract of Parthenium hysterophorus L. in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats

Objectives:

To study the effects of Parthenium hysterophorus L. flower on serum glucose level in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

Albino rats were divided into six groups of six animals each, three groups of normal animals receiving different treatments consisting of vehicle, aqueous extract of Parthenium hysterophorus L. flower (100 mg/kg) and the standard antidiabetic drug, glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg). The same treatment was given to the other three groups comprising alloxan induced diabetic animals. Fasting blood glucose level was estimated using the glucose oxidase method in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats, before and 2 h after the administration of drugs.

Results:

Parthenium hysterophorus L. showed significant reduction in blood glucose level in the diabetic (P<0.01) rats. However, the reduction in blood glucose level with aqueous extract was less than with the standard drug glibenclamide. The extract showed less hypoglycemic effect in fasted normal rats, (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

The study reveals that the active fraction of Parthenium hysterophorus L. flower extract is very promising for developing standardized phytomedicine for diabetes mellitus.     

Quercetin ameliorates glucose and lipid metabolism and improves antioxidant status in postnatally monosodium glutamate-induced metabolic alterations

We reported the effects of quercetin on metabolic and hormonal profile as well as serum antioxidant activities in a model of MSG (monosodium glutamate)-induced obesity. Rats were divided into 4 groups: MSG group, submitted to neonatal treatment with high doses of MSG, administrated subcutaneously during 10 days, from 2 day-old; control groups, which received the same volume of saline. After completing 30 day-old, these groups were subdivided into 4 groups: control and MSG groups treated and non-treated with quercetin at doses of 75 mg/kg body weight (i.p.) over 42 days. BW gain and food consumption were higher in MSG treated rats and quercetin significantly reduced BW by 25%. While MSG increased triacylglycerol, total cholesterol and fractions, and reduced HDL concentrations, administration of quercetin normalized HDL-cholesterol and reduced others lipids. Insulin, leptin, glucose and creatinine levels were raised in MSG-treated rats and reduced after quercetin treatment. Alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activities were lower after MSG-quercetin combination compared to rats given only MSG. MSG-quercetin combination augmented total protein and urea levels as well as glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities in contrast to MSG-treated animals. Quercetin normalized serum lipid and glucose profile and minimized the MSG-related toxic effects, which was associated to its antioxidant properties.     

Green tea extract impedes dyslipidaemia and development of cardiac dysfunction in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

1. The efficacy of green tea extract (GTE) on serum and cardiac lipids was investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. 2. Diabetes was induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg bodyweight). Six weeks after the induction of diabetes, GTE was administered orally for 4 weeks (300 mg/kg bodyweight daily). Bodyweight, heart weight, heart weight : bodyweight ratio, blood glucose, serum and cardiac lipids were determined in experimental rats. 3. In diabetic rats, there was a significant decrease in bodyweight with an increase in heart weight : bodyweight ratio and blood glucose. Diabetic rats had significantly increased serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). In the hearts of diabetic rats, there was a significant increase in cholesterol, triglycerides and free fatty acids levels, with an increase in lipoprotein lipase activity. 4. The administration of GTE to diabetic rats resulted in significant recovery in bodyweight, heart weight : bodyweight ratio and blood glucose levels. The administration of GTE reduced cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acid and LDL-C levels, and increased HDL-C levels, in the serum of diabetic rats. In addition, GTE decreased cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acids levels and lipoprotein lipase activity in the myocardium of diabetic rats. These beneficial effects of GTE are ascribed to its antihyperglycaemic and hypolipidaemic activity. In conclusion, green tea can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetes with a significant improvement in lipid metabolism.     

Antidiabetic effect of Punica granatum flowers: Effect on hyperlipidemia,pancreatic cells lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in experimental diabetes

The present study investigated the effects of Punica granatum aqueous extract (PgAq) on streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats by measuring fasting blood glucose, lipid profiles (atherogenic index), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and activities of both non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants. Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg) to albino Wistar rats. The increase in blood glucose level, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), LPO level with decrease in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), reduced glutathione (GSH) content and antioxidant enzymes namely, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were the salient features observed in diabetic rats. On the other hand, oral administration of PgAq at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg for 21 days resulted in a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose, TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C and tissue LPO levels coupled with elevation of HDL-C, GSH content and antioxidant enzymes in comparison with diabetic control group.     

