Achyranthes aspera elevates thyroid hormone levels and decreases hepatic lipid peroxidation in male rats

A study was made to evaluate the role of Achyranthes aspera on the changes in serum thyroid hormone concentrations and glucose levels in male rats. An attempt was also made to establish the relationship between hepatic lipid peroxidation and extract induced changes in thyroid hormone concentration, if any. Adult male Wistar rats were orally administered with the aqueous leaf extract of Achyranthes aspera at a dose of 200 mg/kg b. wt./day for 7 days. The effects of the extract on body weight, hepatic protein content, lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and on serum triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and glucose levels were evaluated. The extract exhibited significant prothyroidic activity as it enhanced the levels of both the thyroid hormones along with an increase in serum glucose concentration, body weight and hepatic protein content. On the other hand, it decreased hepatic LPO without altering the activities of the two antioxidant enzymes, SOD and CAT significantly, suggesting a direct free radical scavenging activity of the extract. It appears that the Achyranthes aspera leaf extract is both prothyroidic and antiperoxidative in nature.     

Relative efficacy of three medicinal plant extracts in the alteration of thyroid hormone concentrations in male mice

Relative importance of Bacopa monnieri (200 mg/kg), Aegle marmelos (1.00 g/kg) and Aloe vera (125 mg/kg) leaf extracts in the regulation of thyroid hormone concentrations in male mice was investigated. While serum levels of both T(3) and T(4) were inhibited by A. vera, A. marmelos extract could decrease only T(3) concentration. On the other hand, T(4) concentration was increased by B. monnieri extract suggesting its thyroid-stimulating role. When the relative potency of each plant extract was calculated in terms of percent increase or decrease in thyroid hormones, as compared to the control value, the decrease in T(3) concentration by A. marmelos was about 62% indicating its possible use in the regulation of hyperthyroidism. B. monnieri could increase T(4) concentration by 41% without enhancing hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) suggesting that it can be used as a thyroid-stimulating drug. In fact, hepatic LPO was decreased and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were increased by B. monnieri and A. marmelos leaf extracts showing their antiperoxidative role. It is thus suggested that A. marmelos and A. vera may be used in the regulation of hyperthyroidism, while B. monnieri in hypothyroidism.     

Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) potentially ameliorates hypothyroidism in female mice

The efficacy of guggulu, the gum resin of Commiphora mukul in regulating hypothyroidism was evaluated in female mice. In addition to estimating serum levels of thyroxine and triiodothyronine, hepatic 5' monodeiodinase, hepatic glucose-6-phospatase and lipid-peroxidation (LPO), the activities of the anti-oxidative enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), were investigated. While 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU, 10.00 mg/kg/d for 30 days) induced hypothyroidism in mice, as evidenced by a decrease in thyroid hormone concentration and in hepatic 5'D-I activity, simultaneous administration of guggulu (200 mg/kg/d for 30 days) reversed this effect, indicating its potential to stimulate thyroid function. Although in PTU treated animals a marginal increase in hepatic LPO was observed, when simultaneously treated with guggulu, it was decreased. A parallel increase in the activity of endogenous antioxidants, SOD and CAT, in the latter group indicated the safe and antiperoxidative nature of the drug. These findings suggest the possible use of guggulu in the amelioration of hypothyroidism.     

Effect of Tectona grandis Linn. on dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The bark of Tectona grandis Linn. is traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes.

Aim

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of ethanolic extract of bark of Tectona grandis Linn. (TG) in dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance in mice.

Materials and methods

Mice were treated with prestandardised dose of dexamethasone for 22 days and effect of TG at the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. on plasma blood glucose level, serum triglyceride level, glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, levels of hepatic antioxidant enzymes (GSH, SOD, catalase and LPO), and body weight were observed.

Results

TG showed significant decrease in plasma glucose and serum triglyceride levels (p < 0.01) at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. and also stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. The levels of antioxidant enzymes GSH, SOD, and catalase were significantly increased (p < 0.01) and there was significant decrease (p < 0.01) in level of LPO.

