Effect of Administration of Aqueous Extract of Hippobromus Pauciflorus Leaves in Male Wistar Rats

The effect of administration of aqueous extract of Hippobromus pauciflorus (L.f.) Radlk (Sapindaceae) leaves at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight for 14 days on some biochemical parameters in male Wistar rats was investigated. The extract at all the doses tested did not significantly (P>0.05) alter the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, mean corpuscular volume, platelets, neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes and large unstained cells. While the levels of haemoglobin, packed cell volume and basophils increased significantly (P<0.05) at specific doses, the mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and eosinophils decreased significantly (P<0.05). Again, the extract did not significantly (P<0.05) alter the computed liver- and kidney-body weight ratios, sodium, chloride and total protein, though, the levels of potassium, inorganic phosphorus, globulin, urea, total and conjugated bilirubin increased significantly (P<0.05) at certain doses. In contrast, the levels of albumin and creatinine also decreased significantly (P<0.05) at specific doses. While the activities of alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase and alanine aminotransferase remained significantly (P<0.05) unaltered in the serum, aspartate aminotransferase activity increased only at 200 mg/kg body weight. The atherogenic index as well as the concentrations of cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the serum of the animals were not significantly (P>0.05) altered. However, the extract significantly (P<0.05) increased the concentration of triacylglycerol. The results suggest that the extract has mild and dose specific haemato-, hepato- and nephrotoxic effects and may not be completely safe as oral remedy at the doses investigated.     

Protective Effects of Punica Granatum Seeds Extract Against Aging and Scopolamine Induced Cognitive Impairments in Mice

Dementia is one of the age related mental problems and characteristic symptom of various neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer''s disease. This impairment probably is due to the vulnerability of the brain cells to increased oxidative stress during aging process. Many studies have shown that certain phenolic antioxidants attenuate neuronal cell death induced by oxidative stress. The present work was undertaken to assess the effect of ethanolic extract of Punica granatum seeds on cognitive performance of aged and scopolamine treated young mice using one trial step-down type passive avoidance and elevated plus maze task. Aged or scopolamine treated mice showed poor retention of memory in step-down type passive avoidance and in elevated plus maze task. Chronic administration (21 days) of Punica granatum extract and vitamin C significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the age induced or scopolamine induced retention deficits in both the paradigms. Punica granatum extract also significantly lowered lipid peroxidation level and increased antioxidant glutathione level in brain tissues. Punica granatum preparations could be protective in the treatment of cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer''s disease.     

A Study on the Effect of Aqueous Extract of Lobelia Chinensis on Colon Precancerous Lesions in Rats

This paper studies the effects of Lobelia chinensis on colon precancerous lesions and on colonic epithelial proliferation and apoptosis in DMH-induced rats. After two weeks of feeding, 50 Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups, namely the normal group, model group, Lobelia chinensis low-dose group, medium-dose group and high-dose group. Lobelia chinensis was made into ACF model, and administered to experimental groups for 10 consecutive weeks. Control group was given equivalent amount of normal saline. After feeding for 10 weeks, the rats in each group were sacrificed and the changes in colonic ACF number of rats in experimental groups were observed, and the inhibition rates were calculated. The results showed that among the rats fed for 24 h and 48 h, the number of apoptotic cells in colonic crypts of rats in DMH group did not differ significantly from the control group, while the difference was obvious between the control group and Lobelia chinensis treatment groups. The medium and high doses, that is, 0.45 g/kg and 1.35 g/kg can significantly inhibit ACF formation (P<0.01). The inhibition rates of low, medium and high doses were 8.12%, 59.42% and 65.44%, respectively.     

Anthelminthic Efficacy of Aqueous Extract of Acanthus Montanus Leaf Against Strongylid Nematodes of Small Ruminants

