Hypoglycaemic and Antihyperglycaemic Activity of Ageratum Conyzoides L. in Rats

The hypoglycaemic and antihyperglycaemic properties of the aqueous extracts of the leaves of Ageratum conyzoides L. were evaluated in normoglycemic and in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, in order to validate its use in folk medicine. Tested animals were given the aqueous extracts of the plant at the doses of 100, 200 and 300mg/kg. These doses were tested also on glucose loaded normal male rats (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test). Of all the doses, the aqueous extracts at 200 and 300mg/kg showed statistically significant hypoglycaemic and antihyperglycaemic activities. For the oral glucose tolerance test, 100mg/kg dose only attenuated significantly the rise of blood glucose in normal fasted rats. Consequently, these results confirmed the hypoglycaemic properties of the leaves of Ageratum conyzoides.     

Antinociceptive,Anti-Inflammatory and Antipyretic Activities of the Leaf Methanol Extract of Ruta Graveolens L. (Rutaceae) in Mice and Rats

Background

Ruta graveolens has been used to treat toothache, earache, rheumatism and fever with little scientific evidence corroborating these uses.

Materials and Methods

The leaf methanol extract of Ruta graveolens was evaluated for antinociceptive activity using the acetic acid writhing and hot-plate tests in mice, also anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities using the carrageenan-induced oedema and E. coli-induced pyrexia tests in rats, respectively.

Results

R. graveolens (100 mg/kg, i.p.), significantly reduced the number of acetic acid-induced writhes by 54 %. R. graveolens (400 mg/kg, i.p.), significantly delayed the reaction time in mice to thermal stimulation 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after treatment. Combined treatment of the lowest and sub-effective doses of the leaf methanol extract (25 mg/kg, i.p.), and indomethacin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced the number of acetic acid-induced writhes in mice. The leaf methanol extract of R. graveolens (50 – 400 mg/kg, i.p.), significantly reduced carrageenan-induced oedema over the 4 h period of testing. Combined treatment of the lowest doses of R. graveolens (25 mg/kg, i.p.) and indomethacin (2 mg/kg, i.p.) produced a significant reduction in carrageenan-induced oedema over the 4 h period of testing. R. graveolens (100 -400 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced E. coli-induced pyrexia over the 5 h period of testing. Given together, the lowest dose of R. graveolens (25 mg/kg, i.p.) and pentoxifylline (10 mg/kg, i.p.) produced a significant reduction in pyrexia induced by E. coli (50 µg/kg, i.m.) over the 5 h period of measurement. The LD₅₀ value obtained for R. graveolens was greater than 4000mg/kg (p.o), suggesting that the plant species may be safe in or nontoxic to mice.

Conclusion

The data obtained indicate that R. graveolens has antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities, justifying the use of the plant species by traditional medicine practitioners in the management and treatment of pain, inflammation and fever.     

Study on In Vitro Anti-Tumor Activity of Bidens Bipinnata L. Extract

We studied the in vitro anti-tumor activity of Bidens Bipinnata L. extract. MTT assay was used to investigate the inhibitory effect of different concentrations of the extracts on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines and human cervical carcinoma (Hela) cell lines, and the IC₅₀ values were calculated. The Bidens Bipinnata L. extract had different degrees of inhibitory effects on these two cells, and when exposure time was 48 h, the inhibition rate reached its peak, with IC₅₀ values of 14.80 µg/mL and 13.50 µg/mL respectively. The Bidens Bipinnata L. extract had a good inhibitory effect on human HepG2 cell lines and Hela cell lines, and thus has certain development prospects.     

Anticancer Constituents and Cytotoxic Activity of Methanol-Water Extract of Polygonum Bistorta L.