Conclusion

Hence it can be concluded that Tectona grandis may prove to be effective in the treatment of Type-II Diabetes mellitus owing to its ability to decrease insulin resistance.     

Protective role of extracts of neem seeds in diabetes caused by streptozotocin in rats

Effect of petroleum ether extracts of kernel (NSK) and husk (NSH) of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Meliaceae) seeds on the prevention of oxidative stress caused by streptozotocin (STZ) was investigated. Diabetes mellitus was induced in adult male Wistar rats after administration of STZ (55 mg/kg b.wt., i.p., tail vein).The effect of NSK (2 gm/kg, b.wt.) and NSH (0.9 gm/kg, b.wt.) orally for 28 days was investigated in diabetic rats. Insulin-treated diabetic rats (6 U/kg, i.p., 28 days.) served as positive control. Diabetic rats given normal saline served as diabetic control. Rats that neither received STZ nor drugs served as normal control. Serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) increased in diabetic rats was significantly decreased on insulin, NSK, and NSH treatments. The decrease in activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) of erythrocytes as observed in diabetes was regained after insulin, NSH, and NSK treatments. However, there was insignificant improvement in SOD, CAT, and LPO of kidney on NSK and NSH treatment. In spite of increased CAT and SOD activities in liver and heart, LPO was also increased in diabetic rats. Insulin, NSH, and NSK treatments significantly protected animals from cardiac damage but not hepatic. Results suggest that NSH and NSK prevent oxidative stress caused by STZ in heart and erythrocytes. However, no such preventive effect was observed on renal and hepatic toxicity.     

Amelioration of metformin‐induced hypothyroidism by Withania somnifera and Bauhinia purpurea extracts in Type 2 diabetic mice

An investigation was carried out to reveal the possible ameliorative role of two plant extracts on an antidiabetic drug‐induced hypothyroidism in Type 2 diabetic animals. Dexamethasone (1.0 mg/kg, i.m.) administration caused hyperglycemia with a parallel increase in renal lipid peroxidation (LPO), relative risk ratio (RR), and the concentrations of serum insulin; total cholesterol (TC); low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C); very low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL‐C) and triglycerides (TG). It decreased serum triiodothyronine (T₃), thyroxine (T₄) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels as well as renal superoxide dismutase (SOD); catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) content. Administration with metformin (150 mg/kg, orally) to diabetic animals further reduced circulating T₄ level and caused severe hypothyroidism. It also reduced renal LPO, RR, serum concentrations of insulin; glucose and LDL‐C with a parallel increase in cellular antioxidants. While oral administration with either Withania somnifera (1.4 g/kg) or Bauhinia purpurea (2.5 mg/kg) extract along with dexamethasone and metformin elevated the concentrations of circulating T₃ and T₄ to euthyroid level. The plant extracts also corrected RR ratio and serum concentration of lipids. The findings of the present study, for the first time, reveal that the evaluated plant extracts have a potential to ameliorate metformin‐induced hypothyroidism in Type 2 diabetic subjects. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Experimental diabetes treated with Achillea santolina: effect on pancreatic oxidative parameters

Oxidative stress is produced under diabetic condition and is likely involved in progression of pancreatic damage found in diabetes. In the present study, we examined possible protective effect of Achillea santolina L. (Compositae) against pancreatic damage in streptozotocin (STZ)-treated diabetic rats. Achillea santolina extract (ASE) is used by the traditional healers in many part of Iraq, as a hypoglycaemic agent. We evaluated the effect of ASE on blood glucose level, serum nitric oxide (NO) concentration and the oxidative stress status in rat pancreatic tissue. STZ was injected intraperitonealy at a single dose of 40mgkg(-1) to induce diabetes. ASE (0.1g/kgday) was orally administered to a group of diabetic rats for 30 consecutive days. Results showed significant reduction in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and pancreatic glutathione (GSH) levels in the diabetic rats compared to the control subjects. On the other hand, blood glucose level, serum NO, malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation indices including protein carbonyl (PCO) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) were significantly elevated in pancreas of the diabetic group. Treatment with ASE reduced blood glucose level, serum NO, pancreatic MDA, PCO and AOPP. In addition, the content of GSH was restored to the normal level of the control group. Furthermore, ASE significantly increased CAT and SOD activities in ASE-treated rats. Based on our data, it can be concluded that Achillea santolina have a high hypoglycaemic activity and this may be attributed to its antioxidative potential.     