The anthelminthic efficacy of the crude aqueous extract of Acanthus montanus (Nees) T. Anders (Acanthaceae) against strongylid nematodes of small ruminants was investigated using the in-vitro egg hatch and larval growth inhibition assays. Faecal samples collected per rectum from sheep and goats were subjected to parasitological examination using the McMaster counting technique with a yield of 700 eggs per gram (E.P.G.) of faeces. Crude aqueous leaf extract of Acanthus montanus was extracted using cold water extraction with a yield of 13.01% w/w. Egg hatch assay revealed a 91.75% reduction in egg hatch at concentration of 25mg/ml of the extract. The extract had a 100% inhibition, at 200mg/ml concentration which was equivalent to the activity of 3.125mg/ml albendazole. The distilled water control however, showed a 0% inhibition. Larval growth inhibition assay results showed the extract on Day 1 at 25mg/ml and 200mg/ml concentrations yielded 67.02% and 85.26% larval inhibition. On Day 2, 100% inhibition was obtained on all concentrations of the extract except for 25mg/ml that yielded 88.30%. Albendazole however, had a 100% larval inhibition for all concentrations on Day 2. A 100% larval inhibition was recorded on Day 3 from the 25mg/ml concentrations. The mean percentage larval inhibition of the extract at 200mg/ml (92.63%) was comparable to the standard anthelminthic (albendazole) at 12.50mg/ml (92.28%). These findings showed that there is a pharmacological basis for the folkloric claim of the anthelminthic effect of Acanthus montanus.     

Antihyperlipidemic Effect of Peucedanum Pastinacifolium Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

INTRODUCTION:

Dyslipidemia is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus, significantly contributing to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Peucedanum pastinacifolium Boiss. & Hausskn. is commonly used as an antihyperlipidemic vegetable in Iranian folk medicine.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

In this study, we examined a hydroalcoholic extract of the aerial parts of Peucedanum pastinacifolium to determine its lipid-lowering activity in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Experimental diabetes mellitus was induced by a single intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin. Normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were separated into four groups. The groups were fed with 0, 125, 250 or 500 mg/kg body weight of Peucedanum Pastinacifolium hydroalcoholic Extract (PPE) in aqueous solution for 30 days.

RESULTS:

The results show that there were significant (P < 0.05) increases in total serum cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Treatment of diabetic rats with PPE over a period of a month returned these levels close to control levels.

CONCLUSION:

These results suggest that PPE has hypolipidemic effects in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.     

In Vitro Antioxidant and In Vivo Hepatoprotective Activity of Leave Extract of Raphanus Sativus in Rats Using CCL4 Model

Background

Raphanus sativus is reported to have a variety of biological activities. This work screened the hepato-protective and antioxidant activity of ethanol (ERS), and aqueous (ARS), extracts of leaves of Raphanus sativus in Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), model in rats.

Material and Methods

The extracts were subjected to antioxidant tests (Total reducing power and Total phenolic content), and preliminary phytochemical screening. A pilot study was done on 100 and 300 mg/kg extracts, form which 300 mg was chosen for further experiments. The albino rats (200–250 grams), were divided into 5 groups of 6 animals each (n=6). There were three control groups comprising of normal control (normal saline −1ml/kg), negative control group (CCl₄ 1ml/kg in olive oil in a ratio of 1:1 v/v), and positive control group (Silymarin 50mg/kg). The Test drugs were given in a dose of 300 mg/kg for both ERS and ARS extract for 7 days. Biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, Alkaline phosphatase, Total Bilirubin), histo-pathological examination of liver and in vivo antioxidant tests [CAT, GSH and MDA] were done.

Results

The phytochemical study showed the presence of flavanoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins and sterols. A dose dependent increase in the oxidative potential was observed in both the extracts with total phenolic content 70.1 and 44.4 GAE/g extract for ERS and ARS respectively. ERS 300mg/kg showed a significant (p<0.001) increase in levels of AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase as compared to negative control (percentage hepatoprotection =45.3%) while ARS 300 mg/kg (p<.01) group showed 30% hepatoprotection. The GSH (p<0.001) and CAT (p<0.05) in ERS and ARS were significantly increased while MDA levels were decreased (P< 0.01), as compared negative control. The findings were confirmed histo-pathological examination.

Conclusion

The ethanol and aqueous extract of Raphanus sativus have partial hepatoprotection against CCl₄ toxicity.     

Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Effects of Argyreia Speciosa in Rats

The present study has been designed to evaluate the liver protective and in-vivo antioxidant role of Ethanolic extract (EtAS) and Ethyl acetate extract (EAAS) of roots of Argyreia speciosa, an important ‘rasayana’ herb in Indian System of medicine, in CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Animals were treated with EtAS and EAAS at doses of 200 mg and 400 mg / kg body weight p.o. along with CCl₄ (0.7 ml / kg in olive oil, 1:1 v/v i.p. on every alternate days) for seven days. Serum biochemical parameters such as SGOT, SGPT, ALP, cholesterol, total and direct bilirubin were determined. Antoixidant status in liver was determined by measuring the activities of Super oxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase and Peroxidase. Histopathological study of isolated liver specimens was also carried out to know the protection offered by the extracts. There was a significant rise in the levels of serum GOT, GPT, and ALP and other biochemical parameters, decrease in the levels of SOD, Catalase and Peroxidase after administration of CCl₄. Suspensions of EtAS and EAAS (200 and 400 mg/ kg) successfully prevented the alterations of these effects in rats (p< 0.001). Histopathological examination demonstrated that CCl₄ treated group induces ballooning degeneration and centrilobular necrosis. Groups treated with EtAS and EAAS showed recovery on ballooning degeneration and centrlobular bridging necrosis was occasionally present. Data also showed that these extracts possessed strong antioxidant activity, and were comparable to Silymarin, a well known liver protecting herbal formulation.     

花姜酮对重症急性胰腺炎大鼠肝损伤的保护作用

目的:探讨花姜酮对重症急性胰腺炎(SAP)大鼠肝损伤的保护作用。方法:70只Wistar大鼠随机分为4组:正常对照组(SO组,n=10);重症急性胰腺炎组(SAP组,n=40);花姜酮(ZER)预处理组(ZER组,n=10),ZER药物对照组(ZER-CON,n=10)。其中SAP组又分为造模1h、3h、6h、12h四个时间亚组(n均=10)。SAP组及ZER组大鼠采用胆胰管逆行注射5%硫磺胆酸钠(STC)溶液(1ml/100Kg)造模;SO组及ZER-CON组则向胆胰管注入等量生理盐水。ZER组及ZER-CON组于造模前30min由股静脉注射10mg/Kg的ZER溶液。比较各组大鼠于造模12h死亡情况、腹水量、血清淀粉酶(AMY)、磷脂酶(PLA2)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)水平以及胰腺肝脏组织病理学评分(分级)。结果:ZER-CON组大鼠死亡率、腹水量、AMY、PLA2、ALT、AST水平以及胰腺和肝脏组织病理学评分(分级)与SO组比较,差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。SAP组上述指标明显高于SO组,差异有统计学意义(均P0.05)。ZER组上述指标与SAP组相比明显降低(均P0.05),但均高于SO组和ZER CON组(P0.05)。结论:ZER对SAP大鼠肝脏损伤具有一定的保护作用。     

Protective Role of Artemisia Afra Aqueous Extract on Tissue Antioxidant Defense Systems in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Changes in antioxidant capacity in the body as a result of oxidative stress play an important role in the development of diabetic complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Artemisia afra Jacq. ex Willd. on antioxidant defense systems in the liver and kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Administration of the extract to diabetic rats for 21 days significantly reduced blood glucose levels and increased body weight. The diabetic animals exhibited decreased levels of glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the liver and kidney, which were restored to near normal levels following treatment with the herb. The increased levels of lipid peroxidation observed in the tissues of diabetic rats were also reverted back to near normalcy after administering the extract. These findings revealed the protective role of A. afra on tissues by reducing oxidative stress which could be attributed to its flavonoids content. The efficacy of the plant compared favourably well with glibenclamide, a standard hypoglycemic drug.     

Anti-Trypanosomal Effects of Aqueous Extract of Ocimum Gratissimum (Lamiaceae) Leaf in Rats Infected with Trypanosoma Brucei Brucei

The anti-trypanosomal effects of aqueous extract of the leaf of Ocimum gratissimum were evaluated in both in-vitro and in-vivo studies. The anti-trypanosomal activity of the extract against Trypanosoma brucei was investigated in-vitro. The survival and motility of the trypanosomes were completely inhibited within two hours of incubation in various concentrations of the extract. Parasite survival time was concentration dependent being longer in lower (25 and 12.5 mg/ml) than higher (100, 75 and 50 mg/ml) concentrations of the extract. The in-vivo anti-trypanosomal effect of the leaf extract of the leaf extract was investigated in rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei and treated with the extract. The infected rats treated with the extract had less dramatic clinical manifestations and mortality, survived longer and higher PCV values than their untreated counterparts, however, parasitaemia was not significantly reduced. The results suggest that the folkloric medicinal application of the aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum has no possible pharmacological basis.     