This study was specifically designed to identify anticancer constituents in methanol-water extract of Polygonum bistorta L. and evaluate its cytotoxicity. For this purpose methanol-water (40:60 v/v) extract was subjected to conventional preparative high pressure liquid chromatography and 13 fractions were obtained. Constituents of obtained fractions were separated and identified with the help of GC-MS and LC-DAD-ESI-MS. Anticancer phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, catechol, 4-methyl catechol, syringol and pyrogallol and fatty acids such as linoleic acid, myristic acid and palmitic acid were separated from different fractions. Fractions were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity on a rarely studied human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HCCLM3). 11 fractions showed good to strong cytotoxicity in a range of 200 µg/mL-800 µg/mL, whereas 2 fractions did not show any activity even at 800 µg/mL and no anticancer constituent was detected from them. 50 percent growth inhibition (GI₅₀) values for five most active fractions were calculated and results were in a range of 86.5 (±3) µg/mL–126.8 (±3) µg/mL. 3 out of these 5 most active fractions were found to contain phenolic content in them whereas all other fractions containing phenolic content did possess cytotoxic activity that may suggest the importance of phenolic constituents in anticancer activity. Moreover, the results also showed a definite dose dependent relationship between amount of fractions and cytotoxic activity.     

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.     

Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Activity of Triphala Recipe

The anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Triphala recipe were studied in animal models. Triphala recipe (4 mg/ear) significantly exhibited an inhibitory effect on the ear edema formation induced by ethyl phenylpropiolate-induced, but not on the arachidonic acid-induced ear edema in rats. Furthermore, Triphala recipe at the doses of 300, 600 and 1,200 mg/kg significantly reduced carrageenan-induced hind paw edema. Next, the anti-inflammatory action in chronic inflammation was measured using the cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation assay in rats. Triphala recipe (1,200 mg/kg) reduced neither transudative weight nor granuloma formation. It also did not affect on body weight gain and thymus weight indicating that Triphala recipe does not have a steroid-like effect. In antinociceptive study, Triphala recipe (300, 600, 1,200 mg/kg), elicited significant inhibitory effect on both phases, especially in late phase, of the formalin test in mice suggesting that the antinociceptive action of Triphala recipe may be via both peripheral and at least partly centrally acting.     

Behavioural Effects of the Methanolic Root Bark Extract of Securinega Virosa in Rodents

Securinega virosa is used traditionally as sedative in children and in mental illnesses. In this study, the behavioral effects of methanolic root bark extract of S. virosa were investigated in mice. The results revealed that the extract significantly (P<0.05) and dose-dependently reduced the onset and prolonged the duration of sleep. The extract significantly (P<0.05) decreased exploratory activity and reduced the rate of apomorphine-induced stereotyped climbing at the doses tested (6.25–25mg/kg). It also produced a significant and dose-dependent motor coordination deficit in mice at the doses tested (P<0.01). The intraperitoneal median lethal dose in mice was 774.6mg/kg while the preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins and flavonoids. These results suggest that methanolic root bark extract of S. virosa contains biologically active principles that are sedative in nature and lend pharmacological credence to the ethnomedical use of the plant.     

Spasmogenic effect of the Aqueous Extract of Tamarindus Indica L. (Caesalpiniaceae) on the Contractile Activity of Guinea-Pig Taenia Coli

The effect of aqueous extract of Tamarindus indica (AETI) was studied on the guinea pig taenia coli, due to its use for treatment of constipation in traditional medicines. AETI, at concentrations ranging from 10⁻⁸ mg/ml to 10⁻² mg/ml, increased the spontaneous contractile activity of guinea pig taenia coli in a dose-dependent manner (EC50= 4×10⁻⁶ mg/ml). This activity was unaffected by atropine. In high K⁺, Ca²⁺-free solution containing EDTA, AETI as well as acetylcholine, used as a control, induced tonic contraction. These results suggest that the plant extract exert a spasmogenic effect that would not involve cholinergic mechanism of action. However, these active principles could mobilize both extra cellular calcium and intracellular calcium from internal stores.     

