Combined treatment with a traditional Chinese medicine, Hachimi-jio-gan (Ba-Wei-Di-Huang-Wan) and alendronate improves bone microstructure in ovariectomized rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Hachimi-jio-gan is one of the most common recipes in traditional Chinese, Japanese and Korean medicines and has been used for preventing and treating various diseases associated with aging, including osteoporosis.

Aim of the study

The present study was performed to examine the combined effects of a traditional Chinese medicine, Hachimi-jio-gan (HJG) and antiresorptive agent, alendronate (ALN) on ovariectomy-induced bone loss in rats.

Materials and methods

Six-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were underwent ovariectomy (OVX) or sham operation. Eight weeks later, the OVX rats were treated either with HJG or ALN alone or in combination of both. The skeletal response was evaluated using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), image analysis software, and biochemical markers.

Results

This study demonstrated that treatment with HJG or ALN alone increased trabecular bone volume and bone mineral density (BMD), and partially improved bone microstructure of the proximal tibia and vertebra in OVX rats. Treatment with ALN to OVX rats resulted in significant reduction in both bone resorption and bone formation. Treatment with HJG to OVX rats inhibited bone resorption, with no marked effects on bone formation. Combined treatment of HJG and ALN significantly improved trabecular bone mass and bone microstructure, compared with either agent alone.

Conclusions

We conclude that the combined treatment with HJG and ALN has beneficial effects on trabecular bone mass, improving the structural properties of both tibia and vertebra in OVX rats.     

Antiosteoporotic Activity of Saururus chinensis Extract in Ovariectomized Rats

Recent studies suggest that phytoestrogens may exert a protective effect against osteoporosis. This study examined whether treatment with phytoestrogen extracts from Saururus chinensis (SC) exerted a preventive effect on estrogen‐deficiency‐induced osteoporosis. Six‐ to seven‐month‐old female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned into either a sham‐operated group or one of three ovariectomy (OVX) subgroups: OVX treated with vehicle, OVX with alendronate, and OVX with SC extract (SC). Rats began receiving treatment 4 weeks before the OVX treatment and continued receiving treatment for an additional 10 weeks after OVX (for a combined total of 14 weeks). The results showed that the SC treatment prevented loss of femur bone mineral density after OVX, as determined by a significant decrease in the levels of serum bone turnover markers osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase as well as urinary deoxypyridinoline. Micro‐computed tomography analysis showed that the SC treatment significantly prevented decreases in bone volume/tissue volume, trabecular number and trabecular thickness, while also preventing an increase in trabecular separation. It was concluded that SC treatment could prevent OVX‐induced loss of bone mass and deterioration in trabecular microarchitecture by suppressing bone turnover, thereby maintaining bone structural integrity. Further, no stimulation of proliferation of uterine tissue was noted. Therefore, it is suggested that treatment with S. chinensis extracts might be a potential alternative therapy for treating postmenopausal osteoporosis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Anti-osteoporosis activity of Cibotium barometz extract on ovariectomy-induced bone loss in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Recent research has confirmed that Cibotium barometz could inhibits osteoclast formation with no affect on BMM cell viability. However, the in?uence of Cibotium barometz on osteoporosis in animals is relatively unknown. The purpose of this study is to systemically investigate the effects of Cibotium barometz extract (CBE) on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats.

Materials and methods

A total of Seventy-two 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were used and randomly divided into sham-operated group and five ovariectomized (OVX) groups: OVX with vehicle; OVX with 17β-estradiol (E2, 25 μg/kg/day); OVX with CBE of graded doses (100, 300, or 500 mg/kg/day). Daily oral administration of E2 or CBE began 4 weeks after the surgery and lasted for 16 weeks. Bone mass, bone turnover and strength were analyzed by DEXA, biochemical markers and three-point bending test. The trabecular bone microarchitecture was evaluated by MicroCT.

Results

CBE prevented total BMD decrease in the femur induced by OVX, which was accompanied by a significant decrease in skeletal remodeling, as was evidenced by the decreased levels of the bone turnover markers, such as osteocalcin (OC), alkaline phosphatese (ALP), deoxypyridinoline (DPD), and urinary Ca and P excretions. The treatment could also enhance the bone strength and prevent the deterioration of trabecular microarchitecture.