Acute Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Aspilia Africana C.D. Adams on Some Haematological Parameters in Rats

Several medicinal plants have been documented for their haematological effects either at low or high concentration but very little is known about Aspilia africana. The aim of the study was to investigate the acute effects of aqueous leaf extract of Aspilia africana at different concentrations on some haematological parameters in rats. Following 14 days of oral administration of aqueous extract of A. africana, Haematocrit (HCT), Haemoglobin concentration (HB), Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Red Blood Cell Count (RBC Count), Total White Blood Cell Count (Total WBC Count), Absolute Neutrophils count (NEUT#), Absolute Lymphocytes count (LYM#), Absolute Eosinophils Count (EOSIN#) and Absolute Monocytes (MONO#) were evaluated in twenty (20) male Wistar albino rats. The rats weighed 174±20g, and were randomly assigned into 4 groups viz: Group 1, Control; Group 2, 250mg/Kg/d aqueous extract; Group 3, 500mg/Kg/d aqueous extract; and Group 4, 750mg/Kg/d aqueous extract. HCT, HB, MCHC, RBC Count, Total WBC Count, NEUT#, LYM#, EOSIN# and MONO# were significantly increased (P<0.001) in 500mg/Kg/d of A. africana extract (61.13±1.65%, 13.5±1.29g/dl, 23.33±0.0.02g/dl, 3.68±0.02 X 10¹²Cells/l, 2.33±0.02 X 10⁹Cells/l, 1.32±0.04 X 10⁹Cells/l, 1.43±0.05 X 10⁹Cells/l, 0.47±0.02 X 10⁹Cells/l and 0.47±0.04 X 10⁹Cells/l, respectively) when compared to the Control (51.13±0.85%, 9.56±0.43g/dl, 19.22±0.19g/dl, 2.69±0.01 X 10¹²Cells/l, 1.79±0.01 X 10⁹Cells/l, 0.80±0.00 X 10⁹Cells/l, 0.83±0.00 X 10⁹Cells/l, 0.18±0.00 X 10⁹Cells/l and 0.24±0.00 X 10⁹Cells/l, respectively) which received no extract at all. The 500mg/Kg of A. africana extract proved to be the most effective, while the 750mg/Kg proved to be the least effective in comparison with the control. The results of this study further strengthened the earlier works on the medicinal benefits of Aspilia africana and its virtue as a good pharmacological source of haematopoiesis.     

Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Justicia Insularis T. Anders (Acanthaceae) on Ovarian Folliculogenesis and Fertility of Female Rats

Justicia insularis T. Anders (Acanthaceae) is a medicinal plant whose leaves and those of three other plants are mixed for the preparation of a concoction used to improve fertility and to reduce labour pains in women of the Western Region of Cameroon. Previous studies have demonstrated the inducing potential on ovarian folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis of the aqueous extract of the leaf mixture (ADHJ) of four medicinal plants (Aloe buettneri, Dicliptera verticillata, Hibiscus macranthus and Justicia insularis) among which the later represented the highest proportion. This study was aimed at evaluating the ovarian inducing potential of J. insularis in immature female rats. Various doses of the aqueous extract of J. insularis were daily and orally given, for 20 days, to immature female rats distributed into four experimental groups of twenty animals each. At the end of the experimental period some biochemical and physiological parameters of ovarian function were assayed. The administration of the aqueous extract of Justicia insularis significantly induced an early vaginal opening in all treated groups (P < 0.001) as well as an increase (at doses of 50 or 100 mg/kg) in the number of hemorrhagic points, Corpus luteum, implantation sites, ovarian weight, uterine and ovarian proteins. Ovarian cholesterol level (P < 0.05) significantly decreased in animals treated with the lowest dose (12.5 mg/kg). The evaluation of the toxicological effects of the extract on pregnancy showed that it significantly increased pre- and post-implantation losses, resorption index and decreased the rate of nidation as well as litter''s weight. These results suggest that the aqueous extract of Justicia insularis induces ovarian folliculogenesis thus justifying its high proportion in the leaf mixture of ADHJ.     

