Antioxidant action of extract of the traditional medicinal plant Rhazya stricta Decne. in rats

The effects of a leaf extract of the traditional medicinal plant Rhazya stricta (0.25, 1.0 and 4.0 g/kg/day for 3 days) on reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LP) and ascorbic acid (AA) concentrations in the liver and kidneys were studied in rats 24 h after the last dose. The plant extract, at a dose of 0.25 g/kg, did not significantly affect the concentrations of GSH, LP or AA in the liver or kidneys. At a dose of 1.0 g/kg, the plant extract significantly increased the GSH concentration in the liver, but did not affect the GSH concentration in the kidneys, or LP or AA in the liver or kidneys. The plant extract (4.0 g/kg) significantly increased the GSH and decreased LP peroxidation, but did not affect the AA concentrations in the liver and kidneys. It may be concluded that the R. stricta extract, at some of the doses used, has antioxidant actions in the rat.     

Khat (Catha edulis) lowers plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone secretion, but increases cortisol levels in male rabbits

AIM: This study investigated the effects of fresh khat extract on specific circulating hormones in male rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 25 male New Zealand White rabbits were divided into five groups each comprising five animals. The first four groups were fed four doses (1.5 g/kg, 4.5 g/kg, 13.5 g/kg and 40.5 g/kg body weight) of khat extract twice a week for 5 weeks while the last group, serving as control, was fed only normal saline via intragastric tube. Blood samples were collected at 15 min interval for up to 3 h after khat extract administration and plasma assayed for luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and cortisol levels using radioimmunoassay technique. RESULTS: Khat extract at all doses significantly lowered (P<0.05) LH pulse frequency, area under LH curve, mean plasma LH and mean plasma testosterone levels. Plasma cortisol levels were significantly elevated (P<0.05) in khat-treated rabbits in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that khat may impair reproductive function in male rabbits by interfering with sex hormone profiles.     

Acute and chronic toxicity of a lyophilised aqueous extract of Tanacetum vulgare leaves in rodents

AIM OF THE STUDY: The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the safety of an aqueous extract of tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) leaves by determining its potential toxicity after acute and chronic administration in rodents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the acute study, a lyophilized aqueous extract of tansy leaves was administered to mice in single doses of 0-13 g/kg given by gavage as well as intraperitoneal doses of 0-4.5 g/kg. General behavior adverse effects and mortality were determined for up to 14 days. In the chronic dose study, the extract was administered orally at doses of 0, 100, 300 and 600 mg/kg daily for 90 days to rats. Biochemical and hematological parameters were determined after 30 and 60 days, and then at the end of 90 days of daily administration. RESULTS: In the acute study in mice, the crude aqueous extract of tansy leaves caused dose-dependent general behavior adverse effects and mortality. The no-observed adverse effect levels (NOAEL) of the tansy extract were 7.0 g/kg and 1.0 g/kg, and the lowest-observed adverse effect levels (LOAEL) were 9.0 g/kg and 1.5 g/kg, when given by the oral and intraperitoneal routes, respectively. Mortality increased with increasing doses, with LD(50) of 9.9 g/kg and 2.8 g/kg for the oral and intraperitonal modes of administration, respectively. In the chronic study in rats, daily oral administration of the crude aqueous extract of tansy leaves for up to 90 days did not result in death or significant changes in the biological (except for hypoglycemia) and hematological parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the relatively high NOAEL values in the acute study in mice, and lack of significant effect on biological and hematological parameters in rats after 90 days of daily doses, the tansy extract does not appear to have significant toxicity. In view of the dose of tansy consumed in traditional medicine, there is a wide margin of safety for the therapeutic use of the aqueous extract of Tanacetum vulgare leaves.     