Conclusions

The present study indicated that Cibotium barometz extract might be a potential alternative medicine for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.     

A protective effect of Curcuma comosa Roxb. on bone loss in estrogen deficient mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Curcuma comosa Roxb. or Wan chak motluk is an indigenous medicinal herb and has traditionally been used among postmenopausal women for relief of unpleasant menopausal symptoms.

Aim of the study

Estrogen deficiency is a causative factor in the development of osteoporosis in menopausal women. Phytoestrogens, non-steroidal plant-derived compounds which have an array of beneficial effects, are considered as an effective alternative compound in preventing bone loss caused by the deficiency of estrogen. The present study determined the potential effect of Curcuma comosa Roxb. (C. comosa) hexane extract containing phytoestrogens in protecting bone loss induced by ovariectomy in mice.

Materials and methods

Mature Swiss albino female mice were ovariectomized and treated with the C. comosa extract for 5 weeks. Bone calcium content, bone mass density, histology, and bone markers were evaluated.

Results

The ovariectomized mice showed a marked decrease in total bone calcium content and bone mass density of lumbar vertebrae 5-6, femur and tibia bone in comparison with the intact control mice. Bone histology demonstrated the poor development of endochondral bone formation in ovariectomized mice which correlated with a decrease in plasma bone alkaline phosphatase activity. Treatment with C. comosa protected against the loss of total bone calcium content and bone mass density in both trabecular and cortical bones, similar to results observed with estrogen treatment. In addition, C. comosa treatment resulted in less increase in uterine weight compared to estrogen treatment.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that C. comosa prevents bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency. Therefore, C. comosa would be a potential alternative treatment for prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.     

Antiulcerogenic effect of Croton urucurana Baillon bark

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Elephantopus mollis, Spilanthes africana, Urena lobata, Momordica multiflora, Asystasia gangetica and Brillantaisia ovariensis are used in Cameroonian traditional medicine for the treatment of bone diseases and fracture repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ethanolic extracts of six Cameroonian medicinal plants on bone regeneration following bone and marrow injury.

Materials and methods

Ethanol extract of Cameroonian medicinal plants were administered (each extract at 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg doses) orally to adult female Sprague–Dawley rats having a drill hole injury (0.8 mm) in the femur diaphysis. Vehicle (gum-acacia in distilled water) was given to the control group. After 12 days of treatment, animals were euthanized and femur bones collected. Confocal microscopy of fractured bone was performed to evaluate bone regeneration (calcein labeling). Only active plant extracts were used for further experiments. Thus, callus was analyzed by microcomputed tomography. Osteogenic effects of the extracts were evaluated by assessing mineralized nodules formation of bone marrow stromal cells and osteoblast recruitment at drill hole site by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Ethanolic extract of the leaves and twigs of Elephantopus mollis (EM) and whole plant of Spilanthes africana (SA) dose-dependently stimulated bone regeneration at the drill hole site. EM at 250 and 750 mg/kg doses and SA at 750 mg/kg dose significantly increased mineral deposition compared to controls. Both extracts at 500 and 750 mg/kg doses improved microarchitecture of the regenerating bone evident from increased bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, trabecular number, and decreased trabecular separation and structure model index. EM and SA extracts increased the formation of mineralized nodules from the bone marrow stromal cells. In addition, EM and SA extracts increased osteoblast recruitment at the drill hole site evident from increased Runx-2 positive cells following their treatments compared to control.

Conclusion

Ethanolic extracts of EM and SA accelerate fracture repair in rats via stimulatory effects on osteoblast differentiation and mineralization, thereby justifying their traditional use.     

Achyranthes bidentata root extract prevent OVX-induced osteoporosis in rats

Aim

The objective of the present study was to systematically investigate the effects of Achyranthes bidentata root extract (ABRE) on postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Materials and methods

Eighty 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were used and randomly assigned into sham-operated group (SHAM) and five ovariectomy (OVX) subgroups, i.e. OVX with vehicle (OVX); OVX with 17β-ethinylestradiol (E₂, 25 μg/kg/day); OVX with ABRE of graded doses (100, 300, or 500 mg/kg/day). Daily oral administration of ABRE or E₂ started on week 4 after OVX for 16 weeks. Bone mass, bone turnover and strength were analyzed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), biochemical markers and three-point bending test. The trabecular bone microarchitecture was evaluated by microcomputed tomography (μCT).

