The dual actions of Sanmiao wan as a hypouricemic agent: Down-regulation of hepatic XOD and renal mURAT1 in hyperuricemic mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Sanmiao wan (SMW) is widely used for the treatment of gout and hyperuricemia in traditional Chinese medicine.

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study was to investigate the hypouricemic effects of SMW and its possible mechanism in potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mice.

Materials and methods

SMW at 489, 978 and 1956 mg/kg was orally administered to hyperuricemic and normal mice, and standard drug allopurinol (2.5 mg/kg) was served as a positive control. The effects of SMW on serum, urine and liver levels of uric acid, serum levels of creatinine, and activity of hepatic xanthine oxidase (XOD) were measured in mice. Moreover, the effects of SMW on the mRNA and protein levels of hepatic XOD and renal urate transporter 1 (mURAT1) in mice were analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting methods, respectively.

Results

SMW significantly reduced uric acid levels in serum and liver, inhibited hepatic XOD activity, mRNA and protein levels in hyperuricemic mice. Furthermore, SMW could effectively down-regulate renal mURAT1 mRNA and protein levels of hyperuricemic mice. And it reversed oxonate-induced elevation in serum creatinine levels of mice. However, SMW did not show any effects in normal mice.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that SMW produced dual hypouricemic actions by suppressing hepatic XOD to reduce uric acid production and down-regulating renal mURAT1 to decrease urate reabsorption and enhance urate excretion in hyperuricemic mice.     

Mechanisms of antihyperuricemic effect of Phyllanthus niruri and its lignan constituents

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Phyllanthus niruri Linn. (Euphorbiaceae) is used as folk medicine in South America to treat excess uric acid. Our initial study showed that the methanol extract of Phyllanthus niruri and its lignans were able to reverse the plasma uric acid of hyperuricemic animals.

Aim of the study

The study was undertaken to investigate the mechanisms of antihyperuricemic effect of Phyllanthus niruri and its lignan constituents.

Material and methods

The mechanisms were investigated using xanthine oxidase assay and uricosuric studies in potassium oxonate- and uric acid-induced hyperuricemic rats.

Results

Phyllanthus niruri methanol extract exhibited in vitro xanthine oxidase inhibition with an IC₅₀ of 39.39 μg/mL and a moderate in vivo xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity. However, the lignans display poor xanthine oxidase inhibition in vitro and a relatively weak in vivo inhibitory activity at 10 mg/kg. On the other hand, intraperitoneal treatment with Phyllanthus niruri methanol extract showed 1.69 folds increase in urinary uric acid excretion when compared to the hyperuricemic control animals. Likewise, the lignans, phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin and phyltetralin exhibited up to 2.51 and 11.0 folds higher in urinary uric acid excretion and clearance, respectively. The co-administration of pyrazinamide with phyllanthin exhibited a significant suppression of phyllanthin's uricosuric activity resembling that of pyrazinamide with benzbromarone.

Conclusions

The present study showed that the antihyperuricemic effect of Phyllanthus niruri methanol extract may be mainly due to its uricosuric action and partly through xanthine oxidase inhibition, whereas the antihyperuricemic effect of the lignans was attributed to their uricosuric action.     

Effect of Tectona grandis Linn. on dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The bark of Tectona grandis Linn. is traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes.

Aim

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of ethanolic extract of bark of Tectona grandis Linn. (TG) in dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance in mice.

Materials and methods

Mice were treated with prestandardised dose of dexamethasone for 22 days and effect of TG at the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. on plasma blood glucose level, serum triglyceride level, glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, levels of hepatic antioxidant enzymes (GSH, SOD, catalase and LPO), and body weight were observed.

Results

TG showed significant decrease in plasma glucose and serum triglyceride levels (p < 0.01) at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. and also stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. The levels of antioxidant enzymes GSH, SOD, and catalase were significantly increased (p < 0.01) and there was significant decrease (p < 0.01) in level of LPO.

Conclusion

Hence it can be concluded that Tectona grandis may prove to be effective in the treatment of Type-II Diabetes mellitus owing to its ability to decrease insulin resistance.     

In vivo analgesic activity,toxicity and phytochemical screening of the hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of Psidium cattleianum Sabine

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Psidium cattleianum Sabine is extensively used in Brazilian traditional medicine to treat several diseases including painful disorders. Aim of the study to investigate the toxicity and the possible analgesic activities of the hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of Psidium cattleianum Sabine (ELPCS), to support its use in folk medicine. To screen the major phytochemical constituents of this extract and evaluate their antioxidant activity.

