Anticlastogenic effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa fruits against sodium arsenite-induced micronuclei formation in erythrocytes in mouse bone marrow

An in vivo micronucleus assay using albino mice was used to examine the anticlastogenic effects of a crude aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa fruits in bone marrow cells of mice. Various doses of freshly prepared crude extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg b.w.) were given by gavaging to male laboratory bred Swiss albino mice for 7 days as a dietary supplement followed by a single dose of sodium arsenite (2.5 mg/kg b.w.) After 24 h, the animals were killed and bone marrow smears were prepared and stained in Giemsa. The results show that sodium arsenite effectively induced micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs). Administration of a crude extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa led to a significant reduction of micronuclei in PCEs. The results also show that a combination of Hibiscus sabdariffa and sodium arsenite reduced significantly the frequencies of micronucleated PCEs induced by sodium arsenite.     

茯苓、枸杞、黄芪提取物和海参冻干粉配伍增强免疫力作用的实验研究

目的:观察茯苓提取物、枸杞提取物、黄芪提取物和海参冻干粉配伍制成混合物的增强免疫力作用.方法:按《保健食品检验与评价技术规范》中免疫力功能检验方法,经口给予小鼠200mg/(kg·bw)、400mg/(kg·bw)、1000mg/(kg·bw)剂量30 d,测定细胞免疫、体液免疫、单核-巨噬细胞吞噬功能指标及NK细胞活...     

Use of crude extract of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in reducing cytotoxic effects of arsenic in mouse bone marrow

A relatively high concentration of crude extract of garlic, (Allium sativum L.)--single clove variety, was found to reduce the cytotoxic effects of three doses of sodium arsenite, corresponding to 1/10, 1/30 and 1/50 of the LD₅₀ in laboratory bred male Swiss albino mice. The animals were given a single oral dose of the chemical, together with the extract, and effects were observed after 24 h in bone marrow cells following the colchicine–fixation–airdry–Giemsa schedule. The endpoints scored were chromosomal aberrations and damaged cells.     

Hypoglycemic and antidiabetic effect of ethanolic extract of leaves of Annona squamosa L. in experimental animals

The ethanolic extract of Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae) leaves was administered orally at different doses to normal as well as streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. The dose of 350 mg/kg body weight (bw) reduced the fasting blood glucose (FBG) level by 6.0% within 1 h, whereas, the peak blood glucose at 1 h during glucose tolerance test (GTT) was reduced by 17.1% in normal rats. The same dose of ethanolic extract reduced FBG by 26.8% and improved glucose tolerance by 38.5 and 40.6% at 1 and 2 h, respectively, during GTT in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. In STZ-diabetic rats, a fall of 13.0% in FBG and an improvement in glucose tolerance by 37.2 and 60.6% at 1 and 2 h, respectively, was observed during GTT. The dose of 350 mg/kg bw of ethanolic extract in 10-day treatment of a group of STZ-diabetic rats produced 73.3% fall in FBG level and no sugar was observed in fasting urine. Treatment of severely-diabetic rabbits for 15 days with a dose of 350 mg/kg of extract reduce FBG by 52.7% and urine sugar by 75%. It brought about fall in the level of total cholesterol (TC) by 49.3% with increase of 30.3% in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and decrease of 71.9 and 28.7% in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides (TG) levels, respectively.     

