The protective role of Tropaeolum majus on blood and liver toxicity induced by diethyl maleate in rats

The protective role of Tropaelum majus (T.majus) methyl alcohol extract and vitamin E in the case of toxic effect induced by diethyl maleate was evaluated. Forty-two male albino rats were divided into seven groups of six rats each for 15 days. Group 1: normal control group. Group 2: taken daily oral dose of paraffin oil (0.25?ml/100?g b.wt rat). Group 3: received daily oral dose of vitamin E (100?mg/kg b.wt rat). Group 4: taken daily oral dose of 10% of the LD₅₀ of T.majus methyl alcohol extract. Groups 5–7: injected intra-peritoneally with diethyl maleate (5 μl/100?g b.wt rat) but groups 6 and 7 received a daily oral dose of either vitamin E or 10% of the LD₅₀ of T.majus methyl alcohol extract 1?h prior to diethyl maleate injection. The present results revealed that diethyl maleate induced serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferases enzymes activities decreased in serum, but their activities in the hepatic tissue showed an increase. Glutathione and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase levels showed a decrease, but thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level showed an increase in both serum and liver tissue. Serum and liver proteins decreased in serum and liver tissue. A significant decrease in blood parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit, as well as red and white blood cells) and serum glucose occurred. Histopathological results showed that diethyl maleate induced a hoop of edema in the hepatic periportal area; while T.majus methyl alcohol extract or vitamin E prior to diethyl maleate injection shift blood and liver toxicity induced by diethyl maleate towards normal values and preserved hepatic lobular architecture. In conclusion, pre-treatment with either T.majus methyl alcohol extract or vitamin E provide protection against blood and liver toxicity induced by diethyl maleate in rats, these results were confirmed by histological examinations.     

Effect of cadmium on hepatic and renal gluconeogenic enzymes in female rats

Earlier, we have reported that cadmium (Cd) induced gluconeogenesis in male rats. Since females are as much exposed to cadmium as are males, this study was conducted to determine Cd effects on gluconeogenesis in female rats. Adult female rats were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with Cd at dose levels of 0.25, 0.75 and 1.25 $\text{mg}\text{kg}$ body weight per day for 4 weeks. The controls received saline for the same length of time. Daily food consumption and body weight gain were recorded. At the end of 2 and 4 weeks, 4 rats from each group were killed. Extension of treatment with 1.25 mg Cd for 4 weeks resulted in extreme Cd toxicity killing all animals before the completion of full treatment period. There were no significant changes in total body weight gain and weights of liver and kidney due to Cd. Serum protein increased significantly in animals receiving 0.75 and 1.25 mg Cd for 4 and 2 weeks, whereas serum glucose increased only in animals injected with 1.25 mg Cd for 2 weeks. SGOT and SGPT were elevated (P < 0.01) in dose- and time-dependent fashion. Activities of three key gluconeogenic enzymes glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase), fructose-1,6-diphosphatase (FD-Pase), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) in liver and kidney were induced significantly (P < 0.01) in animals injected with 0.75 mg for 2 and 4 weeks and 1.25 mg for 2 weeks, and these increases were dose- and time-related. These results suggest that Cd alters hepatic and renal gluconeogenesis in female rats also.     

Fetopathies associated with exposure to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor from Tropaeolum majus L.

The prevalence of the use of herbal medicines is on the rise across the world, especially amongst pregnant women. A fact that draws attention is that many species commonly used by pregnant women, including the Tropaeolum majus L. (Tropaeolaceae), also present inhibitory activity on the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Herein, we have investigated the effects of T. majus extract (HETM) on fetal development, evaluating its relationship with possible ACE inhibitory activity. Pregnant Wistar rats were treated with different HETM doses (3, 30 and 300?mg/kg/day) from gestational days 8–20. Rats were sacrificed on the day 20 of pregnancy and the following parameters were evaluated: clinical symptoms of maternal toxicity; maternal body weight; feed and water intake; maternal liver, kidney, and ovary weights, maternal ACE activity and aldosterone levels, live fetuses mean; dead fetuses percentage, fetus weight, and fetal malformation. All pregnant rats treated with high HETM doses showed significant reduction in plasma ACE activity accompanied by a decrease in serum aldosterone levels. Moreover, significant changes in fetal development were observed, including growth retardation and renal damage after 20 days of gestation. Thus, data presented demonstrate the significant effects of the use of HETM on fetal development during pregnancy.     

