Lycium barbarum polysaccharides protect mice liver from carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress and necroinflammation

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Lycium barbarum has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine to nourish liver, kidneys and the eyes.

Aim of the study

We investigated the protective mechanisms of Wolfberry, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced acute liver injury.

Materials and methods

Mice were intraperitoneally injected with a 50 μl/kg CCl₄ to induce acute hepatotoxicity (8 h) and were orally fed with LBP 2 h before the CCl₄ injection. There were six experimental groups of mice (n = 7-8 per group), namely: control mice (vehicle only; 1 mg/kg LBP or 10 mg/kg LBP), CCl₄-treated mice and CCl₄ + LBP treated mice (1 mg/kg LBP or 10 mg/kg LBP).

Results

Pre-treatment with LBP effectively reduced the hepatic necrosis and the serum ALT level induced by CCl₄ intoxication. LBP remarkably inhibited cytochrome P450 2E1 expression and restored the expression levels of antioxidant enzymes. It also decreased the level of nitric oxide metabolism and lipid peroxidation induced by CCl₄. LBP attenuated hepatic inflammation via down-regulation of proinflammatory mediators and chemokines. Furthermore, LBP promoted liver regeneration after CCl₄ treatment. The protective effects of LBP against hepatotoxicity were partly through the down-regulation of nuclear factor kappa-B activity.

Conclusion

LBP is effective in reducing necroinflammation and oxidative stress induced by a chemical toxin, thus it has a great potential use as a food supplement in the prevention of hepatic diseases.     

灵芝多糖对高脂性脂肪肝大鼠氧化应激的影响

目的:研究灵芝多糖对高脂性脂肪肝大鼠氧化应激的影响。方法:SD大鼠72只,随机分为6组:正常对照组(N组),模型组(M组),灵芝多糖低(GLPs-L)、中(GLPs-M)、高(GLPs-H)剂量组(200,400,800 mg·kg-1)和辛伐他汀组(SV 1.8mg·kg-1)。用高脂饲料喂养建立大鼠高脂性脂肪肝(HFL)模型。经12周给药后,分别测定各实验组血清总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)和总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)以及肝组织中MDA,SOD,GSH-Px和T-AOC的含量;光镜观察肝组织脂肪病变程度。结果:M组血清TC,TG,LDL-C含量显著升高(P<0.01);与M组比较,GLPs-M,GLPs-H组血清TC,TG,LDL-C含量均显著降低(P<0.05或P<0.01),GLPs-H组HDL-C含量显著增加(P<0.05);GLPs-M,GLPs-H组血清和肝匀浆中MDA含量较M组相比均明显降低(P<0.05或P<0.01),SOD,GSH-Px和T-AOC水平较M组相比均明显上升(P<0.05或P<0.01)。GLPs-M,GLPs-H组可使肝细胞脂肪变性程度明显减轻。结论:灵芝多糖能明显降低高脂性脂肪肝大鼠血脂水平,有效对抗氧化应激,对大鼠高脂性脂肪肝有一定的防治作用。     

Effect of an aqueous extract of Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché on the glutathione redox cycle in mice with STZ-induced diabetes

Ethnopharmacological importance

Cucurbita ficifolia is used in Mexican traditional medicine as an anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory agent and its actions can be mediated by antioxidant mechanisms. Disturbance in the homeostasis of glutathione has been implicated in the etiology and progression of diabetes mellitus and its complications.

Material and methods

It was evaluated, the effect of an aqueous extract of Cucurbita ficifolia on glycemia, plasma lipid peroxidation; as well as levels of reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione and activities of enzymes involved in glutathione redox cycle: glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) in liver, pancreas, kidney and heart homogenates of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

Results

Increased blood glucose and lipid peroxidation, together with decreased of GSH concentration, GSH/GSSG ratio and its redox potential (E_h), and enhanced activity of GPx and GR in liver, pancreas and kidney were the salient features observed in diabetic mice. Administration of the aqueous extract of Cucurbita ficifolia to diabetic mice for 30 days, used at a dose of 200 mg/kg, resulted in a significant reduction in glycemia, polydipsia, hyperphagia and plasma lipid peroxidation. Moreover, GSH was increased in liver, pancreas and kidney, and GSSG was reduced in liver, pancreas and heart, therefore GSH/GSSG ratio and its E_h were restored. Also, the activities involved in the glutathione cycle were decreased, reaching similar values to controls.