生姜透皮帖对X射线致大鼠红细胞损伤的保护作用

目的：观察生姜透皮帖对X射线致大鼠外周血细胞损伤的保护作用.方法：选择昆明种大鼠100只,雌雄各半,随机分为5组,生姜透皮帖暴露组分别在照射前给予不同剂量生姜透皮帖（50、100、150 mg/kg）贴在脐部,非照射组和单纯照射组分别以相同氮酮制作空白帖剂贴在脐部.X射线照射的剂量为2Gy,照射2次,间隔24 h,末次照射后48 h,分别测定血中红细胞计数（RBC）、血红蛋白含量（HCB）、红细胞比积（HCT）、红细胞平均体积（MCV）、红细胞平均血红蛋白浓度（MCHC）、红细胞平均血红蛋白量（MCH）、红细胞体积分布宽度（RDW）.结果：与未照射组比较,单纯照射组X射线暴露可引起雌、雄大鼠RBC、HCB、HCT减少,MCH、RDW增高,还可导致雌性大鼠MCHC的增高（P〈0.05）.而与单纯照射组比较,生姜透皮帖组雌、雄大鼠RBC、HCB、HCT上升,RDW下降,雌性大鼠MCH下降（P〈0.05）.结论：生姜透皮帖对X射线引起的大鼠RBC损伤具有保护作用.     

Assessment of antidiabetic potential of Cynodon dactylon extract in streptozotocin diabetic rats

This study was undertaken to investigate the hypoglycemic and antidiabetic effect of single and repeated oral administration of the aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon (Family: Poaceae) in normal and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats, respectively. The effect of repeated oral administration of aqueous extract on serum lipid profile in diabetic rats was also examined. A range of doses, viz. 250, 500 and 1000mg/kg bw of aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon were evaluated and the dose of 500mg/kg was identified as the most effective dose. It lowers blood glucose level around 31% after 4h of administration in normal rats. The same dose of 500mg/kg produced a fall of 23% in blood glucose level within 1h during glucose tolerance test (GTT) of mild diabetic rats. This dose has almost similar effect as that of standard drug tolbutamide (250mg/kg bw). Severely diabetic rats were also treated daily with 500mg/kg bw for 14 days and a significant reduction of 59% was observed in fasting blood glucose level. A reduction in the urine sugar level and increase in body weight of severe diabetic rats were additional corroborating factors for its antidiabetic potential. Total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride (TG) levels were decreased by 35, 77 and 29%, respectively, in severely diabetic rats whereas, cardioprotective, high density lipoprotein (HDL) was increased by 18%. These results clearly indicate that aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon has high antidiabetic potential along with significant hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects.     

Hypoglycaemic Agent(s) in Leaves of Elaeophorbia drupifera

Male white Wistar rats (250–300 g), after an overnight fast, were treated with a crude extract (20 mg/kg oral) from the leaves of E. drupifera . The extract was administered 2 h before and 2 h after either an oral glucose load (3 g/kg) or a subcutaneous injection of adrenaline (0.01 mg/kg). The results showed that the extract reduced the blood glucose levels in rats that received the extract 2 h before glucose and adrenaline administration by about 34.3% and 35.2%, respectively. For the group that received the extract 2 h after glucose and adrenaline administration, the blood glucose levels were reduced by about 52.8% and 29.7%, respectively. Comparison was made between the action of the extract and a known hypoglycaemic drug — glibenclamide (0.29 mg/kg oral). The extract (20 mg/kg oral) was found to be faster and more effective than glibenclamide in lowering the blood glucose levels in fasting rats.     

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Anoectochilus formosanus and Gynostemma pentaphyllum

Anoectochilus formosanus Hay. and Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino are popular folk medicines that have been used for treating hepatitis, hypertension and cancer in Taiwan. Our previous studies showed that these crude drugs exert antiinflammatory activity and hepatoprotective activity against CC14-induced liver damage. In this study, the antioxidant effect of these crude drugs and their hepatoprotective activity on acetaminophen-induced liver injury in rat was evaluated. Our results suggest that A. formosanus and G. pentaphyllum do have antioxidant effects. On acetaminophen-intoxicated model, the increased levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) by acetaminophen administration were reduced by treatment with these two herbs. In histological observation, gross necrosis in the centribular area, sinusoidal congestion, infiltration of the lymphocytes and Kupffer cells around the hepatic central vein, and loss of cell boundaries and ballooning degeneration were reduced with herbal treatment. However, the effect of A. formosanus and G. pentaphyllum is biphasic. Methanol extract (100 and 300 mg/kg) and water extract (300 and 500 mg/kg) of A formosanus and water extract (100, 300 and 500 mg/kg) of G. pentaphyllum enhanced the recovery of liver injury while treatment with 500 mg/kg of A. formosanus methanol extract resulted in serious hepatic injury.     