Anticandidal activity of the extract and compounds isolated from Cyperus conglomertus Rottb

The phytochemical screening of Cyperus conglomeratus showed that carbohydrates and/or glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, sterols and/or triterpenes, and proteins and/or amino acids are present. The fatty acid profile comprised major; palmitic, oleic, heptadecanoic, linoleic and minor; arachidonic, lignoceric, stearic, and myristic acid. Two compounds; namely, α-amyrin and β-sitosterol were isolated by the fractionation of unsaponifiable matter.The acute toxicity study showed that the reported after oral administration of the alcohol extract (TAE) showed that the plant was highly safe as the LD₅₀ was more than 4000?mg/kg. These results were well supported by the sub-chronic toxicity, as the TAE administrated to rats for 15 consecutive days at dose 1000?mg/kg showed no alteration in the liver and kidney functions. Moreover, the extract of the plant exhibited anti-candidal activity against different Candida species. The most potent activity, (23.1?±?2.1, 0.98?µg/ml) and (22.3?±?0.53, 0.98?µg/ml), was obtained by the chloroform and total extract, respectively against Candida albicans.     

Cleistanthus collinus induces type I distal renal tubular acidosis and type II respiratory failure in rats

Background and Purpose:

A water decoction of the poisonous shrub Cleistanthus collinus is used for suicidal purposes. The mortality rate is 28%. The clinical profile includes distal renal tubular acidosis (DRTA) and respiratory failure. The mechanism of toxicity is unclear.

Objectives:

To demonstrate features of C. collinus toxicity in a rat model and to identify its mechanism(s) of action.

Materials and Methods:

Rats were anesthetized and the carotid artery was cannulated. Electrocardiogram and respiratory movements were recorded. Either aqueous extract of C. collinus or control solution was administered intraperitoneally. Serial measurements of blood gases, electrolytes and urinary pH were made. Isolated brush border and basolateral membranes from rat kidney were incubated with C. collinus extract and reduction in ATPase activity was assessed. Venous blood samples from human volunteers and rats were incubated with an acetone extract of C. collinus and plasma potassium was estimated as an assay for sodium–potassium pump activity.

Results:

The mortality was 100% in tests and 17% in controls. Terminal event in test animals was respiratory arrest. Controls had metabolic acidosis, respiratory compensation acidic urine and hyperkalemia. Test animals showed respiratory acidosis, alkaline urine and low blood potassium as compared to controls. C. collinus extract inhibited ATPase activity in rat kidney. Plasma K⁺ did not increase in human blood incubated with C. collinus extract.

Conclusions and Implications:

Active principles of C. collinus inhibit proton pumps in the renal brush border, resulting in type I DRTA in rats. There is no inhibition of sodium–potassium pump activity. Test animals develop respiratory acidosis, and the immediate cause of death is respiratory arrest.     

Toxicological studies on a standardized extract of Solanum indicum ssp. distichum

A standardized extract of the fruits of Solanum distichum has previously been shown to possess anti-hypertensive activity in rats (ED50 about 1 mg/kg). Earlier acute toxicity studies had shown that single doses up to 2 g/kg orally or intraperitoneally failed to show any signs of morbidity. To study its potential long-term toxicity, rats of either sex were fed orally 1 g/kg of the extract daily over a period of 4 weeks to 6 months. The extract did not affect food intake or rate of growth of the animals. Blood counts and other hematological parameters remained unaffected. Treatment for 4 weeks had no effect on plasma cholesterol or blood urea nitrogen in both sexes, but extended treatment to 6 months tended to lower both parameters. Plasma creatinine, liver enzymes and fasting blood sugar, plasma electrolytes, total protein and albumin were not altered. Gross necropsy showed a 20% increase in liver to body weight ratios after 6 months. None of the body organs tested showed any histopathological changes. Bearing in mind that the dose of the extract used in this study was several 100 times greater than its ED50, the present findings point to the wide safety margin of the extract.     

