Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activity of plectranthus amboinicus on normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats

The present study was undertaken to investigate the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of ethanol extract of Plectranthus amboinicus in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats by single intraperitoneal administration of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg). Normal as well as diabetic rats were divided into groups (n=6) receiving different treatments. Graded doses (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) of ethanol extract of Plectranthus amboinicus were studied in both normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats for a period of 15 days. Glibenclamide (600 μg/kg) was used as a reference drug. Oral administration with graded doses of ethanol extract of Plectranthus amboinicus exhibited hypoglycemic effect in normal rats and significantly reduced the peak glucose levels after 120 min of glucose loading. In alloxan-induced diabetic rats, the daily oral treatment with ethanol extract of Plectranthus amboinicus showed a significant reduction in blood glucose. Besides, administration of ethanol extract of Plectranthus amboinicus for 15 days significantly decreased serum contents of total cholesterol, triglycerides whereas HDL-cholesterol, total proteins and calcium were effectively increased. Furthermore, effect of ethanol extract of Plectranthus amboinicus showed profound elevation of serum amylase and reduction of serum lipase. Histology examination showed ethanol extract of Plectranthus amboinicus exhibited almost normalization of damaged pancreatic architecture in rats with diabetes mellitus. Studies clearly demonstrated that ethanol extract of Plectranthus amboinicus leaves possesses hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects mediated through the restoration of the functions of pancreatic tissues and insulinotropic effect.     

Antidiabetic activity of ethanolic extract of tubers of Dioscorea alata in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Objective:

To evaluate the antidiabetic activity of ethanolic extract of Dioscorea alata in glucose loaded and alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

The authenticated tubers of D. alata (DA) (JSSCPDP/2008/157) were collected from Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu. The ethanol extract was tested for hypoglycemic activity in normal rats. In oral glucose tolerance test, glucose (3 g/kg, p.o.) was administered to non diabetic control, metformin (250 mg/kg, p.o.) and DA extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) to treat treated rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced by alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg, i.p.) in physiological saline after overnight fasting for 18 hours. DA extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) and standard drug metformin (250 mg/kg, p.o.) were administered to diabetic rats for 21 days. Fasting blood glucose level and changes in body weight were measured on days 0, 7, 14, and 21. At the end of 21^st day, serum lipid profile, total protein, albumin, and creatinine were assessed.

Results:

In glucose loaded normal rats, the treatment with the extract of DA had shown a highly significant reduction (P < 0.001) in blood glucose levels at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. The extract did not produce hypoglycemic activity at both the dose levels in normal, fasted rats. In alloxan induced diabetic rats, the body weight of the DA extract treated animals had shown a significant increase (P < 0.001) after 21 days treatment. The blood glucose level was reduced significantly by 47.48% and 52.09% after 21 days treatment at dose levels 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Serum lipid levels, total protein, albumin, and creatinine were reversed toward near normal in treated rats as compared to diabetic control.

Conclusion:

The results indicate that ethanol extract of DA tubers possesses significant antidiabetic activity.     

Effect of Pterocarpus santalinus bark,on blood glucose,serum lipids,plasma insulin and hepatic carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Aim of the study

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of bark of Pterocarpus santalinus, an ethnomedicinal plant, on blood glucose, plasma insulin, serum lipids and the activities of hepatic glucose metabolizing enzymes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated (acute/short-term and long-term) with ethyl acetate:methanol fractions of ethanolic extract of the bark of P. santalinus. Fasting blood glucose, HbA_1C, plasma insulin and protein were estimated before and after the treatment, along with hepatic glycogen, and activities of hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Further anti-hyperlipidemic activity was studied by measuring the levels of serum lipids and lipoproteins.