Conclusions

An aqueous extract of Cucurbita ficifolia with hypoglycemic action, improve GSH redox state, increasing glutathione pool, GSH, GSH/GSSG ratio and its E_h, mechanism that can explain, at least in part, its antioxidant properties, supporting its use as an alternative treatment for the control of diabetes mellitus, and prevent the induction of complications by oxidative stress.     

反相高效液相色谱法测定新疆枸杞叶茶中 芦丁和槲皮素的含量

目的:采用反相高效液相法测定新疆枸杞叶茶中的芦丁和槲皮素的含量。方法:Kromasil C18色谱柱(4.6 mm×250mm,5μm),流动相甲醇-0.04%磷酸水溶液(用三乙胺调pH 3.0)(45∶55),检测波长360 nm,流速1.0 mL.min-1。结果:芦丁和槲皮素的线性范围分别在0.23～1.84μg和0.03～0.24μg,回收率分别为98.19%,97.98%。RSD分别为1.49%,2.25%。结论:本方法简便、可靠、重现性较好,为新疆枸杞叶茶的质量控制提供了快速、准确的测定方法。     

电针通过调节AMPK/mTOR/ULK1信号通路对衰老小鼠肝脏自噬与氧化应激的影响

目的:观察电针对衰老小鼠体力及肝脏AMP活化的蛋白激酶(AMPK)、哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)、unc-51样自噬激活激酶1(ULK1)、Atg5、Atg7、Atg13和Beclin1表达的影响,探索其通过激活AMPK/mTOR/ULK1通路延缓衰老的机制.方法:将30周龄雄性SAMP8小鼠随机分为模型组、雷帕...     

Macrophages, rather than T and B cells are principal immunostimulatory target cells of Lycium barbarum L. polysaccharide LBPF4-OL

Aim of the study

Lycium barbarum L. is a renowned Yin strengthening agent in traditional Chinese medicine. Lycium barbarum L. polysaccharide-protein complex is well-known for its immunoregulatory and antitumor effects. LBPF4-OL is the glycan part of Lycium barbarum L. polysaccharide-protein complex fraction 4 (LBPF4). LBPF4-OL's active contribution in LBPF4 is still blank. In the study, we enrich the polysaccharide part of Lycium barbarum L. polysaccharide-protein complex, and investigate its immunostimulatory effects on mouse spleen cells, T cells, B cells and macrophages.

Materials and methods

Balb/C mice were used in vitro and in vivo studies. In in vitro study, lymphocyte proliferations were analyzed with ³H-TdR incorporation method. Miltenyi MicroBeads were used in the purification of lymphocytes. Activation of T and B cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. In order to obtain the peritoneal macrophages, mice were injected i.p. with 1 mL of sodium thioglycollate 3 days prior to killing. Spleen cells were stimulated with LBPF4-OL and cytokine concentrations in the supernatants were determined by multiplex bead analysis. In in vivo study, mice were injected i.p. with 1 mL of normal saline or 100 μg/mL LBPF4-OL daily for 6 days. Peritoneal macrophage functions were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry assay.

Results

Spleen cells and lymphocyte proliferation assay indicated that LBPF4-OL markedly induced the spleen cell proliferation, but could not induce proliferation of purified T and B lymphocytes. Further research revealed that B cell proliferation took place in the presence of activated macrophages or LPS. Multiplex bead analysis showed that LBPF4-OL can obviously induce IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-α production of the spleen cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Flow cytometric analysis showed that LBPF4-OL (i.p.) prompts CD86 and MHC-II molecules expression on macrophages. ELISA assay showed that LBPF4-OL can greatly strengthen macrophage releasing of TNF-α and IL-1β.

Conclusion

These results suggested that glycan LBPF4-OL plays an important role in the immunopharmacological activity of Lycium barbarum L. polysaccharide-protein complex, and primary mouse macrophages, rather than T and B cells, are the principal target cells of it.     