Protective effect of aqueous Curry leaf (Murraya koenigii) extract against cadmium-induced oxidative stress in rat heart

Treatment of rats with a low dose of cadmium chloride caused a significant damage in the rat cardiac tissue indicated by the increase in the level of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase1 activities. Histological studies confirmed the damage due to cadmium. That cadmium-induced tissue damage was caused due to oxidative stress was evident from the changes observed in the levels of lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione, the protein carbonyl content, and the alterations in the activities of cardiac antioxidant and pro-oxidant enzymes. Treatment of rats with cadmium also caused alterations in the activities of mitochondrial Kreb’s cycle as well as respiratory chain enzymes. All these changes were ameliorated when the rats were pre-treated with an aqueous extract of Curry leaf (Murraya koenigii). The studies indicated that the aqueous extract of Curry leaf protects the rat cardiac tissue against cadmium-induced oxidative stress possibly through its antioxidant activity. As curry leaf is consumed by people as part of their diet in India and South-East Asian and some European countries as well, and, as it has no reported side-effects, the results seem to have relevance at places where humans are exposed to cadmium environmentally or occupationally.     

The Role of Vitamin C,Vitamin E,and Selenium on Cadmium-Induced Renal Toxicity of Rats

The aim of this study was to determine whether vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium have protective effects against cadmium-induced renal toxicity of rats. Vitamin C (250 mg/kg/day), vitamin E (250 mg/kg/day), and sodium selenate (0.25 mg/kg/day) were given to rats orally for 8 days. Cadmium (2 mg/kg/day CdCl₂) was given to rats intraperitoneally. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium (in the same dose and time) were given 1 h prior to the administration of cadmium every day. The tissue and blood samples were taken from the rats for histological evaluation and biochemical analyses on the Day 9. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione (GSH) determination were made in kidney tissue. In addition, urea and creatinine levels were determined in serum. The damage to the kidney tissue was moderate in the rats given cadmium. In this group, the distinctive changes in the proximal tubules were observed. Degenerative changes in kidney tissue were also observed in rats given vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and cadmium. LPO levels significantly increased and GSH levels decreased in kidney tissues following cadmium administration. Serum urea and creatinine levels were also increased in rats given cadmium. The administration of vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium caused a significant decrease in LPO levels and an increase in GSH levels in the kidney of rats given cadmium. Serum urea and creatinine levels were decreased in rats given both the antioxidant and cadmium. It is concluded that vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium showed some protective effect on the rat kidney.     

The protective role of Tropaeolum majus on blood and liver toxicity induced by diethyl maleate in rats

The protective role of Tropaelum majus (T.majus) methyl alcohol extract and vitamin E in the case of toxic effect induced by diethyl maleate was evaluated. Forty-two male albino rats were divided into seven groups of six rats each for 15 days. Group 1: normal control group. Group 2: taken daily oral dose of paraffin oil (0.25ml/100g b.wt rat). Group 3: received daily oral dose of vitamin E (100mg/kg b.wt rat). Group 4: taken daily oral dose of 10% of the LD50 of T.majus methyl alcohol extract. Groups 5–7: injected intra-peritoneally with diethyl maleate (5 μl/100g b.wt rat) but groups 6 and 7 received a daily oral dose of either vitamin E or 10% of the LD50 of T.majus methyl alcohol extract 1h prior to diethyl maleate injection. The present results revealed that diethyl maleate induced serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferases enzymes activities decreased in serum, but their activities in the hepatic tissue showed an increase. Glutathione and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase levels showed a decrease, but thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level showed an increase in both serum and liver tissue. Serum and liver proteins decreased in serum and liver tissue. A significant decrease in blood parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit, as well as red and white blood cells) and serum glucose occurred. Histopathological results showed that diethyl maleate induced a hoop of edema in the hepatic periportal area; while T.majus methyl alcohol extract or vitamin E prior to diethyl maleate injection shift blood and liver toxicity induced by diethyl maleate towards normal values and preserved hepatic lobular architecture. In conclusion, pre-treatment with either T.majus methyl alcohol extract or vitamin E provide protection against blood and liver toxicity induced by diethyl maleate in rats, these results were confirmed by histological examinations.     