Results

16 weeks treatment of ABRE slowed down the body weight gain and prevented the loss of bone mass induced by the OVX. The prevention effect on bone loss was due to altering the rate of bone remodeling, which could be inferred from the decreased level of bone turnover markers, such as serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC) and urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD). The changes of urinary calcium and phosphorus excretion provided the same evidence. The treatment could also enhance the bone strength and prevent the deterioration of trabecular microarchitecture.

Conclusions

We conclude that 16 weeks of ABRE treatment improve bone biomechanical quality through modifications of bone mineral density (BMD), and trabecular microarchitecture without hyperplastic effect on uterus, and it might be a potential alternative medicine for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.     

A traditional Chinese herbal preparation, Er-Zhi-Wan, prevent ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Er-Zhi-Wan (EZW), a classic Chinese formulation, which contains Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL) and Herba Ecliptae (HE). EZW is widely used to prevent and treat various kidney diseases for its actions of nourishing the kidney and strengthening tendon and bone. Although recent reports indicate that EZW restrains osteoclastic bone resorption, its effects on the protection against define OVX-induced bone loss in mature rats have not been systematically investigated.

Materials and methods

Sixty 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into sham-operated group (Sham) and five OVX subgroups, OVX with vehicle (OVX); OVX with Estradiol Valerate (EV, 0.4 mg/kg body weight/day); OVX with EZW of graded doses (9.0, 4.5, or 2.25 g/kg/day). Daily oral administration of EV and EZW on 5th week for 26 weeks. Bone turnover markers (Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), osteocalcin (OCN), deoxypyridinoline (DPD)), other parameters, including serum calcium (S-Ca), serum phosphorus (S-P), urine calcium (U-Ca), phosphorus (U-P), and bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur, 4th lumbar vertebra and tibia, bone biomechanical properties and trabecular microarchitecture parameters were measured.

Results

Administration of EZW could significantly prevent ovariectomy-induced bone loss, biomechanical reduction, deterioration of trabecular microarchitecture and the body weight gain without affecting the weight of the uterus, and increased S-Ca, S-P levels, decreased level of bone turnover markers and U-Ca, U-P levels in ovariectomized rats.

Conclusion

The present study indicated that EZW had a definite antiosteoporotic effect without hyperplastic effect on uterus, and it might be a potential alternative medicine for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.     

Effect of the combinatory mixture of Rubus coreanus Miquel and Astragalus membranaceus Bunge extracts on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in mice and anti-RANK signaling effect

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is one of the most common disorders in women after menopause, which is linked to an estrogen deficiency and characterized by an excessive loss of trabecular bone. Rubus coreanus and Astragalus membranaceus have been used for their various pharmacological properties in Asia as a traditional medicine. The present study evaluated the anti-osteoporotic effects of the optimal combination of Rubus coreanus and Astragalus membranaceus in 7:3 mixture (RAM) in ovariectomized (OVX) mice by investigating bone biomechanical properties and the serum levels of TNF-α, osteocalcin, RANKL, OPG, and RANK–RANKL signal-related osteoclast differentiation markers.

Materials and methods

A total of 36 mature female outbred ICR (Institute of cancer research) strain mice (7 weeks) were divided into 6 groups with 7 mice in each group as follows: (1) Sham-operated control mice (Sham) received daily oral phosphate-buffered-saline (PBS) of equal volumes through gavage. (2) OVX mice received a daily oral gavage of PBS (OVX). (3) OVX mice were treated daily with 50 mg/kg b.w./day of RAM (4) with 100 mg/kg b.w./day of RAM or (5) with 200 mg/kg b.w./day of RAM via oral gavage. (6) OVX mice received i.p. injections of 17β-estradiol (E2) (0.1 mg/kg b.w./day) three times per week for 12 weeks.

