Protective Role of Artemisia Afra Aqueous Extract on Tissue Antioxidant Defense Systems in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Changes in antioxidant capacity in the body as a result of oxidative stress play an important role in the development of diabetic complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Artemisia afra Jacq. ex Willd. on antioxidant defense systems in the liver and kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Administration of the extract to diabetic rats for 21 days significantly reduced blood glucose levels and increased body weight. The diabetic animals exhibited decreased levels of glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the liver and kidney, which were restored to near normal levels following treatment with the herb. The increased levels of lipid peroxidation observed in the tissues of diabetic rats were also reverted back to near normalcy after administering the extract. These findings revealed the protective role of A. afra on tissues by reducing oxidative stress which could be attributed to its flavonoids content. The efficacy of the plant compared favourably well with glibenclamide, a standard hypoglycemic drug.     

Study on Anti-Ehrlich Ascites Tumour Effect of Pinellia Ternata Polysaccharide In Vivo

The objectives of the study were to investigate the anti-tumour activity of Pinellia ternata polysaccharide in vivo, and to preliminarily explore the possible mechanism of its antitumour action. Mouse model of Ehrlich ascites tumour (solid tumour) was used to detect the serum SOD, MDA and GSH-Px levels in mouse and to measure the tumour inhibition rate and survival prolongation rate. The results showed that Pinellia ternata polysaccharide had some tumour inhibitory effect. Tumour weight of Pinellia ternata polysaccharide high-dose group was highly significantly different (P<0.01) compared with the model group. Tumour weight between Pinellia ternata polysaccharide medium-dose group and model group also had a significant difference (P<0.05). Moreover, in the Pinellia ternata polysaccharide high-dose group, survival prolongation rate of ascites tumour mice reached 62.23%, and mouse serum SOD, MDA and GSH-Px levels also rose in varying degrees. The study concluded that Pinellia ternata polysaccharide extract had some in vivo anti-tumour effects, which were probably associated with the enhancement of the body''s ability to scavenge excess free radicals by improving the body''s enzyme activity.     

A Study on the Effect of Ethanol Extract of Radix Rhapontici on Erythrocyte Immune Function in Rats

This paper mainly studied the effect of ethanol extract of Radix rhapontici on erythrocyte immune function in SD rats with acute blood stasis. The methods used the effect on erythrocyte immune function. After intragastric administration of suspension of ethanol extract of Radix rhapontici to SD rats for 3 weeks, on the 21st day from intragastric administration, SD rats were made into blood stasis model and bloods were collected to determine the C3b, C3bRR, RFIR, and RFER in erythrocyte immune function. Meanwhile, serum total antioxidant activity (TAA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level of rats were determined, and experimental results were analysed with analysis of variance and Q test. The results showed that the ethanol extract of Radix rhapontici had a very good effect on enhancement of erythrocyte immune function in SD rats.     

Protective Effects of Annona Muricata Linn. (Annonaceae) Leaf Aqueous Extract on Serum Lipid Profiles and Oxidative Stress in Hepatocytes of Streptozotocin-Treated Diabetic Rats

Extracts from various morphological parts of Annona muricata Linn. (Annonaceae) are widely used medicinally in many parts of the world for the management, control and/or treatment of a plethora of human ailments, including diabetes mellitus (DM). The present study was undertaken to investigate the possible protective effects of A. muricata leaf aqueous extract (AME) in rat experimental paradigms of DM. The animals used were broadly divided into four (A, B, C and D) experimental groups. Group A rats served as ‘control’ animals and received distilled water in quantities equivalent to the administered volumes of AME and reference drugs'' solutions intraperitoneally. Diabetes mellitus was induced in Groups B and C rats by intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (STZ, 70 mg kg⁻¹). Group C rats were additionally treated with AME (100 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, p.o.) as from day 3 post STZ injection, for four consecutive weeks. Group D rats received AME (100 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ p.o.) only for four weeks. Post-euthanization, hepatic tissues were excised and processed biochemically for antioxidant enzymes and lipid profiles, such as catalase (CAT), reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL), respectively. Treatment of Groups B and C rats with STZ (70 mg kg⁻¹ i. p.) resulted in hyperglycaemia, hypoinsulinaemia, and increased TBARS, ROS, TC, TG and LDL levels. STZ treatment also significantly decreased (p<0.05) CAT, GSH, SOD, GSH-Px activities, and HDL levels. AME-treated Groups C and D rats showed significant decrease (p<0.05) in elevated blood glucose, ROS, TBARS, TC, TG and LDL. Furthermore, AME treatment significantly increased (p<0.05) antioxidant enzymes'' activities, as well as serum insulin levels. The findings of this laboratory animal study suggest that A. muricata extract has a protective, beneficial effect on hepatic tissues subjected to STZ-induced oxidative stress, possibly by decreasing lipid peroxidation and indirectly enhancing production of insulin and endogenous antioxidants.     