Results

Phytochemical analysis of active fraction showed the presence of flavonoids, glycosides and phenols. Biological testing of the active fraction demonstrated a significant antidiabetic activity by reducing the elevated blood glucose levels and glycosylated hemoglobin, improving hyperlipidemia and restoring the insulin levels in treated experimental induced diabetic rats. Further elucidation of mechanism of action showed improvement in the hepatic carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes after the treatment. Our present investigation suggests that active fraction of ethanolic extract of bark of P. santalinus decreases streptozotocin induced hyperglycemia by increasing glycolysis and decreasing gluconeogenesis.     

Mechanisms responsible for the vascular effect of aqueous Trigonella foenum-graecum leaf extract in diabetic rats

Background and Objective:

Since a beneficial vascular effect of aqueous leaf extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) has previously been reported, this study was conducted to evaluate the underlying mechanisms, including the role of nitric oxide (NO) and cyclooxygenase pathways, in diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

Male Wistar rats were divided into control, extract-treated control, diabetic, and extract-treated diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by a single i.p. injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 60 mg/kg). Treatment groups received TFG extract (200 mg/kg; ip.) every other day for 1 month. Contractile reactivity of the thoracic aorta to KCl and noradrenaline (NA) and relaxation response to acetylcholine (ACh) were determined. For determination of the participation of NO and prostaglandins in the relaxation response to ACh, aortic rings were incubated for 30 min before the experiment with N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and/or indomethacin (INDO).

Results:

The diabetic state significantly increased the maximum contractile response to KCl and NA (P < 0.01-0.005) and reduced the maximum relaxation due to ACh (P < 0.01) as compared to controls and treatment with TFG extract in the diabetic group significantly improved these changes relative to the untreated diabetic group (P < 0.05). With L-NAME pretreatment, no significant difference between diabetic and extract-treated diabetic groups was found out. On the other hand, there was a significant difference between these two groups following INDO pretreatment (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Intraperitoneal administration of aqueous leaf extract of TFG for one month could improve some functional indices of the vascular system in the diabetic state and endothelium-derived prostaglandins are essential in this respect.     

Antidiabetic activity of Cassia occidentalis (Linn) in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Objective:

To evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of various extracts, petroleum ether, chloroform and aqueous extract of Cassia occidentalis in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

Petroleum ether, chloroform and aqueous extract of whole plant of Cassia occidentalis were orally tested at the dose of 200 mg/kg for hypoglycemic effect in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. In addition, changes in body weight, serum cholesterol, triglyceride and total protein levels, assessed in the ethanol extract-treated diabetic rats, were compared with diabetic control and normal animals. Histopathological observations during 21 days treatment were also evaluated.

Results:

Aqueous extract of C. occidentalis produced a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels in the normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Apart from aqueous extract, petroleum ether extract showed activity from day 14 and chloroform extract showed activity from 7 days. Significant differences were observed in serum lipid profiles (cholesterol and triglyceride), serum protein, and changes in body weight by aqueous extract treated-diabetic animals, when compared with the diabetic control and normal animals. Concurrent histopathological studies of the pancreas of these animals showed comparable regeneration by extract which were earlier necrosed by alloxan.

Conclusion:

Aqueous extract of C. occidentalis exhibited significant antihyperglycemic activity in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. They also showed improvement in parameters like body weight and serum lipid profiles as well as histopathological studies showed regeneration of β-cells of pancreas and so might be of value in diabetes treatment.     

Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Thespesia populnea fruit pulp extracts on alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Present study was carried to find out the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activity of ethanol and aqueous extract of Thespesia populnea fruit pulp on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in rats by administration of alloxan (150 mg/kg, i.p.). After the successful induction of experimental diabetes, the rats were divided into five groups each comprising a minimum of six rats. Phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity study of extracts was also done. The effects of extracts and metformin on fasting blood glucose and plasma lipid were examined for 28 days. Statistical analysis was carried out by using analysis of variance followed by Dunnet''s multiple comparison test and paired t-test were done as the test of significance using GraphPad Prism. P≤0.05 was considered as the minimal level of statistical significance. Therapeutic dose of extract was found to be 200 mg/kg on the basis of acute toxicity study. Aqueous and alcoholic extract showed a significant reduction in blood glucose levels as well as a lipid profile of diabetic rats at the end of 28^th day of treatment. However, in groups treated with plant extract the reduction in the blood glucose and improvement in lipid profile was slightly less than that achieved with the standard group (metformin). From this study, it can be concluded that ethanol and aqueous extract of Thespesia populnea exhibited significant antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects on alloxan-induced diabetic rats.     

