Attenuation of inflammation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rabbits by Matricaria chamomilla oil: A focus on targeting NF- κ B and NLRP3 signaling pathways

Objectives: The present study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of chamomile oil from Matricaria chamomilla against type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1 DM) and its potential mechanisms.Methods: T1 DM was established in male New Zealand white rabbits via a single intraperitoneal infusion of streptozotocin(STZ)(80 mg/kg body weight-1, dissolved in 0.2 m L of normal saline). Different doses of chamomile oil(25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) were orally administrated to STZ induced diabetic rabbits for 21 consecutive days. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was determined using ELISA assay. The expression of NF-κB and NLRP3 was measured using Western blot assay.Results: Compared with normal rabbits, STZ-induced diabetic rabbits exhibited significant increased levels of blood glucose and decreased levels of serum insulin that were reversed using middle and high tested dose of chamomile oil. Likewise, STZ-induced diabetic rabbits showed a significant increased expression of NF-κB and NLRP3 proteins in the pancreas tissue that was reversed by high tested dose of chamomile oil.Conclusion: Collectively, our findings demonstrated that chamomile oil possesses anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-inflammatory activities in STZ-induced diabetic rabbits by targeting inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways.     

Phytochemical analysis and antifertility potential of Cynodon dactylon in female Wistar rats: A herbal approach towards contraception

ObjectiveThe objective of the present study was to evaluate the antifertility activity of ether (ErCD), chloroform (CeCD) and ethyl alcohol (EyCD) extracts of the whole plant of Cynodon dactylon in female Wistar albino rats.MethodsAcute oral toxicity and an antifertility study were performed in female Wistar rats with two dose levels (200 and 400 mg/kg, orally) of EyCD. The estrogenic and progestogenic effects of EyCD were further observed by administering it to immature Wistar rats by investigations of vaginal cornification, hormonal level, uterus weight, biochemical parameters, histopathology of the uterus and deciduoma formation, respectively. Isolation of EyCD was carried out by Flash Chromatography and isolated fraction was estimated by HPLC.ResultsNo toxicity with any of the extract was found up to the dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight. EyCD treated rats exhibited maximum reduction in pregnancy (83.33%). Estimation of EyCD on vaginal cornification, estrogen-induced uterotrophic assay and deciduoma model demonstrated vaginal cornification, significant (P < 0.01) increase in uterine weight and uterine proliferation in histopathology and reduced deciduoma formation respectively. Hormonal and biochemical parameters confirmed the above findings indicating estrogenic potential and antiprogestogenic potential of EyCD that might be attributed to the presence of phytoestrogen (apigenin) in EyCD.ConclusionThe results suggested that extracts of C. dactylon possess significant antifertility activity, which is consistent with the literature reported in folk medicine of this plant in fertility regulation.     

Oestrogenic rhythm induced by a single administration of the extract of Ferula jaeschkeana to immature rats

The hexane extract of Ferula jaeschkeana was studied for its effects on the oestrogenic rhythm following a single administration to immature rats. A 25 mg/kg single oral dose significantly increased the uterine wet weight and caused premature opening of the vagina and induced vaginal cornification. A uterotrophic peak was attained 2 days after administration and thereafter declined gradually. At 10 days, values became almost normal. A significant amount of glycogen was estimated in the uterus during the first 5 days after administration and thereafter decreased significantly. Histoarchitecture of the uterus showed a stimulated endometrium which continued for 6–8 days only. The oestrogenic rhythm induced by the hexane extract was compared with that following diethylstilbesterol administration.     

Antifertility profile of the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera roots

An aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera roots was investigated for its estrogenic, anti-estrogenic, progestational and antiprogestational activities. Oral administration of extract progressively increased the uterine wet weight of bilaterally ovariectomized rats. This estrogenic activity was supported by stimulation of uterine histo-architecture. When the extract was given conjointly with estradiol dipropionate (EDP), there was a successive reduction in the uterine wet weight when compared to the gain with EDP alone and uterine histological structures were also inhibited. In the deciduoma test, the highest dose of 600 mg/kg interfered with the formation of deciduoma in 50% of the rats, showing some antiprogestational activity. Doses up to 600 mg/kg of the extract orally failed to induce a decidual response in the traumatized uterus of ovariectomized rats. The antifertility effect of the extract appears to be due to multiple attributes.     