Protective Effects of Punica Granatum Seeds Extract Against Aging and Scopolamine Induced Cognitive Impairments in Mice

Dementia is one of the age related mental problems and characteristic symptom of various neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer''s disease. This impairment probably is due to the vulnerability of the brain cells to increased oxidative stress during aging process. Many studies have shown that certain phenolic antioxidants attenuate neuronal cell death induced by oxidative stress. The present work was undertaken to assess the effect of ethanolic extract of Punica granatum seeds on cognitive performance of aged and scopolamine treated young mice using one trial step-down type passive avoidance and elevated plus maze task. Aged or scopolamine treated mice showed poor retention of memory in step-down type passive avoidance and in elevated plus maze task. Chronic administration (21 days) of Punica granatum extract and vitamin C significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the age induced or scopolamine induced retention deficits in both the paradigms. Punica granatum extract also significantly lowered lipid peroxidation level and increased antioxidant glutathione level in brain tissues. Punica granatum preparations could be protective in the treatment of cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer''s disease.     

Evaluation of the Anti-Arthritic Activity of the Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract of Alchornea Cordifolia in Rats

Background

Different decoctions of Alchornea cordifolia leaves are used by Yoruba herbalists (Southwest Nigeria) for the local treatment of ulcers, rheumatic pains, febrile convulsions, and for enhancing physical performance.

Materials and Methods

In this study, the anti-arthritic effect of 100 – 400 mg/kg/day of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia (HEAC) was investigated in Complete Freund''s Adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritic rats as a way of evaluating its efficacy in the local management of arthritis. In addition, the effects of HEAC on liver and renal function parameters as well as its effect on the antioxidant enzyme system were investigated. Arthritis was induced using 0.1 ml of 10 mg/ml of Complete Freund''s Adjuvant (CFA) following 1 h oral pretreatment and 8^th day post-arthritic induction with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day of HEAC and 3 mg/kg/day of celecoxib as the reference drug. The anti-arthritic activity of HEAC was assessed based on the ability of HEAC to alter the paw edema diameter, body weight, full blood count, renal and liver function markers, glycoprotein, lysosomal enzymes and possible antioxidant potential in the arthritic rats.

Results

Oral pretreatment with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day of HEAC produced significant (p<0.001, p<0.05 and p<0.01) reductions in the paw edema diameter in a non-dose dependent fashion in ACF-induced arthritic rats with the 100 mg/kg/day of HEAC producing the most significant anti-arthritic effect. Similarly, HEAC increased hepatic GSH levels, CAT and SOD activities suggesting possible antioxidant mechanism for its anti-arthritic effect.

Conclusion

Overall, results of this study lend credence to the folkloric use of water decoction of Alchornea cordifolia leaves against rheumatoid arthritis. However, further pharmacological investigations would be required at isolating and determining the active anti-arthritic molecule(s) in HEAC in the nearest future.     