Antiinflammatory activity and acute toxicity (LD50) of the juice of Kalanchoe brasiliensis (comb.) leaves picked before and during blooming

Kalanchoe brasiliensis Comb. (Cassulaceae) extracts from leaves picked before and during plant blooming (extracts 1 and 2, respectively) were tested for their antiinflammatory effect on carrageenin‐induced rat paw oedema and for acute toxicity (LD₅₀). Oral doses of 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg of extract 1 significantly inhibited the paw oedema during the first 4 h after injection of 2% carrageenin, while oral doses of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg of extract 2 had no inhibitory activity on the paw oedema induced by carrageenin. The results indicate an antiinflammatory effect of extract 1 and a proinflammatory effect of extract 2. K. brasiliensis extracts 1 and 2 presented no acute toxicity on mice at the doses of 0.25 to 5 g/kg administered intraperitoneally. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dose-response effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) aqueous extract on testicular function and weight of different organs in adult rats

Lepidium meyenii (Brassicaceae) known as Maca grows exclusively between 4000 and 4500 m over the sea level in the Peruvian central Andes. The dried hypocotyls of Maca are traditionally used as food and for its supposed fertility-enhancing properties. A dose-response study was performed to determine the effect of 7 days oral administration of an aqueous lyophilized extract of Maca at 0.01-5 g/kg (corresponding to 0.022-11 g dry hypocotyls of Maca/kg) on body and different organ weights, stages of the seminiferous tubules, epididymal sperm count and motility, and serum testosterone and estradiol levels in rats. In doses up to 5 g extract/kg, no toxicity was observed. Almost all organ weights were similar in controls and in the Maca extract-treated groups. Seminal vesicles weight was significantly reduced at 0.01 and 0.10 g extract/kg. Maca increased in length of stages VII-VIII of the seminiferous tubules in a dose-response fashion, with highest response at 1.0 g/kg, while caput/corpus epididymal sperm count increased at the 1.0 g dose. Cauda epididymal sperm count, sperm motility, and serum estradiol level were not affected at any of the doses studied. Serum testosterone was lower at 0.10 g extract/kg. Low-seminal vesicle weights correlated with low-serum testosterone levels (R2=0.33; P<0.0001) and low-testosterone/estradiol ratio (R2=0.35; P<0.0001). Increase in epididymal sperm count was related to lengths of stages VII-VIII. Highest effect on stages VII-VIII of the seminiferous tubules was observed at 1.0 g Maca aqueous extract/kg. The present study demonstrated that Maca extract in doses up to 5 g/kg (equivalent to the intake of 770 g hypocotyls in a man of 70 kg) was safe and that higher effect on reproductive parameters was elicited with a dose of 1 g extract/kg corresponding to 2.2 g dry Maca hypocotyls/kg.     

Abortifacient potential for the epigeal parts of Peganum harmala

The effect of methanol and acetone extracts of the epigeal parts of Peganum harmala, a common medicinal plant among Bedouins in Israel, was studied on several parameters of reproduction in female rats. The methanol extract at a dose of 2.5 g/kg/day, offered in food or in drinking suspension for 30 days, significantly prolonged diestrus by 1.0 day. The methanol extracts at doses of 2.0, 2.5 and 3.5 g/kg/day appeared to produce a dose-dependent significant decrease in litter size. No change in the physical and nutritional status of the animals and no adverse toxicological effects were observed.     

Experimental evidence of the anaphrodisiac activity of Humulus lupulus L. in naïve male rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

In the folk medicine Humulus lupulus L. (hops) is mainly recommended as a mild sedative with antispasmodic and digestive properties. It is also reputed to exert an anaphrodisiac effect but it is still lacking the experimental evidence of this activity.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the influence of Humulus lupulus extract on sexual behavior of both naïve and sexually potent male rats; thereafter to investigate the role of 8-prenylnarigenin (8-PN) in the effect displayed by the hop extract.

Materials and methods

Sprague–Dawley male rats both naïve and sexually potent were acutely administered with the hop extract dosed at 5, 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg. In addition the extract was administered daily for 10 consecutive days at the dose of 0.25 mg/kg/day in sexually potent animals. The pure compound 8-PN was acutely administered in naïve rats at the dosages of 5, 12.5 and 25 μg/kg. All the animals were screened for their sexual behavior manifestation during the mating test.