Hypoglycaemic and anti-diabetic activity of stem bark extracts Erythrina indica in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats

The objective of the study is to investigate the alcoholic (AlcE) and aqueous (AqsE) extracts of stem bark of Erythrina indica (Papilionaceae) for hypoglycaemic effects in normal and diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in rats by a single dose administration of alloxan (120 mg/kg, i.p.) or by injecting dexamethasone (10 mg/kg, i.p.) for 10 days. In normal rats, AlcE and AqsE had significantly decreased the blood glucose level (BGL) in a dose dependent manner after repeated administration for 7 days. In alloxan-induced diabetic rats, both the extracts decreased blood sugar levels with significant improvement in glucose tolerance and body weight at the end of 1st, 2nd and 3rd week after test extract treatment. In case of dexamethasone induced insulin resistant diabetic rats, repeated administration of AlcE and AqsE inhibited the increase in blood glucose level and improved glucose tolerance induced by dexamethasone as compared to dexamethasone induced diabetic rats. These results suggest that both extracts possess hypoglycaemic activity in normal as well as in diabetic rats. Among AlcE and AqsE, AqsE possesses better hypoglycaemic activity than AlcE in all the models. Preliminary phytochemical investigations revealed that alcoholic extracts contain carbohydrates, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phytosterols, phenolics and tannins. Aqueous extract contains carbohydrates, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phytosterols and triterpenoids. These phytoconstituents may be responsible for the hypoglycaemic activity of the plant.     

Mitigating effects of antioxidant properties of Artemisia campestris leaf extract on hyperlipidemia,advanced glycation end products and oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Artemisia campestris is used as antivenom and anti-inflammatory Tunisian folk medicine. Recently, increased oxidative stress was shown to play an important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and its complications. This study was designed to examine the effects of A. campestris leaf aqueous extract (Ac) on alloxan-induced diabetic rats by measuring glycemia, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation (MDA), protein carbonyl content (PCO), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), activities of both non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants. Results of our study showed an increase in blood glucose levels, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) level and disturbed antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, GPx) in the pancreatic tissue of diabetic rats. Furthermore, MDA, PCO and AOPP were elevated in the pancreas of the diabetic rats. The administration of Ac to diabetic rats at a dose of 200 mg kg⁻¹ bw resulted in a significant reduction in glycemia, TC, TG, LDL-c, pancreas LPO, PCO and AOPP levels, CAT and GPx activities associated with an elevation of GSH content and SOD activity in comparison with diabetic group. We conclude that A. campestris aqueous extract may be effective for correcting hyperglycemia and preventing diabetic complications.     

Hypoglycemic effect of aqueous extract of Parthenium hysterophorus L. in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats

Objectives:

To study the effects of Parthenium hysterophorus L. flower on serum glucose level in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

Albino rats were divided into six groups of six animals each, three groups of normal animals receiving different treatments consisting of vehicle, aqueous extract of Parthenium hysterophorus L. flower (100 mg/kg) and the standard antidiabetic drug, glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg). The same treatment was given to the other three groups comprising alloxan induced diabetic animals. Fasting blood glucose level was estimated using the glucose oxidase method in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats, before and 2 h after the administration of drugs.

Results:

Parthenium hysterophorus L. showed significant reduction in blood glucose level in the diabetic (P<0.01) rats. However, the reduction in blood glucose level with aqueous extract was less than with the standard drug glibenclamide. The extract showed less hypoglycemic effect in fasted normal rats, (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

The study reveals that the active fraction of Parthenium hysterophorus L. flower extract is very promising for developing standardized phytomedicine for diabetes mellitus.     