Antihyperglycaemic and Antioxidant Effects of Adenia Lobata engl. (Passifloraceae) in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

The antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activities of a Ghanaian medicinal plant namely Adenia lobata Engl (Passifloraceae), used to treat diabetes mellitus in traditional medicine, was investigated. The dried stem powder of A. lobata was successively extracted by Soxhlet with petroleum ether and 70% ethanol to obtain the crude petroleum ether (PEAL: yield =1.1w/w %) and ethanol (EEAL: yield = 5.4 w/w %) extracts. The extracts were assessed for their antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activities. The antihyperglycaemic activity of PEAL and EEAL were determined in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (70 mg/kg body weight). Five groups of diabetic rats were given 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight of PEAL and EEAL orally once daily for 20 days. Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg body weight) was used as positive control while distilled water (5 ml) acted as the normal diabetic control. The blood glucose levels were monitored initially for 6 hours and subsequently over 24 days. Both extracts exhibited statistically significant (p< 0.001) antihyperglycaemic activity throughout the study period, with EEAL showing the greatest activity. The antioxidant properties of the petroleum ether and ethanol extracts of A. lobata (PEAL and EEAL) were evaluated using five assays; total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity, reducing power, DPPH scavenging effect and lipid peroxidation activity. In all these assays, the antioxidant properties increased with increasing concentration of the extracts.     

Holoturia arenicola extract modulates bile duct ligation-induced oxidative stress in rat kidney

Background: Acute Renal Failure (ARF) in patients with cirrhosis is one of the most frequently encountered complications of obstructive jaundice. Marine organisms from the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt are considered potential sources of bioactive molecules. The present study was undertaken to explore the curative effects of Holothuria arenicola extract (HaE) against renal injury induced by bile duct ligation in male albino rats. Methods: Fifty four male Wistar albino rats were assigned into two main groups, the Sham-operated control (received distilled water only for 28 days) and bile duct ligated (BDL) group, which divided into 2 subgroups, animals of these subgroups treated for 28 consecutive days as follow: Subgroup I (BDL), rats of this subgroup administered distilled water orally. Subgroup II, animals of this subgroup treated orally with HaE (200 mg/kg body weight). Results: BDL induced marked alteration on renal functions as manifested by a significant increase in the kidney function markers, serum creatinine, urea and uric acid. In addition, BDL caused significant increase in MDA level and significant decrease in GSH level as well as antioxidant enzymes activities (GST, SOD and CAT). However, administration of HaE for consecutive 28 days significantly reversed these changes, suggesting that the renal curative effect of HaE against oxidative stress- induced injury might be involved in decreasing lipid peroxide generation and stimulating antioxidant status. Conclusion: The present study revealed that HaE had a profound effect against BDL-induced oxidative stress in the kidney tissues which is the common feature of choestasis in the liver.     

Caryocar brasiliense camb protects against genomic and oxidative damage in urethane-induced lung carcinogenesis

The antioxidant effects of Caryocar brasiliense Camb, commonly known as the pequi fruit, have not been evaluated to determine their protective effects against oxidative damage in lung carcinogenesis. In the present study, we evaluated the role of pequi fruit against urethane-induced DNA damage and oxidative stress in forty 8-12 week old male BALB/C mice. An in vivo comet assay was performed to assess DNA damage in lung tissues and changes in lipid peroxidation and redox cycle antioxidants were monitored for oxidative stress. Prior supplementation with pequi oil or its extract (15 µL, 60 days) significantly reduced urethane-induced oxidative stress. A protective effect against DNA damage was associated with the modulation of lipid peroxidation and low protein and gene expression of nitric oxide synthase. These findings suggest that the intake of pequi fruit might protect against in vivo genotoxicity and oxidative stress.     

Antiobesity,hypolipidemic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Achyranthes aspera seed saponins in high cholesterol fed albino rats

Introduction

Numerous herbal medicines have been recommended for the treatment of different diseases. Achyranthes aspera, Linn. (Family: Amaranthaceae), popularly known as Charchitta or Pitpapra, is commonly used by traditional healers for the treatment of fever, malaria, dysentery, asthma, arterial hypertension, pneumonia, and diabetes. The root extract is well reputed for its insect molting hormonal activity. This investigation was conducted to evaluate the effects of saponins from Achyranthes aspera seeds on the serum lipid profile of albino rats fed a high cholesterol diet.