Results

In naïve rats the acute administration of Humulus lupulus extract at the doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg significantly reduced the percentage of mounting and ejaculating animals, in comparison to vehicle controls. The other parameters recorded during the mating test were not affected by the hop extract. In sexually potent rats nor the acute neither the repeated administration of the extract modified their copulatory behavior.The pure compound 8-PN failed to influence male sexual behavior of naïve rats.

Conclusion

Humulus lupulus extract exerted an anaphrodisiac effect only in naïve rats by inhibiting their mounting and ejaculating behavior. The presence of 8-PN in the extract could be only partially involved in the observed anaphrodisiac effect.     

Effect of oral administration of bark extracts of Pterocarpus santalinus L. on blood glucose level in experimental animals

The effect of administration of different doses of Pterocarpus santalinus L. bark extracts in normal and diabetic rats, on blood glucose levels was evaluated in this study. Among the three fractions (aqueous, ethanol and hexane), ethanolic fraction at the dose of 0.25 g/kg body weight showed maximum antihyperglycemic activity. The same dose did not cause any hypoglycemic activity in normal rats. The results were compared with the diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide and the antihyperglycemic activity of ethanolic extract of PS bark at the dose of 0.25 g/kg b.w. was found to be more effective than that of glibenclamide.     

乳腺增生病辨证分型与性激素的相关性研究

目的:探讨乳腺增生病中医辨证分型与性激素的关系,建立乳腺增生病中医分型的客观指标.方法:112例乳腺增生病患者经中医辨证分为肝郁气滞、痰瘀互结、冲任失调3型,测定患者排卵期雌二醇(E2)、孕酮(PT)、睾酮(TT)、催乳素(PRL)、促卵泡刺激素(FSH)及促黄体生成素(LH)值.观察不同证型患者性激素含量变化并分析其与辨证分型的关系.结果:乳腺增生病患者排卵期LH、E2水平降低,PRL、PT水平升高,TT、FSH无显著变化.其中肝郁气滞型和痰瘀互结型的LH、E2水平均明显低于正常值,PRL、PT水平明显高于正常值.冲任失调型虽然LH、E2水平也明显低于正常值,但FSH水平却明显高于正常值.E2水平按肝郁气滞型、痰瘀互结型、冲任失调型依次降低.结论:乳腺增生病患者排卵期内分泌呈紊乱状态,不同中医证型患者性激素分泌各不相同,性激素的变化可作为中医辨证分型的客观指标及临床用药的依据.     

Effect of Catha edulis foresk (khat) extracts on male rat sexual behavior

Khat chewing is a widespread habit that has a deep-rooted socio-cultural tradition in East Africa and in the Middle East. Although a number of investigations have been carried out using cathinone, the psychoactive component of khat, these may not wholly reflect the behavioral effects observed after administering khat in a dosage similar to those used traditionally. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of sub-chronically administered khat extract with or without alcohol on sexual behavior in male rats. Adult albino wistar male rats were administered either with khat extracts (100, 200, 400mg/kg), amphetamine (1mg/kg), sildenafil (1mg/kg), ethanol (2ml/kg of 2% and 10%), or a combination of khat and ethanol (2%+10%) by intragastric gavage orally for 15 days. Khat (400mg/kg) treated rats demonstrated a statistically significant increase in all sexual parameters except in mounting frequency, intercopulatory interval and copulatory efficiency. Whereas, khat (200mg/kg) treated rats showed a statistically significant increase only in ejaculation latency (P<0.01). In marked contrast, low dose (100mg/kg) of khat extract was found to significantly reduce both mount latency (P<0.05) and intromission latency P<0.01) thereby enhancing sexual motivation/arousal in male rats. Similar results were obtained when khat extract (200mg/kg) and ethanol (10%) were administered concomitantly despite the inhibitory effect observed in male sexual behavior when administered alone. From the present study it can be concluded that higher doses of the extract inhibit sexual behavior in male rats. In contrast, low dose of the extract as well as the concurrent administration of the extract followed by ethanol was found to enhance male rat sexual motivation/arousal.     