Lipid-lowering property of Clausena anisum-olens in hypercholesterolemic rats

Context: Clausena anisum-olens (Blanco) Merr. (Rutaceae) is a medicinal shrub which has been reported to have various pharmacological uses. No study regarding the effects of C. anisum-olens on cholesterol-lowering has been reported.

Objective: The effects of the ethanol extract of C. anisum-olens leaves on the cholesterol level of hypercholesterolemic rats were evaluated.

Materials and methods: Acute oral toxicity of the extract (175, 550 and 2000?mg/kg) was determined using female Sprague-Dawley rats, as described in OECD 425 Main test guidelines. The lipid-lowering assay utilized 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into five groups (A–E). Triton X-100 was administered to induce hypercholesterolemia. After hypercholesterolemia induction, oral treatment of Atorvastatin and crude ethanol extract was given daily to the treatment groups for 14 days. The total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL were determined before induction, after induction, after first week of treatment and after second week of treatment.

Results: Acute oral toxicity showed the crude extract is nontoxic up to 2000?mg/kg. The lipid-lowering assay indicated reduction of serum cholesterol (87.21?±?5.10?mg/dL), triglycerides (58.09?±?4.10?mg/dL) and LDL (27.82?±?4.11?mg/dL) for 200?mg/kw extract. Reduction in serum cholesterol (74.72?±?3.64?mg/dL), triglycerides (52.79?±?2.98?mg/dL) and LDL (12.06?±?5.51?mg/dL) were observed for 400?mg/kg group. The result is comparable to Atorvastatin, which showed serum cholesterol (80.90?±?9.72?mg/dL), triglycerides (55.94?±?7.19?mg/dL) and LDL (22.09?±?7.60?mg/dL) reduction.

Discussion and conclusion: The crude extract of C. anisum-olens proved to be useful in lowering of cholesterol.     

Comparison of the toxicity and tissue distribution of cadmium in newborn and adult rats after repeated administration

Male rats, 4 days or 7 weeks of age, were given seven sc injections of either saline (2 ml/kg) or 2 or 3 mg Cd/kg once every other day. Twelve to sixteen hours after the last injection, the animals were sacrificed and renal function was determined by measuring the in vitro uptake of p-aminohippurate by renal cortical slices, the plasma levels of creatinine and urea nitrogen, and the urinary excretion of glucose and protein. In addition, the morphology of various tissues was examined by light microscopy. The renal function tests mentioned above did not show any difference between the saline- and cadmium-treated rats at either age. However, histopathologically there was minor renal damage in the young adult rats treated with 3 mg Cd/kg. In the young adult rats treated with 2 mg Cd/kg and in the newborn rats treated with either doses of cadmium, there was no difference in the histopathology of the kidney compared with that in the salinetreated controls at the same ages. Cadmium at both doses caused extensive necrosis in the testes of adult rats, but not in newborn rats. In contrast, cadmium did not produce any observable changes in the morphology of other tissues at either age. The concentration of cadmium in the kidney, liver, adrenal, spleen, and heart of newborns treated with cadmium was lower than that of adults at comparable dosages. There was no difference in the concentration of cadmium in the testes, skeletal muscle and plasma of young adult and newborn rats. The concentration of cadmium in the lung, bone, brain, and blood of newborn rats was higher than that of young adults. There is an age difference in both the toxicity and tissue distribution of cadmium after subchronic administration to rats.     