Effects of Tephrosia Purpurea Aqueous Seed Extract on Blood Glucose and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous seed extract of Tephrosia purpurea (TpASet) on blood glucose and antioxidant status in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Hyperglycemia associated with an altered hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphatase activities, elevated lipid peroxidation, disturbed enzymatic [Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] and non enzymatic [Glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E] antioxidant status were observed in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of “TpASet” at a dose of 600mg/kg body weight showed significant improvement in above mentioned parameters. Our results clearly indicate that “TpASet” has potent antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effects in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and therefore further studies are warranted to isolate and characterize the bioactive principles from “TpASet”.     

Evaluation of the Antioxidant Effects of Ziziphus Mauritiana Lam. Leaf Extracts Against Chronic Ethanol-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rat Liver

Chronic alcohol ingestion is known to increase the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby leading to liver damage. Antioxidant enzymes act individually or in combination to reduce or counter the effect of these ROS. Chronic administration of alcohol at (40% v/v, 1ml/100g), for 6 weeks showed a significant (p<0.05) elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin (TB). There was also a significant (p<0.05) decreased levels of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase compared to control rats. Pre-treatment of rats with 200, 400 mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of Ziziphus mauritiana or 100 mg/kg silymarin resulted in a significant (p<0.05) decreased levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and TB with levels of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase showing a significant (p<0.05) increase compared to group administered alcohol only. Histopathology of rat liver administered with alcohol only resulted in severe necrosis, mononuclear cell aggregation and fatty degeneration in the central and mid zonal areas which was a characteristic of a damaged liver. Pre-treatment with the aqueous extract of Ziziphus mauritiana or silymarin reduced the morphological changes that are associated with chronic alcohol administration. The presence of tannins, saponins and phenolic compounds observed in the plant extract could be responsible for the observed effects of decreasing the levels of injured tissue marker and lipid peroxidation.     

Immunostimulating Effect of Aqueous Extract of Amphypterygium Adstringens on Immune Cellular Response in Immunosuppressed Mice

Amphypterygium adstringens is a Mexican tree known as cuachalalate whose bark is habitually used for the treatment of fresh wounds, gastric ulcers, gastrointestinal cancer and various inflammatory conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunostimulant effect of the aqueous extract of A. adstringens on immune cellular response in immunosuppressed mice. An aqueous extract from the bark of cuachalalate was administered into BALB/c mice for 10 days. We assessed their immunostimmulant activity on cellular immune response by Delayed Type Hypersensitivity Response (DHT) to dinitrofluorobencene (DNFB) and by MTT assay. L5178Y lymphoma was used as immunossuppression model. An increase in DHT was observed after treatment with 10 and 100 mg/kg of the aqueous extract from A. adstringens oral treatment in lymphoma bearing mice. Splenocyte proliferation rate was significantly increased (2.5 time) in immunosuppresed mice treated with 10 mg/kg oral treatment compared with group that received vehicle only. The present study showed for the first time the aqueous extract from A. adstringens as a positive immunostimulant agent in lymphoma bearing mice and we demonstrated evidence to support the traditionally use of cuachalalate in conditions in which the immune system is depressed.     

Protective Activity of the Stem Bark Aqueous Extract of Musanga Cecropioides in Carbon Tetrachloride- and Acetaminophen-induced Acute Hepatotoxicity in Rats

The hepatoprotective activities and the mechanisms of actions of Musanga cecropioides stem bark aqueous extract (MCW) were investigated on acute hepatocellular injuries induced by intraperitoneal (IP) carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) (20% CCl₄/olive oil, 1.5 mL/kg) and 800 mg/kg/IP of acetaminophen (APAP) in normal saline, in male Wistar rats. Among the Yorubas (South-West Nigeria), cold decoction of MCW is used as a natural antidote for oral gastric poisonings, infective hepatitis and other liver diseases. Its hepatoprotective activities were monitored by assaying for the serum aminotransferases, ornithine carbamoyl transferase and the toxicant-induced histopathological lesions in rat livers 24 hours post-induction. These enzymes are markers of acute hepatic injuries and their elevations are indications of acute liver injuries. Pretreatment of rats with graded doses (125 – 500 mg/kg) of MCW significantly attenuated the acute elevation of the liver enzymes and the hepatotoxin-induced histopathological lesions in the rat livers. The presence of two active natural antioxidants (flavonoids and alkaloids) in high concentrations in MCW may account for the hepatoprotective activities observed in this study. These results, thus, support the folkloric use of MCW for treatment of hepatic injuries resulting from acute gastric poisonings, infective hepatitis or other liver diseases.     