肉苁蓉多糖对小鼠学习记忆的影响

目的 观察肉苁蓉多糖对不同类型学习记忆障碍模型小鼠空间学习记忆能力的影响,探讨其作用机制.方法 120只小鼠按随机数字表法分为空白组,模型组,肉苁蓉多糖小、中、大剂量组,吡拉西坦组,每组20只.肉苁蓉多糖小、中、大剂量组分别灌胃肉苁蓉多糖溶液25、50、100 mg/kg,吡拉西坦组灌胃吡拉西坦10 mg/kg,空白组和模型组灌胃等体积蒸馏水.1次/d,连续给药6周.分别采用环己米特建立小鼠巩固性记忆障碍模型,采用乙醇建立小鼠再现性记忆障碍模型,采用水迷宫检测各组小鼠学习记忆能力,ELISA法检测各组小鼠脑组织内总蛋白、MDA、SOD水平.结果 与环己米特模型组比较,肉苁蓉多糖中、大剂量组逃避潜伏期[(9.45±2.86)s、(12.73±10.89)s比(48.15±30.33)s]、第1次到达站台时间[(19.33±3.27)s、(13.81±9.79)s比(40.71±16.76)s]缩短(P<0.05),肉苁蓉多糖小剂量组第1次到达站台时间[(11.58±7.04)s比(40.71±16.76)s]缩短(P<0.05),穿越站台次数[(5.46±2.09)次比(3.03±1.47)次]增加(P<0.05),肉苁蓉多糖大剂量组脑组织总蛋白含量[(0.76±0.25)g/L比(0.55±0.12)g/L]增加(P<0.05).与乙醇模型组比较,肉苁蓉多糖小、中、大剂量组逃避潜伏期[(22.67±18.35)s、(22.15±16.22)s、(18.00±13.44)s比(51.33±22.19)s]、第1次到达站台时间[(16.70±11.25)s、(19.75±14.62)s、(9.47±5.46)s比(30.09±13.63)s]缩短(P<0.05),肉苁蓉多糖小、大剂量组穿越站台次数[(5.15±1.28)次、(4.83±0.75)次比(1.34±0.83)次]增加(P<0.05),肉苁蓉多糖大剂量组脑组织总蛋白[(0.76±0.25)g/L比(0.56±0.12)g/L]含量增加(P<0.05).结论 肉苁蓉多糖可明显改善小鼠再现性记忆障碍、巩固性记忆障碍,其机制与促进脑内蛋白质合成有关.     

枸杞多糖对锰中毒小鼠神经发生和学习记忆的影响

目的探讨枸杞多糖(Lycium barbarum polysaccharides,LBP)对锰中毒小鼠神经发生和学习记忆的影响。方法选择健康成年昆明小鼠随机分5组,分别为对照组,锰中毒组,锰中毒加LBP高、中、低剂量组。LBP和氯化锰分别采用灌胃和腹腔注射方法给药。用Morris水迷宫训练测试其空间学习和记忆能力;用5溴-脱氧尿嘧啶核苷(BrdU)标记神经发生细胞。结果锰中毒组平均逃避潜伏期高于对照组(P0.05),穿越平台区次数明显低于对照组(P0.05);锰中毒加LBP各剂量组海马齿状回(DG)内BrdU阳性细胞数目显著高于锰中毒组(P0.05)。结论LBP可能通过促进海马神经发生,从而影响小鼠的学习记忆能力。     

Cytoprotective effect of the fruits of Lycium chinense Miller against oxidative stress-induced hepatotoxicity

Aim of the study

Fruits of Lycium chinense Miller (Solanaceae), distributed in northeast Asia, have gained attraction for their hepatoprotective role in traditional oriental medicine.The excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is hazardous for living organisms and damage major cellular constituents such as DNA, lipid, and protein. The cytoprotective effect of Lycium chinense fruits (Lycium extract) was assessed against H₂O₂-induced Chang liver cell damage.

Materials and methods

The effect of Lycium extract against H₂O₂-induced cell death was determined by the MTT assay. Radical scavenging activity was determined through the assessments of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, intracellular ROS, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide. The inductions of antioxidant enzymes were determined via their protein expressions and activities. DNA damage was measured using comet assay and expression of phospho-histone H2A.X. Lipid peroxidation was measured using 8-isoprostane level and fluorescent probe. Protein modification was measured using protein carbonyl moiety.