Effect of oral administration of aqueous whole extract of Cassytha filiformis on haematograms and plasma biochemical parameters in rats

Introduction

We evaluated the sub-chronic toxicity of the aqueous herbal extract prepared fromCassytha filiformis and administered daily for 28 days at dose levels (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg bw) in male wistar albino rats. The LD₅₀ of the aqueous extract was determined.

Methods

The effects on body weights, organ weights, and certain haematological and plasma biochemical parameters were measured as indices of organ toxicity.

Results

The aqueous extract did not affect plasma glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT); however, a significant reduction in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level occurred in all the treated groups. It also did not affect the electrolytes (Na+, Cl? and K+), total and direct bilirubin, creatinine, and glucose level. The aqueous extract elicited hypercholesterolaemic effects, but it did not affect the Hb, WBC, RBC, PVC, platelets, MCH, MCHC, MCV levels and differential counts (lympocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils). It also reduced the body weight gain and absolute weight of the kidneys. The relative weights of the heart and lungs in some animal groups were equally reduced. The acute toxicological evaluation of the plant extract revealed an oral LD₅₀ value greater than 500 mg/kg bw.

Conclusion

This study suggests that aqueous extract ofC. filiformis administered at normal therapeutic doses is not likely to produce severe toxic effects on some organs or haematological and biochemical indices in rats.     

香加皮不同组分大鼠长期毒性研究

目的 观察连续给予香加皮不同组分导致大鼠慢性毒性的损伤表现、程度及可逆性.方法 分别给140只大鼠灌胃高、中、低剂量的香加皮水提组分和醇提组分样品,除观察一般状况外,检测血常规、血生化指标,剖杀大鼠,精密称取心、肝、脾、肺、肾脏等重要脏器,计算脏、体比值,进行常规病理检查.停药后,进行恢复期观察.结果 连续20天给予不同剂量的香加皮水提组分和连续9天给予不同剂量的醇提组分样品均可导致大鼠体重下降,饮食、饮水不佳,血ALT、AST、AKP、TPC增高,ALB、CR降低、A/G比值降低,肝脏重量和肝体比值、肾脏重量和肾体比值增大,病理检查可见不同程度的肝脏、肾脏病理组织损伤;对血常规影响不明显;肝、肾毒性损伤程度与给药剂量呈现一定的剂量依赖相关性;经过恢复期观察,上述部分病变不可逆.结论 香加皮水提组分给药20天、醇提组分给药9天造成的慢性毒性损伤部位以肝、肾损伤为主,且部分病变为不可逆性损伤.     

Curcumin inhibits adenosine deaminase and arginase activities in cadmium-induced renal toxicity in rat kidney

In this study, the effect of enzymes involved in degradation of renal adenosine and l-arginine was investigated in rats exposed to cadmium (Cd) and treated with curcumin, the principal active phytochemical in turmeric rhizome. Animals were divided into six groups (n = 6): saline/vehicle, saline/curcumin 12.5 mg/kg, saline/curcumin 25 mg/kg, Cd/vehicle, Cd/curcumin 12.5 mg/kg, and Cd/curcumin 25 mg/kg. The results of this study revealed that the activities of renal adenosine deaminase and arginase were significantly increased in Cd-treated rats when compared with the control (p < 0.05). However, co-treatment with curcumin inhibits the activities of these enzymes compared with Cd-treated rats. Furthermore, Cd intoxication increased the levels of some renal biomarkers (serum urea, creatinine, and electrolytes) and malondialdehyde level with a concomitant decrease in functional sulfhydryl group and nitric oxide (NO). However, co-treatment with curcumin at 12.5 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg, respectively, increases the nonenzymatic antioxidant status and NO in the kidney, with a concomitant decrease in the levels of malondialdehyde and renal biomarkers. Therefore, our results reinforce the importance of adenosine deaminase and arginase activities in Cd poisoning conditions and suggest some possible mechanisms of action by which curcumin prevent Cd-induced renal toxicity in rats.     

