Toxicology evaluation of standardized methanol extract of Gynura procumbens

Aims of the study

Gynura procumbens (Merr.), which is known as “Sambung nyawa”, is widely used in South East Asian countries in the traditional treatment of many ailments. However, there is little toxicological information available regarding safety following repeated exposure.The present investigation describes the toxicity of a methanol extract of Gynura procumbens leaves in rats.

Materials and methods

For acute toxicity studies, a methanol extract of Gynura procumbens was orally administered to Sprague–Dawley rats (female and male) at a dose range of 1000–5000 mg/kg. For sub-chronic toxicity studies, the rats were orally administered the methanol extract of Gynura procumbens at the doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/(kg day) for a period of 13 weeks. The animals were sacrificed, followed by examination of their organs and blood serum.

Results and conclusions

Administration of the methanol extract from Gynura procumbens leaves at 1000–5000 mg/kg did not produce mortality or significant changes in the general behaviour, body weight, or organ gross appearance of rats. There were no significant differences in the general condition, growth, organ weights, haematological parameters, clinical chemistry values, or gross and microscopic appearance of the organs from the treatment groups as compared to the control group. Therefore, the NOAEL for the Gynura procumbens methanol extract is 500 mg/(kg day) administered orally for 13 weeks.     

Antihyperglycemic effects of total flavonoids from Polygonatum odoratum in STZ and alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Aim of the study

Total flavonids of Polygonatum(P) odoratum (TFP) were tested for anti-diabetic activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati, well-known Chinese traditional medicine, is widely used for treatment of diverse diseases for example diabetes. In our study, TFP was extracted by 70% ethanol and purified by macroreticular resin. The experiments were designed to detect the anti-diabetic activity of TFP by determination of blood glucose (BG) using one touch gluco-meter and insulin levels by using a radioimmunoassay kit in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and alloxan-induced diabetic rats and alpha-amylase inhibitory activity by alpha-amylase inhibition assay in vitro.

Results

TFP had beneficial effects on regulation of blood glucose. Daily administration with 50–200 mg/kg body weight of TFP for 9 days can reduce significantly hyperglycemia in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Thirtieth day administration with TFP (50–200 mg/kg body weight) also decreased significantly fasting blood glucose in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The hypoglycemic effect of TFP at 50 and 100 mg/kg is less than that of acarbose 20 mg/kg and gliclazide 15 mg/kg. The hypoglycemic effects of TFP at 200 mg/kg is similar to that of acarbose 20 mg/kg and gliclazide 15 mg/kg. TFP also could increase significantly the insulin level in alloxan-induced type 2 diabetic rats (P < 0.05) compared with control. Alpha-amylase inhibition assay in vitro showed that TFP inhibited significantly alpha-amylase activity in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions

TFP possess significant dose-dependent anti-diabetic activity. TFP is one of the primary hypoglycemic active compounds of Polygonatum odoratum which would worth further study and development.     

Evaluation of Launaea procumbens use in renal disorders: A rat model

Introduction

Carbon tetrachloride exerts its toxicity in rat kidneys through oxidative stress. Launaea procumbens is used ethnopharmacologically in renal disorders. Its methanolic, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane fractions were evaluated against CCl₄-induced nephrotoxicity in rat.

Materials and Methods

Among 16 groups, one was given CCl₄ of 3 ml/kg body weight (30% in olive oil i.p.) twice a week for 4 weeks. Others were orally fed with extracts (100, 200 mg/kg b.w.) or rutin (50 mg/kg b.w.) after 48 h of CCl₄ or 200 mg/kg b.w. of extracts without CCl₄-treatment twice a week for 4 weeks.

Results

CCl₄ exposure led to a significant oxidative stress in kidneys which was remarkably attenuated with co-administration of various fractions and rutin thereby increased the level of CAT, POD, SOD, GSH, GSR, GST, GSH-Px, quinone reductase, while reduced the xanthine oxidase, γ-GT, TBARS, H₂O₂, nitrite, tissue proteins and DNA fragmentation%. Ameliorated effects of fractions and rutin were also recorded for the function of kidneys and the level of urobilinogen, urea, albumin, creatinine, RBC and WBC in urine were decreased. Serum level of creatinine, urobilinogen, BUN, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin and globulin were decreased while total proteins, albumin and creatinine clearance were increased with fractions and rutin. Protective effects of rutin and fractions were also evident on histopathology by reducing glomerular atrophy, tubular degeneration, congestion of blood capillaries, necrosis of epithelium and edema. Similarly body weight was increased while kidney and relative kidney weight was decreased with co-administration of fractions and rutin.

