Comparison of the antidiabetic activity of Berberis lyceum root extract and berberine in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Berberine has been shown to have hypoglycaemic activity in several in vitro and in vivo models, although the mechanism of action is not fully known. Berberis lyceum Royle root produces high concentrations of berberine, and in traditional medicine, the whole extract of this plant is used widely to treat diabetes. The antidiabetic activity of the ethanol root extract of Berberis lyceum was compared with pure berberine in normal and alloxan-diabetic rats using similar doses of each. The concentration of berberine in the extract was determined to be 80% dry weight with only trace amounts of other alkaloids present. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of berberine and a whole extract of Berberis lyceum on blood glucose and other parameters associated with diabetes, to compare the effects of the crude extract with those of pure berberine and thus validate its use as a therapeutic agent, and finally to identify any contribution of the other components of the extract to these effects. Oral administration of 50 mg/kg of Berberis extract and berberine to normal and experimental diabetic rats produced a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in blood glucose levels from days 3-7 days of treatment. Significant effects were also observed on the glucose tolerance, glycosylated haemoglobin, serum lipid profiles and body weight of experimental animals. Berberis extract and berberine demonstrated similar effects on all parameters measured, and although the extract was comparable in efficacy to berberine, it did not produce any effects additional to those shown by pure berberine. The results support the use of the extract in traditional medicine, and demonstrate that apart from being a highly cost-effective means of treating with berberine, the total extract does not appear to confer any additional benefits or disadvantages compared with the pure compound.     

Wound healing activity of Calotropis gigantea root bark in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Calotropis gigantea R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae) is a perennial undershrub found chiefly in wastelands throughout India. It has been reported as a traditional folkloric medicine for a variety of alignments. The plant Calotropis gigantea is also used in some parts of India for wound healing in combination with other plants. However there are no scientific reports on wound healing activity of the plant Calotropis gigantea R.Br.

Aim of the study

To investigate the effects of Calotropis gigantea root bark on wound healing activity in rats by excision, incision and dead space wound healing models in rats.

Methodology

Wistar albino rats of either sex weighing between 180 and 200 g were topically treated with extract formulated in ointment by using simple ointment BP as base. 5% (w/w) ointment was applied once daily in excision wound model. Calotropis gigantea ethanolic extract was given orally at a dose of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg in incision and dead space wound healing models. Rats of standard groups were treated with 5% Povidone iodine ointment topically. The percentage wound closure, epithelization time, hydroxyproline content and scar area on complete epithelization were measured.

Results

Topical application of Calotropis gigantea in excision wound model increased the percentage of wound contraction. Scar area and epithelization time were decreased. In incision wound and dead space wound breaking strength of wounds and hydroxyproline was increased.

Conclusion

Calotropis gigantea accelerated wound healing in rats and thus supports its traditional use.     

Wound healing activity of Glycosmis arborea leaf extract in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Glycosmis arborea Roxb, syn. Glycosmis pentaphylla Retz, (Rutacea) is a shrub found all over India, have been used for the healing of wounds of livestock in Indian folk medicine.

Aim of the study

The present study provides a scientific evaluation for the wound healing potential of ethanolic extract of Glycosmis arborea leaves.

Methods and materials

Excision and incision wounds were inflicted upon four groups containing six rats each. Group-1 was assigned as control (ointment base), Group-2 and Group-3 were treated with 5 and 10% EtOH extract ointment. Group-4 was treated with standard Nitrofurazone (0.2%) ointment. The parameters observed were percentage of wound contraction, epithelization period, tensile strength, hydroxyproline content. Ethanolic extract of Glycosmis arborea leaves was given orally at a dose of 200, 400 mg/kg/day in dead space wound model.

Results

Topical application of Glycosmis arborea ointment (10%) in excision wound model significantly (P < 0.05) increased the percentage of wound contraction (96.91%) compared with control (60.27%) and decreased the epithelization time. The tensile strength significantly (P < 0.05) increased in Group-3 at 560.33 ± 6.48 g when compared to control at 319.17 ± 6.16 g. Rats treated with Glycosmis arborea extract (400 mg/kg) showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in hydroxyproline content at 54.94 ± 0.96 mg/g when compared with control at 30.77 ± 1.13 mg/g.