Evaluation of antioxidant activity of Cassia siamea flowers

The study was aimed at evaluating the antioxidant activity of alcoholic extract of Cassia siamea Lam. (Fabaceae) flowers. The extract was found to contain a large amount of polyphenols and also exhibited an immense reducing ability. At a concentration of 250 microg/ml, 96% of DPPH radicals and at 500 microg/ml, 42.7, 32.7 and 64.5% of O2-, H2O2 and NO respectively could be scavenged by C. siamea flower extract. The extract also inhibited OH radical induced oxidation of protein (BSA) and LPO in murine hepatic microsomes. The determination of metal chelating capacity of the extract indicated chelating of metal ions (Fe2+) to be a putative mechanism implicated in the inhibition of OH radical-induced BSA oxidation and LPO. C. siamea flower extract also exhibited a significant antioxidant activity in acute oxidative tissue injury animal model constituted by CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity. Oral administration of the extract at a dose of 50-150 mg/kg of body weight significantly protected from CCl4 induced elevation in AST and ALT in the serum, elevation in hepatic LPO, depletion of hepatic GSH and decrease in the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes: SOD, CAT and GPX. The extract also protected against histopathological changes produced by CCl4 such as necrosis, fatty changes, ballooning degeneration, etc. The data obtained in the present study suggests that the alcoholic extract of C. siamea flowers have potent antioxidant activity against free radicals, prevent oxidative damage to major biomolecules and afford significant protection against oxidative damage in the liver.     

Bioactivity of methanolic extract of Brassica juncea in animal model of diabetes mellitus

Objective To study the bioactivity of methanolic extract of Brassica junceaon animal model of diabetes mellitus along with its effect on diabetic and metabolic parameters. Methods Diabetesmellitus was induced in rats by injecting streptozotocin (60mg/kg) intraperitonealy. Blood glucose was measured on day 3by GOD-POD method to confirm the diabetes mellitus. Rats having fasting blood glucose >250 mg/dLwere further selected for study and they were divided into four groups, control, control+streptozotocin, streptozotocin+ metformin(75mg/kg) and streptozotocin+ extract of B. juncea(450mg/kg). Each group consistedof six rats of either sex. Metformin and experimental extract were administered for 21 d. Triglyceride, cholesterol level were measured on day 21 by commercially available kit. Blood glucose was measured on days 7 and 21. Anti-oxidant potential was assessed by estimating extent of lipid peroxidation (LPO) by malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) in liver, kidney, pancreas, muscle tissues on day 21. Unpaired and paired student’s t-test were applied for statistical analysis. Results The extract of B. junceashowed significant decrease in blood glucose level on day 21. The treatment group showed significant difference in oxidative stress by increasing SOD and GSH and decreasing LPO and NO activity on day 21. The treatment didn’t show statistically significant difference of cholesterol, and triglycerides level on day 21. Conclusion The study showed anti-hyperglycemic and anti-oxidative properties of methanolic extract of B.juncea.     

Antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. leaves extract in streptozotocin-induced type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

In traditional Indian medicine, all parts of Emblica officinalis Gaertn plant including the fruit, seed, leaves, root, bark and flowers are used in various herbal preparations for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, chronic diarrhea, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the hypoglycemic and antioxidants effects of the hydro-methanolic (20:80) extract of leaves of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. (HMELEO) in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Material and methods

The hypoglycemic effect was measured by blood glucose and plasma insulin level. The oxidative stress was measured in liver and kidney by level of antioxidant markers i.e. lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT), and the biochemical parameters, i.e. blood serum levels of creatinine, urea, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminases (SGPT), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminases (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were the salient features observed in diabetic control and treated rats.