Materials and methods

ELPCS was assessed for its antioxidant activity using the DPPH model. Its analgesic activity was examined using mouse models of acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate paw licking models. The major phytochemical constituents of the extract were screened; their toxicity on LLC-MK2 mammalian cells was evaluated.

Results

ELPCS exhibited significant peripheral analgesic activity at doses of 60, 80, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg in mice, but it did not display central analgesic activity and not was toxic to LLC-MK2 cell (LD₅₀>400 µg/mL). The extract exhibited free radical scavenging activity as evidenced by IC₅₀ values (15.9 µg/mL) obtained by the DPPH method. Phytochemical screening detected flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones, and tannins.

Conclusions

The results of the experimental studies proved the analgesic activity of ELPCS and supported the traditional use of this plant.     

Prophylactic effects of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. extracts on experimental induction of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Orthosiphon stamineus (OS) popularly known as “diuretic agent” are traditionally used in folk medicine in the treatment of hyperuricemia, rheumatism, gout, nephritis, nephrolithiasis, urethritis and cystitis.

Aim of the study

To evaluate prophylactic potentials of total flavonoids, total phenolics and polysaccharides from OS on experimental induction of calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephrolithiasis in rats.

Materials and methods

Nephrolithic rats were induced by treating with 1.0% ethylene glycol and 1.0% ammonium chloride for 7 days. Rats in the treated groups were also given OS extracts at the doses of 80 mg/kg and 160 mg/kg. Urine samples (4 h) and serum samples were collected at 7th day for biochemical analysis. Kidney tissues were stained with H.E. and analyzed by light microscopy. Expressions of OPN protein were detected by immunohistochemistry. Rates of nucleation and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals were derived from 20-min time-course measurements of optic density at 620 nm after mixing solutions containing calcium chloride, sodium oxalate and OS extracts at 37 °C, pH 5.7.

Results

Polysaccharides exhibited the most significant prophylactic effects by reversing BUN and S_cr levels, ameliorating histopathological changes, increasing urine C₂O₄²⁻ and Ca²⁺ excretion and down-regulating OPN protein expression of kidney in the model rats in comparison with those effects of total flavonoids and total phenolics. Polysaccharides could also significantly inhibit both nucleation and aggregation of CaOx crystals.

Conclusions

Polysaccharides were the main therapeutic materials in OS. It had impressive prophylactic effects on CaOx stones in nephrolithic rats, playing a role as a regulator of OPN protein expression to increase urine C₂O₄²⁻ and Ca²⁺ excretion and also as an inhibitor of CaOx crystallization.     

Anti-cancer activity of compounds from Bauhinia strychnifolia stem

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The stem and root of Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib (Fabaceae family) have been traditionally used in Thailand to treat fever, alcoholic toxication, allergy and cancer. An EtOH extract of Bauhinia strychnifolia showed good inhibitory activity against several cancer cell lines including HT-29, HeLa, MCF-7 and KB. As there has been no previous reports on chemical constituents of Bauhinia strychnifolia, this study is aimed to isolate the pure compounds with anti-cancer activity.

Materials and methods

Five pure compounds were isolated from EtOH extract of Bauhinia strychnifolia stem using silica gel, dianion HP-20 and sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and were tested for their cytotoxic effects against HT-29, HeLa, MCF-7 and KB cell lines using the Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay.

Results

Among five compounds, 3,5,7,3′,5′-pentahydroxyflavanonol-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (2) possessed very potent activity against KB (IC₅₀=0.00054 μg/mL), HT-29 (IC₅₀=0.00217 μg/mL), MCF-7 (IC₅₀=0.0585 μg/mL) and HeLa cells (IC₅₀=0.0692 μg/mL). 3,5,7-Trihydroxychromone-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (3) also showed good activity against HT-29 (IC₅₀=0.02366 μg/mL), KB (IC₅₀=0.0412 μg/mL) and MCF-7 (IC₅₀=0.297 μg/mL), respectively. The activity of 2 (IC₅₀=0.00054 μg/mL) against KB cell was ten times higher than that of the positive control, Camptothecin (anti-cancer drug, IC₅₀=0.0057 μg/mL). All compounds did not show any cytotoxicity with normal cells at the concentration of 1 μg/mL.