Prolonged murine genotoxic effects of crude extracted from neem

Oral administration of a crude ethanol extract of the leaves of neem (Azadirachta indica A juss) to adult Swiss albino mice for 7 days at 5 mg, 10 mg or 20 mg/10 g bw/day significantly increased the incidence of structural and mitosis disruptive changes in metaphase chromosomes of bone marrow cells on days 8, 15 and 35th of observation. It is proposed that one or other of the many constituents of the extract, along with genera free radicals, interfered with DNA to yield chromosome strand breakage or produced spindle disturbances, inducing belated genotoxic effects.     

Ameliorative effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Azadirachta indica on renal histologic alterations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

We studied the effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Azadirachta indica (AIE) on the microanatomy of the kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Thirty male Wistar rats (161-190 g) were randomly assigned to one of five treatment groups of six animals each: control, diabetic, diabetic + AIE, diabetic + metformin, AIE only. Diabetes was induced with a single intraperitoneal dose of streptozotocin (70 mg/kg body weight). AIE and metformin were administered orally for 50 days (50 d) at 500 mg/kg bw/d and 350 mg/kg bw/d, respectively. Blood glucose was estimated by glucose oxidase method; plasma urea and creatinine were assayed; and paraffin sections of the kidney were stained by periodic acid-Schiff technique. Untreated diabetic rats exhibited marked hyperglycemia. Renal histopathology of these animals showed features of diabetic nephropathy, with nodular glomerulosclerosis and vacuolation of proximal tubule cells (Armanni-Ebstein phenomenon). These feature were absent in the diabetic rats treated with AIE. Besides, plasma urea and creatinine were not significantly different from the control in this group (p > 0.05), in contrast to the untreated diabetic rats, where significant increases in these markers (p < 0.05). These findings showed that the leaf extract of Azadirachta indica ameliorates hyperglycemia and diabetic nephropathy in rats.     

Effect of crude extract and fractions from Vitex megapotamica leaves on hyperglycemia in alloxan-diabetic rats

The effect of the crude extract, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions from Vitex megapotamica (Spreng) Moldenke on glycemia was investigated in diabetic rats. Oral administration of crude extract significantly reduced serum glucose levels in both normal and diabetic animals. In normal rats, serum glucose lowering was observed with 400 and 800 mg/kg at 2 and 2-3h, respectively after oral crude extract treatment. Nevertheless, the hypoglycemic effect of Vitex megapotamica in diabetic rats was evident at 1 and 2h and from 1 to 3h after treatment with 400 and 800 mg/kg, respectively. The ethyl acetate as well as n-butanol fractions were able to diminish glycemia in diabetic animals. The ethyl acetate fraction (400 and 800 mg/kg) produced the maximum hypoglycemic effect (28 and 20%, respectively) in diabetic rats and the same dose of the n-butanol fraction reduced the hyperglycemia only by 11% at 1h after treatment. Additionally, in hyperglycemic normal rats neither crude extract nor ethyl acetate fraction modified the glucose tolerance and the known tolbutamide effect on insulin release was clearly observed in this group. Thus, this study shows that Vitex megapotamica has an anti-hyperglycemic action, is able to ameliorate the diabetic state and, probably, is a source of hypoglycemic compounds.     