Conclusion

It is suggested that Launaea procumbens effectively protect kidneys against the CCl₄-induced oxidative damage in rats, through antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects of flavonoids and saponins present in the fractions.     

Curcuma comosa improves learning and memory function on ovariectomized rats in a long-term Morris water maze test

Aim of the study

Curcuma comosa extract and some purified compounds from this plant have been reported to have estrogenic-like effects, and estrogen improves learning in some animals and potentially in postmenopausal women; therefore, this study tested the hypothesis that Curcuma comosa and estrogen have similar beneficial effects on spatial learning and memory.

Materials and methods

Curcuma comosa hexane extract, containing 0.165 mg of (4E,6E)-1,7-diphenylhepta-4,6-dien-3-one per mg of the crude extract, was orally administered to ovariectomized Wistar rats at the doses of 250 or 500 mg/kg body weight. 17β-estradiol (10 μg/kg body weight, subcutaneously) was used as a positive control. Thirty days after the initiation of treatment, animals were tested in a Morris water maze for spatial learning and memory. They were re-tested every 30 days and a final probe trial was run on day 119.

Results

Compared to control rats, OVX rats displayed significant memory impairment for locating the platform in the water maze from day 67 after the surgery, onward. In contrast, OVX rats treated with either Curcuma comosa or estrogen were significantly protected from this decline in cognitive function. Further, the protection of cognitive effects by Curcuma comosa was larger at higher dose.

Conclusions

These results suggest that long-term treatment with Curcuma comosa has beneficial effects on learning and memory function in rats.     

Antidiabetic and antioxidant effect of various fractions of Phyllanthus simplex in alloxan diabetic rats

Aim of the study

To evaluate the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of various fractions of Phyllanthus simplex on alloxan induced diabetes in rats.

Materials and methods

Hypoglycemic effect of Phyllanthus simplex fractions was evaluated in normal and diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg). Normal and diabetic rats were divided into different groups (six rats each group) and orally administered with petroleum ether (P.E.) (200 and 400 mg/kg), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) (100 and 200 mg/kg), methanol (125 and 250 mg/kg), water fraction (150 and 300 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) for 21 days. Blood samples were collected from overnight fasted normal rats on day 21, from overnight fasted diabetic rats at 7, 14 and 21 days of treatment and analyzed for blood glucose level. On day 22 blood samples were collected from diabetic rats to estimate biochemical parameters, rats were sacrificed by single stunning and tissues were excised to measure their antioxidant and glycogen status.

Results

In the normoglycemic rats, MeOH (125 and 250 mg/kg) and aqueous fractions (150 and 300 mg/kg) showed a significant (P < 0.05) hypoglycemic effect on day 21. In diabetic control rats, MeOH (125 and 250 mg/kg) and aqueous fractions (150 and 300 mg/kg) showed significant antihyperglycemic effect (P < 0.001). The active fractions (MeOH and aqueous) of Phyllanthus simplex also increased the body weight of diabetic rats significantly compared to the control group. The active fractions were able to normalize the marked alterations in antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant parameters levels in liver and kidney. Treatment with the active fractions also normalized the diabetic induced hyperlipidemia and liver glycogen.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of fractions of Phyllanthus simplex and suggests that the plant may have therapeutic value in diabetes and related complications.     

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect of swertiamarin from Enicostemma axillare against d-galactosamine induced acute liver damage in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The whole plant of Enicostemma axillare Raynal (Family: Gentianaceae) is used in variety of diseases in traditional Indian system of medicine including hepatic ailments.

Aim of the study

Swertiamarin isolated from Enicostemma axillare Raynal was evaluated for antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity.