Conclusion

The ethanolic extract of Glycosmis arborea facilitated wound healing significantly, corroborating the folk medicinal use of this plant.     

Wound healing properties of Hylocereus undatus on diabetic rats

Aqueous extracts of leaves, rind, fruit pulp and flowers of Hylocereus undatus were studied for their wound healing properties. Wound healing effects were studied on incision (skin breaking strength), excision (percent wound contraction) and the nature of wound granulation tissues, which were removed on day 7 and the collagen, hexosamine, total proteins and DNA contents were determined, in addition to the rates of wound contraction and the period of epithelialization. In streptozotocin diabetic rats, where healing is delayed, topical applications of H. undatus produced increases in hydroxyproline, tensile strength, total proteins, DNA collagen content and better epithelization thereby facilitating healing. H. undatus had no hypoglycemic activity.     

Wound healing activity of acylated iridoid glycosides from Scrophularia nodosa.

Three acylated iridoid glycosides (E)-6-O-(2", 4"-diacetyl-3" -O-p-methoxycinnamoyl)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl catalpol (scopolioside A) (1), (E)-6-O-(2"-acetyl-3", 4"-di-O,O-p-methoxycinnamoyl)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl catalpol (scrophuloside A(4)) (2) and (E)-6-O-(2",3"-diacetyl-4"-O-p-methoxycinnamoyl)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl catalpol (scrovalentinoside) (3) have been isolated from the dried seed pods of Scrophularia nodosa by HPLC. Their structures were determined by 1D and 2D NMR, UV/Vis and mass spectroscopy and by comparison with published data. All three compounds were shown in vitro to stimulate the growth of human dermal fibroblasts. The effect was negatively dose-dependent for 2 and 3 for which fibroblast growth stimulation was highest at 0.78 microg/mL but was not significantly different from the control at 100 microg/mL. The presence of these compounds in the mature seed pods may explain the ethnobotanical use of this plant in Europe for healing wounds.     

Berberis vulgaris root bark extract prevents hyperoxaluria induced urolithiasis in rats

Berberis vulgaris is a widely used plant for the treatment of urolithiasis. To evaluate its antiurolithic potential, the crude aqueous‐methanol extract of Berberis vulgaris root bark (Bv.Cr) was tested in an animal model of urolithiasis, developed in male Wistar rats by adding 0.75% ethylene glycol in drinking water. Bv.Cr (50 mg/kg) inhibited CaOx crystal deposition in renal tubules and protected against associated changes including polyuria, weight loss, impaired renal function and the development of oxidative stress in kidneys. Activity‐guided fractionation revealed the concentration of antiurolithic constituent(s) mainly in the aqueous fraction. These data, indicating the presence of antiurolithic activity in Berberis vulgaris root bark, rationalize its medicinal use for the treatment of urolithiasis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

喀什小檗叶不同萃取部位舒张血管活性的筛选

目的研究喀什小檗叶不同萃取部位对大鼠离体胸主动脉环的舒张作用,筛选有效部位。方法采用离体血管灌流实验方法,观察0.01、0.05、0.1、0.5、1、5 mg/mL喀什小檗叶不同萃取部位(石油醚、乙酸乙酯、正丁醇、水)对去氧肾上腺素(PE)(1μmol/L)预收缩的内皮完整血管环和去内皮血管环张力的影响。内皮完整血管环经一氧化氮合酶抑制剂(L?NAME)预处理,以探讨喀什小檗叶乙酸乙酯部位舒张血管作用是否与NO释放有关。结果喀什小檗叶不同萃取部位中,乙酸乙酯部位对内皮完整和去内皮的离体血管环均有浓度依赖性地舒张作用(P<0.01),并且去内皮处理后,作用强度无明显差异(P>0.05)。经L?NAME预处理后,乙酸乙酯部位对内皮完整血管环的舒张作用不受抑制。结论喀什小檗叶不同萃取部位中乙酸乙酯部位具有舒张血管作用,其舒张血管作用是非内皮依赖性的,并且其作用机制与内源性NO释放无关。     