Inhalation toxicity of methyl n-amyl ketone (2-heptanone) in rats and monkeys

A subchronic inhalation study was conducted in which male rats and monkeys were exposed at 0 (controls), 131, or 1025 ppm methyl n-amyl ketone (MAK) for 10 months (6 hr/day, 5 days/week). Comprehensive cardiopulmonary, clinical chemistry, metabolism, and tissue distribution studies were performed. No statistically significant alterations of pulmonary function, electrocardiographic, or clinical chemistry parameters were observed. Methyl n-amyl ketone and methyl n-amyl alcohol were detected in urine and serum from monkeys exposed to MAK for 10 months. Inhaled MAK did not induce rat liver microsomal enzymes. Results of tissue distribution studies of [¹⁴C]MAK in rats comparing ip and inhalation routes of exposure were similar, and preexposure to unlabeled MAK did not alter the tissue distribution compared to animals without prior exposure to MAK. Liver tissue had the highest level of radioactivity regardless of the route of administration; however, no liver pathology was observed. Urinary excretion accounted for 25% of the administered dose after 12 hr. In general, a lack of toxicity was noted in both species exposed to MAK.     

Effect of Hygrophila spinosa in ethylene glycol induced nephrolithiasis in rats

Objective:

Hygrophila spinosa (Acanthaceae) is traditionally used to treat urinary calculi. The present study aimed to evaluate the antiurolithiatic activity of methanolic extract of Hygrophila spinosa (Acanthaceae) in ethylene glycol induced nephrolithiasic rats.

Materials and Methods:

Methanolic extract of Hygrophila spinosa (HSME) (250 and 500 mg/ kg body weight) was administered orally to male Wistar albino rats. Ethylene glycol (EG) was used to induce nephrolithiasis. The parameters studied included water intake, urinary volume, urinary pH, urinary and kidney oxalate and calcium, urinary magnesium and serum uric acid.

Results:

Ethylene glycol feeding resulted in hyperoxaluria as well as increased renal excretion of calcium and serum uric acid along with decreased excretion of urinary magnesium. Treatment with HSME significantly reduced the elevated urinary oxalate, urinary calcium and serum uric acid with increase in reduced urinary magnesium. Ethylene glycol feeding also resulted in increased levels of calcium and oxalate in kidney which was decreased after the treatment with HSME. The increased deposition of stone forming constituents in the kidneys of ethylene glycol treated rats was significantly lowered by treatment with HSME.

Conclusion:

The results indicate that the aerial parts of Hygrophila spinosa are endowed with antiurolithiatic activity, thereby justifying its traditional claim.KEY WORDS: Ethylene glycol, Hygrophila spinosa, kidney stones, nephrolithiasis     

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Tephrosia purpurea on Cardiovascular Complications and Cataract Associated with Streptozotocin-induced Diabetes in Rats

Tephrosia purpurea has been reported to possess antidiabetic activity, however, its effects on cardiovascular complications and cataract associated with diabetes have not been studied. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of aqueous extract of Tephrosia purpurea on cardiovascular complications and cataract associated with streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. Sprague Dawley rats of either sex were made diabetic with streptozotocin (45 mg/kg, i.v.). Treatment of aqueous extract of Tephrosia purpurea was given in the dose of 300 and 500 mg/kg/day, p.o for 8 weeks. Various hemodynamic (blood pressure, heart rate, +dp/dt, -dp/dt) and biochemical (serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, urea, lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase) parameters were recorded after 8 weeks of the treatment. To evaluate cataract, various biochemical estimations were done in eye lens. Streptozotocin produced hyperglycemia; hypoinsulinemia; hyperlipidemia; increased blood pressure; increased creatinine, cardiac enzymes, reduction in heart rate and cardiac hypertrophy in rats and all these changes were prevented by the treatment with aqueous extract of Tephrosia purpurea in both the doses. Streptozotocin also produced decrease in soluble protein and reduced glutathione in lens of rats that was prevented by aqueous extract of Tephrosia purpurea. Our data suggest that aqueous extract of Tephrosia purpurea prevents not only the streptozotocin-induced metabolic abnormalities but also cardiovascular complications as well as reduce the risk of development of cataract.     