Materials and methods

Swertiamarin was isolated from successive ethyl acetate extract of the plant Enicostemma axillare belongs to the family Gentianaceae. The concentration of swertiamarin was determined by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). The hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of swertiamarin (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) was carried out against d-Galactosamine (d-GalN) (200 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally i.p.) induced liver injury in rats.

Results

Swertiamarin a secoiridoid glycoside was found to contain a major constituent of the extract. d-GalN caused significant hepatotoxicity by alteration of several hepatic parameters. It also caused significant lipid peroxidation and reduced the levels of antioxidant defense mechanisms. The treatment with swertiamarin at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight when administered orally for 8 days prior to d-GalN caused a significant restoration of all the altered biochemical parameters due to d-GalN towards the normal, indicating the potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective nature of swertiamarin.

Conclusions

Swertiamarin isolated from Enicostemma axillare possesses significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties against d-GalN induced hepatotoxicity given at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight orally for 8 days, which might be due to its in vitro antioxidant activity.     

Antidiabetic activity of Ficus amplissima Smith. bark extract in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ficus amplissima commonly known as kal-itchchi have a long history of use in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani herbal preparations in Indian traditional system of medicine. It has been used in folklore medicine for the treatment of diabetes.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of methanolic extract of the bark of Ficus amplissima (FAB) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

Oral administration of FAB bark at the doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg was studied in normal, glucose-loaded and STZ—induced diabetic rats.

Results

The three doses caused significant reduction in blood glucose levels in all the models. The effect was more pronounced in 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg than 150 mg/kg. FAB also showed significant increase in serum insulin and body weight. The glycogen content in liver, skeletal muscle, total protein contents were markedly increased and marker enzymes of hepatic function of STZ-induced diabetic rats while there was significant reduction in the levels of serum triglyceride and total cholesterol. FAB also showed significant anti-lipid peroxidative effect in the pancreas of STZ-induced diabetic rats. The anti-diabetic effect of FAB was compared with glibenclamide, a well known hypoglycemic drug. Histological analysis showed the regenerative effect of FAB on the β-cells of diabetic rats.

Conclusion

Results of this experimental study indicated that FAB possessed anti-diabetic and antioxidant activities. Hence it could be used as a natural source of antidiabetic (Type-I) and antioxidant drug.     

The anti-arthritic effects of Aconitum vilmorinianum, a folk herbal medicine in Southwestern China

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Aconiti Radix (AC) and Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix (AK) are two traditional Chinese medicines commonly used to treat joint pain and arthritis. In Southwestern China, Huangcaowu (AV), the root of Aconitum vilmorinianum Kom., has long been used as a local substitute for these herbs for analgesia and anti-inflammation. However, its anti-arthritic effects have not been investigated.

Aim of study

To investigate the anti-arthritic effects of Huangcaowu (AV).

Materials and methods

Mono-arthritis in SD rats was induced by unilateral intra-articular injection of Freund's complete adjuvant. Physiological saline was injected in the contralateral knee. Seventy five percent ethanol extracts of AV (10 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day), AC (100 mg/kg/day) and AK (100 mg/kg/day) were administered to rats by oral gavage for 14 consecutive days (Day -6 to Day 7) while arthritis was induced at the seventh day (Day 0). The anti-arthritic effects of the herbs were assessed by measuring allodynia, swelling, hyperaemia and the vascular permeability of the knee joints.

Results

AV (10 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day), AC (100 mg/kg/day) and AK (100 mg/kg/day) suppressed joint allodynia. AV (10 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day) and AK (100 mg/kg/day) significantly reduced join swelling and hyperaemia while AC (100 mg/kg/day) did not. AV (100 mg/kg/day) attenuated vascular permeability while AC (100 mg/kg/day) and AK (100 mg/kg/day) showed no improvement.

Conclusions

Huangcaowu (AV) significantly improved allodynia, swelling, hyperaemia and vascular permeability in arthritic knee joints. It showed the highest anti-arthritic effects among the three tested Aconitum herbs.     