Lactogenic Activity of Rats Stimulated by Gunnera Perpensa L. (Gunneraceae) from South Africa

Gunnera perpensa L. (Gunneraceae) is a medicinal plant used by Zulu traditional healers to stimulate milk production. The effect of an aqueous extract of the rhizome of the plant on milk production in rats was investigated. Female lactating rats that received oral doses of the extract of G.perpensa significantly (p<0.05) produced more milk than controls. The plant extract did not however, significantly influence the levels of prolactin, growth hormone, progesterone, cortisol, ALT, AST and albumin in the blood. The mammary glands of rats treated with the extract showed lobuloalveolar development. The extract (0.8 µg/ml) was also found to stimulate the contraction of the uterus and inhibit (23%) acetylcholinesterase activity. The cytotoxicity of the extract (LC₅₀) to two human cell lines (HEK293 and HepG2) was 279.43 µg/ml and 222.33µg/ml, respectively. It is inferred that the plant extract exerts its activity on milk production and secretion by stimulating lobuloalveolar cell development and the contraction of myoepithelial cells in the alveoli. It is concluded that Gunnera perpensa contains constituents with lactogenic activity that apparently contribute to its effectiveness in folk medicine.     

The Antibacterial Activity of Traditionally Used Salvadora Persica L. (Miswak) and Commiphora Gileadensis (Palsam) in Saudi Arabia

Background

Nowadays there is a need to find naturally occurring substances from plants with antimicrobial activity as an alternative to available used antibiotics.

Materials and Methods

Salvadora persica (miswak) and Commiphora gileadensis were collected, dried and extracted with either methanol or warm water and the obtained extracts were assessed for their antibacterial activity against 5 different genera of bacteria using agar well diffusion method. The tested bacteria included some human pathogens.

Results

The obtained extracts exhibited considerable inhibitory effects against all the tested bacteria with various degrees of growth inhibition. It was shown that methanol extract was more effective compared to water extracts. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the methanol extracts ranged from 50–100 °g/ml. No toxicity was found using Artimia salina as test organism and no antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma.

Conclusion

S. persica and C. gileadensis showed moderate to high inhibitory activity on pathogenic bacteria with no toxicity and can be used traditionally as alternative medicine     

Evaluation of Anti-Bacterial and Wound Healing Activity of the Fruits of Amorpha Fruticosa L.

As the traditional Chinese medicine, the fresh fruits of Amorpha fruticosa L. were applied for the treatment of carbuncle, eczema and burn (Das et al., 2007). However, little is known about the functional roles of the fruits of Amorpha fruticosa L. during wound healing progress. In the present study, we evaluated both antimicrobial potential against a wide range of microorganisms and wound healing activity of the seven compounds isolated from the fruits of Amorpha fruticosa L in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that compounds I (6a,12a-dehydroamorphin), V (dehydrosermundone) and VI (tephrosin) isolated from the fruits of Amorpha fruticosa L. performed dominant antimicrobial potential against microorganisms. Moreover, these compounds significantly enhanced fibroblasts proliferation and migration, leading to promotion of wound healing. Thus, it could be possible for the therapeutic utilization of Amorpha fruticosa L. for wound healing in the future.     

Anti-Ulcerogenic Activity of the Methanol Root Bark Extract of Cochlospermum Planchonii (Hook f)

Cochlospermum planchonii (Hook f) is a common medicinal plant used in Nigeria traditional medicine for treatment of different ailments including ulcers. The anti ulcer activity of the root bark methanol extract of Cochlospermum planchonii was evaluated using different [ethanol, acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), cold/restraint stress and pyloric ligation/histamine - induced ulcers and acid production] ulcerogenic models in rats at the doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight using cimetidine (100 mg/kg) as a standard reference drug. The different doses of the extract and the reference drug significantly (p < 0.01) decreased all the ulcer parameters in a dose dependent manner in all the models used. The total number of ulcers were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. The ulcer index was significantly (p < 0.004) reduced by the extract. Similarly, the percentage ulcer preventive index was also increased from 0% in the negative control up to 93.2% at the dose of 1000 mg/kg, while the percentage ulcer severity was dose dependently reduced by the extract. Furthermore, the extract significantly (p < 0.02) decreased free gastric HCl and total gastric acid. In conclusion, Cochlospermum planchonii methanolic root bark extract showed significant antiulcer activity in this study which may be as a result of its cytoprotective, antioxidant or antisecretory properties.     