Oestrogenic and pregnancy interceptory efficacy of a flavonoid mixture from Grangea maderaspatana poir (Artemisia maderaspatana) in the mouse

A mixture of flavonoids extracted from the plant Grangea maderaspatana possessed oestrogenicity and antiimplantational activities in the mouse. In the 3 day uterotrophic bioassay, administration of the drug at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight per day, intramuscularly to ovariectomized females, resulted in a highly significant (p<0.001) increase in the wet uterine and vaginal weights. However, in comparison with conjugated oestrogen, the extract proved to be mildly oestrogenic. Flavonoids, if administered orally at the same dose level effectively interfere with all stages of pregnancy. Maximum interceptory efficacy was recorded when the drug was administered from days 4–6 post coitum. However, there was a reduction in antinidational activity only if the drug was administered from days 1–3 and 7–9 post coitum.     

Immunostimulatory effect of methanol extract of Curculigo orchioides on immunosuppressed mice

The methanol extract of rhizomes of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. (Amaryllidaceae) holds potential as a protective agent against cytotoxic drugs. The extract when studied on humoral and cell mediated immunity in normal, as well as cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice produced an increase in humoral antibody (HA) titre, delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) and levels of WBC in a dose dependent manner.     

Antifertility effect of hydroalcoholic leaves extract of Michelia champaca L.: An ethnomedicine used by Bhatra women in Chhattisgarh state of India

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Michelia champaca L. (family: Magnoliaceae), commonly known as Champa [Hindi], is traditionally used for fertility regulation by the women of Chhattisgarh state in India. No scientific evidence regarding the antifertility effect of this plant is available till date.

Aim of the study

To study the anti-fertility effect of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Michelia champaca Linn. in female rats.

Materials and methods

The antifertility activity of the extract (HAEMC) administered at dose levels (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) was evaluated in two experimental animal models i.e. antiimplantation activity in female wistar rats and esterogenic/antiestrogenic activity in ovariectomized female rats. In anti-implantation activity, the extract (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) was administered to female rats from 1 to 7 days of pregnancy and on 10th day, laprotomy was performed to count the no. of implants. For estrogenic/anti-estrogenic activity, ovariectomized female rats were administered with the extract at both the doses alone as well as along with 17α-ethinyl estradiol (1 μ/rat/day) for 7 consecutive days. On the 8th day, all animals were sacrificed and blood serum was further processed for the estimation of biochemical parameters such as estrogen level, alkaline phosphates, cholesterol, tryglycerides, total protein etc.

Results

The extract (HAEMC) showed significant (p<0.01) 49.95% and 71.03% antiimplantation activities at 100 and 200 mg/kg doses respectively. The extract also exhibited significant (p<0.01) estrogenic activity as evidenced by increase in body weight, uterine weight, increased thickness and height of endometrium, vaginal cornification and significant (p<0.01) increase in estrogen, cholesterol, alkaline phosphate and triglycerides levels at higher dose when administered alone as well as along with ethinyl estradiol. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of steroids, flavonoids and alkaloids in the extract.

Conclusions

Hydroalchoholic extract of Michelia champaca leaves possesses significant antifertility effect which might be due to the inhibition of implantation and estrogenic effect which in turn might be due to the presence of some phytoconstituents in the plant.     

Effect of Asparagus racemosus rhizome (Shatavari) on mammary gland and genital organs of pregnant rat

Asparagus racemosus (AR) Willd (family Liliaceae) is commonly known as Shatavari. The alcoholic extract of its rhizome was administered orally to adult pregnant female albino rats at a dose of 30 mg/100 g body weight, daily for 15 days (days 1-15 of gestation). The macroscopic findings revealed a prominence of the mammary glands, a dilated vaginal opening and a transversely situated uterine horn in the treated group of animals. The weight of the uterine horns of the treated group was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.001) but the length was shorter (p > 0.01). Microscopic examination of the treated group showed proliferation in the lumen of the duct of mammary gland. It was obliterated due to hypertrophy of ductal and glandular cells. Hyperplasia of the glandular and muscular tissue and hypertrophy of the glandular cells were observed in the genital organs. The parenchyma of the genital organs showed abundant glycogen granules with dilated blood vessels and thickening of the epithelial lining. The oviduct in the treated group showed hypertrophied muscular wall, whereas the ovary revealed no effect of the drug. The results suggest an oestrogenic effect of Shatavari on the female mammary gland and genital organs.     