Subchronic exposure to mitragynine,the principal alkaloid of Mitragyna speciosa, in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Mitragyna speciosa is a popular medicinal plant in Southeast Asia which is commonly used for its morphine-like effects. Although the analgesic properties of Mitragyna speciosa and its ability to ameliorate withdrawal signs after abrupt cessation of opioid abuse are well known, information about the long-term safety of the plant's active compounds is lacking. In this work, we evaluated the effects of sub-chronic exposure to mitragynine, the principal alkaloid of Mitragyna speciosa leaves in rats. Materials and methods: Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats received three doses of mitragynine (1, 10, 100 mg/kg, p.o) for 28 days respectively. Food intake and relative body weight were measured during the experiment. After completion of drug treatment biochemical, hematological, and histological analyses were performed.

Results

No mortality was observed in any of the treatment groups. The groups of rats treated with the lower and intermediate doses showed no toxic effects during the study. However, the relative body weight of the group of female rats treated with the 100 mg/kg dose was decreased significantly. Food intake also tended to decrease in the same group. Only relative liver weight increased after treatment with the high dose of mitragynine (100 mg/ kg) in both the male and female treatment groups of rats. Biochemical and hematological parameters were also altered especially in high dose treatment group which corresponds to the histopathological changes.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated that mitragynine is relatively safe at lower sub-chronic doses (1–10 mg/kg) but exhibited toxicity at a highest dose (sub-chronic 28 days: 100 mg/kg). This was confirmed by liver, kidney, and brain histopathological changes, as well as hematological and biochemical changes.     

Butanol fraction of Khaya senegalensis root modulates β-cell function and ameliorates diabetes-related biochemical parameters in a type 2 diabetes rat model

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Khaya senegalensis A. Juss (Meliaceae) is commonly exploited for the traditional treatment of diabetes mellitus in Nigeria and Togo. The present study was conducted to examine the anti-diabetic activity of Khaya senegalensis butanol fraction (KSBF) of root ethanolic extract in a type 2 diabetes (T2D) model of rats.

Materials and methods

T2D was induced in rats by feeding a 10% fructose solution ad libitum for two weeks followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg body weight) and the animals were treated with 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight (BW) of the fraction for five days in a week. Relevant diabetes-related parameters were analyzed in all experimental animals.

Results

The KSBF treatment, at 300 mg/kg BW, significantly (p<0.05) reduced blood glucose level, improved oral glucose tolerance ability and β-cell function (HOMA-β), decreased insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), stimulated hepatic glycogen synthesis, ameliorated serum lipids alterations and prevented hepatic and renal damages compared to untreated diabetic rats. Additionally, the fraction insignificantly (p>0.05) improved weight gain, decreased food and fluid intake, stimulated insulin secretion and lowered serum fructosamine concentrations compared to untreated diabetic rats.

Conclusions

Data from this study suggests that orally administered KSBF, at 300 mg/kg BW, possess remarkable anti-type 2 diabetic activity and could ameliorate some diabetes-associated complications and hence can be considered as a source of potential anti-type 2 diabetic medicine.     

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.     

Dose- and time-dependent effects of ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens Linn. seed on sexual behaviour of normal male rats

Aim of the study

According to Indian Systems of Medicine, Mucuna pruriens Linn., belonging to the leguminous family (Papilionaceae), were used for treating male sexual disorders since ancient times. In this study, the effects of ethanolic extracts of the Mucuna pruriens Linn. seed on general mating behaviour, libido and potency of normal male Wister albino rats were investigated and also compared with the standard reference drug, Sildenafil citrate.

Materials and Methods

Animals were divided into one control group (Group I––received saline) and four experimental groups (Groups II–V). Experimental groups were divided on the basis of the dosage of extract to the animals as follows: 150 mg/kg body weight (Group I), 200 mg/kg body weight (Group II) and 250 mg/kg body weight (Group IV) while Group V received Sildenafil citrate (5 mg/kg body weight). Animals were fed PO with saline or extract or standard drug once in a day for 45 days. To analyse the mating behaviour, female rats with oestrus phase were used.

