Comparison of the effects of crude extract of spinach-beet leaves and equivalent amounts of chlorophyll and chlorophyllin in modifying the clastogenic activity of chromium (VI) oxide in mice in vivo

The anticlastogenic activities of a crude extract of leaves of spinach-beet (Beta vulgaris var. benghalensis Hort.) and equivalent amounts of chlorophyll extracted from the leaves and of synthetic chlorophyllin in reducing cytotoxicity were compared following exposure of mice in vivo to a known clastogen chromium (VI) oxide. Male Swiss albino mice were administered orally the vegetable extract for 7 consecutive days and then exposed to the clastogen by gavage (20 mg/kg b wt). For comparison, equivalent amounts of extracted chlorophyll and synthetic chlorophyllin were administered to the mice, 2 h before exposure to the same dose of the metal. Chromosomes were studied from bone marrow cells 24 h after exposure, following colchicine-hypotonic-fixative-flame drying-Giemsa staining schedule. Chlorophyllin and the crude extract, when given alone, did not induce chromosomal aberrations and reduced the clastogenic effects induced by chromium (VI) oxide to a statistically significant level, indicating a protective action. Chlorophyll, however, produced a significant increase of chromosomal aberrations compared with control, when administered alone and was not able to reduce the clastogenicity of the metallic salt to a significant level.     

Neuropharmacological Studies on Ethanol Extracts of Valeriana officinalis L.: Behavioural and Anticonvulsant Properties

An ethanol total extract of the roots of Valeriana officinalis L. in doses equivalent to 0.5–800 mg valerian root/kg b.w.i.p. was tested in male mice for possible neuropharmacological efficacy and in this respect compared with diazepam and haloperidol. The extract did not modify spontaneous motility, nociception or body temperature, and did not produce palpebral ptosis. However, it was anticonvulsant against picrotoxin (but not pentetrazol and harman) with an ED₅₀ between 4.5 and 6 mg/kg and it prolonged thiopental anaesthesia. After fractionation of the crude extract, the antipicrotoxin activity was present mainly in the methylene chloride fraction (ED₅₀=0.25 mg/kg). Pure valerenic acid (12.5 mg/kg b.w.i.p.) also exerted an antipicrotoxin effect.     

β-glucuronidase inhibition and diuretic activity of Fabiana imbricata R. & P. (Solanaceae)

The hydroalcoholic extract of Fabiana imbricata inhibited the enzyme β-glucuronidase (β-gluc) in vitro. Bioassay-guided isolation led to scopoletin as the main active constituent of F. imbricata. Scopoletin was a noncompetitive inhibitor of β-D-glucuronidase with a K_i value of 4 × 10^?5 M. A single oral dose of 250 mg/kg body weight F. imbricata extract produced a significant increase (p<0.05) in the urine output of rats. The diuretic effect of the extract was weak in comparison with hydrochlorothiazide at 25 mg/kg. In the acute oral toxicity study in rats, ‘Pichi’ was shown to be a low toxicity crude drug at doses up to 5 g crude extract/kg body weight. At concentrations up to 0.50 mg/mL, the crude extract did not increase the number of chromosome aberrations in the in vitro human lymphocyte assay.     

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.     

Protection against cytotoxic effects of arsenic by dietary supplementation with crude extract of Emblica officinalis fruit.

Dietary administration of a crude aqueous extract of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. fruit reduced significantly the cytotoxic effects of sodium arsenite administered orally. The crude extract (685 mg/kg bw) was given daily by gavaging to age and sex matched laboratory bread Swiss albino mice for 7 and 14 days, followed by a single dose of sodium arsenite (2.5 mg/kg bw = 1/10 of LD(50)). The animals were killed after 24 h and chromosome preparations made following a schedule of colchicine-fixative-air drying-Giemsa. The endpoints screened were chromosomal aberrations and damaged cells. The crude extract reduced arsenic damage bringing the cells almost to the normal level.     

Tumour reducing and anticarcinogenic activity of Acanthus ilicifolius in mice.