Results

Oral administration of the HMELEO at a concentration of 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg b.w. daily for 45 days showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in fasting blood glucose and increase insulin level as compared with the diabetic rats. Also it significantly (P<0.05) reduced all biochemical parameters (serum creatinine, serum urea, SGOT, SGPT and lipid profile). The treatment also resulted in a significant (P<0.05) increase in reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and decrease LPO level in the liver and kidney of diabetic rats.

Conclusion

The results clearly suggest that the hydro methanolic extract of leaves of Emblica officials Gaertn. treated group may effectively normalize the impaired antioxidant status in streptozotocin induced diabetes at dose dependent manner than the glibenclamide-treated groups. The extract exerted rapid protective effects against lipid peroxidation by scavenging of free radicals and reducing the risk of diabetic complications.     

Mitigation of thyroxine-induced hyperglycaemia by two plant extracts

Extracts of Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) seed and Allium sativum (AS) bulb were evaluated for their efficacy to ameliorate l-thyroxine (l-T4) induced hyperglycaemia in rats. Simultaneously, the serum cholesterol concentration, a supporting parameter for thyroid function, was also estimated. Thyroxine treatment in rats (300 microg/kg b. wt./day) increased the levels of both the thyroid hormones, namely thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3) with a concomitant elevation in serum glucose concentration and a reduction in serum cholesterol level. Administration of TFG (220 mg/kg/day) and AS (500 mg/kg/day) extracts in hyperthyroid animals decreased the serum glucose concentration as well as the serum thyroid hormones. For comparison, propyl thiouracil (PTU), an antithyroid compound, was used as the standard at a daily dose of 10 mg/kg. The reductions in serum glucose and thyroid hormone concentrations in the plant extract treated groups were comparable to that in PTU treated animals. Our findings indicate that TFG seed and AS bulb extracts may prove to be effective in the treatment of thyroxine-induced hyperglycaemia.     

Antihyperglycaemic activity of Musa sapientum flowers: effect on lipid peroxidation in alloxan diabetic rats

Musa sapientum commonly known as 'banana' is widely used in Indian folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Oral administration of 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25 g/kg body weight of the chloroform extract of the flowers for 30 days resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin and an increase in total haemoglobin. The extract prevented a decrease in body weight, and also resulted in a decrease in free radical formation in the tissues. Thus the study shows that banana flower extract (BFEt) has an antihyperglycaemic action. The decrease in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and the increase in reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) clearly shows the antioxidant property of BFEt. The effect of BFEt was more prominently seen in the case of animals given 0.25 g/kg body weight. BFEt was more effective than glibenclamide.     

Withania somnifera and Bauhinia purpurea in the regulation of circulating thyroid hormone concentrations in female mice

The effects of daily administration of Withania somnifera root extract (1.4 g/kg body wt.) and Bauhinia purpurea bark extract (2.5 mg/kg body wt.) for 20 days on thyroid function in female mice were investigated. While serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) concentrations were increased significantly by Bauhinia, Withania could enhance only serum T4 concentration. Both the plant extracts showed an increase in hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase) activity and antiperoxidative effects as indicated either by a decrease in hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) and/or by an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzyme(s). It appears that these plant extracts are capable of stimulating thyroid function in female mice.     