Conclusion

This is the first report of compounds 2 and 3 on anti-cancer activity and based on the anti-cancer activity of extracts and pure compounds isolated from Bauhinia strychnifolia stem, it might be suggested that this plant could be useful for treatment of cancer.     

Erythropoietic activity of Asteracantha longifolia (Nees.) in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Asteracantha longifolia Nees. (Family-Acanthaceae) is a wild herb commonly used in traditional ayurvedic medicine as Kokilaaksha and the Unani drug as Talimakhana in India and Srilanka for various medicinal uses as aphrodisiac, tonic, sedative and blood diseases etc.

Aim of the study

The aim of the current study was to validate and explore the folk use of Asteracantha longifolia Nees. (AL) (Leaf part) on pharmacological grounds using haloperidol induced iron deficiency anemia for the assessment of erythropoietic activity.

Materials and methods

Determination of iron in plant extracts was carried out using spectrophotometric method. Plant extract was obtained from crude drugs using extraction with ethanol. In vivo study, haloperidol induced iron deficiency anemia model was used in experimental studies.

Results

An administration of ethanolic extract of AL at the doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight, i.p., demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) increase in erythrocyte count, haemoglobin count, serum iron and serum protein etc. This effect may be due to the presence of iron (622 μg/50 mg) in extract estimated by spectrophotometric method.

Conclusion

An ethanolic extract of AL effectively restored the hematological parameters, serum iron and serum protein and normalized the microcytic (smaller in size), anisocytosis (disturbed shape) and hypochromic RBCs. These observations could justify the inclusion of this plant in the management of iron deficiency anemia due the presence of iron and other constituents as flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, lupeol and betulin.     

Investigation of antihyperglycaemic activity of aqueous and petroleum ether extract of stem bark of Pongamia pinnata on serum glucose level in diabetic mice

Aim of the study

The aim of the study was to evaluate the antihyperglycaemic activity of aqueous (PPSB-AQE) and petroleum ether (PPSB-PEE) extract of stem bark Pongamia pinnata in alloxan induced diabetic mice.

Materials and methods

Diabetes was induced in mice by alloxan (80 mg/kg, i.v.). After acute and subacute treatment serum glucose was determined. OGTT was performed in PPSB-PEE pretreated animals.

Results

PPSB-PEE (25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) showed significant reduction in serum glucose level in acute and subacute studies. The antihyperglycaemic effects of PPSBPE (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) showed onset at 2 h and peak effect at 6 h and the effect was sustained until 24th h with 400 mg/kg. In subacute study, antihyperglycaemic effect was observed on 21st day. In PPSBPE treated mice the body weight was not reduced in contrast to that in vehicle group. In OGTT, increased glucose utilization was observed.

Conclusions

It is concluded that PPSB-PEE but not PPSB-AQE showed antihyperglycaemic activity.     

Pharmacokinetics of 8-O-acetylharpagide and harpagide after oral administration of Ajuga decumbens Thunb extract in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ajuga decumbens Thunb is a medicinal plant native to China popularly used to treat chronic pelvic inflammation and hysteromyoma. Its main bioactive components are iridoid glycosides, such as 8-O-acetylharpagide and harpagide that had presented antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities.

Aim of the study

To establish a sensitive LC–MS/MS method and compare the pharmacokinetics of 8-O-acetylharpagide and harpagide in rats after oral administration of their pure forms and from compounds obtained from Ajuga decumbens extract.

Materials and methods

Rats received orally 15 mg/kg (equivalent of 6 mg/kg 8-O-acetylharpagide and 1.5 mg/kg harpagide), 30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg of Ajuga decumbens Thunb extract and were compared to animals that received 12 mg/kg of 8-O-acetylharpagide or 3 mg/kg of harpagide p.o. Concentrations of 8-O-acetylharpagide and harpagide in plasma were determined by LC–MS/MS method at different time points and all pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by non-compartmental analysis.

Results

Results showed that the iridoid glycosides were quickly absorbed by oral route and showed a dose-dependence profile. Pharmacokinetic parameters of both glycosides were essentially the same except Tmax when dosed as the extract or pure forms.

Conclusion

8-O-acetylharpagide was metabolized to harpagide, which affected the pharmacokinetic profiles of harpagide when dosed as the extract. This pharmacokinetic study seems to be useful for a further clinical study of Ajuga decumbens Thunb extract.     