Anti-Inflammatory,Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Effects of Methanolic Extracts of Drypetes Sepiaria (Euphorbiaceae)

The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of the petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous extracts obtained from leaves of Drypetes sepiaria (Euphorbiaceae). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of these crude extracts were determined as gallic acid and quercetin equivalents, respectively. In in vitro antioxidant method, methanol extract exhibited higher free radical scavenging activity compared to standard compound, ascorbic acid with IC₅₀ of 95.43µg/ml (DPPH) and 67.05µg/ml (ABTS). Methanol extract was able to inhibit inflammation by in vitro about 85–90% (HRBC stabilization method) and in vivo about 40–45% (Paw oedema method) anti-inflammatory assays compared to standard produced 50.04% at 6h period. In cytotoxicity assay (MTT assay) methanolic extract exhibited IC₅₀ of 10µg/ml. In apoptosis (flow cytometric assay), the control group showed normal caspase 3 activity in the SiHa cells which was 0.24%, and increased up to 40% after treatment.     

In Vivo Evaluation of Antidiarrhoeal Activity of Rhus Semialata Fruit Extract in Rats

Rhus semialata Murr. (Anacardiaceae) is a deciduous tree of north eastern India. The fruit of this plant is traditionally used to control diarrhoea and dysentery. The Present study was undertaken to evaluate anti-diarrhoeal potency of methanol extract of fruits of R. semialata using Wister albino rats to substantiate folklore claims. The extract at graded doses (100, 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight) was investigated for anti-diarrhoeal activity in term of reduction in the rate of defecation in castor oil induced diarrhoea. To understand the mechanism of its antidiarrhoeal activity, the gastrointestinal transit and PGE₂-induced intestinal fluid accumulation (enteropooling) were further evaluated. At graded doses, the extract showed a remarkable anti-diarrhoeal activity evidenced by the reduction in the rate of defecation up to 80.70 % of control diarrhoeal animals at the dose of 600 mg/kg body weight. Results are comparable to that of standard drug diphenoxylate (50 mg/kg body weight). Extract produced profound decrease in intestinal transit (8.02 – 47.05 %) at selected doses comparable to that of single intraperitoneal injection of standard drug atropine sulphate at doses of 0.1 mg/kg body weight. It significantly inhibited PGE₂-induced enteropooling (21.98 – 56.03 %). The results indicated that the methanol extract of the fruits of R. semialata possesses significant anti-diarrhoeal effect and substantiated the use of this herbal remedy as a non-specific treatment for diarrhoea in folk medicine.     

Effects of Methanolic Extract of Moringa Oleifera Leaves on Semen and biochemical Parameters in Cryptorchid Rats

While anti-oxidant effects of Moringa oleifera in much oxidative stress related diseases have been well reported, cryptorchidism on the other hand has been shown to cause oxidative stress. However, study is scanty on the likely role of Moringa oleifera in reducing cryptorchidism-induced oxidative stress in rats has not been studied. The present study looked into the effects of methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (MEMO) on semen and biochemical parameters in cryptorchid rats. Twenty male albino rats (200–250g) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=5 each). Groups A and B were sham-operated and treated with corn-oil and 200mg/kg of MEMO respectively, while groups C and D were rendered cryptorchid and also treated with corn-oil and 200mg/kg of MEMO respectively. Cryptorchid rats had lower testicular weight, sperm count, germ cell count, testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration, testicular total protein and higher testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration compared to sham-operated rats. MEMO had no significant effect on testicular weight and MDA concentration, while it significantly increased sperm count, germ cell count, testicular SOD and total protein in the cryptorchid rats. The present study suggests that MEMO ameliorates cryptorchidism associated germ cell loss and oxidative stress.     