Evaluation of phytoconstituents of Terminalia arjuna for wound healing activity in rats

The effect of topical application of phytoconstituents (fraction I, II and III) fractionated from a hydroalcohol extract of the bark of the plant, Terminalia arjuna, was assessed on the healing of rat dermal wounds using in vivo models. The results indicated a statistically significant increase in the tensile strength of the incision wounds and the percent epithelialization of excision wounds compared with control (p < 0.05). However, topical treatment with fraction I, consisting mainly of tannins, was found to demonstrate a maximum increase in the tensile strength of incision wounds. Even with respect to excision wounds, the fastest rate of epithelialization was seen with fraction I. Hexosamine estimation of granulation tissue obtained from excision wounds revealed an increase in the hexosamine content with fraction I compared with the control. In addition, fraction I from the hydroalcohol extract of Arjuna bark possessed antimicrobial activity against tested microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes but not Candida albicans. These results strongly document the beneficial effects of fraction I, consisting mainly of tannins, of Terminalia arjuna in the acceleration of the healing process. Thus, the present study validates the claim made with respect to the plant as well as corroborating the astringent effect of tannins by drawing the tissues closer together.     

Wound healing activity of Gliricidia maculata

The pharmacological activity of crude methanol extracts of Gliricidia maculata leaves were studied in the excision and granuloma wound models in rats. The rate of contraction was 86.65% ± 9.1% in treated compared with 92.43% ± 2.9% in control groups and the epithelialization time was prolonged to 20.2 ± 3.9 days in treated compared with 17.2 ± 0.9 days in control groups. Similarly, granuloma formation was not inhibited but disruption of endothelial cells and neovascularization was observed in the haemorrhaged granulomas. The low tensile strength in the excision wound was due to a low level of hydroxyproline 22.43 ± 9.9 µg/g tissue with a turnover of 19.05% ± 6.6% collagen compared with original levels of 32.44 ± 6.4 µg/g tissue of hydroxyproline and 24.20% ± 4.8% collagen. In the granuloma model, significant differences were observed in the treated group with 43.88 ± 6.8 µg/g tissue hydroxyproline and 61.88 ± 2.5 µg/g tissue in the control. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Wound healing activity of latex of Euphorbia caducifolia

Ethanopharmacological relevance

Euphorbia caducifolia is a Euphorbiaceae species native to Thar Desert of India, where latex of E. caducifolia (ECL) is used by the local inhabitants for treatment of bleeding wound, cutaneous eruption and other skin diseases. Looking to the medicinal importance of the plant, it was considered worthwhile to scientifically evaluate the ECL for the wound healing activity.

Material and methods

In vitro methods, clotting of platelet free plasma and angiogenesis in chick chorioallantoic membrane (CCM) were used for studying effect of ECL on clotting and angiogenesis. Excision and incision wounds model were used to study effect of ECL on wound contraction, tensile strength and hydroxyproline and DNA content.

Results

ECL treatment stimulates the blood vessel formation in CCM, at the all dose levels. 56.77, 74.48 and 78.09% increase in area of angiogenesis was observed in ECL 2.5, 5.0 and 10 mg/ml treated groups respectively. The excised skin of ECL 5.0 and 10 mg/ml treated animals found to have higher content of hydroxyproline and DNA, when compared with control group. An acceleration of the wound closure was observed with an enhanced number of fibroblasts and collagen content in ECL treated mice.

Conclusion

Result of in vitro and in vivo experiments indicate that ECL exerts significant wound healing activity, demonstrating its relevant therapeutic potential.     

Investigation on the wound healing activity of oleo-resin from Copaifera langsdorffi in rats

The wound healing activity of oleo-resin from Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. (Leguminaceae) bark was evaluated in rats on experimental wounds. The oleo-resin was tested by monitoring wound contraction in excised wounds and by measuring tensile strength in healing incision wounds. The topical application of oleo-resin at a concentration of 4% accelerated wound contraction in open wounds. The mean values of wound contraction in oleo-resin treated rats on day 9 was 84.05% +/- 2.37% as against 51.29% +/- 9.54% seen in controls and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). No significant differences in the rates of wound contraction were observed on days 12, 15, 18 and 21. Also, the tensile strength in healing incised wounds was found to be significantly higher in the group of animals treated with 4% oleo-resin on day 5 but not on days 7 and 12 (controls: 35.95 +/- 7.44 g/cm; oleo-resin: 71.48 +/- 5.77 g/cm; p < 0.05). These results indicate the beneficial effect of C. langsdorffii oleo-resin on wound healing and justify its traditional use for the treatment of wounds.     