Antidiabetic effect of alcoholic extract of Caralluma sinaica L. on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rabbits

People of Asir region of Saudi Arabia chew Caralluma sinaica (CS) to lower glucose level. To establish its utility in diabetes mellitus we have under taken this study. The effect of CS on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic model as well as effect on oral glucose tolerance test were studied. The extract was shown to have positive test for possessing following chemical constituents like phenolic alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, coumarins, steroids and tannins. Administration of CS in different doses (50, 100, 150 and 200mg/kg, p.o.) to normal animals caused significant (P<0.01) decrease in glucose level. Prior administration of either CS (100mg/kg, p.o.) or glibenclamide (GB) (5mg/kg, p.o.) blocked the rise of glucose caused by the streptozotocin. Antidiabetic activity of CS was compared with clinically available drug GB. Administration of CS (100mg/kg, p.o.) to diabetic rabbits for 30 days has been shown to decrease plasma glucose level to almost normal level (P<0.001). Liver and kidney weight expressed as percentage of body weight significantly (P<0.05; P<0.01) increased in diabetic rabbits versus normal control (CNT). CS significantly (P<0.05) reversed the increasing weight of liver caused by STZ but not GB. STZ induced lowering of glycogen content of liver and muscle was reversed by both CS and GB. STZ induced a significant (P<0.001) increase in renal glycogen content this was almost normalized by CS (P<0.001) whereas GB significantly decreased (P<0.002) glycogen content. In oral glucose tolerance test administration of glucose increased plasma glucose level significantly in the diabetic control over the 2-h period. Compared to diabetic control plasma glucose levels in rabbits given CS or GB were significantly lower at all the time points that blood was sampled after oral glucose load. Comparing with the GB treatment blood glucose lowering effect was more pronounced for diabetic rabbits given CS. All these effects could explain the basis for use of this plant extract to manage diabetes mellitus.     

Using vaginal cytology to assess the estrogenic activity of phytoestrogen-rich herb

To assess the estrogenic activities of synthetic estrogen, synthetic phytoestrogen, Pueraria lobata and three distinct cultivars of Pueraria mirifica, a phytoestrogen-rich herb, a vaginal cytology assay in ovariectomized rats were used. Rats were ovariectomized and treated with DW, estradiol valerate (1 mg/kg BW), genistein (0.25-2.5 mg/kg BW), Pueraria lobata and Pueraria mirifica (10-1,000 mg/kg BW) for 14 days. The vaginal cytology was checked daily and the uteri were dissected and weighed at the end of treatment or post-treatment periods. The treatments of DW, genistein and Pueraria lobata did not influence the vaginal epithelium, but the injection of estradiol valerate induced a vaginal cornification from day-3 of treatment to day-14 of post-treatment period. The occurrence of vaginal cornification after treatment and the recovery after the cessation was dependent on dosages and cultivars of Pueraria mirifica. The increments of uterus weight in all rats agreed with the cornification of vaginal epithelium. Although both uterotropic and vaginal cytology assays can be used to assess the estrogenic activity of phytoestrogen-rich herb, however, using vaginal cytology assay has two advantages: (1) we do not need to kill the animals and (2) we can follow up the recovery after the cessation of treatment.     

Estrogenic activity of standardized extract of Angelica sinensis

Since ancient times, extracts of plants have been used for women's health to prevent menopausal symptoms. The symptoms of menopause have been attributed to a reduction in the amount of estrogen produced by the ovaries.In this study the estrogenic activity of a commercial standardized extract of the roots of Angelica sinensis, used to relieve climacteric symptoms was evaluated using in vivo tests such as the degree of cornification of vaginal epithelium, uterotrophic assays and serum LH concentration in ovariectomized rats. Furthermore, the effects on the estrous cycle in rat were investigated.The results obtained have shown that the administration of a standardized ethanol extract in ovariectomized rats exhibited a stimulation of the uterine histoarchitecture, a significant cornification in the vaginal epithelium and a reduction of serum LH concentration showing the estrogenic nature of the extract. Furthermore, the administration of the extract in intact female rats provoked a significant modification of the vaginal smear in 67% of treated rats. The estrous cycle thus modified was characterized by a prolonged estrus stage with a temporary reduction of the regular cyclicity.     

Anticonceptive and estrogenic effects of a seed extract of Ricinus communis var. minor.