Studies on diuretic and hypouricemic effects of Orthosiphon stamineus methanol extracts in rats

AIM OF THE STUDY: Orthosiphon stamineus (Labiatae) is a traditional folk medicine widely used in Southeast Asia for the treatment of several kidney disorders, gout and as a diuretic. This study was conducted to examine the diuretic and hypouricemic effects of Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The diuretic effect of different methanol extracts was examined by treating different groups of Sprague-Dawley rats with single (2g/kg) oral doses of methanol and methanol:water (1:1) extracts. Hydrochlorothiazide (10mg/kg) was used as positive control in acute study. Methanol and methanol water (1:1) extracts at 0.5 g/kg were administered for a period of 7 consecutive days. Cumulative urine volume and electrolytes (Na+ and K+) concentrations at different time intervals were measured. On the other hand, hypouricemic activity of methanol:water extract (1:1) was experimented using different oral single doses (0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2g/kg). Allopurinol was used as positive control. Uric acid concentration in serum was analyzed by using RP-HPLC at 280 nm. RESULTS: Sodium and potassium excretion increased significantly (p<0.05 and <0.01) in the first 8h of treatment with a single dose (2g/kg) of the extracts in a pattern comparable to that of the known diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. Meanwhile, repeated administration of 0.5 g/kg methanol:water (1:1) extract showed a significant increase in urine volume (from day 3 to day 7) (p<0.01) and electrolytes excretion (Na+ and K+) from day 2 to day 7 (p<0.05 and <0.01). On the other hand, 0.5, 1 and 2g/kg of methanol:water (1:1) extract and the standard allopurinol reduced the serum urate level in hyperuricemic rats at hour 6. CONCLUSION: These results provided an evidence of the high tendency of methanol:water (1:1) extract of Orthosiphon stamineus towards diuretic and hypouricemic effects in rats.     

Some effects of Salvia aegyptiaca L. on the central nervous system in mice

Salvia aegyptiaca L. is used for treating various unrelated conditions that include nervous disorders, dizziness, trembling, diarrhoea and piles. This work examines some effects of the crude acetone and methanol extracts of the plant given at single oral doses of 0.25, 0.5, 1 or 2 g/kg, on the central nervous system (CNS) in mice. The extracts were also tested for anti-inflammatory and antipyretic actions. Several models of nociception have been used to examine the analgesic effect of the extract. In treated mice, the extracts caused dose-related inhibition of acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction, and significantly reduced formalin-induced pain. Treatment with the extracts at doses of 0.5 and 1 g/kg significantly increased the reaction time in the hot-plate test. In treated mice both extracts caused significant and dose-related impairment of the sensorimotor control and motor activity. Treatment with both extracts did not significantly affect the rectal temperature of normothermic mice. The methanol extract (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg) did not affect the rectal temperature of hyperthermic mice, but the acetone extract was effective in significantly reducing the rectal temperature of hyperthermic mice, 0.5 and 1 h after administration of the extract at doses of 0.25-2 g/kg. It is concluded that the crude methanol and acetone extracts of S. aegyptiaca have CNS depressant properties, manifested as antinociception and sedation. Both extracts have some anti-inflammatory and antipyretic actions. On the whole, the acetone extract appeared to be slightly more effective than the methanol extract in this regard.     