Material and methods

Hypolipidemic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of these saponins were tested as described previously. To determine the mechanism underlying the observed effects, serum antioxidant status was assessed according to ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), superoxide dismutase and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays in saponin-treated hyperlipidemic animals. Liver enzyme levels were determined to reveal any possible hepatotoxicity.

Results

Four-week oral administration of A. aspera seed saponins produced a significant (p < 0.05) decrease of total cholesterol, total triglycerides and LDL-C and a significant increase of HDL-C level in hyperlipidemic rats. Treatment with A. aspera seed saponins also showed a significant (p < 0.01) improvement of serum antioxidant status in tested animals. No significant hepatotoxicity was produced by such treatment as the serum liver enzyme activity remained unaltered.

Conclusions

Saponins from A. aspera seeds possess antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant properties which might lead to improvement of serum lipid profile and blood antioxidant status. Our findings support the folkloric use of this indigenous plant in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. However, its exact mechanism of action remains to be elucidated.     

Chronic Alcohol Consumption Leads to a Tissue Specific Expression of Uncoupling Protein-2

Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are anion channels that can decouple the mitochondrial respiratory chain. "Mild uncoupling" of internal respiration reduces free radical production and oxidative cell stress. Chronic alcohol consumption is a potent inducer of oxidative stress in multiple tissues and regulates UCP-2 and -4 expression in the brain. To analyse the impact of chronic alcohol intake on UCP-2 expression in tissues with high endogenous UCP-2 contents, male Wistar rats (n=34) were treated with a 12-week 5% alcohol diet. In the lungs and the spleen of rats with a chronic alcohol diet cytochrome c release from mitochondria was significantly increased. Both organs did not show any altered gene and protein expression of UCP-2. Different to cerebral tissue chronic alcohol consumption has no regulatory effect on UCP-2 gene and protein expression in organs with a high endogenous UCP-2 content. Therefore, chronic alcohol consumption leads to a tissue specific expression of UCP-2.     

A Study on the Antitumour Effect of Total Flavonoids from Pteris Multifida Poir in H22 Tumour-Bearing Mice

The objective of this paper was to investigate the inhibitory effect of total flavonoids from Pteris multifida Poir on growth of transplanted H22 tumour in mice. H22 tumour-bearing mice model was established; the experimental animals were divide/d into the model group, Pteris multifida Poir total flavonoids high-, low-dose groups, and CTX group. Pteris multifida Poir groups were administered continuously for 10d, and CTX group was administered every other day. Tumour inhibition rate, thymus index and spleen index were calculated. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-2 were determined, as well as total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum. Compared with the model group, the total flavonoids of Pteris multifida Poir can significantly inhibit tumour growth, with tumour inhibition rates of high-and low-dose groups 49.36% and 33.97%, respectively. They can also evidently increase the spleen and thymus indices of tumour-bearing mice, elevate serum TNF-α and IL-2 levels increase serum T-AOC level and reduce serum MDA level in tumour-bearing mice. The study concluded that total flavonoids from Pteris multifida Poir has an obvious inhibitory effect on transplanted H22 tumours; its mechanism of action may be associated with the improvement of immune function and enhancement of antioxidant capacity in mice.     

Zizyphus Spina-Christi Extract Protects Against Aflatoxin B1-Intitiated Hepatic Carcinogenicity

Aflatoxins (AF), a group of closely related, extremely toxic mycotoxins, produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus can occur as natural contaminants of foods and feeds. Aflatoxins have been shown to be hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic to different animal species. Zizyphus spina-christi L. extract was investigated for its antifungal and antimicrobial activities. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of Z. spina-christi L. leaves against the oxidative stress of aflatoxin in rats. Fourty male Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into four groups including the control group, the group fed aflatoxin-contaminated diet (3 mg/kg diet) and the groups treated with Zizyphus extract (5 mg/kg b.w) alone or in combination with AF for 15 days. Biochemical analysis reveled that treatment with AF resulted in a significant increase in ALT, AST, cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, TNFa, LPO, NO and CEA, whereas it decrease significantly GPX and SOD. The histopatholgical examination of the liver, kidney and testis showed sever histological changes typical to those reported for aflatoxicosis. Animals treated with Zizyphus extract alone or plus AF showed a significant improvement in all biochemical parameters and histological picture of liver, kidney and testis. It could be concluded that Zizyphus extract have a power protective role against aflatoxicosis.     

Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Root Extract of Pepper Fruit (Dennetia Tripetala), and It's Potential for the Inhibition of Lipid Peroxidation

Background

The antioxidant properties of ethanolic root extract of pepper fruit (Donnetia tripetala), and its effect on lipid peroxidation of some fresh beef tissues during frozen storage were investigated.

Materials and Methods

The antioxidant parameters were assessed using standard methods, while malondialdehyde levels of different fresh beef tissue sections treated with the extract prior to freezing, were estimated in a colorimetric reaction with thiobarbituric acid.

Results

The H₂O₂-scavenging ability of the extract was similar to that of ascorbic acid, with a maximum scavenging power of 55.61 ±4.98%, and an IC₅₀ value of 86µg/ml. The extract exhibited a concentration-dependent ferric ion-reducing power, although this was significantly lower relative to that of the ascorbic acid (p < 0.05). The total phenolic content was 212.5 ± 0.002 mg/g, while the nitric oxide-scavenging ability was 64.33 ± 0.2% after 150 min. The capacity of the extract to inhibit lipid peroxidation in frozen heart muscle slices was significantly higher than that of vitamin C (p < 0 .05), but comparable to vitamins C and E in frozen testes and kidney slices.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the root extract of D. tripetala is rich in antioxidants which can be applied to meat preservation during refrigerated storage.     

Histological Changes in the Heart and the Proximal Aorta in Experimental Diabetic Rats Fed With Piper Sarmentsoum

Cardiovascular complications are one of the major causes of death in diabetes mellitus. Piper sarmentosum (P.s) is an herb that possesses antihyperglycaemic effects. The main aim of the study was to observe the histological changes in the heart and the proximal aorta of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats following P.s administration. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=24) were equally randomized into four groups: control group supplemented with normal saline (C); control group supplemented with P.s (CTx) ; diabetic group supplemented with normal saline (D) and, diabetic group supplemented with P.s (DTx). Diabetes was induced by STZ (50mg/kg body weight) intramuscularly. P.s extract (0.125g/kg) was administered orally for 28 days, following four weeks of STZ induction. The cardiac and aortic tissues were collected and processed under different stains: Haematoxylin and Eosin (H & E), Verhoeff-Van Gieson (VVG), Masson''s Trichome (MT) and Periodic Acid- Schiff (PAS). There were abnormal cardiomyocytes nuclei, disarray of myofibres and increase in connective tissue deposits in cardiac tissues of the diabetic untreated group. The thickness of tunica media and ratio of tunica intima to media were found to be significantly increased in the aorta of diabetic untreated group (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. There were degenerative changes in the proximal aorta in diabetic untreated groups. All the histological damages of cardiac and aortic tissues were found to be lesser in the diabetic treated groups. Supplementation with P.s extract prevented the oxidative damage arising from diabetes mellitus, and reduced its complications.     

Effects of Tephrosia Purpurea Aqueous Seed Extract on Blood Glucose and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous seed extract of Tephrosia purpurea (TpASet) on blood glucose and antioxidant status in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Hyperglycemia associated with an altered hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphatase activities, elevated lipid peroxidation, disturbed enzymatic [Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] and non enzymatic [Glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E] antioxidant status were observed in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of “TpASet” at a dose of 600mg/kg body weight showed significant improvement in above mentioned parameters. Our results clearly indicate that “TpASet” has potent antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effects in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and therefore further studies are warranted to isolate and characterize the bioactive principles from “TpASet”.     

Polysaccharopeptides derived from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Coriolus versicolor</Emphasis> potentiate the S-phase specific cytotoxicity of Camptothecin (CPT) on human leukemia HL-60 cells

Background  

Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) from Coriolus versicolor (Yunzhi) is used as a supplementary cancer treatment in Asia. The present study aims to investigate whether PSP pre-treatment can increase the response of the human leukemia HL-60 cells to apoptosis induction by Camptothecin (CPT).     