Effect of adrenalectomy on diazinon-induced changes in carbohydrate metabolism

Treatment with diazinon resulted in hyperglycaemia and depletion of glycogen from cerebral and peripheral tissues 2 h after its administration in rats; the changes were maximal after 40 mg/kg diazinon, administered intraperitoneally. The activities of glycogen phosphorylase and phosphoglucomutase were significantly increased in brain and liver, while that of glucose-6-phosphatase was not altered. The activities of the glycolytic enzymes hexokinase and lactate dehydrogenase were increased only in brain. The cholinesterase activity of the brain was reduced by treatment with diazinon. The activities of hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes (fructose 1,6 diphosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase) were also significantly increased in diazinon-treated animals. The level of lactate was increased in brain and blood while that of pyruvate was not changed. The activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was not significantly changed. Cholesterol and ascorbic acid contents of adrenals were depleted in diazinon-treated animals. Adrenalectomy abolished the hyperglycaemia and changes in carbohydrate metabolism, suggesting the possible involvement of adrenals in the induced changes in diazinon-treated animals.     

In vivo antimalarial activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Stachytarpheta cayennensis

Objective:

To evaluate the in vivo antiplasmodial activity of the ethanol leaf extract of Stachytarpheta cayennensis in the treatment of various ailment in Niger Delta region of Nigeria, in Plasmodium berghei infected mice.

Materials and Methods:

The ethanolic leaf extract of Stachytarpheta cayennensis (90-270 mg/kg/day) was screened for blood schizonticidal activity against chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei in mice. The schizonticidal effect during early and established infections was investigated.

Result:

Stachytarpheta cayennensis (90-270 mg/kg/day) exhibited significant (P< 0.05) blood schizonticidal activity both in 4-day early infection test and in established infection with a considerable mean survival time comparable to that of the standard drug, chloroquine, 5 mg/kg/day.

Conclusion:

The leaf extract possesses significant (P< 0.05) antiplasmodial activity which confirms it''s use in folkloric medicine in the treatment of malaria.     

Protective effects of Phyllanthus amarus aqueous extract against renal oxidative stress in Streptozotocin -induced diabetic rats

Aim and Objectives:

In the present study, we have evaluated the antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus (PAAEt) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

PAAEt was administered at 200 mg/kg body weight/day to normal treated (NT-group) and STZ-induced diabetic treated rats (DT-group) by gavage for eight weeks. During the experimental period, blood was collected from fasted rats at 10 days intervals and plasma glucose level was estimated. The plasma lipid profile was estimated at the end of experimental period. After the treatment, period kidney lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein oxidation and reduced glutathione (GSH) were estimated and antioxidant enzymes viz., glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also assayed.

Results:

The significant decrease in the body weight, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia observed in STZ-induced diabetic rats (D-group) were rectified with PAAEt treatment in diabetic treated group (DT-group). D-group rats showed increased renal oxidative stress with increased LPO and protein oxidation. DT-group showed a significant decrease in renal LPO, protein oxidation and a significant increase in GSH content and GR, GPx and GST activities when compared with D-group. The activities of SOD and CAT decreased significantly in D-group, but were normalized in DT-group. Normal rats treated with PAAEt (NT-rats) showed a significant decrease in lipid profile, renal LPO and protein oxidation, with significant increase in renal GSH and activities of antioxidant enzymes compared to normal rats (N-group).

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrated that PAAEt with its antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties could be a potential herbal medicine in treating diabetes and renal problems.     

Changes in enzyme activities in the urine and tissues of rats fed sodium o-phenylphenate

The activities of certain enzymes in the urine and tissues of rats given 2% sodium o- phenylphenate in the diet for 20 wk were examined. Urinary gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma GTP) decreased immediately after the start of feeding of the treated diet and its activity remained low for 20 wk. The gamma GTP and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in kidney homogenate decreased to about 80% of the control at 20 wk, but G6PD activity was significantly increased; Na,K-ATPase was unchanged. On the other hand, the gamma GTP activity in the liver homogenate of treated rats was increased to about eight times that of the controls, the G6PD activity showed a significant increase, but the ALP and Na, K-ATPase activities were not significantly different from the control values. The glutathione concentration in the livers of treated rats was significantly reduced.     