An ether-soluble fraction of a methanol extract of Ricinus communis var. minor seeds administered subcutaneously to adult female rats and rabbits at doses up to 1.2 g/kg and 600 mg/kg, respectively, in divided doses showed anti-implantation and anticonceptive activities. Laparotomy performed on Day 10 and Day 15 of pregnancy on mated female rats and rabbits treated with the extract did not reveal any uterine implantation sites. The animals were protected against pregnancy for over three gestation periods and among those that later delivered, there was no evidence of abnormality in the pups. In ovariectomized young female rats as well as in immature mice, the extract dose-dependently increased uterine wet weight. Furthermore, the extract induced premature opening of the vagina, increased the number of epithelial cells and cornified cells and decreased the leucocyte number in the vaginal smear. The estrogen-like activities exhibited by the extract were dose-dependent and the anticonceptive effect may be due at least in part to such estrogenic action.     

Butanolic extract of Pueraria tuberosa DC.: Physiological response in the genital tract of cyclic female rats

Biochemical and physiological alterations have been observed in the genital tract of female cyclic rats treated with butanolic extract of Pueraria tuberosa DC. Its administration caused a significant increase in the glycogen contents, protein concentration, activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase and total cholesterol in the ovary, uterus, cervix and vagina. Further, in contrast to other organs vaginal glycogen decreased significantly. Its administration also stimulated the uterine structures, caused metaplastic changes in the cervical epithelium with marked keratinization and provoked considerable cornification in the vaginal epithelium. These changes have been correlated with anti-implantation action of the butanolic extract in the light of its estrogenic activity.     

Effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem on some testicular function indices of male rats

AIM OF THE STUDY: The effects of administration of aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem on some testicular function indices of male rats (Rattus norvegicus) and their recovery potentials for 10 days were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were grouped into four: A, B, C and D where A (the control) received orally 1 ml of distilled water (the vehicle), B, C and D (the test groups) received orally on daily basis graded doses of 18, 50 and 100mg/kg body weight of the plant extract, respectively, for 28 days. RESULTS: Compared with the control, extract administration for 28 days at all the doses resulted in significant increase (P<0.05) in percentage testes-body weight ratio, testicular cholesterol, sialic acid, glycogen, acid phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities while there was significant decrease (P<0.05) in the activities of testicular alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, glutamate dehydrogenase and concentrations of protein. Recoveries were made by the animals on some of the testicular function indices mainly at 18 mg/kg body weight. CONCLUSIONS: The alterations brought about by the aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis stem are indications of adverse effects on the male rat testicular function and this may adversely affect the functional capacities of the testes. The recovery made at the dose of 18 mg/kg body weight as used in folklore medicine suggests that it does not exhibit permanent toxicity at this dose.     

Oxytocic and oestrogenic effects of Monechma ciliatum methanol extract in vivo and in vitro in rodents

Various solvent extracts of the leaves of Monechma ciliatum (family Acanthecaea) were tested for oxytocic properties on uterine preparations in vivo and in vitro. The methanol extract (HME) contracted the nonpregnant uterus of the rat, guinea-pig and mouse as well as preparations obtained from guinea-pigs on days 6–7 and 11–12 of pregnancy. The rat pregnant uterus was not affected by the extract. Oral administration of HME to rats on days 15, 16 and 17 of pregnancy had no abortifacient effect compared with oxytocin. However, laparotomy on day 23 revealed fetal death in utero. The extract was also found to have oestrogenic activity based on parameters such as uterine weight ratio, premature vaginal opening and degree of vaginal cornification.     

Antidiabetic activity of Paspalum scrobiculatum Linn. in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Paspalum scrobiculatum Linn. (Poaceae) is traditionally used to treat diabetes mellitus. The grains of Paspalum scrobiculatum are having potential in the development of drug for diabetes due to their antidiabetic activity.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the antidiabetic activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of grains of Paspalum scrobiculatum Linn. (Poaceae) in alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight), were administered orally to male Wistar albino rats. Alloxan monohydrate was used to induce diabetes mellitus. Total phenolic content was estimated in the extracts. The parameters studied included oral glucose tolerance test, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin and glycated haemoglobin levels, liver glycogen content, serum lipid profile, and changes in body weights.