Results and conclusion

Lycium extract scavenged the DPPH free radicals, intracellular ROS, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide. Lycium extract recovered activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) decreased by H₂O₂. Lycium extract decreased DNA damage, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl values increased by H₂O₂ exposure. In addition, Lycium extract increased the cell viability of Chang liver cells exposed to H₂O₂ via inhibition of apoptosis. These results show that Lycium extract protected Chang liver cells against oxidative stressed cell damage by H₂O₂ via scavenging ROS and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity.     

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.     

Effect of Morus nigra aqueous extract treatment on the maternal-fetal outcome, oxidative stress status and lipid profile of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Morus nigra, commonly known as black mulberry, is widely used in Brazilian folk medicine for the diabetes treatment.

Aim of this study

To evaluate the effect of Morus nigra aqueous extract treatment on maternal lipid and oxidative stress profile, reproductive outcomes, and also fetal anomaly incidence from diabetic and non-diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (40 mg/kg) in virgin female Wistar rats. Morus nigra leaf aqueous extract (400 mg/kg) was administered from day 0 to 20 of pregnancy. At day 21 of pregnancy, all rats were anesthetized and killed to obtain blood samples and maternal-fetal data.

Results and conclusion

After treatment with Morus nigra extract, non-diabetic and diabetic rats presented no glycemic changes. Fetuses from diabetic dams, regardless of Morus nigra treatment, were small for pregnancy age. In diabetic dams, plant treatment caused reduced MDA, cholesterol, triglycerides and VLDL levels, and decreased placental index and weight as compared to diabetic group. The fetuses from diabetic rats treated with Morus nigra extract had lower frequency of skeletal and visceral anomalies as compared to diabetic group. Thus, Morus nigra leaf aqueous extract failed to control hyperglycemia in diabetic rats. However, Morus nigra treatment had antioxidant effect, contributing to reduce incidence of internal anomalies in offspring from diabetic dams.     

黑果枸杞花色苷对小鼠动脉粥样硬化的影响

目的:研究黑果枸杞花色苷对小鼠动脉粥样硬化(AS)的影响。方法:以正常小鼠作空白对照,将高脂血症模型小鼠分为高脂模型组、黑果枸杞花色苷低、中、高剂量组和辛伐他汀药物对照组,进行不同灌胃处理,酶法检测各组小鼠血脂指标;苏木素伊红(HE)染色观察主动脉、心脏及肝脏组织形态学变化,并对肝脏相关指标进行测定。结果:与高脂组对照,花色苷各剂量组小鼠血清的总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)和动脉粥样硬化指数(AI)水平均显著降低(P<0.05),高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)水平有高于模型组的趋势。肝脏的总抗氧化能力(T-AOC),谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-PX)、脂蛋白酯酶(LPL)均显著升高(P<0.05),丙二醛(MDA)极显著下降(P<0.01);花色苷各剂量组主动脉斑块面积占总面积的百分比显著低于模型组(P<0.05);主动脉、心脏和肝脏的病变程度明显轻于高脂组,其中,中剂量组与辛伐他汀组类似。结论:黑果枸杞花色苷可以干预小鼠AS的形成,同时降低小鼠血脂水平。     

当归多糖抑制氧化损伤延缓造血干细胞衰老

目的:观察当归多糖(ASP)对小鼠造血干细胞(HSCs)活性氧(ROS)、总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)及p16 mRNA表达的影响,探讨ASP延缓HSCs衰老的可能机制.方法:C57BL/6J小鼠随机分为正常组、衰老组,并分别予ASP干预;衰老组采用X线3.0 Gy/8 F全身均匀照射,建立小鼠HSCs衰老模型;正常、衰老ASP干预组在建模期间均予ASP灌胃;而正常组、衰老组予等体积NS灌胃.免疫磁珠分离HSCs.通过β-半乳糖苷酶(SA-β-Gal)染色、细胞周期分析和混合集落培养观察HSCs生物学特性变化;流式细胞术与免疫荧光检测ROS产量;比色法检测T-AOC;荧光定量PCR检测p16 mRNA表达.结果:与正常组比较,3.0 Gy/8 F的X线能显著增加衰老组HSCs SA-β-Gal染色阳性率和G1期比例;增加ROS产量,上调p16 mRNA表达;混合集落形成能力和T-AOC下降.与衰老组比较,ASP能显著降低衰老组HSCs的SA-β-Gal染色阳性率和G1期比例,减少ROS产量,下调p16 mRNA;增加混合集落形成能力和T-AOC.结论:3.0 Cy/8 F的X线能诱导小鼠HSCs衰老;ASP则能通过抑制氧化损伤及下调p16 mRNA表达延缓小鼠HSCs衰老.     