Ameliorative effect of Aegle marmelos leaf extract on early stage alloxan-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats

Objective: The pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is complex, and the therapeutic options available to treat DCM are limited. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (Rutaceae) leaf extract on early stage DCM in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Methods: Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats (150–200?g) by injecting alloxan (150?mg kg^?1; i.p.). Ethanol extract of A. marmelos leaves was administered at varying doses (100, 200, and 400?mg kg^?1) and tolbutamide (100?mg kg^?1) as standard. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) were determined by standard methods.

Results: A. marmelos extract (AME) was found to decrease the levels of FBG, total cholesterol, TBARS, LDH and CK, and increase the levels of GSH, CAT and SOD dose dependently as compared to diabetic control groups. The maximum dose-dependent decrease in TBARS (63.46%), LDH (34.04%), CK (53.14%), and increase in GSH (64.91%), CAT (59.34%), SOD (69.65%) was evident at an optimum dose of 200?mg kg^?1. Histopathological studies revealed salvage in the morphological derangements as indicated by absence of necrosis and marked decrease in inflammatory cells in AME-treated groups as compared to diabetic control.

Conclusions: The present investigations conclude that treatment with AME attenuates the severity and improves the myocardium in the early stages of alloxan-induced DCM at a dose of 200?mg kg^?1.     

Effect of atorvastatin and hydroxychloroquine combination on blood glucose in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Objective:

To evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity of atorvastatin and hydroxychloroquine combination in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

Alloxan induced diabetic Wistar male rats were randomized into six groups of 6 rats each. (Normal rats, diabetic control, atorvastatin (ATV), hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), ATV 5 mg /kg + HCQ 100 mg/kg, and ATV 10 mg/kg + HCQ 200 mg/kg). The rats were treated for 9 days and blood samples were collected at baseline and end of therapy. These samples were analyzed for plasma glucose by autoanalyzer. Changes in body weight, water, food intakes and total protein content were also recorded.

Results:

Atorvastatin and hydroxychloroquine alone and in combination reported significant fall in blood glucose level from baseline. Fall in glucose level was significantly more in high dose combination of atorvastatin and hydroxychloroquine (ATV: 10 mg/kg + HCQ: 200 mg/kg) as compared to other study treatment groups (ATV: 17% Vs HCQ: 7% Vs ATV 5mg/kg + HCQ 100mg /kg: 14% Vs ATV 10mg/kg + HCQ 200mg /kg: 21%; p<0.01). ATV and HCQ individually and in combination also improved the body weight loss. The weight gain was significantly more in combination treated rats as compared to positive control group and greater than those who received atorvastatin and hydroxychloroquine alone. Rats treated with the combination also reported significant decrease in food intake and significant increase in total protein.

Conclusion:

Increased hypoglycemic effect in combination may be due to potentiation or synergism between HCQ and ATV. Further studies are required to demonstrate clinically significant antidiabetic effect.     

Determination of anthelmintic activity of the leaf and bark extract of tamarindus indica linn

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of ethanolic and aqueous extract of leaves and bark of Tamarindus indica Linn using Pheretima posthuma and Tubifex tubifex as test worms. The time of paralysis and time of death were studied and the activity was compared with piperazine citrate as reference standard. The alcohol and aqueous extract of bark of Tamarindus indica exhibited significant anthelmintic activity as evidenced by decreased paralyzing time and death time. The results thus support the use of Tamarindus indica as an anthelmintic agent.     