Ameliorative effect of sesame lignans on nicotine toxicity in rats

Nicotine causes oxidative and genotoxic damages in the tissues leading to several diseases. Any strategy through natural diet that prevents or slows the progression and severity of nicotine toxicity has a significant health impact. This work is designed to investigate natural antioxidants that play effective protective role against nicotine-induced toxicity. Experiments were conducted on male albino rats by injecting nicotine tartrate (3.5 mg/kg body wt./day for 15 days) subcutaneously and thereby supplementing sesame lignans (0.1 g/100 g diet and 0.2 g/100 g diet) orally to them. Significant (P < 0.01) increase of total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, decrease of HDL-cholesterol, decrease in antioxidant enzymes and increase in concentration of lipid peroxidative product has been observed in plasma due to nicotine toxicity. Significant (P < 0.01) decrease of total DNA contents and highly significant (P < 0.001) DNA damage of liver tissue is also observed on nicotine treatment. Sesame lignans minimizes the above mentioned effects. The nicotine-induced oxidative and genotoxic damages on the tissues can be effectively attenuated by sesame lignans supplemented diet.     

Hypoglycemic and β-cells regenerative effects of Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. bark extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The aim of this study was to examine the antidiabetic potential of Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. (Rutaceae) bark in a diabetic rat model. Dose dependent effects of methanol extract of Aegle marmelos bark (AM) (200 and 400 mg/kg) on blood glucose, plasma insulin, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), total protein, hepatic glycogen, marker enzymes of hepatic function and carbohydrate metabolism were evaluated in (streptozotocin) STZ-induced diabetic rats by oral administration for 30 days. Structural integrity of pancreatic islets was assessed by routine histology while, their functional status was assessed by immunolocalization for insulin. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) study established that AM contained antihyperglycemic constituents, aegelin (1.27% w/w) and lupeol (0.29% w/w). AM at 200 and 400 mg/kg showed significant reduction in blood glucose level by 19.14% and 47.32%, respectively in diabetic rats. AM treatment significantly increased insulin level, and produced similar effects on other biochemical parameters. Histological studies showed the regenerative effect of AM on the β-cells of diabetic rats. Immunohistochemical observations in the extract treated diabetic rats showed increased insulin-immunoreactive β-cells. These findings suggest that A. marmelos bark extract has the therapeutic potential in STZ-induced hyperglycemia; hence it can be used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.     

Cinnamic acid as one of the antidiabetic active principle(s) from the seeds of Syzygium alternifolium

The Indian traditional system of medicine prescribed plant therapies for diseases including diabetes mellitus. One such plant is Syzygium alternifolium (SA). We reported earlier, that fraction C from aqueous extract of SA seeds showed good antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities. In continuation to it, we have performed bioassay guided fractionation of fraction C and identified cinnamic acid as a component with antihyperglycemic activity. A detailed study was undertaken to elucidate its mode of antidiabetic action by giving fraction C (50 mg/kg b.w) orally, once a day for 30 days in STZ induced diabetic rats. The altered enzyme activities of carbohydrate metabolism in liver and kidney of diabetic rats were significantly (p < 0.01) reverted to near normal levels by the administration of fraction C. Fraction C lowered blood glucose as expected, immediately following treatment, and led to glibenclamide-like modulatory effects on enzyme activities related to glucose homeostasis after 30 days treatment, indicating that cinnamic acid may prove useful in diabetes management.     