Results

Micro-CT images showed that oral administration of RAM to OVX mice prevented tibial bone loss, preserved trabecular bone microarchitecture, and improved bone biomechanical properties. RAM administration also showed recovery effects on the levels of TNF-α, OPG and RANKL concentration in OVX-states. Additionally, we found that the mechanism by which RAM elicited anti-osteoporotic effects was by down-regulating the expression of TRAF6 and NFATc1 in RANKL-RANK pathway, a route of osteoclast differentiation, followed by reducing the production of osteoclast differentiation factors, calcitonin receptors and cathepsin K.

Conclusions

Our research strongly suggests that RAM can be clinically used in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.     

Inhibition of aldose reductase by Aegle marmelos and its protective role in diabetic cataract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. Serr. (Aegle marmelos) leaves were extensively used in the Ayurvedic, Unani and Siddha systems of Indian medicine as an anti-diabetic agent, which serves as hypoglycemic agent. However, the significance of this plant on secondary complications of diabetes such as cataract remained unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible anti-cataractous activity of Aegle marmelos against streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic cataract in rats.

Materials and methods

Aegle marmelos leaf extract was prepared using three different solvents (petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol) and tested for inhibition against rat lens aldose reductase (AR), a key enzyme of polyol pathway. Furthermore, the pharmacological potential of Aegle marmelos extract was investigated against osmotic stress induced opacification of lens in ex vivo organ culture and streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic cataract in rats.

Results

Ethyl acetate extract of Aegle marmelos inhibited rat lens AR in vitro with an IC₅₀ value of ∼15 µg/ml. This extract also prevented the hyperglycemia induced increase in AR activity, sorbitol accumulation and opacification of rat lens in ex vivo lens organ culture. Supplementation of ethyl acetate extract of Aegle marmelos to STZ-induced diabetic rats decreased the blood glucose levels due to hyperglycemia and inhibited the AR activity and delayed cataract progression in dose dependent manner. α-crystallin isolated from diabetic rats fed with Aegle marmelos showed improved chaperone activity than that of isolated from rats naïve to Aegle marmelos.

Conclusion

This study indicates that ethyl acetate extract of Aegle marmelos has pharmacologically active components with a potential to inhibit rat lens AR and consequential decrease in osmotic stress. Besides this, the present study also demonstrates that the extract prevented loss of antioxidants contributing to the integrity of α-crystallin's chaperone activity and thereby delaying cataract.     

Antiosteoporotic activity of Davallia formosana

Ethanopharmacological relevance

In Taiwanese folk medicine, Davallia formosana is used to treat bone diseases, including osteoporosis.

Aim

This study evaluated the anti-osteoporotic effect of ethanolic extract derived from Davallia formosana (DFE).

Materials and methods

In this in vitro study, we investigated the inhibitory action of DFE on RANKL-stimulated osteoclastogenesis. The in vivo effects of DFE on bone metabolism were evaluated using ovariectomized (OVX) rats orally administered DFE (200, 500 mg/kg), alendronate (2.5 mg/kg, three times a week) or its vehicle for 12 weeks.

Results

This in vitro study demonstrated that DFE inhibited osteoclast differentiation, and also isolated the active component, (−)-epicatechin 3-O-β-d-allopyranoside (ECAP). DFE did not affect the body or vaginal weight in OVX rats. The bone mineral density and bone calcium content in OVX rats were lower in the control group showing that DFE was able to prevent significant bone loss. In addition, the three point bending test and the microcomputer tomography scanning showed that DFE treatment enhanced bone strength and inhibited the deterioration of trabecular microarchitecture. In the biochemical assay, DFE decreased urinary deoxypyridinoline and calcium concentrations, but did not inhibit serum alkaline phosphatase activities, indicating that it ameliorated bone loss via inhibition of bone reabsorption.

Conclusions

These results suggest that DFE may represent a useful remedy for the treatment of bone reabsorption diseases such as osteoporosis. In addition, ECAP could be used as a marker compound to control the quality of DFE.     