Effects of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) extract versus glibornuride on the liver of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is one of the medicinal herbs used by diabetics in Turkey. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of parsley (2g/kg) and glibornuride (5mg/kg) on the liver tissue of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Swiss albino rats were divided into six groups: control; control+parsley; control+glibornuride; diabetic; diabetic+parsley; diabetic+glibornuride. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 65 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). Parsley extract and glibornuride were given daily to both diabetic and control rats separately, until the end of the experiment, at day 42. The drugs were administered to one diabetic and one control group from days 14 to 42. On day 42, liver tissues were taken from each rat. In STZ-diabetic group, blood glucose levels, serum alkaline phosphatase activity, uric acid, sialic acid, sodium and potassium levels, liver lipid peroxidation (LPO), and non-enzymatic glycosylation (NEG) levels increased, while liver glutathione (GSH) levels and body weight decreased. In the diabetic group given parsley, blood glucose, serum alkaline phosphatase activity, sialic acid, uric acid, potassium and sodium levels, and liver LPO and NEG levels decreased, but GSH levels increased. The diabetic group, given glibornuride, blood glucose, serum alkaline phosphatase activity, serum sialic acid, uric acid, potassium, and liver NEG levels decreased, but liver LPO, GSH, serum sodium levels, and body weight increased. It was concluded that probably, due to its antioxidant property, parsley extract has a protective effect comparable to glibornuride against hepatotoxicity caused by diabetes.     

Rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Counteracts Diabetic Ophthalmopathy Progression in Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetic ophthalmopathy (DO) impairs patients' eyesight and even causes blindness. Here, we investigated the effect of 60% ethanol extract of the rhizome of Anemarrhenae asphodeloides (ERA), which is commonly used in Chinese medicine formulae in treating diabetes, on DO progression. Blood glucose, insulin, advanced glycation end products (AGE), super oxygen dehydrogenises (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) levels in serum and sorbitol concentration in the lens were measured. Retinal endothelium/pericyte (E/P) ratio was evaluated, and structural changes of the retina and lens were observed. Effects of mangiferin and neomangiferin, the two major components of ERA, on subnormal growth of pericytes induced by high glucose were also detected. It was found that the activities of SOD and GSH‐Px in serum were increased, whereas MDA and AGE levels in serum and sorbitol concentration in the lens were decreased in ERA‐treated DO rats. E/P ratio was decreased, and the pathological changes of the lens and retina were alleviated by ERA treatment. Moreover, the subnormal growth of pericytes induced by high glucose was ameliorated by mangiferin and neomangiferin. These results indicated that ERA could effectively prevent DO progression in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats, and mangiferin and neomangiferin may be the main effective components. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

薤白提取物的抗氧化作用研究

本文研究了薤白乙醚提取物、乙酸乙酯提取物、水提取物、挥发油及原汁对白酒造成的氧应激态大鼠血清超氰化物歧化酶(SOD)活性、过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性、过氧化脂质(LPO)和T淋巴细胞百分率的影响。结果表明,薤白原汁对该大鼠的血清SOD、CAT和T淋巴细胞具有明显保护作用且显著抑制血清过氧化脂质形成。但是,低、中剂量(2.4gkg~(-1),4.8gkg~(-1))薤白原汁的作用优于高剂量(8.0gkg~(-1))者。另外,薤白原汁对Fenton反应产生的羟自由基(·OH)有清除作用,该作用与其浓度呈正相关。     

六味地黄汤及其类方对小鼠血中老化相关酶活力的影响

观察六味地黄汤、杞菊地黄汤、麦味地黄汤、七味都气汤、知柏地黄汤对小鼠血中超氧化物歧化酶（ＳＯＤ）、过氧化氢酶（ＣＡＴ）、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（ＧＳＨ－Ｐｘ）活性和过氧化脂质（ＬＰＯ）含量的影响。结果表明,六味地黄汤、杞菊地黄汤可明显增强小鼠血中ＳＯＤ的活性和ＧＳＨ－Ｐｘ的活力,使ＬＰＯ显著降低。麦味地黄汤、七味都气汤亦可增强ＧＳＨ－Ｐｘ的活性,使ＬＰＯ降低     