Anti-inflammatory effects and acute toxicity of hydroethanolic extract of Jacaranda decurrens roots in adult male rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Jacaranda decurrens subsp. symmetrifoliolata Farias and Proença (Bignoniaceae) is a species traditionally used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, until this moment, there is no scientific evidence of these effects.

Aim of study

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of hydroethanolic root extract of Jacaranda decurrens in rats and to determine the safe of this plant after acute exposure.

Materials and methods

The acute toxicity of Jacaranda decurrens root extract (EJD) was evaluated by oral administration to male rats as single doses of 0; 500; 1000 or 2000 mg/kg body weight. General behavior and toxic symptoms were observed for 14 days. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in carrageenan-induced inflammatory paw edema and myeloperoxidase activity in male rats.

Results

No signs of acute toxicity were observed, indicating that the LD₅₀ is greater than 2000 mg/kg. EJD (100 and 300 mg/kg) significantly reduced edema formation and at higher dose, the reduction was similar to dexamethasone. A significant decrease in myeloperoxidase activity was also observed.

Conclusions

The present study shows that Jacaranda decurrens extract has anti-inflammatory properties in rats without causing acute toxicity. These properties observed may be due to the presence of bioactive constituents such as ursolic acid.     

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitory by dammaranes from Vietnamese Giao-Co-Lam tea

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) tea was used in Vietnamese folk medicine as anti-diabetic agent.

Aim of the study

This study was aimed to investigate the inhibitory activities of fractions and constituents isolated from Gynostemma pentaphyllum on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) since it has been proposed as a treatment therapy for type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Materials and methods

The 70% EtOH extract, CHCl₃ fraction, EtOAc fraction, BuOH fraction, and seven isolated dammarane triterpenes were evaluated for their inhibitory activity in protein phosphatase enzymes (PTP1B and VHR).

Results

CHCl₃-soluble fraction showed a dose-dependent inhibitory activity of the PTP1B enzyme with the IC₅₀ value of 30.5 μg/mL. Among seven tested compounds, compounds 6 showed the most potent PTP1B inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ value of 5.3 ± 0.4 μM compared to a range 15.7–28.5 μM for the other six compounds. The inhibition mode of 6 was competitive toward p-NPP with a K_i value of 2.8 μM.

Conclusion

These study results suggested that the PTP1B inhibitory activity of these dammaranes may enable this plant to play an important role in the treatment of diabetes.     

Evidence of the mechanism of action of Erythrina velutina Willd (Fabaceae) leaves aqueous extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Erythrina velutina is traditionally used for sleepiness, convulsions and nervous system excitation in Brazil. Although central effects have been reported for Erythrina velutina, little is known about its mechanism of action.

Aim of the study

To investigate the pharmacological evidences of mechanism of action of Erythrina velutina leaves aqueous extract (AE).

Materials and methods

Terminal segments of the guinea-pig ileum (n = 5–8) were mounted in an organ bath and isotonic contractions were recorded. Phytochemical screening was carried out on AE.

Results

AE (0.025–2.50 mg/ml) produced contractile response in the guinea-pig ileum, yielding typical concentration–response curves (EC₅₀ = 0.63 mg/ml). Electrically evoked contractions were significantly increased in the presence of AE. AE-elicited contractions were significantly reduced by bicuculline, tetrodotoxin, atropine, verapamil or incubation in low calcium–high potassium solution. Atropine along with verapamil abolished AE contractile response. Alkaloids, catechins, steroids, flavonols, flavononols, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins, triterpenoids, and xanthones were detected in AE.

Conclusions

AE contains important constituents for pharmacological activities. AE-induced contractions seem to involve GABA_A receptor activation, acetylcholine release, muscarinic receptor activation, augmentation of Ca²⁺ entry through L-type calcium channels, and calcium release from the intracellular stores. These findings provide further support for Erythrina velutina traditional uses.     

Active constituents from Sophora japonica exhibiting cellular tyrosinase inhibition in human epidermal melanocytes

Aim of the Study

There is greater consumer awareness of plant-based skin-care products. Sophora japonica L. (Fabaceae) has been used traditionally as a hemostatic agent and also has skin-care and whitening benefits. The effect of the isolated active compounds of Sophora japonica L. (Fabaceae) that inhibits tyrosinase activity in human epidermal melanocytes (HEMn) was examined.