Pharmacological activities investigation of crude extracts and fractions from Qualea grandiflora Mart

This study investigates pharmacological activities of crude hydroalcoholic extract and fractions of Qualea grandiflora Mart. leaves employing different experimental models using mice. The treatment with crude hydroalcoholic extract (EH) in a dose of 500 mg/kg, i.p. caused: signs of central nervous system depressant action in the Hippocratic screening test, confirmed by the potentiation of sodium pentobarbital sleeping time. Increasing in the latency time of hot plate assay that indicate an analgesic effect; significantly delaying of the onset of clonic PTZ convulsions, increasing in the time for death, suppressing of the tonic PTZ convulsion, and decreasing of severity and number of convulsions. The median lethal dose of EH was 1.321 mg/kg. The convulsions induced by PTZ, ethyl ether fraction (300 mg/kg, i.p.) was more active in increasing the latency time for first convulsion, moreover, the hexane fraction, at the same dose, was more active in increasing the time for death and/or avoiding the death. Both did not cause disturbance in motor coordination at the dose of 500 mg/kg, assessed by rotarod test. These results suggest that the crude extract of leaves of Qualea grandiflora Mart. has a central nervous system depressant action, an analgesic effect and behave as a potential anticonvulsant.     

Effect of lyophilized extracts from guaraná seeds [Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis (Mart.) Ducke] on behavioral profiles in rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the pharmacological properties of the crude lyophilized extract (EBPC) of Paullinia cupana seeds (guaraná) and the semi-purified extracts (EPA and EPB) after acute or chronic administration by the oral route in rats. Anxiolytic-like, antidepressant-like and motor stimulant effects were evaluated using the plus maze (PMT), forced swimming (FST) and open field (OFT) tests, respectively. Acute or chronic administration of EBPC (3.0, 30.0 or 60.0 mg/kg) did not alter the percentage of entries or the time spent in the open arm in the PMT. In the FST, chronic treatment with 30.0 mg EBPC/kg and 4.0 mg EPA/kg extract decreased the immobility time similarly to the antidepressant reference drug, imipramine (20.0 mg/kg). Locomotor activity in the OFT was not increased by these extracts. Caffeine (10.0 mg/kg) significantly reduced the immobility time in the FST, but increased locomotor activity in the OFT, indicating psychostimulant activity. The EPB extract did not induce any effect after acute or chronic treatment in the different models used. The present results suggest that the crude EBPC extract and EPA extract produced an antidepressant-like effect after long-term administration.     

Microencapsulation enhances the anti-ulcerogenic properties of Entada africana leaf extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The antiulcer potentials of most plants still remain largely unexplored, despite their prospects evidenced by their use as ethnomedicine. Entada africana (Mimosaceae) has been widely used in Africa for the treatment of skin infections, wounds, tonic for stomach troubles and against diphtheria-like throat complaints. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-ulcer properties of Entada africana (EA) ethanol leaf extract and to obtain a novel multiparticulate pharmaceutical formulation (ACE) with it.

Materials and methods

Ethanol or Indomethacin was administered to rats after oral administration of EA (200, 400 and 800 mg extract/kg b.w), ACE (400 and 800 mg/kg bw), cimetidine (100 mg/kg bw), misoprostol (40 μg/kg bw) or distilled water/saline (vehicle). Anti ulcer property was evaluated by examining and scoring stomach lesions.

Results

The extract exhibited significant (P < 0.01) cytoprotective effect against ethanol and indomethacin induced gastro ulceration. The microcapsules showed enhanced cytoprotective effect against ethanol and indomethacin induced gastro ulceration. Histopathologically, the effects of EA and ACE on mucus epithelia were mild with reduced neutrophil, eosinophil and lymphocytic infiltration in stomach tissues of rats ulcerated with ethanol.

Conclusions

Our current findings show that EA and its multiparticulate formulation may be a useful preparation in peptic ulcer disease.     