Protective effect of Actiniopteris radiata (Sw.) Link. against CCl4 induced oxidative stress in albino rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Actiniopteris radiata is a herb with great medicinal value and is evaluated for hepatoprotective activity. To investigate the protective effect of ethanolic extract of Actiniopteris radiata (EEAR) on CCl₄ induced oxidative stress in male Wistar albino rats.

Materials and methods

EEAR were administered for 8 consecutive weeks to rats. Group I – control; Group II – toxin control (30% CCl₄); Group III and Group IV received EEAR (250 and 500 mg/kg respectively). Antioxidant status in liver were estimated by determining the activities of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx); as well as by determining the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reduced glutathione (GSH). In addition, isoenzyme pattern and mRNA expression of the antioxidants were studied. Partial characterization of EEAR was performed by Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS).

Results

CCl₄ induced oxidative stress as evidenced from increase in LPO along with reduction of SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH. Treatment with EEAR (250 and 500 mg/kg) mitigated the CCl₄ induced oxidative stress. An analysis of the isozyme pattern of these antioxidant enzymes revealed variations in SOD2, CAT, GPx2 and GPx3 in CCl₄ treated rats, which were normalized after EEAR treatment. Furthermore, expression of genes for the antioxidant enzymes, were down-regulated by CCl₄ treatment, which were reversed by EEAR. The results of partial characterization of EEAR by LC–MS revealed the presence of rutin and other 7 unknown phenolic derivatives.

Conclusions

These findings suggest the protective effect of EEAR against CCl₄ induced oxidative stress might be attributed to the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds.     

枸杞多糖中医药研究概况：文献计量学分析

目的 对枸杞多糖的中英文文献进行计量学分析,探究枸杞多糖的研究历史与未来发展趋势。方法 收集整理中国知网(CNKI)与Web of Science(WOS)数据库核心集中关于枸杞多糖的文献,通过R语言环境下的Bibliometrix包和Java语言环境下的VOSviewer、CiteSpace软件,对其进行发文量、作者、发文机构、国家、发文期刊、资助基金、关键词、文献被引频次的可视化分析。根据可视化结果,探讨枸杞多糖的研究概况与未来发展趋势。结果 检索到文献共1152篇,其中中文876篇,英文276篇,2018年中英文发文总量最高,为93篇;中英文发文总量最多的为罗琼,且该作者在枸杞多糖的研究领域具有较大影响力;发文机构中,宁夏医科大学发文量名列榜首,共发表中英文文章共203篇;研究枸杞多糖的国家主要是中国,外国在此方面研究较少;收录枸杞多糖相关文章最多的中英文期刊分别是《食品科学》与International Journal of Biological Macromolecules;对枸杞多糖进行资助研究的资金主要是国家自然科学基金;关键词分析显示,枸杞多糖近几年的研究热点主要在肠道...     

Effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on the proliferation and differentiation of primary Sertoli cells in young ratsOA

Objective: Sertoli cells(SCs) provide physical support and material supply for germ cells and participate in the formation of blood-testis barrier. The number of SCs is directly proportional to the number of germ cells. And mature SCs ensure the growth of germ cells and the production of sperm. In this study, we explored the effect and underlying mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides(LBP) on primary SCs in young rats.Methods: Primary SCs were isolated from the testis of 20-day old rats. T...     

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of Solanum fastigiatum (false "Jurubeba") against paracetamol-induced liver damage in mice

Aim of the study

Solanum fastigiatum is a medicinal plant widely distributed in the south of Brazil and has been used mainly to treat hepatitis, spleen disorders, uterine tumors, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic gastritis. The present research was aimed to evaluate the potential antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extracts of leaves using in vitro and in vivo models to validate the folkloric use of the plant.

Materials and methods

Antioxidant activity was evaluated by different assays, including thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), total antioxidant, 2,2-diphenlyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and metal ion-chelating activities. The hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extracts was studied on mice liver damage induced by paracetamol (250 mg/kg) by monitoring biochemical parameters.