Results

In oral glucose tolerance test, reduction of fasting blood glucose levels took place from 60 min of extract administration. The extracts produced a dose-dependent fall in fasting blood glucose (FBG). After 15 days of treatment with extracts the maximum reduction in FBG (35.14%) was observed in diabetic rats treated with ethanolic extract 500 mg/kg dose. A significant increase in serum insulin level was observed in the treated rats. Serum lipid levels were reversed towards near normal and a control in the loss of body weight was observed in treated rats as compared to diabetic control. The extract treatment also showed a significant increase in the liver glycogen and a significant decrease in glycated haemoglobin levels. The results demonstrate that Paspalum scrobiculatum possesses significant antidiabetic activity in diabetic rats.

Conclusion

The results suggest that Paspalum scrobiculatum has antidiabetic activity, thereby justifying its traditional claim and augmenting it into the present day systems of medicine.     

益妇宁胶囊对去势高血脂模型大鼠血脂水平的影响

目的:观察益妇宁(YFN)胶囊对去势高血脂大鼠血脂水平的影响。方法:56只SD雌性大鼠随机分为7组:正常组、模型对照组、乙烯雌酚片组、血脂康组、YFN高、中、低剂量组。造模成功后喂高脂饲料并给药3周,测定大鼠体重及肝指数,并用试剂盒检测血脂五项(TC,TG,HDL-C,LDL-C,VLDL)及酶(HP,LPL,总脂酶)的水平。结果:模型组大鼠的体重、肝指数较正常组明显升高(P<0.05),YFN能明显降低去势高脂大鼠血清TG,TC,LDL-C水平(P<0.05),明显升高HP,LPL,总脂酶的水平(P<0.05)。结论:YFN可以改善去势高血脂大鼠血脂水平。     

壮药千斤拔饮对去卵巢大鼠免疫内分泌影响的研究

目的：研究壮药千斤拔饮对去卵巢大鼠免疫内分泌的影响。方法：将3月龄雌性SD大鼠去势后随机分成4组（模型组、千斤拔饮低、高剂量组及己烯雌酚对照组）,另取10只3月龄雌性SD大鼠为假手术对照组。观察各组大鼠血清E2、FSH、LH及IL-2的变化、子宫重量及子宫组织学改变。结果：壮药千斤拔饮高剂量组能够明显增加去势大鼠的子宫重量指数,但子宫内膜并无明显增厚;明显升高去势大鼠血清E2、IL-2水平,降低去势大鼠血清FSH、LH的水平,与模型组相比较,差异具有统计学意义（P〈0.05或P〈0.01）。结论：壮药千斤拔饮有调节免疫内分泌功能的作用,并且能够减轻子宫的萎缩程度,且对子宫内膜影响较小,提示壮药千斤拔饮不仅疗效可靠,且更为安全。     

仙茅水提取物灌胃给予大鼠后入血成分研究

目的:测定并确认仙茅水提取物的入血成分。方法:大鼠灌胃给予仙茅水提取物,以HPLC测定不同血浆样品的色谱图,确认入血成分的色谱峰,以HPLC-MS-MS和NMR确定入血成分的结构。结果:苔黑酚葡萄糖苷和仙茅苷是仙茅水提取物的主要成分,含量分别为4.26%和0.96%。其中,苔黑酚葡萄糖苷以原型吸收入血,而仙茅苷等其他成分在本实验色谱条件下未从血中检测到。仙茅苷原型没有入血的原因可能是其在胃中很快被降解为其他成分。结论:仙茅的入血成分为苔黑酚葡萄糖苷,为仙茅的药效物质基础研究以及进一步的体内代谢研究提供参考。     

Post-coital antifertility activity of Achyranthes aspera Linn. root

Achyranthes aspera Linn. (Amaranthaceae) is an abundant indigenous herb in India. It is traditionally being used as an abortifacient. The ethanol extract of the root was screened for antifertility activity in proven fertile female albino rats at 200 mg/kg body weight and given orally on days 1-7 of pregnancy. The ethanol extract exhibited 83.3% anti-implantation activity when given orally at 200 mg/kg body weight. The rats, which continued their pregnancy, did not deliver any litters after their full term. Hence the combined antifertility (anti-implantation and abortifacient) activity of ethanol extract was 100%. The results suggest that the ethanol extract possess both anti-implantation and abortifacient activity. The ethanol extract also exhibited estrogenic activity tested in immature ovariectomised female albino rats. Histological studies were carried out to confirm this.