Influence of Terminalia chebula on dermal wound healing in rats

The effects of topical administration of an alcohol extract of the leaves of an evergreen plant, Terminalia chebula, on the healing of rat dermal wounds, in vivo, was assessed. T. chebula treated wounds healed much faster as indicated by improved rates of contraction and a decreased period of epithelialization. Biochemical studies revealed a significant increase in total protein, DNA and collagen contents in the granulation tissues of treated wounds. The levels of hexosamine and uronic acid in these tissues, also increased upto day 8 post-wounding. Reduced lipid peroxide levels in treated wounds, as well as ESR measurement of antioxidant activity by DPPH radical quenching, suggested that T. chebula possessed antioxidant activities. The tensile strength of tissues from extract-treated incision wounds increased by about 40%. In addition, T. chebula possessed antimicrobial activity and was active largely against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella. These results strongly document the beneficial effects of T. chebula in the acceleration of the healing process.     

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.     

硬骨凌霄叶对伤口愈合的促进作用(英文)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential wound healing activity of Tecomaria capensis leaves extract (TCLE) using different models in rats. (a) Excision wound model, (b) Incision wound model and (c) Dead space wound model. TCLE (100, 300, 1 000 and 2 000 mg·kg-1) was given to rats to observe acute toxicity. No toxicity was found in animals till 14 days. TCLE 5% and 10% ointment were applied topically in excision wound model and incision wound model. TCLE 200 and 400 mg·kg-1 were given orally in dead space wound model. It improved healing in excision wound model, increased breaking strength of tissue in incision wound model, and increased granuloma breaking strength and hydroxyproline content in dead space wound model. These results showed that TCLE presents significant wound healing activity.     

Wound healing and protease inhibition activity of Bacoside‐A,isolated from Bacopa monnieri wettest

Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettest. (Scrophulariaceae) is a well‐known medicinal herb. In the Indian system of medicine it is known as Brahmi (Sanskrit) and Indian water hyssop. Methanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri and its isolated constituent Bacoside‐A were screened for wound healing activity. Bacoside‐A was screened for wound healing activity by excision, incision and dead space wound on Swiss albino rats. Significant wound healing activity was observed in both extract and the Bacoside‐A treated groups. The SDS‐PAGE caseinolytic zymogram analysis of inhibition of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) enzyme from the excision wound by Bacoside‐A, an isolated constituent, was done with the concentrations 100 and 200 μmg/ml. In Bacoside‐A treated groups, epithelialization of the excision wound was faster with a high rate (18.30 ± 0.01 days) of wound contraction. The tensile strength of the incision wound was increased (538.47 ± 0.14 g) in the Bacoside‐A treated group. In the dead space wound model, the weight of the granuloma was also increased (89.15 ± 0.08 g). The histological examination of the granuloma tissue of the Bacoside‐A treated group showed increased cross‐linking of collagen fibers and absence of monocytes. The wound healing activity of Bacoside‐A was more effective in various wound models compared to the standard skin ointment Nitrofurazone. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Wound healing effect of Flabellaria paniculata leaf extracts

Aim of the study

This study evaluated wound healing activity of the chloroform and aqueous fractions of the methanolic extract of Flabellaria paniculata leaf on infected wounds in rats as a follow up to an initial study of the crude extract.

Materials and methods

Wounds were inflicted on Wistar rats using excision model. Local infection was introduced into rat abdominal wounds with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using a 10⁸ cells/ml inoculum. Rate of wound healing was assessed by contraction and period of epithelization.

Results

Chloroform fraction exhibited significant wound healing potency (p < 0.05) as compared with controls. The test drug achieved 100% wound contraction on day 14 in non-infected group, on day 16 in Staphylococcus aureus infected group and on day 18 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa group.