Studies on hepatoprotective, antispasmodic and calcium antagonist activities of the aqueous-methanol extract of Achillea millefolium

The crude extract of Achillea millefolium (Am.Cr) was studied for its possible hepatoprotective effect against d-galactosamine (d-GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced hepatitis in mice and antispasmodic effect in isolated gut preparations to rationalize some of the folklore uses. Co-administration of d-GalN (700 mg/kg) and LPS (25 microg/kg) produced 100% mortality in mice. Pre-treatment of animals with Am.Cr (300 mg/kg) reduced the mortality to 40%. Co-administration of d-GalN (700 mg/kg) and LPS (1 microg/kg) significantly raised the plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels compared with values in the control group (p < 0.05). Pre-treatment of mice with Am.Cr (150-600 mg/kg) significantly prevented the toxins induced rise in plasma ALT and AST (p < 0.05). The hepatoprotective effect of Am.Cr was further verified by histopathology of the liver, which showed improved architecture, absence of parenchymal congestion, decreased cellular swelling and apoptotic cells, compared with the toxin group of animals. In isolated rabbit jejunum preparations, Am.Cr caused a concentration-dependent (0.3-10 mg/mL) relaxation of both spontaneous and K(+)-induced contractions as well as shifting the Ca(++) concentration-response curves (CRCs) to the right, similar to that caused by verapamil. These results indicate that the crude extract of Achillea millefolium exhibits a hepatoprotective effect, which may be partly attributed to its observed calcium channel blocking activity.     

Preventive and curative effects of Berberis aristata Fruit extract on paracetamol- and CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity

The effect of an aqueous-methanol extract of Berberis aristata fruits (Berberidaceae) was investigated against paracetamol- and CCl₄-induced hepatic damage. Paracetamol produced 100% mortality at a dose of 1 g/kg in mice while pre-treatment of animals with crude extract (500 mg/kg) reduced the death rate to 10%. Pre-treatment of rats with fruit extract (500 mg/kg, orally twice daily for 2 days) prevented (p<0.05) the paracetamol (640 mg/kg) as well as CCl₄ (1.5 mL/kg)-induced rise in serum transaminases (GOT and GPT). Post-treatment with three successive doses of extract (500 mg/kg, 6h) restricted the hepatic damage induced by acetaminophen (p<0.01) but CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity was not altered (p>0.05). Plant extract (500 mg/kg) caused significant prolongation (p<0.01) in pentobarbital (75 mg/kg)-induced sleep as well as increased strychnine-induced lethality in mice suggestive of inhibitory effect on microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes (MDME). These results indicate that the crude extract of Berberis aristata fruits exhibits hepatoprotective action partly through MDME inhibitory action.     

Dietary supplementation with leaf extract of Beta vulgaris L. var. benghalensis Hort. in modifying cytotoxicity of lead subacetate in mouse in vivo

A crude extract of leaves of Indian spinach (Beta vulgaris L. var. benghalensis Hort.) was observed to modify significantly the cytotoxic effects of a known carcinogen, lead subacetate in mice in vivo. Laboratory bred male Swiss albino mice were fed by gavaging the crude extract for 7 days daily (1.5 g fresh weight of leaf per kg b.w. of animal). On day 7, mice were injected intraperitoneally with three concentrations of the carcinogen (20, 30, 50 mg/kg b.w.). Chromosomes were studied from bone marrow cells, 24 h after exposure, following colchicine-fixative-air drying-Giemsa schedule. The endopints screened were chromosomal aberrations (CA) and damaged cells (DC). Lead subacetate, given alone, induced both CA and DC in frequencies directly related to the concentration. The leaf extract given alone, did not induce any aberrations. Prior priming with the extract as a dietary supplement reduced significantly the cytotoxic effects of the two lower concentrations of the carcinogen. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antihyperglycemic and antilipidperoxidative effects of Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Pierre flowers in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Our aim was to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and antilipid peroxidative effect of ethanolic extract of Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Pierre (Leguminosae) flowers (PpEt) in normal rats and alloxan induced diabetic rats. Hyperglycemia, elevated lipid peroxidation [thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)] and disturbed nonenzymatic [Vitamin E, Vitamin C and glutathione] and enzymatic antioxidants status were noticed in alloxan induced diabetic rats. The oral administration of ethanolic extract of Pongamia pinnata flowers (300 mg/kg bw) showed significant antihyperglycemic, and antilipidperoxidative effects and enhancement in antioxidants defense system in alloxan induced diabetic rats. However, no significant characteristic changes were noticed in blood glucose level as well as in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in normal rats treated with "PpEt" alone. We have also observed that the "PpEt" considerably reduced the blood glucose concentration in a similar extent to that of the reference drug glibenclamide (600 microg/kg bw) in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Our results thus suggested that the "PpEt" could be used as a safe alternative antihyperglycemic drug for diabetic patients.     