脂糖舒对2型糖尿病大鼠血液MDA和自由基清除剂的影响

目的　观察脂糖舒 (ZTS)对 2型糖尿病 (NIDDM)大鼠血液MDA和自由基清除剂的影响。方法　采用小剂量链脲霉素腹腔注射辅以高热量饲料喂养制备NIDDM大鼠模型。分别用二甲双胍、格列齐特和不同剂量的脂糖舒灌胃 9周 ,并取健康大鼠作正常对照 ,测量血糖、血脂和血胰岛素等指标的含量 ,测定红细胞及血浆中丙二醛 (MDA)和谷胱甘肽 (GSH)含量及超氧化物歧化酶 (SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶 (GSH -PX)和过氧化氢酶 (CAT)活性。结果　NIDDM大鼠红细胞和血浆中的MDA含量显著高于正常组 ,而GSH含量及SOD ,GSH -PX和CAT活性显著低于正常组 (P <0 .0 1)。而脂糖舒、二甲双胍和格列齐特均能显著降低MDA含量 ,升高GSH含量及SOD ,GSH -PX和CAT活性 ;但高剂量脂糖舒 (2 g/kg)升高血浆SOD作用优于格列齐特 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,而与二甲双胍相当 (P >0 .0 5 ) ;小剂量脂糖舒对各指标的影响与格列齐特和二甲双胍无显著性差异 (P >0 .0 5 ) ;脂糖舒高低剂量组间GSH升高呈量效关系 (P <0 .0 5 )。结论　脂糖舒有明显的降低MDA和抗自由基作用     

Antiperoxidative, antithyroidal, antihyperglycemic and cardioprotective role of Citrus sinensis peel extract in male mice

An extract of Citrus sinensis (CS) peel was evaluated for its efficacy in ameliorating L-thyroxine (L-T(4)) induced tissue lipid peroxidation (LPO), hyperthyroidism and hyperglycemia in mice. In a preliminary investigation, of the three different doses of CS (12.5 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg and 50.0 mg/kg) peel extract, 25 mg/kg was found to be the most effective and antiperoxidative, while 50 mg/kg was proved to be hepatotoxic. Therefore in the pilot experiment the effects of 25 mg/kg/day of CS for 10 days were studied in L-T(4) induced hyperthyroid animals. L-T(4) (500 microg/kg/day for 10 days) increased the levels of thyroxine (T(4)) and triiodothyronine (T(3)) with a concomitant increase in serum glucose concentration, alpha-amylase activity, heart/body weight ratio (HW/BW), kidney/body weight ratio (KW/BW) and cardiac as well as hepatic LPO. However, it decreased the concentration of different serum lipids such as total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C). Administration of CS extract (25 mg/kg/day) in hyperthyroid animals reversed most of these observations revealing the ameliorating potential of CS extract against various adverse effects of hyperthyroidism. It appears that the test extract primarily acts through its antioxidative/free radical-scavenging, antithyroidal and HDL-C stimulating properties.     

Aqueous garlic extract attenuates hepatitis and oxidative stress induced by galactosamine/lipoploysaccharide in rats

Injection of D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide (DGaIN/LPS) is useful as an experimental model of acute hepatic damage. Juvenile rats were used for investigation. The hepatoprotective activity of aqueous garlic (Allium sativum) extract (AGE) at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight for 14 days, intraperitoneal (i.p.) prior to the induction of DGalN/LPS, was investigated against DGalN/LPS-induced hepatitis in rats. DGalN/LPS (300 mg/kg body weight/30 microg/kg body weight, i.p.), induced hepatic damage that was manifested by a significant increase in the activities of marker enzymes [alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and gamma glutamyl transferase (gamma GT)], bilirubin, lipid peroxides (LPO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity level in serum. Also, the lipid profile in serum and liver homogenate including total cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids were significantly deteriorated. The antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, SOD; reduced glutathione, GSH; catalase, CAT and glutathione peroxidase, GPX) in liver homogenate were significantly decreased in the DGalN/LPS. Pretreatment of rats with AGE reversed these altered parameters near to normal control values. Results of this study revealed that AGE could afford a significant protection in the alleviation of DGalN/LPS-induced hepatic damage.