Alcoholic extract of Acanthus ilicifolius (250,500 mg/kg b wt) was found to be effective against tumour progression and carcinogen induced skin papilloma formation in mice. The extract was found to be cytotoxic towards lung fibroblast (L-929) cells in 72 h MTT assay and the concentration required for 50% cell death was 18 microg/ml. Oral administration of the extract (500 mg/kg b wt) reduced the tumour volume and administration of the same concentration increased the life span by 75% in ascites tumour (EAC cells) harbouring animals. The extract also significantly delayed the onset of dimethylbenzanthrazene DMBA/Croton oil induced skin papilloma in mice in a dose dependent manner.     

The In Vitro and In Vivo Biological Activities of the Leaf of Cape Myrtle,Myrsine africana L.

The cape myrtle, Myrsine africana L., is a widely used medicinal plant, which has not been well investigated. We assessed the in vivo hepatoprotective and in vitro antiproliferative and antioxidant effects of leaf extracts of M. africana chemically profiled using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Three flavonoids were quantified, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of common fatty acids. The animal study was conducted on mice treated with CCl4, using three doses each of the methanol and chloroform extract (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg b.w.),with silymarin as a positive control. Hepatoprotective effects were determined by analyzing blood for liver marker and antioxidant enzymes, direct bilirubins and total proteins. The methanol extract (300 mg/kg b.w.) showed the strongest hepatoprotective effects against abnormalities produced by CCl4. The in vivo hepatoprotective effects correlated well with the in vitro antioxidant and antiproliferative activities and with high levels of flavonoids in the extracts. Finally, molecular docking studies of the constituent quercetin were undertaken in silico and several sites of binding to human estrogen receptor (ER) protein, linked with alkaline phosphatase, identified. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pharmacological evidence for a spasmogenic agent in Datura root extract tested on dispersed smooth muscle cells of guinea-pig ileum

The effect of acetylcholine, scopolamine, and Datura leaf and root extracts on the contractility of dispersed muscle cells of guinea-pig ileum was studied. Scopolamine and crude Datura leaf extract alone or together had no significant effect on contraction of smooth muscle cells. Acetylcholine and Datura root extract either alone or together caused a significant (30%) contraction. Datura root extract reversed the effect of both scopolamine and Datura leaf extract suggesting the presence of an unknown spasmogenic factor in Datura root extract.     

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.     

Potentiating action of Datura metel Linn. Root extract on rat intestinal cholinesterase

Datura metel Linn. leaf extract which is known to contain scopolamine, a tropane alkaloid, was found to inhibit rat intestinal cholinesterase in vitro. The inhibition could not be reversed with higher concentrations of cholinesterase substrate. Whereas Dutura metel root extract was found to activate cholinesterase enzyme activity at optimal or higher substrate concentrations. With root and leaf extract together, the cholinesterase activity level at higher concentrations of substrate, was elevated compared with the inhibitory effect of Datura leaf extract alone, suggesting a potentiating action of Datura root extract on cholinesterase.     

Bile acid‐binding activity of young persimmon (Diospyros kaki) fruit and its hypolipidemic effect in mice

The hypolipidemic effects and bile acid‐binding properties of young persimmon (Diospyros kaki) fruit were examined. In an animal experiment, male C57BL/6.Cr mice (n = 5) were fed an AIN‐76‐modified high fat diet supplemented with 2% or 5% (w/w) dried young persimmon fruit (YP) for 10 weeks. The intake of YP significantly enhanced fecal bile acid excretion and lowered the concentration of hepatic lipids and plasma cholesterol. Analysis of gene expression in liver tissue showed that 2% or 5% YP up‐regulated the expression of the sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐2 gene. In the 5% group, there were increased expressions of the genes for cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase and the low‐density lipoprotein receptor. Next, the bile acid‐binding ability of YP was analysed in vitro using cholic acid (CA). In 100–2000 µM CA solutions, 1% (w/v) YP adsorbed approximately 60% of CA, while dried mature persimmon fruit adsorbed approximately 20% of CA. The positive control, cholestyramine, adsorbed approximately 80% of CA in the 100–2000 µM CA solutions. A crude tannin extract from YP, which contained 54.7% condensed tannins, adsorbed approximately 78% of CA in the 2000 µM CA solutions. These results suggest that the ability of YP to bind bile acid contributes to its hypolipidemic effect in mice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Inhibitory Effect of Bacopasides on Spontaneous Morphine Withdrawal Induced Depression in Mice