Conclusions

Chloroform extract of Flabellaria paniculata proves to be a potential anti-infective and wound healing agent. Its in vitro antibacterial and in vivo wound healing activities are in good agreement with the local medicinal use of the plant for skin diseases and sores.     

Wound healing effects of Aloe gel and other topical antibacterial agents on rat skin

The effects of topical antibacterials were studied in an acute wound healing model. Sprague-Dawley rats after appropriate anaesthesia received four 1.5 cm² dorsal defects through the skin and panniculus carnosus. Skin defects were treated for 14 days with 2% mupirocin ointment, 1% clindamycin cream, 1% silver sulfadiazine cream + Aloe vera gel, and silver sulfadiazine combined with Aloe gel. An untreated group served as controls. Each group was comprised of 10 animals each to achieve statistical significance. Wound closure rate was assessed by serial planimetry. Following healing, the breaking strength of each resultant scar was determined. Wound half-lives and overall healing rates were calculated by regressing the log of the areas of all wounds over time. Overall healing rates of all the treated groups were significantly different compared with control group (p<0.05). The Aloe group had the shortest half-life and healed faster than the control group. All the other treated groups had no longer half-lives when compared with the control group. While silver sulfadiazine + Aloe increased the breaking strength of the healed wound, Aloe alone did not, but demonstrated an increase over the control. Topical Aloe significantly enhances the rate of wound healing and when combined with silver sulfadiazine reverses the wound retardant effect observed with silver sulfadiazine. Clindamycin and mupirocin significantly delay wound closure. However mupirocin enhanced the breaking strength of the wound.     

A Study of the effect of Wedelia calendulacea less. On wound healing in rats

The effect of an aqueous extract of the leaves of Wedelia calendulacea Less. on wound healing, in open and sutured wound models, was observed and found to be significant.     

白花檵木促大鼠皮肤伤口愈合物质基础初步研究

目的: 观察白花檵木粗提物(extract of Loropetalum chinens,ELC)促大鼠皮肤伤口愈合作用,并对粗提物分离提取得到的组分进行促愈合药理筛选,为白花檵木促皮肤愈合物质基础研究奠定工作基础。 方法: 应用酶解和溶剂萃取手段制备白花檵木粗提物,进而以有机溶剂对粗提物萃取,获得多种分离组分;采用大鼠皮肤割伤模型(incision wound model)和切除伤模型(excision wound model)2种国际常用体内模型研究白花檵木粗提物及分离组分的促愈合作用,对伤口进行愈合病理和免疫组织化学染色观察;对白花檵木粗提物进行初步分离,并采用大鼠皮肤割伤模型对分离提取产物进行促愈合作用筛选。 结果: 白花檵木粗提物可显著促进大鼠皮肤伤口的愈合速度,缩短愈合时间,增加愈合后皮肤抗拉强度,促进伤口处细胞及血管新生;白花檵木粗提物的初步分离提取组分中,石油醚层,乙酸乙酯层和正丁醇层促皮肤愈合作用较强,提示白花檵木的促愈合作用物质极性较小。 结论: 白花檵木粗提物具有显著促愈合作用,石油醚层、乙酸乙酯层和正丁醇层3种分离组分促愈合作用较强,推测白花檵木促愈合功效活性物质极性较小。     

Evaluation of wound healing activity of some herbal formulations

The wound healing activity of two herbal formulations (Himax ointment and lotion) containing Indradaru extract, i.e. Arjuna bark (Terminalia arjuna, Family-Combretaceae), extract was evaluated for its wound healing potential in two types of wound models in rats (i) excision wound model and (ii) incision wound model. Both the formulations responded significantly in both the wound models tested. The results were also comparable to that of the standard drug nitrofurazone used as a standard drug for comparison in this present investigation. The results were also comparable in terms of wound contracting ability, epithelization period, tensile strength and regeneration of tissues at the wound area. Thus, this investigation con fi rms the use of the Himax ointment and lotion containing Terminalia arjuna extract as a wound-healing agent as known from folklore medicine.