Diethyl hexyl phthalate-induced changes in insulin signaling molecules and the protective role of antioxidant vitamins in gastrocnemius muscle of adult male rat

Diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP) is an endocrine disruptor, it influences various organ systems in human beings and experimental animals. DEHP reduced the serum testosterone and increased the blood glucose, estradiol, T₃ and T₄ in rats. However, the effect of DEHP on insulin signaling and glucose oxidation in skeletal muscle is not known. Adult male albino rats were divided into four groups: Group I: Control; Groups II and III: DEHP treated (dissolved in olive oil at a dose of 10 and 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively, once daily through gastric intubation for 30 days); and Group IV: DEHP (100 mg/kg body weight) plus vitamins E (50 mg/kg body weight) and C (100 mg/kg body weight) dissolved in olive oil and distilled water, respectively, once daily through gastric intubation for 30 days. On completion of treatment, animals were euthanized and perfused (whole body); gastrocnemius muscle was dissected out and subjected to assessment of various parameters. DEHP treatment increased the H₂O₂, hydroxyl radical levels and lipid peroxidation which disrupt the membrane integrity and insulin receptor. DEHP impaired the insulin signal transduction, glucose uptake and oxidation through decreased expression of plasma membrane GLUT4, which may partly be responsible for the elevation of fasting blood glucose level. The present study suggests that DEHP exposure affects glucose oxidation in skeletal muscle and is mediated through enhanced lipid peroxidation, impaired insulin signaling and GLUT4 expression in plasma membrane. Antioxidant vitamins (C and E) have a protective role against the adverse effect of DEHP.     

Betanin exhibits significant potential as an antihyperglycemic and attenuating the glycoprotein components in streptozotocin–nicotinamide-induced experimental rats

This study hypothesized to evaluate the effect of betanin, a chromoalkaloid on plasma and altered tissues glycoprotein components in streptozotocin–nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of streptozotocin (45?mg/kg b.w.) dissolved in 0.1 M citrate buffer (pH 4.5) 15?min after the i.p. administration of nicotinamide (110?mg/kg b.w.). Experimental rats were administered betanin at the dose of 20?mg/kg b.w. and glibenclamide (600 µg/kg b.w.) once a day for 30 days. Diabetic rats revealed significant (p?1C, hexose, hexosamine, sialic acid and fucose in the plasma; decrease in the levels of plasma insulin, Hb and sialic acid in the liver and kidney; significant (p?相似文献   

Ameliorative effect of Withania coagulans on dyslipidemia and oxidative stress in nicotinamide–streptozotocin induced diabetes mellitus

Present study aims to evaluate the effect of Withania coagulans fruit (aqWC) on diabetic-dyslipidemia and antioxidant/oxidant status in DM. Diabetic animals were treated with aqWC at a dose of 250 mg/kg bw for 30 days. Lipid profile, MDA, GSH, SOD, FRAP, HMG CoA reductase and acetyl CoA carboxylase activities were estimated in blood and tissues. Total cholesterol, TAG and LDL were significantly elevated whereas HDL was decreased in diabetic animals (p < 0.05), simultaneously the lipid content and HMG CoA reductase activities were also increased, whereas acetyl CoA carboxylase activity decreased significantly in tissues of diabetic animals. MDA was increased and antioxidants such as SOD, GSH and FRAP decreased significantly in DM (p < 0.05). Oral administration of aqWC to diabetic animals produced significant improvement in serum lipid profile and tissue lipid content. Activity of HMG CoA reductase decreased, whereas acetyl CoA carboxylase activity increased significantly in tissues after aqWC treatment. Administration of aqWC to diabetic animals also showed significant increase in antioxidant levels i.e., GSH, SOD, FRAP and reduced level of MDA in blood and tissue homogenates as compared to diabetic controls (p < 0.05). These results suggest that aqWC treatment improved lipid profile and decreased oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus.     

Antidiabetic activity of aqueous root extract of Ichnocarpus frutescens in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type-II diabetes in rats

Objective:

To evaluate the antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract of roots of Ichnocarpus frutescens in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type-II diabetes in rats.

Materials and Methods:

Streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type-II diabetic rats (n = 6) were administered aqueous root extract (250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) of Ichnocarpus frutescens or vehicle (gum acacia solution) or standard drug glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg) for 15 days. Blood samples were collected by retro-orbital puncture and were analyzed for serum glucose on days 0, 5, 10, and 15 by using glucose oxidase-peroxidase reactive strips and a glucometer. For oral glucose tolerance test, glucose (2 g/kg, p.o.) was administered to nondiabetic control rats and the rats treated with glibenclamide (10 mg/kg, p.o.) and aqueous root extract of Ichnocarpus frutescens. The serum glucose levels were analyzed at 0, 30, 60, and 120 min after drug administration. The effect of the extract on the body weight of the diabetic rats was also observed.