Materials and methods

We used the mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory assay to isolate active constituents from the extracts. The structures of these constituents were characterized by physical and spectroscopic analyses. Cellular tyrosinase kinetics were analyzed and showed by Lineweaver–Burk plot.

Results

A new compound, N-feruloyl-N′-cis-feruloyl-putrescine (8), together with four flavonoids and three putrescine derivatives were obtained after assay-guided isolation of S. japonica. In HEMn, compound 8 was minimally cytotoxic (cell viability >90% at 100 μM) and the IC₅₀ value for suppression of cellular tyrosinase activity was estimated as 85.0 μM. Zymography analysis demonstrated the compound's concentration-dependent effects and the kinetic analysis indicated the compound's mixed-inhibitory action.

Conclusions

We concluded that the new compound 8 is the most potent component of S. japonica yet discovered. Its pigment inhibition activity may be exploitable cosmetically.     

Substantiation of the ethnopharmacological use of Conyza sumatrensis (Retz.) E.H.Walker in the treatment of malaria through in-vivo evaluation in Plasmodium berghei infected mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Scientific validation of ethnopharmacologically used plants and their utilization for therapeutic interventions can be a source of affordable treatment especially for neglected diseases in endemic areas. Conyza sumatrensis is a plant which finds its use in treating malaria like fevers but lacks proper scientific validation. Our study has tried to address this gap by authenticating its traditional use for the treatment of malaria.

Aim of the study

Evaluate the antimalarial activity of extracts derived from Conyza sumatrensis for its ethnopharmacological validation.

Materials and methods

Shade dried leaves were extracted with varying concentrations of ethanol and concentrated for bio-evaluation. Swiss albino mice infected with 1×10⁶ parasitized red blood cells, were orally administered with test extracts for 7 days in two sets of experiments. The first set was used to evaluate alcoholic, hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts while the second set was used to evaluate the dose response of alcoholic extract ranging from 500–1600 mg/kg. Mean survival time, parasitaemia and haemoglobin levels were considered to interpret the antimalarial potential. Phytochemical analysis for the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids tannins, total phenolics, riboflavin and thiamine was also carried out.

Results

Among the three extracts administered at 1000 mg/kg, chemo suppression was significantly (p<0.001) observed in the alcoholic extract (62.59±12.52%) followed by hydroalcoholic (41.81±19.04%, p<0.01) and aqueous (32.04±19.04%, P<0.05) indicating that the active constituents leach out in ethanol. The dose response study involving the ethanol extract concluded the optimum dose to be 1000 mg/kg, as also evidenced by the haemoglobin levels.

Conclusion

The plant exhibits moderate antimalarial activity which can be further prospected for active fractions or pure molecules for adjunctive therapy.     

In vitro estrogenic activity of Asplenium trichomanes L. extracts and isolated compounds

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Asplenium trichomanes was used as an expectorant, anti-cough remedy, laxative, emmenagogue, abortifacient and for irregular menses.

Aim of the study

To investigate the in vitro estrogenic activity of Asplenium trichomanes extracts and isolated compounds and their ability to activate ERα and ERβ.

Materials and methods

Leaves infusion (IF), decoction (DC) and methanol extract (ME) were prepared. MCF7/EREluc cell line which expresses endogenous ERα, and SK-NBE cells transiently transfected with the estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) were used for the estrogenic activity assays. Phytochemical investigations were performed (CC, HPLC, etc.) and structure of isolated compounds were achieved on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR techniques and HR-MS spectrometry.

Results

IF and ME were active in our MCF7 model; selectivity for the ERβ receptor was observed in the SK-NBE test. Two new phenol derivatives, 4-vinyl-phenol-1-O-[α-l-rhamno(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranosyde] (1) and kaempferol-3-O-α-[2′acetyl]-arabinofuranosyl-7-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (2) were isolated with six known compounds (3–8). Compounds 2–4, 7 and 8 showed selectivity for the activation of the ERβ receptor although with a moderate activity compared with 17-β-estradiol.

Conclusion

Further investigations about the estrogenic effects of this plant are needed but our data can, at least in part, explain some of its traditional use as emmeagogue.     