Bacopa monnieri is a perennial herb with a world known image as a nootropic. We investigated the effect of Bacopa monnieri methanolic extract (Mt Ext BM) 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg body weight (b.w) on acquisition and expression of morphine withdrawal induced depression in mice. Locally available Bacopa monnieri (BM) was screened for contents of Bacoside A₃, Bacopasaponin C, and Bacopaside II using HPLC with UV. Morphine dependence was induced in mice using twice daily escalating chronic morphine treatments (20–65 mg/kg b.w) for eight consecutive days. Morphine withdrawal induced depression was assayed in animals using forced swimming test (FST), three days after last morphine injection. The HPLC analysis revealed that Mt‐ext BM contained Bacoside A₃ as major component, i.e. 4 µg in each mg of extract. The chronic treatment with Met Ext BM 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg b.w. dosing significantly inhibited opioid withdrawal induced depression in mice. These findings imply a newer potential role of Bacopa monnieri in the clinical management of opioid withdrawal induced depression which can be attributed to Bacoside A₃. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. root extract in cultured lymphocytes

Aim of the study

The genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of the ethanolic extract of Hemidesmus indicus roots were evaluated in cultured human lymphocytes using cisplatin as the positive mutagen.

Materials and methods

Cytogenetic damage and cytotoxicity were determined in cells exposed to different doses of the extract, ranging from 2 to 32 μg/ml of culture medium, either alone or together with cisplatin.

Results

There was a significant reduction in cisplatin-induced frequencies of sister chromatid exchanges, chromosome aberrations and micronucleated binucleate cells at the lower concentrations of 4 and 8 μg/ml (P < 0.05). However, the extract by itself reduced the proliferative rate index, mitotic index and cytokinesis-block proliferative index (P < 0.05). Further, a significant increase in the percentage of chromosome aberrations was noticed at the higher concentrations.

Conclusion

Hemidesmus indicus root extract possesses significant genoprotective effect at the lower concentrations although it is cytotoxic and probably genotoxic at higher doses.     

肉苁蓉炮制前后补肾壮阳作用的研究

肉苁蓉水煎物醇溶部分可显著增加去势幼龄大鼠的精囊前列腺重量；使小白鼠和大白鼠的睾丸、精囊前列腺增重；水煎物可提高小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞的吞噬功能。生品和炮制品无统计学差异。其小鼠口服最大耐受量为４０ｇ／ｋｇ。     

Effects of Morinda lucida leaf extract on Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection in mice

The dried leaves of Morinda lucida were extracted with 50% methanol and the extract was recovered in a 9.7% w/w yield. Acute toxicity tests were performed in mice and the intraperitoneal LD₅₀ of the extract was 2000 . The extract induced purgation in mice from the first hour after oral administration and reached its peak between the third and fourth hour. The purgation was not dose-dependent. M. lucida leaf extract i.p. significantly suppressed the level of parasitemia after Trypanosoma brucei infection in mice. Suppression of existing parasitemia appeared dose-dependent with 1000 i.p. producing the maximum effect. The best trypanocidal activity was obtained when treatment with M. lucida extract commenced simultaneously with trypanosome inoculation.     

Antitumor and immunomodulating effects of polysaccharides isolated from Solanum nigrum Linne

We have examined the effects of the crude polysaccharides isolated from Solanum nigrum Linne (SNL‐P) in vitro and in vivo against U14 cervical cancer. SNL‐P showed no antiproliferative effects in vitro at a dose up to 1 mg/ml. In vivo administration with SNL‐P (90, 180, 360 mg/kg b.w., p.o.) decreased the number of ascites tumor cells and prolonged the survival time of U14 cervical‐cancer‐bearing mice. FACScan flow cytometer analysis showed that most of the ascites tumor cells were arrested in G2/M phase of cell cycle and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ peripheral blood T‐lymphocyte subpopulations were restored following treatment of SNL‐P. Furthermore, the treatment with SNL‐P also caused a significant increment in IFN‐γ (p < 0.01, 90, 180 and 360 mg/kg b.w.) and a remarkable decrease in Il‐4 (p < 0.01, 90, 180 mg/kg b.w.; p < 0.05, 360 mg/kg b.w.) by the method of ELISA. These data showed that SNL‐P possess potent antitumor activity and SNL‐P might exert antitumor activity via activation of different immune responses in the host rather than by directly attacking cancer cells on the U14 cervical cancer bearing mice. Thus, SNL‐P could be used as an immunomodulator and an anticancer agent. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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.     