蝙蝠葛果提取物抗大鼠实验性心律失常和降压作用研究

目的:研究蝙蝠葛果提取物(MD)对药物诱发大鼠实验性心律失常和降血压的作用。方法:制备乌头碱、氯化钡(BaCl2)诱发的大鼠实验性心律失常模型,常规测定血压。记录给乌头碱后出现的室早(VA)、室速(VT)、室颤(VF)时的乌头碱用量;记录给BaCl2后心律失常出现时间和维持时间;记录给蝙蝠葛果提取物自身前后血压的变化。结果:MD(40 mg·kg-1 i,v)可明显提高乌头碱诱发大鼠出现室早、室速时的乌头碱用量;MD(40,20 mg·kg-1 i,v)可明显提高大鼠出现室颤时乌头碱用量,可明显推迟氯化钡诱发大鼠心律失常出现时间和缩短维持时间;MD(40 mg·kg-1)降压效果明显,降压持续时间明显延长。结论:MD对2种药物诱发的实验性心律失常均具有明显保护作用,MD有一定降压作用且降压效果明显持久。其抗心律失常机制可能与抑制钙离子、钠离子跨膜流动有关。     

Anti-osteoporotic activity of aqueous-methanol extract of Berberis aristata in ovariectomized rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Traditionally Berberis aristata is employed for its supposed properties in treatment of joint pain and also used in alleviating symptoms of menopause.

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the antiosteoporotic effect of Berberis aristata in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.

Materials and methods

Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham and OVX groups. The OVX rats were further divided into four groups, which received standard estrogen (0.0563 mg/kg) and 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg aqueous-methanol extract of Berberis aristata, daily for 42 days. The uterine weight, bone loss, ash content, biomechanical, biochemical and histopathological observation were carried out for antiosteoporotic activity.

Results

The experimental animals treated with Berberis aristata aqueous-methanol extract showed dose dependent activity. The significant increase in uterine weight, femur BMD, ash content and lumbar hardness were observed. In addition, increased levels of calcium and phosphorus in serum and significant decreased in urine were observed as compared to control OVX group. The histopathological results also confirm the protective effect of extract.

Conclusion

The present findings strongly suggest that Berberis aristata possess the potent antiosteoporosis activity in ovariectomized rats and substantiates the ethnic use in treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.     

Antiurolithic effect of Bergenia ligulata rhizome: An explanation of the underlying mechanisms

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Bergenia ligulata is widely used plant in South Asia, mainly India and Pakistan, as a traditional medicine for treatment of urolithiasis.

Aim of the study

To rationalize the Bergenia ligulata use in kidney stones and to explain the underlying mechanisms.

Materials and methods

The crude aqueous-methanolic extract of Bergenia ligulata rhizome (BLR) was studied using in vitro and in vivo methods.

Results

BLR inhibited calcium oxalate (CaC₂O₄) crystal aggregation as well as crystal formation in the metastable solutions and exhibited antioxidant effect against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical and lipid peroxidation in the in vitro. BLR caused diuresis in rats accompanied by a saluretic effect. In an animal model of urolithiasis, developed in male Wistar rats by adding 0.75% ethylene glycol (EG) in drinking water, BLR (5–10 mg/kg) prevented CaC₂O₄ crystal deposition in the renal tubules. The lithogenic treatment caused polyuria, weight loss, impairment of renal function and oxidative stress, manifested as increased malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl contents, depleted reduced glutathione and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities of the kidneys, which were prevented by BLR. Unlike the untreated animals, EG intake did not cause excessive hyperoxaluria and hypocalciuria in BLR treated groups and there was a significant increase in the urinary Mg²⁺, instead of a slight decrease.

Conclusions

These data indicate the antiurolithic activity in Bergenia ligulata mediated possibly through CaC₂O₄ crystal inhibition, diuretic, hypermagneseuric and antioxidant effects and this study rationalizes its medicinal use in urolithiasis.     