Results

The extract administered PO significantly increased the mounting frequency, intromission frequency and ejaculation latency, and decreased the mounting latency, intromission latency, post-ejaculatory interval and inter-intromission interval. The potency test significantly increased erections, quick flips, long flips and total reflex. Therefore, the results indicated that the ethanolic extracts of Mucuna pruriens Linn. seed produced a significant and sustained increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats at a particular dose (200 mg/kg). When compared to control, all the drug-treated groups have shown drug-induced effects for a few parameters. However in Group II, there was an obvious enhancement in all parameters, without affecting the normal behaviour. When compared with the standard drug, the net effect of extract is even less than that in Group II.

Conclusions

Therefore, the resulting aphrodisiac activity of the extract lends support to the claim that it has traditionally been used for the treatment of sexual disorders.     

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.     

Androgenic activity of the Thai traditional male potency herb, Butea superba Roxb., in female rats

Aim of the study

Butea superba Roxb. (Leguminosae) is a well-known Thai male potency herb with androgenic and anti-estrogenic activities. We evaluated whether oral administration of Butea superba has an androgenic or anti-estrogenic activity in female rats.

Materials and methods

Normal and ovariectomized adult female rats were each subdivided into five groups, DW, BS-10, BS-50, BS-250 and TP, and gavaged with 0, 10, 50 and 250 mg/kg BW/day of the crude of Butea superba and subcutaneously injected with 6 mg/kg BW/day of testosterone propionate (TP), respectively, during the treatment period.

Results

In intact rats, only BS-250 increased the uterine thickness and the number of uterine glands, and could induce a prolonged diestrous phase. In ovariectomized rats, treatment with BS-50 as well as BS-250 increased the uterine thickness and the number of uterine glands. However, serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were also increased. TP reduced serum follicle stimulating hormone and LH levels with the appearance of anestrous cycle, and could significantly increase the relative uterine weight and thickness and the number of uterine glands in both intact and ovariectomized rats.

Conclusions

Orally administered Butea superba tubers have an androgenic effect on the reproductive organs of intact and ovariectomized rats, and exhibit anti-estrogenic activity on LH secretion in ovariectomized rats.     

Anti-inflammatory effect of O-methylated flavonol 2-(3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl)-3,5-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-chromen-4-one obtained from Cassia sophera Linn in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Cassia sophera Linn (Family Caesalpiniaceae), popularly known as kasundi, is used both in the Indian traditional system and folk medicine to treat several inflammatory pathologies such as asthma, arthritis and pains. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the scientific basis of anti-inflammatory activity of Cassia sophera ethanol extracts and of an isolated constituent of Cassia sophera.

Materials and methods

The anti-inflammatory activity of Cassia sophera was studied using the carrageenan, dextran induced rat paw edema, and cotton pellet induced granuloma in rats. The ethanol extract was administered at the concentrations of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight whereas rhamnetin (RN) was administered at a dose of 10 and 15 mg/kg, b.w. Indomethacin was used as standard drug.

Results

The HPLC analysis revealed that good amounts of rhamnetin (0.18%) was present in Cassia sophera.The ethanol extracts at 400 mg/kg, showed maximum inhibition of inflammation induced by carrageenan (44%), dextran (40%), cotton pellets (37.47%). On the other hand rhamnetin (15 mg/kg) exhibited maximum anti-inflammatory effect, that is 79 and 33% at the end of 3 h with carrageenin, and dextran-induced rat paw edema, respectively. In a chronic test rhamnetin (15 mg/kg) showed 43.32% reduction in granuloma weight.

Conclusion

The marked inhibitory effect on paw edema and granuloma showed that Cassia sophera possess remarkable anti-inflammatory activity which may be due to rhamnetin at least in part, supporting the folkloric usage of the plant to treat various inflammatory diseases.     

Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effect of Begonia malabarica Lam. in normal and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Aim of the study

The stem of Begonia malabarica was used traditionally by the Malasar tribe to treat diabetes. To validate the hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effects of the hexane, ethylacetate and methanol extracts obtained from an ethnomedicinal plant, Begonia malabarica.