Acute and sub-acute toxicity of the methanolic extract of Pteleopsis hylodendron stem bark

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Pteleopsis hylodendron is one of the most popular medicinal plants in Cameroon where it is used to treat measles, chickenpox, sexually transmitted diseases, female sterility, liver and kidney disorders as well as dropsy. To date there is no documented evidence corroborating its safety. This study thus aimed to determine the toxicity profile of the methanolic extract of Pteleopsis hylodendron.

Materials and Methods

The acute and sub-chronic toxicity of the methanolic extract of Pteleopsis hylodendron were investigated by employing established methods. The acute toxicity study was done by administering single doses (2-8 g/kg body weight) of plant extract to adult mice. For the sub chronic toxicity study, doses (85-680 mg/kg bw) of plant extract were administered daily to adult rats during 28 days after which the effect on organs, the hematological and biochemical parameters was assessed.

Results

In mice, single oral administrations of the methanolic extract of Pteleopsis hylodendron caused dose-dependent general behaviour adverse effects and mortality. The LD50 values were 3.00 and 3.60 g/kg bw for males and females respectively. In rats, daily single oral doses of the methanolic extract of Pteleopsis hylodendron provoked significant (p < 0.05) growth retardation in rats at all tested doses after 28 days of dosing. Haematological parameters showed a significant decrease in white blood cells count and significant increases red blood cells count; irrespective of the sex, all biochemical parameters studied, except triglycerides significantly (p < 0.001) increased with dose. However, a dose-dependent significant (p < 0.007) increase in HDL was observed only in male rats. Increases in liver enzymes (ALT and AST), proteins and creatinine levels correlate the observed histopathological damages (i.e. inflammation and vascular congestions) in the liver and kidneys.

Conclusions

The overall results of this study indicate that the methanolic extract of Pteleopsis hylodendron stem bark possesses hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects at doses ≥85 mg/kg bw, suggesting that this plant should be used with caution.     

Hypoglycaemic activity of Geranium core-core,Oxalis rosea and Plantago major extract in rats

The hypoglycaemic activity of ‘Core-core’ (Geranium core-core, Geraniaceae), ‘Culle’ (Oxalis rosea, Oxalidaceae) and ‘Llantén’ (Plantago major, Plantaginaceae) crude extracts was assessed in normoglycaemic rats. Furthermore, the hypoglycaemic activity of Core-core extract was evaluated in alloxan-diabetic rats. A single oral dose of 500 mg/kg Core-core extract significantly reduced glycaemia in normal rats under glucose tolerance test conditions (p < 0.01), while Culle and Llantén were devoid of activity. The effect was lower than a single oral dose of 100 mg/kg tolbutamide. After 7 days oral treatment at 250 mg extract/kg body weight, Core-core significantly reduced glycaemia (p<0.01) in normal rats under oral glucose tolerance conditions. In alloxan-diabetic rats, a single oral dose of 500 mg/kg and chronic treatment at 250 mg/kg Core-core extract significantly reduced glycaemia in glucose tolerance test conditions at p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively. During the acute oral toxicity study, animals treated with Core-core extract exhibited no symptoms of drug-induced toxicity with doses up to 5 g/kg.