Reproductive assessment of hydroalcohol extract of Calendula officinalis L. in Wistar rats

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the administration of a hydroalcohol extract of Calendula officinalis L. flowers (HAE) on the reproductive function of Wistar rats. Four groups of adult male rats were treated orally with HAE at doses of 0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg for 60 consecutive days. From day 53 to 60 of treatment, rats were mated with untreated and fertile female rats. Reproductive parameters including testicular morphology, reproductive organ weights, fertility index and offspring viability were evaluated. In another protocol, groups of pregnant rats were treated orally with the same doses of HAE from days 1 to 6 (preimplantation period), 7 to 14 (organogenic period) or 15 to 19 (fetal period) of pregnancy. On day 20 of pregnancy, rats were killed for evaluation of maternal and fetal parameters. The results showed that the treatment with HAE did not affect male reproductive parameters. Besides, it was non‐toxic in the preimplantation and organogenic periods of pregnancy. However, the HAE induced a decrease of the maternal weight gain when administered during the fetal period. In conclusion, the HAE did not affect male fertility nor had toxic effects in early and middle periods of pregnancy. However, the HAE caused maternal toxicity when administered during the fetal period of pregnancy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of hachimijiogan, tokishakuyakusan, keishibukuryogan, ninjinto and unkeito on estrogen and progesterone secretion in preovulatory follicles incubated in vitro

Ovarian follicles, removed from 10-week old rats at 1630 hours diestrus-2, 1100 and 2300 hours proestrus, were incubated for 120 minutes with various doses of Hachimijiogan (HJ), Tokishakuyakusan (TS), Keishibukuryogan (KB), Ninjinto (NT) and Unkeito (UT). The estradiol-17 beta (E2) and progesterone concentrations in the incubation medium were measured. The concentrations of E2 were significantly decreased with TS and KB by growing follicles and with HJ, TS and KB by preovulatory follicles before a LH surge. In contrast, the levels of progesterone were significantly increased with HJ, TS, KB and UT by preovulatory follicles before a LH surge. These results suggest that HJ, TS, KB or UT stimulates preovulatory follicles before a LH surge to secrete progesterone, but TS or KB suppresses E2 secretion by growing preovulatory follicles before a LH surge.     

Hypoglycaemic activity of Hexachlamys edulis (‘Yvahai’) extract in rats

The hypoglycaemic activity of the extract of the crude drug ‘Yvahai’ (Hexachlamys edulis, Myrtaceae) was assessed on normoglycaemic and alloxan-diabetic rats. After 7 days of oral treatment at 100 mg extract/kg body weight, Yvahai significantly reduced glycaemia in normal (p<0.02) and diabetic (p<0.05) rats during an oral glucose tolerance test. The maximum effect was observed between 1.5 and 2.5 h after glucose administration in normoglycaemic rats, and at 1.0 h in diabetic animals. The extract, however, did not have a statistically significant effect on the basal glycaemia of untreated compared with treated rats. A single oral dose of 500 mg extract/kg administered to normoglycaemic rats 1 h before glucose, elicited a significant reduction (p < 0.02) in the percent increase in glycaemia compared with vehicle-treated animals. The effect was comparable to a single oral dose of 100 mg/kg tolbutamide. During the oral toxicity study, animals exhibited no symptoms of drug-induced toxicity with doses up to 5 g/kg.     

壮精合剂对围绝经期综合征初老大鼠性激素的影响

目的:观察壮精合剂不同剂量对自然衰老型围绝经期综合征初老大鼠性激素及子宫、卵巢组织形态的影响。方法:40只13月龄雌性初老大鼠,随机分为空白对照组、壮精合剂高剂量组、壮精合剂中剂量组、壮精合剂低剂量组,每组10只。另选10只5月龄雌性大鼠作为青年对照组。壮精合剂各剂量组分别灌胃相应的药物,每日1次,连续4周,并于末次给药24 h后对大鼠进行取血后处死,分离子宫、卵巢。检测各组血清雌激素(E2)、卵泡刺激素(FSH)、黄体生成素(LH)、催乳素(PRL)水平,光镜观察卵巢、子宫形态改变。结果:与空白对照组比较,壮精合剂高、中剂量组能增加围绝经期综合征初老大鼠血清E2水平(P<0.05),壮精合剂各剂量组均能降低血清FSH、LH水平(P<0.01),增加PRL含量(P<0.01);与青年对照组比较,壮精合剂低、中剂量组E2水平明显降低,具有显著性差异(P<0.01),其余指标无统计学意义。壮精合剂各剂量组大鼠卵巢内卵泡发育状况有所改善,子宫内膜有一定的增厚,尤以壮精合剂高剂量组作用较为明显。结论:壮精合剂能有效改善围绝经期综合征初老大鼠的症状,其作用可能与调节体内性激素有关。     