Results:

The aqueous root extract of Ichnocarpus frutescens (250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) induced significant reduction (P < 0.05) of fasting blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type-II diabetic rats on the 10^th and 15^th days. In the oral glucose tolerance test, the extract increased the glucose tolerance. It also brought about an increase in the body weight of diabetic rats.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that Ichnocarpus frutescens has significant antidiabetic activity as it lowers the fasting blood sugar level in diabetic rats and increases the glucose tolerance.     

Propolis alleviates aluminium-induced lipid peroxidation and biochemical parameters in male rats

Aluminium is present in many manufactured foods and medicines and is also added to drinking water during purification purposes. Therefore, the present experiment was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of propolis in alleviating the toxicity of aluminium chloride (AlCl₃) on biochemical parameters, antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation of male Wistar Albino rats. Animals were assigned to 1 of 4 groups: control; 34 mg AlCl₃/kg bw; 50 mg propolis/kg bw; AlCl₃ (34 mg/kg bw) plus propolis (50 mg/kg bw), respectively. Rats were orally administered their respective doses daily for 70 days. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was increased, and the activities of glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were decreased in liver, kidney and brain of rats treated with AlCl₃. While, TBARS was decreased and the antioxidant enzymes were increased in rats treated with propolis alone. Plasma transaminases, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose, urea, creatinine, bilirubin, total lipid, cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-c were increased, while total protein, albumin and high HDL-c were decreased due to AlCl₃ administration. The presence of propolis with AlCl₃ alleviated its toxic effects in rats treated with AlCl₃. It can be concluded that propolis has beneficial influences and could be able to antagonize AlCl₃ toxicity.     

Anti-diabetic effect of Murraya koenigii leaves on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

The present study was aimed to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic efficacy of Murraya koenigii in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of ethanolic extract of M. koenigii at a dose of 200 mg/kg/ b.w./day for a period of 30 days significantly decreased the levels of blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, urea, uric acid and creatinine in diabetic treated group of animals. Determination of plasma insulin level revealed the insulin stimulatory effect of the extract. The results suggest that M. koenigii possesses statistically significant hypoglycemic potential in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The M. koenigii extract appeared to be more effective than glibenclamide, a known antidiabetic drug.     

Resveratrol toxicity: Effects on risk factors for atherosclerosis and hepatic oxidative stress in standard and high-fat diets

The beneficial action of moderate wine consumption is increasingly being attributed to resveratrol (trans-3,4′,5-trihydroxystilbene). To test the safety of resveratrol use as a dietary supplement, 24 male Wistar rats were initially divided into three groups: (C, n = 6) was given standard chow and water; (R, n = 6) received standard chow and 6 mg/l resveratrol in its drinking water (1 mg/kg/day), and (HFD, n = 12) received high-fat diet and water. In order to more appropriately study the effects of resveratrol on high-fat diet, after 30 days of treatments, HFD-rats were divided into two subgroups (n = 6/group):(HFD) remained receiving high-fat diet and water; (HFD-R) given high-fat diet and 6 mg/l resveratrol in its drinking water (1 mg/kg/day). The total experimental period was 45 days. The resveratrol dose took into account its average concentration in wine, the time variability of wine ingestion, and so of resveratrol consumption in humans. HFD-rats had hyperglycaemia, dyslipidemia, increased serum oxidized-LDL (ox-LDL) and hepatic oxidative stress. Comparing HFD-R and HFD-rats, resveratrol improved lipid profile and glucose level, enhanced superoxide dismutase, thus reducing ox-LDL and hepatic oxidative stress. Resveratrol, in standard-fed-rats reduced glutathione-antioxidant defense system and enhanced hepatic lipid hydroperoxide. In conclusion, based on the results of this single dose preliminary study with resveratrol in the drinking water of male Wistar rats for 30 days, it may be concluded that resveratrol may have beneficial effects in high-fat diets (e.g. ox-LDL, decreased serum and hepatic oxidative stress), but not in standard-fed diets (effects produced include enhanced hepatic oxidative stress). Further studies are indicated.