Effect of boldo (Peumus boldus Molina) infusion on lipoperoxidation induced by cisplatin in mice liver

Peumus boldus Molina (Monimiaceae), commonly referred to as ‘boldo’, is used in traditional Chilean medicine to treat hepatic and gastrointestinal diseases. Its leaves are rich in antioxidant compounds, principally alkaloids and flavonoids. This study evaluates the protective effect of a complete boldo leaf infusion on lipoperoxidation (MDA determination at 532 nm) induced by cisplatin in mice liver. To determine if the observed effect can be explained by the action of boldine or catechin, each compound was studied separately. The mice were divided into 8 groups (n = 6): (I) not treated; (II) treated with cisplatin 6 mg/Kg b.w.; (III) treated with boldo leaf infusion 5%; (IV) pretreated with boldo leaf infusion 5% and treated with cisplatin 6 mg/Kg b.w.; (V) treated with boldine 50 mg/Kg b.w.; (VI) pretreated with boldine 50 mg/Kg b.w. and treated with cisplatin 6 mg/kg.b.w.; (VII) treated with catechin; and (VIII) pretreated with catechin 50 mg/Kg b.w. and treated with cisplatin 6 mg/Kg b.w. As expected, the treatment with cisplatin significantly increased (p < 0.01) lipoperoxidation in comparison with the non‐treated group. Pretreatment with boldo leaf infusion significantly diminished (p < 0.05) the lipoperoxidation induced by cisplatin with respect to the animals not pretreated with the infusion. The pretreatments with boldine and catechin significantly diminished (p < 0.05) the lipoperoxidation induced by cisplatin with respect to the group treated only with cisplatin. The results suggest that the boldo infusion is acting as a protector with respect to the oxidative hepatic damage caused by cisplatin, and that this protective ability would be due to the presence in the infusion of the natural antioxidants boldine and principally catechin. These findings suggest the potential use of the infusion as a chemoprotector. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antiobesity Effects of Chinese Black Tea (Pu‐erh Tea) Extract and Gallic Acid

The antiobesity effects of Chinese black tea (Pu‐erh tea) and of gallic acid (GA) were investigated using in vitro and in vivo assays. Chinese black tea extract (BTE) and GA inhibited pancreatic lipase activity in a dose‐dependent manner in vitro; the IC(inhibitory concentration)₅₀ values were 101.6 and 9.2 µg/mL, respectively. Black tea extract (50, 100 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) and GA (15, 45 mg/kg b.w.) significantly suppressed the elevation of blood triglyceride after oral administration of a corn oil emulsion (8 mL oil/kg b.w.) to male ddY mice. Moreover, the antiobesity effects of BTE and GA were also evaluated in a mouse model of diet‐induced obesity. Female ddY mice were divided into seven groups; normal diet (ND) group, high fat diet (HFD) group, BTE (0.2% and 0.6% of diets) groups, and GA (0.007%, 0.02% and 0.1% of diets) groups; the experimental groups were fed the test diets for 12 weeks. The BTE 0.6% and GA 0.1% groups showed significant suppression of weight gain. The weight of parametrial adipose tissue was strongly correlated with the body weight. These results suggest that GA contributes to the antiobesity effect of BTE as an active constituent by inhibiting pancreatic lipase activity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pharmacological and toxicological investigations on Foeniculum vulgare dried fruit extract in experimental animals

The ethanol extract of the dried ripe fruit of Foeniculum vulgare (500 mg/kg) was tested for diuretic, analgesic, antipyretic, antimicrobial, cytotoxic activities and its effect on bile secretion in rats. Also, the acute toxicity after 0.5, 1 and 3 g/kg was investigated in mice. The extract showed diuretic, analgesic, antipyretic activities and it enhanced bile secretion. As an antimicrobial agent, the extract inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and showed a marked mitodepressive effect. At a dose of 3 g/kg, it caused piloerection and it depressed locomotor activity but caused no deaths when administered acutely to mice.