Acute, subacute toxicity and genotoxic effect of a hydroethanolic extract of the cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)

Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae), popularly known as cajueiro is a native plant to Brazil, and largely used in popular medicine to treat ulcers, hypertension and diarrhea. In the present study, acute, 30-day subacute toxicity and genotoxicity assays were carried out. The crude extract did not produce toxic symptoms in rats in doses up to 2000 mg/kg. Based on biochemical analyses of renal and hepato-biliary functions, such as the level of urea, creatinine, transaminases and alkaline phosphatase, we determined that the extract is generally tolerated by rats. This was also confirmed by hematological and histopathological exams. Genotoxicity was accessed by the Ames test in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA97, TA98, TA100, TA102 and by the bone marrow micronucleus test in mice. The extract was shown to induce frameshift, base pair substitution and damage to the chromosomes. However, this effect was less deleterious than the clastogenic effect of ciclophosphamide.     

Antihypertensive and antioxidant effects of Allanblackia floribunda Oliv. (Clusiaceae) aqueous extract in alcohol- and sucrose-induced hypertensive rats

Aim of the study

Allanblackia floribunda Oliv. (Clusiaceae), an evergreen tree of the rain-forest has long been used in traditional African medicine to treat hypertension. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of Allanblackia floribunda aqueous extract on alcohol- and sugar-induced hypertension in rats.

Material and methods

Alcohol-induced hypertensive rats (AHR) were obtained by oral administration of ethanol (3 g/kg/day) while sucrose (5, 6 and 7% in drinking water) was used for sucrose-induced hypertensive rat (SuHR). Both models of animals concomitantly received either aqueous extract (200 or 400 mg/kg; p.o.) or nifedipine (10 mg/kg; p.o.) all along the 8 weeks of experiment. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured using the direct cannulation method. The effects of the plant extract on lipid profile, oxidative stress markers, as well as on kidney and liver functions were evaluated at the end of the treatment by the colorimetric method.

Results

At the doses of Allanblackia floribunda (200 and 400 mg/kg/day) significantly prevented (21.74; 26.65% and 11.71; 24.58% of reduction) the increase in mean blood pressure on AHR and SuHR, respectively. Administration of the plant extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg led to the prevention of total cholesterol (42.82%), HDL-cholesterol (36.59%) and triglycerides (9.67%) increase in serum lipid in AHR as compared to the untreated AHR. In SuHR, the extract significantly prevented the high concentrations of total cholesterol (44.08%) and triglycerides (33.05%) induced by sucrose treatment as compared to the untreated SuHR, without affecting that of HDL-cholesterol. Allanblackia floribunda (200 and 400 mg/kg) also prevented the increase in atherogenic index by 54.45 and 42.94% in AHR and by 23.70 and 44.32% in SuHR, respectively. Allanblackia floribunda (400 mg/kg) prevented the increase in bilirubine (19.59 and 16.56%), urea (33.36 and 28.2%), ALT (29.55 and 33.09%) and AST (36.28 and 37.12%) of AHR and SuHR, respectively. Treatment with plant extract significantly prevented the increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase and the decrease of reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration in aorta, heart, kidney and liver of AHR and SuHR.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that the aqueous extract of Allanblackia floribunda can prevent alcohol- and sugar-induced hypertension and oxidative stress in rats. These findings could therefore justify its use in traditional medicine.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Cuscuta chinensis against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Tu-Si-Zi, the seeds of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. (Convolvulaceae), is a traditional Chinese medicine that is commonly used to nourish and improve the liver and kidney conditions in China and other Asian countries. As oxidative stress promotes the development of acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity, the aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant activities of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C chinensis on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The C chinensis ethanolic extract at an oral dose of both 125 and 250mg/kg showed a significant hepatoprotective effect relatively to the same extent (P<0.05) by reducing levels of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). In addition, the same ethanolic extract prevented the hepatotoxicity induced by APAP-intoxicated treatment as observed when assessing the liver histopathology. Regarding the antioxidant activity, C chinensis ethanolic extract exhibited a significant effect (P<0.05) by increasing levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In contrast, the same doses of the aqueous extract of C chinensis did not present any hepatoprotective effect as seen in the ethanolic extract, and resulted in further liver deterioration. In conclusion, these data suggest that the ethanolic extract of Cuscuta chinensis can prevent hepatic injuries from APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and this is likely mediated through its antioxidant activities.     