乳康平对大鼠乳腺增生及性激素的影响

目的探讨乳康平对大鼠乳腺增生及性激素的影响。方法50只SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组、模型对照组、逍遥丸组和乳康平低、高剂量组。苯甲酸雌二醇配合黄体酮肌内注射法造模。造模成功后常规适应性饲养7d后,正常对照组和模型对照组灌服0.9%氯化钠注射液2mL/次;逍遥丸予逍遥丸药液按生药2.1g/kg灌服,2mL/次;乳康平低、高剂量组按生药5.85、23.4g/kg灌服,2mL/次。各组均每日灌服1次,连续30d。30d后处死,检测乳头直径,放射免疫法测定血清性激素雌二醇(E2)、孕酮(P)及催乳激素(PRL)水平。结果模型对照组E2、PRL高于正常对照组,P低于正常对照组(P0.01或P0.05);逍遥丸组和乳康平低、高剂量组E2、PRL低于模型对照组,P高于模型对照组(P0.01或P0.05);乳康平高、低剂量组间有一定量效趋势,乳康平高剂量组与逍遥丸组相比有明显改善(P0.01)。结论乳康平能抑制大鼠乳腺增生,其作用机制可能是通过调节大鼠的性激素水平来实现的。     

Antifertility activity of the floral buds of Jasminum officinale var. grandiflorum in rats

The effect of an aqueous extract of fresh floral buds of Jasminum officinale var. grandiflorum Linn. has been studied on female fertility in rats. Parameters included effects on the oestrus cycle, implantation, fetal loss, abortion, teratogenicity and serum progesterone levels on days 5, 12 and 20 of pregnancy. The extract at oral doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg produced a dose dependent significant antiimplantation effect, but failed to produce complete infertility. Treatment of animals during day 8 to day 12 to day 20 of pregnancy did not produce any significant abortifacient activity. There was no significant change in the weight and length of the fetuses delivered by rats treated with extract and no abnormalities were seen in the organs of the offspring. The extract produced a significant decrease in serum progesterone levels on day 5 of pregnancy which may be responsible for the antiimplantation effect observed in this study.     

Effects of Orthosiphon stamineus aqueous extract on plasma glucose concentration and lipid profile in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. aqueous extract on plasma glucose concentration and lipid profile in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The chemical screening of the extract showed phenolic compound and flavonoid content were 13.24+/-0.33 mg/g and 1.73+/-0.14 microg/g, respectively. In oral glucose tolerance test, the extract (0.2-1.0 g/kg) significantly decreased plasma glucose concentration in a dose-dependent manner in both normal and diabetic rats. The extract at 1.0 g/kg was most effective in decreasing plasma glucose concentrations and the response was closed to the result of glibenclamide (5 mg/kg). After repeated daily oral administrations of the extract (0.5 g/kg) for 14 days, the extract significantly reduced plasma glucose concentration in diabetic rats at days 7 and 14. By the end of the study, plasma triglyceride concentration was lower in the extract-treated diabetic rats than untreated ones. Furthermore, plasma HDL-cholesterol concentration was significantly increased in diabetic rats treated with the extract. In perfused rat pancreas, the extract did not increase insulin secretion in the presence of 5.5 mM glucose, but 100 microg/ml extract potentiated glucose-induced insulin secretion. Our findings suggested that Orthosiphon stamineus aqueous extract is effective for alleviating hyperglycemia and improving lipid profile in diabetic rats.