Results

The extract showed inhibition against TBARS, induced by 10 μM FeSO₄ and 5 μM sodium nitroprusside in rat liver, brain and phospholipid homogenates from egg yolk. The plant exhibited strong antioxidant activity in the DPPH (IC₅₀, 68.96 ± 1.25 μg/ml) assay. The aqueous extract also showed significant hepatoprotective activity that was evident by enzymatic examination and brought back the altered levels of TBARS, non-protein thiol and ascorbic acid to near the normal levels in a dose dependent manner. Acute toxicity studies revealed that the LD₅₀ value of the extract is more than the dose 4 g/kg body weight of mice.

Conclusions

The results indicate that this plant possesses potential antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties and has therapeutic potential for the treatment of liver diseases.     

Effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana 'Godseffiana' Muell Arg (Euphorbiaceae) on the hematology, plasma biochemistry and ocular indices of oxidative stress in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana are used in Southern Nigeria for the management of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. In this study, the effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana on the hematology, plasma biochemistry and ocular indices of oxidative stress was investigated in alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Methodology

Diabetes mellitus was induced by injection of alloxan (80 mg/kg body weight), via the tail vein. The extract was administered orally at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg (both to normal and diabetic rats), and metformin at 50 mg/kg.

Results

On gas chromatographic analysis of the extract, twenty nine known flavonoids were detected, consisting mainly of 29.77% apigenin, 14.97% quercetin, 11.12% naringenin, 10.62% kaempferol, 9.05% (−)-epicatechin and 4.04% (+)-catechin. Tannic acid and β-sitosterol were also detected. Compared to test control, the treatment lowered (significantly, P < 0.05) plasma glucose, triglyceride, conjugated bilirubin levels, atherogenic index of plasma, plasma alanine transaminase activity, total protein and total bilirubin, aspartate transaminase activity and unconjugated bilirubin, plasma urea, blood urea nitrogen and ocular malondialdehyde contents, lymphocyte and monocyte counts, and not significantly, plasma very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, but increased (significantly, P < 0.05) plasma calcium contents, total white cell and platelet counts, mean cell volume and ocular ascorbic acid content, and (though not significantly) plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol level, red cell and neutrophil counts.

Conclusions

This study showed that the extract was hypoglycemic, positively affected the hemopoietic system and integrity and function (dose dependently) of the liver and kidney of the diabetic rats; improved the lipid profile and had no deleterious effect on red cell morphology. It also protected against oxidative stress in ocular tissues. This study also revealed the presence of pharmacologically active compounds in the leaf extract. All of these highlights the cardioprotective potential of the leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana and support its use in traditional health practices for the management of diabetes mellitus.     

Prevention of hepatic oxidative injury by Xiao-Chen-Chi-Tang in mice

The three purgative Cheng-Chi-Tang decoctions (CCTDs) including Ta-Cheng-Chi-Tang (TCCT), Xiao-Chen-Chi-Tang (XCCT), and Tiao-Wei-Chen-Chi-Tang (TWCCT) are used for treating gastrointestinal disorders, including liver diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the underlying mechanisms as liver disease remedies are far from fully clarified. The objective of the study is to investigate and compare the antioxidant activity of the three purgative CCTDs in order to delineate their hepatic protective potential and mechanism. Antioxidant activity measured with the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test indicated XCCT as the most potent preparation (IC(50) 8.94 microg/ml). In tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBH, 50mM)-induced lipid peroxidation in ICR mice liver homogenates, XCCT also showed stronger and dose-dependent inhibitory activity against TBH-induced malondialdehyde (MDA, a marker of lipid peroxidation) production (IC(50) 53.66 microg/ml). In addition, XCCT showed dose-dependent protective effect against TBH-induced cytotoxicity in normal human Chung liver cells Furthermore, in carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced acute liver injury model, mice pretreated with 0.2g/kg and 0.4 g/kg of XCCT extracts showed a decrease of 59.8 and 43.1% in serum glutamic oxaloactetic transaminase (GOT) level, 51.4 and 52% in glutamic pyruvate transaminase (GPT) level, along with a reduction of 31 and 15% in MDA level, respectively, similar to the effects exerted by silymarin. XCCT pretreated mice also showed milder necrotic changes in the microscopic picture of the liver. The results suggest that XCCT has significant antioxidant activity and hepatic protection potential.