Effect of an isolated active compound (Cg-1) of Cassia glauca leaf on blood glucose, lipid profile, and atherogenic index in diabetic rats

Objectives:

The objective of present study was to evaluate the effect of active principle (Cg-1) from Cassia glauca leaf on serum glucose and lipid profile in normal and diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin in neonates. Oral administration of petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone, and methanol of C. glauca leaf (100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 21 days caused a decrease in fasting blood glucose (FBG) in diabetic rats. Among all the extracts, acetone extract was found to lower the FBG level significantly in diabetic rats. Glibenclamide was used as standard antidiabetic drug (5 mg/kg, p.o). Acetone extract was subjected to column chromatography that led to isolation of an active principle, which was given trivial name Cg-1. Cg-1 (50 mg/kg, p.o.) was studied for its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic potential. The unpaired t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post hoc test was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

Cg-1 caused a significant reduction in FBG level. It also caused reduction in cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels and improvement in the atherogenic index and HDL level in diabetic rats.

Conclusion:

Improvement in the FBG and the atherogenic index by Cg-1 indicates that Cg-1 has cardioprotective potential along with antidiabetic activity and provides a scientific rationale for the use as an antidiabetic agent.     

Protective role of Phyllantus niruri extract in doxorubicin-induced myocardial toxicity in rats

Objectives:

To investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus niruri (Aq.E.PN) against doxorubicin (Dox)-induced myocardial toxicity in rats.

Materials and Methods:

Cardiotoxicity was produced by Dox administration (15 mg/kg for 2 weeks). Aq.E PN (200 mg/kg, orally) was administered as pretreatment for 2 weeks alternated with Dox for the next 2 weeks. The general observations, mortality, histopathology, biomarker enzymes like lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) and alkaline phosphatase, diagnostic enzyme markers like aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and antioxidants such as glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were monitored after 3 weeks of the last dose.

Results:

Pretreatment with the Aq.E.PN significantly (P < 0.01) protected the myocardium from the toxic effects of Dox by reducing the elevated level of biomarker and diagnostic enzymes like LDH, CPK, AST and ALT to the normal levels. Aq.E PN increased the GSH, SOD and CAT levels and decreased the MDA levels in cardiac tissue. Administration of Dox caused cardiomyopathy associated with an antioxidant deficiency.

Conclusion:

These results suggest a cardioprotective effect of P. niruri due to its antioxidant properties.     

Antidiabetic,antilipidemic, and antioxidant activities of Gouania longipetala methanol leaf extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Context: Gouania longipetala Hemsl. (Rhamnaceae) is used in folkloric medicine for treating diabetes mellitus and its associated symptoms.

Objective: This study evaluated the antidiabetic antilipidemic and antioxidant activities of the plant methanol leaf extract.

Materials and methods: Diabetes was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (160?mg/kg). Three test doses (50, 100, and 150?mg/kg) of G. longipetala extract (GLE) were administered orally and the effects were compared with glibenclamide (2?mg/kg). The effect of GLE on hyperglycemia and sub-acute study for 21?d were carried out using its effect on fasting blood sugar (FBS) level. Serum biochemistry and antioxidant activity were evaluated. Histopathological evaluation of the pancreas was also done.

Results: The LD₅₀ of G. longipetala was found to be >4000?mg/kg. The extract significantly (p?<?0.0001) decreased the FBS levels of treated rats from 16.2?±?2.03 to 6.5?±?1.52?mM/L at 150?mg/kg within 24?h. The extract decreased FBS levels of rats by 62.0, 74.8, and 75.0% on day 21 at 50, 100, and 150?mg/kg, respectively. GLE reduced the level of malondiadehyde from 23.0?±?1.34?to 10.3?±?0.43?mg/dL, increased superoxide dismutase activities from 2.97?±?0.34 to 5.80?±?0.53?IU/L at 150?mg/kg, and improved the serum lipid profile of treated rats. GLE also caused restoration of the altered histopathological changes of the pancreas.

Discussion and conclusion: Gouania longipetala demonstrated significant antidiabetic, antilipidemic, and antioxidant activities that may be due to its multiple effects involving both pancreatic and extra-pancreatic mechanisms.