Studies on the analgesic,anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of Parquetina nigrescens leaf extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Parquetina nigrescens is a shrub that is commonly used in different parts of West Africa for the treatment of several ailments which includes pain, fever and inflammatory conditions.

Aim of the study

The present study was designed to investigate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of the aqueous extract of Parquetina nigrescens leaves in rats.

Materials and methods

Five groups were used for each study, groups 1 and 5 served as control (saline) and reference (indomethacine) respectively, while groups 2–4 received the extract (50–200 mg/kg) orally. Formalin paw licking and hot plate latency tests were used for analgesic studies. Carrageenan oedema, cotton pellet granuloma and formaldehyde arthritis models were used to quantify the anti-inflammatory activities while the brewer’s yeast was used for inducing pyrexia.

Results

The results of the analgesic study show that the extract produced significant (p < 0.05) analgesia in the hot plate and in the formalin tests. In the anti-inflammatory study, Parquetina nigrescens produced significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of the various types of inflammation. The extract also inhibited the pyrexia induced by brewer’s yeast.

Conclusion

The result justifies the traditional uses of Parquetina nigrescens for the treatment of fever, inflammatory and painful conditions.     

Acute and subchronic oral toxicity assessment of the aqueous extract from the stem bark of Erythrina senegalensis DC (Fabaceae) in rodents

Aim of the study

The decoction of the stem bark of Erythrina senegalensis (EAES) is traditionally used in the Western region of Cameroon against liver disorders. The present study evaluated the potential toxicity of this decoction after acute and sub-chronic administration in rodents.

Materials and methods

In acute study, a single administration of EAES was given orally to mice at doses ranging from 1.25 to 12.5 g/kg. General behaviour, adverse effects and mortality were determined for up to 14 days post treatment. In the sub-chronic study, EAES was given orally as a single administration to Wistar rats at doses of 300, 600 and 1200 mg/kg/day for 28 days. Animal body weight was observed throughout the experimental period while haematological and biochemical parameters of blood and urine, as well as kidney and liver tissues histology were evaluated at the end of the experiment.

Results

In the acute study in mice, none of the doses used induced mortality or significant behavioural changes. In the sub-chronic study in rats, daily oral administration of EAES at the dose of 600 mg/kg resulted in a significant increase in the relative body weight at the last week of treatment. The relative weights of organs were not affected by the treatment. No haematological changes were observed a part of a significant increase in WBC count at the dose of 600 mg/kg. Serum AST, ALT, ALP, total protein, total cholesterol and triglycerides decreased significantly while total and conjugated bilirubin significantly increased. Renal function indices assay in blood showed significant modification in all the treated groups compared to control while, in urine, only urea excretion markedly reduced at a dose of 1200 mg/kg. Histological analysis did no show any liver or kidney alteration.

Conclusion

These results demonstrated that there is a wide margin of safety for the therapeutic use of EAES and further corroborated the traditional use of this extract as a hepatoprotective agent.     

Molecular and pharmacodynamic properties of estrogenic extracts from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Epimedium

The Chinese medicinal herb, Epimedium, used traditionally for bone health exerts estrogenic activity (EA) in vitro. A genetically characterized Epimedium brevicornum (EB) extract induced biphasic responses in the mRNA and protein expression of the estrogen-regulated progesterone receptor gene in breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. These changes were mirrored changes in estrogenic receptor (ERalpha) content. In male Sprague-Dawley rats, administration of the estrogenic prodrug, estradiol valerate increased area-under-curve of serum effects for ERalpha (AUC difference: 18,900EA(ERalpha) min; 95% CI: 0-37,800; p = 0.05) and breast cancer cell (MCF-7) growth (AUC difference: 30,200EA(MCF-7) min; 95% CI: 24,200-36,200; p<0.001), compared to placebo. Oral administration of Epimedium brevicornum increased ERalpha activity (1320EA(ERalpha) min, p<0.01). Our data indicate that estrogen-responsive bioassays can measure the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics of estrogenic activity in serum. Epimedium brevicornum extract increases estrogenic activity in serum and human studies are required to evaluate whether Epimedium extracts have utility for estrogen replacement therapy.