Materials and methods

The doses for the study were fixed based on Irwin test. The hypoglycemic effect of hexane, ethylacetate and methanol extracts of Begonia malabarica stems were studied in normal animals. The antihyperglycemic effect of the methanol extract was studied in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Results

In normal rats the treatment with the methanol extract of Begonia malabarica had shown a highly significant reduction (16.54 and 34.47%) in plasma glucose levels from the 0 h values at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively. In streptozotocin induced diabetic rats the body weight of the Begonia malabarica methanol extract treated animals had shown a significant increase (13.38% at 200 mg/kg) after 4 weeks treatment. The plasma glucose levels were reduced significantly by 46.57 and 50.20% after 4 weeks treatment at 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively. Likewise the absolute kidney weight was also reduced in a significant manner. After 25 days treatment the Begonia malabarica methanol extract treated animals had shown low fasting plasma glucose levels (54.29, 61.34% in 100 and 200 mg/kg) and reduced postprandial plasma glucose levels (54.23, 65.96% in 100 and 200 mg/kg) when compared with diabetic control values. Serum insulin levels and liver glycogen levels were increased to 40.04 and 42.18% in 200 mg/kg Begonia malabarica methanol extract treated animals respectively. The treatment with Begonia malabarica methanol extract did not change the triglycerides and total cholesterol levels. The urea and creatinine levels were also reduced significantly by this treatment. The reduction in SGPT levels indicated the absence of toxicity of Begonia malabarica extract at this dose level.

Conclusion

This study supports the use of Begonia malabarica by the Malasar tribe for the treatment of diabetes. Fractionation of this extract may yield novel prototypes to manage diabetes mellitus.     

Effect of triterpene saponins from roots of Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke on diuresis in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke is a plant used in Brazilian folk medicine to both prevent malaria and act as a depurative.

Aim of the study

We have investigated the effects of an ethanol crude extract of roots of Ampelozizyphus amazonicus (CEAaD), a chemically characterized saponin mixture (SAPAaD), as well as a saponin-free fraction (SAPAaD-free) obtained from CEAaD on diuresis in rats.

Materials and methods

Wistar rats under ad libitum water conditions or water deprivation for 12 h prior to the start of the experiment were volume-expanded with 0.9% NaCl (4% body weight, by gavage) containing either CEAaD, SAPAaD, or SAPAaD-free at the doses indicated in the text. Rats were individually housed in metabolic cages, and urine volume was measured every 30 min throughout the experiment (3 h).

Results

CEAaD increased urine volume in rats under conditions of both free access to water and under water deprivation. In the latter condition, CEAaD (150 mg/kg) increased the urine volume from zero to 0.9 ± 0.1 ml/120 min, n = 6). Similarly, the SAPAaD-free (50–200 mg/kg) mixture also increased the urine volume. In contrast, SAPAaD (12.5–1000 mg/kg) produced a significant reduction (p < 0.01) in diuresis under conditions of both water deprivation and with free access to water prior to the start of the experiment.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that CEAaD contains compounds that cause both diuresis and antidiuresis and that the antidiuretic effect is due mainly to the presence of saponins.     

Anti-hyperglycemic effect,inhibition of inflammatory cytokines expression,and histopathology profile in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats treated with Arracacia tolucensis aerial-parts extracts

Ethopharmacological relevance

Arracacia tolucensis is a medicinal plant used in northeast of Mexico as a remedy to treat people with Diabetes mellitus (DM); however, there are no scientific studies that support this information. Thus, we evaluated the anti-hyperglycemic effect of the hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts from aerial parts in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

DM was induced in Wistar male rats by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ 50 mg/kg). After STZ-induction, hyperglycemic rats were treated with all three extracts orally at a single dose (250 mg/kg) each 48 h for 21 days. Glibenclamide (1 mg/kg) was used as a reference drug. The fasting blood glucose levels, the hematic biometry and biochemical profiles, and the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines expression were estimated. Histopathology analysis of pancreas, liver, spleen, and kidney tissue was carried out.

Results

Ours results showed that ethyl acetate extract decreased blood glucose levels significantly (75%, p< 0.05) when compared to diabetic rats and controlled the body weight loss; the lipids level did not change, but the enzyme levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase decreased significantly (60.83% and 66.16%, respectively, p< 0.05) and inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines,with respect to diabetic rats. Histopathology injury was not observed; by contrast repair of islet of Langerhans was exhibited.

Conclusion

These results validate the use of Arracacia tolucensis as a treatment against DM and suggests it is suitable to continue studies for its safe therapeutic use.