Ethanol Extract of Crataeva nurvala Stem Bark Reverses Cisplatin-induced Nephrotoxicity

Generation of free radicals in the kidney cortex plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced dysfunction of renal proximal tubule cells. Previous studies carried out showed that an alcohol extract of Crataeva nurvala stem bark possessed antioxidant activity in rats, hence the present work aimed at evaluating the possible effect of the alcohol extract of C. nurvala on cisplatin-induced dysfunction model of renal proximal tubule cells by oxidative stress. The alcohol extract was administered orally for ten days at two dose levels of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight, five days after administration of a single i.p. dose of cisplatin (5 mg/kg). Renal dysfunction was evaluated histologically by light microscopy and biochemically by measuring the concentrations of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, lipid peroxidation, glutathione and catalase activity in the kidney cortex. The results suggest that the plant extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) was effective in significantly altering the indices of cisplatin induced dysfunction of renal proximal tubule cells under oxidative stress by decreasing the concentration of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and lipid peroxidation. The increased glutathione and catalase activity are indicative of the antioxidant properties of C. nurvala stem bark extract.     

Crataegus songarica methanolic extract accelerates enzymatic status in kidney and heart tissue damage in albino rats and its in vitro cytotoxic activity

Context: Crataegus songarica K. Koch (Rosaceae) has been used in folk medicine to treat various diseases.

Objective: This study evaluates the effect of C. songarica methanol extract on the kidney and heart tissue damage of albino rats, and to determine cytotoxic activity of various extracts of songarica on various human cancer cell lines.

Materials and methods: Rats were divided into six groups, Group I received water only; Group II received CCl₄ (1?mL/kg b wt) intraperitoneal; C. songarica extract (at doses of 100, 200 and 300?mg/kg b wt) orally for 15 days. Cytotoxic activity was determined by SRB method using MCF-7, HeLa, HepG2, SF-295, SW480 and IMR-32 cell lines.

Results: Compared with CCl₄ group, administration of C. songarica extract at the dose of 300?mg/kg b wt, significantly decreases serum creatinine (59.74%), urea (40.23%) and cholesterol (54?mg/dL), MDA (0.007?nmol/mg protein) in kidney and (0.025?nmol/mg protein) in heart tissue, along with evaluation of GSH (209.79?±?54.6), GR (111.45?±?2.84), GPx (94.01?±?14.80), GST (201.71) in kidney tissue and GSH (51.47?±?1.47), GR (45.42?±?6.69), GPx (77.19?±?10.94), GST (49.89) in heart tissue. In addition, methanol, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited potent anticancer activity on six cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values ranging from 28.57 to 85.106?µg/mL.

Discussion and conclusion: Crataegus songarica methanol extract has a potential antioxidant effect as it protects the kidney and heart tissue against CCl₄-induced toxicity, prevents DNA damage and showed strong anticancer activity.     

Antihyperglycemic activity and inhibition of advanced glycation end product formation by Cuminum cyminum in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Cuminum cyminum is widely used as a spice in many countries. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of seeds of C. cyminum (CC) on diabetes, oxidative stress and formation of advanced glycated end products (AGE) and obtain comparison with glibenclamide. In vitro studies indicated that CC inhibited free radicals and AGE formation. Treatment of streptozotocin-diabetic rats with CC and glibenclamide for 28 days caused a reduction in blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and improved serum insulin and glycogen (liver and skeletal muscle) content when compared to diabetic control rats. Significant reduction in renal oxidative stress and AGE was observed with CC when compared to diabetic control and glibenclamide. CC and glibenclamide improved antioxidant status in kidney and pancreas of diabetic rats. Diabetic rats showed increase in rat tail tendon collagen, glycated collagen, collagen linked fluorescence and reduction in pepsin digestion. Treatment with CC significantly improved these parameters when compared to diabetic control and glibenclamide group. Though the antidiabetic effect of CC was comparable to glibenclamide it had better effect in controlling oxidative stress and inhibiting the AGE formation, which are implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic microvascular complications.