Experimental Evaluation of the Impact of Maternal Consumption of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Hybanthus Enneaspermus on Pregnancy in Sprague Dawley Rats

The impact of aqueous leaf extract of Hybanthus enneaspermus (HEaq) on pregnancy factors and litter survival was investigated in Sprague Dawley (SD) rat. Control group received distilled water while the test group received 2g/kg body weight of HEaq orally. Blood samples were collected on days one and twenty of pregnancy for total blood count, serum thyroid hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) assay. Half the number of rats in each group was sacrificed on day nineteen of pregnancy and the placenta and foetus were removed and weighed. The second half carried their pregnancy to term. Number and weights of litter were recorded at birth and the litter were also subjected to righting reflex test. Post-natal survival rate was determined for each group while effect of HEaq was also examined in-vivo on the activities of pregnant myometrial muscle. HEaq significantly decreased (p<0.05) foetal weight, placenta weight, foetal growth and survival, number and weights of litter at birth, maternal serum triiodotyroxine T₃ and TSH level. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin, white blood cell count, platelet count and lipid profile were significantly increased (P<0.05). HEaq increased the frequency and percentage contraction of gravid myometrial muscle in a dose dependent manner. Maternal consumption of aqueous leaf extract of Hybanthus enneaspermus adversely affected pregnancy and development of the foetus, as it precipitated resorption of developing foetus and reduced size and weight of litter at term.     

Protective Effect of Ssanghwa-Tang Fermented by Lactobacillus Fermentum Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Ssanghwa-tang (SHT) is a traditional herbal medicine formula that has been used for the development of physical strength, relief of pain, and the reduction of fatigue. In this study, we fermented SHT with Lactobacillus fermentum (L. fermentum), Lactobacillus gasseri (L.gasseri), or Lactobacillus casei (L.casei) to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of SHT and fermented SHT with Lactobacillus on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury in rats. Rats were given CCl₄ (1 ml/kg, 50% CCl₄ in olive oil) intraperitoneally and either SHT or fermented SHTs (15 ml/kg) was administered 30 min before CCl₄. At 24 hr after CCl₄ injection, the levels of transaminases in the serum were markedly increased. These increases were significantly attenuated by either SHT + L. fermentum or SHT+ L.gasseri. However, SHT and SHT + L.casei showed slight suppression of the increase of transaminases. The liver histological changes were diminished by treatment with SHT + L. fermentum. Additionally, the potential hepatoprotective effect of fermented-SHTs correlated with the amount of unknown metabolite which is produced during fermentation process with L. fermentum, L.gasseri, or L.casei. Therefore, these results suggest that the hepatoprotective effect of SHT may be improved by fermentation with L. fermentum and the intestinal bacterial enzyme activities may likely play an important role in the pharmacological action of herbal medicines.     

A Study on the Protective Effect of Silybum Marianum Extract on Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

The objective of the study was to study the protective effect of Silybum marianum extract on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. Rats were randomly divided into five groups; namely Silybum marianum extract high-, medium-, and low-dose protection groups, model group and control group. Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury model was prepared. Serum or plasma AST, ALT, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 levels were measured. The results revealed that after liver injury, AST, ALT, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels significantly increased in succession, showing significant differences. We concluded that inflammatory cytokines participate in liver injury and that Silybum marianum extract can reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, and thus can have a protective effect on hepatic ischemia and reperfusion.     

A Study on the Effect of Ethanol Extract of Radix Rhapontici on Erythrocyte Immune Function in Rats

This paper mainly studied the effect of ethanol extract of Radix rhapontici on erythrocyte immune function in SD rats with acute blood stasis. The methods used the effect on erythrocyte immune function. After intragastric administration of suspension of ethanol extract of Radix rhapontici to SD rats for 3 weeks, on the 21st day from intragastric administration, SD rats were made into blood stasis model and bloods were collected to determine the C3b, C3bRR, RFIR, and RFER in erythrocyte immune function. Meanwhile, serum total antioxidant activity (TAA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level of rats were determined, and experimental results were analysed with analysis of variance and Q test. The results showed that the ethanol extract of Radix rhapontici had a very good effect on enhancement of erythrocyte immune function in SD rats.