Antioxidant Activity In Vitro and Hepatoprotective Effect of Phlomis Maximowiczii In Vivo

Background

A number of medicinal plants and there compounds played a major role in the treatment of hepatic disorders. They were widely used for the treatment of these disorders, and oxidant stress injury was one of the liver injury mechanisms. The present study evaluated the antioxidant activity and the hepatoprotective effect of each extracts of Phlomis maximowiczii.

Materials and Methods

The antioxidant activity was assayed by the methods of ABTS, FRAP and DPPH in vitro. Hepatoprotective effect of P. maximowiczii extracts was examined using carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in mice.

Results

P. maximowiczii n-butanol (PMBU) extract, ABTS (IC₅₀=18.96 µg/mL), DPPH (IC₅₀=25.15 µg/mL), and FRAP (RACT₅₀=2775.6±144.18 µmol/g), showed higher scavenging capacity than that of P. maximowiczii ethyl acetate (PMEA). The n-butanol extract could significantly reduce the level of GPT, GOT and MDA (P<0.05, P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively) and increase the level of SOD (P<0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

The antioxidant activity of n-butanol extract in vitro was related with the level of MDA and SOD in vivo, and hepatoprotective effect of n-butanol extract also had relationship with its antioxidant activity in vivo.     

Evaluation of the protective effect of Nigella sativa extract and its primary active component thymoquinone against DMBA-induced breast cancer in female rats

Introduction

The historical use of black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) dates back centuries, being embedded in Arabian culture and having a long history of unsurpassed medicinal value with versatility to treat a wide range of ailments. Thymoquinone (TQ) is now known to be the primary active constituent of black cumin seed oil (BCS oil) responsible for its medicinal effects and also showing promise for treatment of cancer.

Material and methods

In the current study, we have studied the effects of TQ and BCS oil on tumor markers (MDA, LDH, ALP and AST), histopathological alterations and the regulation of several genes (Brca1, Brca2, Id-1 and P53 mutation) related to breast cancer in female rats induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) treatment. Rats received a single dose (65 mg/kg b.w.) of DMBA via an intragastric tube to induce breast cancer. Animals that received DMBA were treated orally with 1, 5, 10 mg/kg of TQ or BCS oil via an intragastric tube three times per week for 4 months.

Results

We found that TQ and then BCS reduced the rate of tumor markers (levels of MDA and LDH as well as ALP and AST activities), inhibited the histopathological alterations and decreased the expression of the Brca1, Brca2, Id-1 and P53 mutations in mammary tissues of female rats induced by DMBA treatment.

Conclusions

The results suggest that TQ and BCS oil exert a protective effect against breast carcinogens. The antioxidant property of TQ and BCS oil is mediated by their actions and investigating other underlying mechanisms merits further studies.     

Histological Studies of the Effects of Oral Administration of Aspilia Africana (Asteraceae) Leaf Extract on the Ovaries of Female Wistar Rats

Histological studies of the effects of oral administration of extract of Aspilia africana, used in ethno medical practice in Africa for the management of various ailments, on the ovarian tissues of matured female Wistar rats were studied. The rats (n=24), average weight 182g were randomly assigned into two treatment (n=16) and a control (n=8) group. The rats in the treatment groups received 0.5g/kg and 1g/kg of aqueous extract of Aspilia africana orally through orogastric tube for fourteen days, while the control rats received equal volume of distilled water without the extract of Aspilia added. The rats were fed with growers'' mash and were given water liberally. The rats were sacrificed on day fifteen of the experiment. The ovary was carefully dissected out and quickly fixed in 10% formal saline for routine histological study after H&E method. The histological findings indicated that the treated sections of the ovary showed cellular hypertrophy of the theca folliculi, distortion of the basement membrane, degenerative and atrophic changes in the oocyte and zona granulosa. There were marked vacuolations appearing in the stroma cells. These findings indicate that Aspilia africana consumption may probably have adverse effects on the ovaries by its deleterious effects on the oocytes and stroma cells of ovary of adult Wistar rats. It is recommended that further studies aimed at corroborating these observations be conducted.