Pharmacokinetics-based elucidation on disparity in clinical effectiveness between varieties of Zhi Zhu Wan,a Traditional Chinese Medical formula

Aim

Zhi Zhu Wan (ZZW) is a classical Chinese medical formulation used for the treatment of functional dyspepsia that attributed to Spleen-deficiency Syndrome. ZZW contains Atractylodes Rhizome and Fructus Citrus Immaturus, the later originates from both Citrus aurantium L. (BZZW) and Citrus sinensis Osbeck (RZZW). The present study is designed to elucidate disparities in the clinical efficacy of two ZZW varieties based on the pharmacokinetics of naringenin and hesperetin.

Mehtod

After oral administration of ZZWs, blood sample was collected from healthy volunteers at designed time points. Naringenin and hesperetin were detected in plasma by RP-HPLC, pharmacokinetic parameters were processed using mode-independent methods with WINNONLIN.

Results

After oral administration of BZZW, both naringenin and hesperetin were detected in plasma, and demonstrated similar pharmacokinetic parameters. Ka was 0.384 ± 0.165 and 0.401 ± 0.159, T_1/2(ke)(h) was 5.491 ± 3.926 and 5.824 ± 3.067, the AUC (mg/L h) was 34.886 ± 22.199 and 39.407 ± 19.535 for naringenin and hesperetin, respectively. However, in the case of RZZW, only hesperetin was found in plasma, but the pharmacokinetic properties for hesperetin in RZZW was different from that in BZZW. T_max for hesperetin in RZZW is about 8.515 h, and its C_max is much larger than that of BZZW. Moreover, it was eliminated slowly as it possessed a much larger AUC value.

Conclusion

The distinct therapeutic orientations of the Chinese medical formula ZZWs with different Fructus Citrus Immaturus could be elucidated based on the pharmacokinetic parameters of constituents after oral administration.     

Antidiabetic effect of Ficus religiosa extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Aims of study

In Indian traditional system of medicine, Ficus religiosa (Family Moraceae) is prescribed for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. In the present study, the antidiabetic effect of aqueous extract of Ficus religiosa bark (FRAE) was investigated in normal, glucose-loaded hyperglycemic and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

Oral administration of FRAE at the doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg was studied in normal, glucose-loaded and STZ-diabetic rats.

Results

The three doses caused significant reduction in blood glucose levels in all the models. The effect was more pronounced in 50 and 100 mg/kg than 25 mg/kg. FRAE also showed significant increase in serum insulin, body weight and glycogen content in liver and skeletal muscle of STZ-induced diabetic rats while there was significant reduction in the levels of serum triglyceride and total cholesterol. FRAE also showed significant antilipidperoxidative effect in the pancreas of STZ-induced diabetic rats. The antidiabetic effect of Ficus religiosa was compared with glibenclamide, a well-known hypoglycemic drug.

Conclusion

The results indicate that aqueous extract of Ficus religiosa bark possesses significant antidiabetic activity.     

Inhibitory effects of Duchesnea chrysantha extract on ovalbumin-induced lung inflammation in a mouse model of asthma

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Duchesnea chrysantha (D. chrysantha) is a herb with anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing properties.

Aim of the study

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the lungs, and the hallmarks of the disease are increased inflammatory cell infiltration into the airways and poor respiratory function. Although there is the possibility that D. chrysantha may have an inhibitory effect on lung inflammation, the effects of D. chrysantha on asthma have not been fully investigated. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of D. chrysantha extract (Dc extract) on lung inflammation in a murine model of ovalbumin-induced asthma.

Materials and methods

Dc extract was obtained from dried and powdered whole plants of D. chrysantha using 80% ethanol. BALB/c mice induced by ovalbumin sensitization and nebulization were used as a mouse model of asthma. RT-PCR and ELISA were performed to measure mRNA and protein expression of cytokines. We examined the effects of Dc extract on leukocyte infiltration and mucus secretion using periodic acid-Schiff staining as well as hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Results

Dc extract significantly inhibited leukocytosis and eosinophilia in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid (p < 0.01). Dc extract significantly reduced the elevated infiltration of inflammatory cells (p < 0.05) and inhibited the increased mucus secretion, despite the absence of significant value. Although Dc extract weakly inhibited the mRNA expression of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and eotaxin, it strongly inhibited the protein expression of IL-5 (p < 0.05) and eotaxin (p < 0.01) in BAL fluid. Ovalbumin-specific IgE levels in the serum and BAL fluid were blocked by Dc extract (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

These results suggest the possibility that Dc extract can exert suppressive effects on asthma and may provide evidence that Dc extract is a useful agent for the treatment of allergic airway disease.