Lipid Fraction Constituents and Evaluation of Anti-Anaphylactic Activity of Prunus Mahaleb L. Kernels

The lipid fraction constituents as well as evaluation of anti-anaphylactic activity of Prunus mahaleb L. Kernels were studied. Prunus mahaleb L. kernels were obtained from the local market in Cairo, Egypt. Investigation of the fatty acids revealed that oleic and linoleic acids are the major constituents. 12 compounds were identified from the hydrocarbon fraction. The sterol fraction comprises of cholesterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol and campesterol. The pharmacotoxicity studies were carried out on total and defatted ethanolic extracts as well as the oil fraction. The oil fraction proved to be extremely safe and free from any acute lethal toxicity in intraperitoneal (i.p.) and oral doses up to 100 ml/kg. Invivo assessment of prophylactic efficacy was afforded by 7 days course of daily medication schedule of sensitized adult male guinea pigs against ovalbumin bronchospasm. The prophylactic anti-inflammatory activity of the total ethanolic extract was higher than that of the defatted ethanolic extract. In addition, the lipid fraction of Prunus mahaleb L. kernels evoked complete anti-inflammatory efficacy among the survival animals receiving low and medium doses.     

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Nociceptive Activities of Methanolic Extract of the Leaves of Fraxinus Floribunda Wallich

Fraxinus floribunda Wallich (Family-Oleaceae) is a wide green tree in the sub-alpine region of Sikkim, India. The methanolic extract of the leaves of Fraxinus floribunda (MEFF) at 100, 200 and 400mg/kg/p.o was screened in rats for anti-inflammatory activity by acute-carrageenan induced paw edema, sub-acute cotton pellet induced granuloma and chronic Freund''s adjuvant induced arthritis models. In all the three models of anti- inflammatory studies 200 and 400mg/kg/p.o doses of the extract showed significant effect (P<0.001). Antinociceptive evaluation was performed by writhing and tail-immersion tests in mice. Anti-nociceptive evaluation revealed that MEFF at the dose of 400mg/kg/p.o had significant activity against the control. The relieving effect was through the peripheral and central mechanism of action of the extract. This study rationalized the ethno medicinal use of the plant for relieving pain in inflammatory pathological conditions like fracture and dislocation.     

Biochemical and Toxicological Studies of Aqueous Extract of Syzigium Aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry (Myrtaceae) in Rodents

The effects of long-term administration of boiled aqueous extract of Syzigium aromaticum (SYZ), commonly known as clove (which has been locally employed for treating gastrointestinal tract diseases and also used as food spices), on some biochemical indices, such as body weight, liver functions and blood parameters were studied in adult albino rats of both sexes. Selected doses of 300 and 700 mg kg⁻¹ were given orally through cannular to groups of animals for a period of 90 days, while the control group received distilled water throughout the duration of study via the same route. Blood samples collected after therapy and assayed for activities of some liver enzymes recorded a significant (p<0.05) and prominent effect on ALP and AST. Measurement of haematological parameters also revealed significant effects (p<0.05; p<0.001) on Hb, RBC (p<0.05), PCV (p<0.001), platelets (p<0.001) and granulocytes (p<0.001). An insignificant reduction was recorded for total WBC. The histopathological study conducted was in consonance with the results of the biochemical investigations that the aqueous extract of SYZ even at moderate doses, significantly affects body organs, their enzymes as well as the various functions. LD₅₀ for both intraperitoneal and oral routes of SYZ were 263 and 2500 mg kg⁻¹ respectively. The present work has revealed the toxicity of sub chronic administration of SYZ, which suggests that its prolonged usage must be avoided.     

Antidiarrhoeal Activity of an Ethanol Extract of the Stem Bark of Piliostigma Reticulatum (Caesalpiniaceae) in Rats

Piliostigma reticulatum (Caesalpiniaceae) is used in Africa as a traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis and diarrhoea. We investigated the antidiarrhoeal properties of a crude ethanol extract from the stem bark of Piliostigma reticulatum (EEPR) in Wistar albino rats to substantiate its traditional use and to determine its phytochemical constituents. The antidiarrhoeal activity of the plant extract was evaluated in a castor oil-induced diarrhoea model in rats and compared with loperamide. The effect of the extract on gastrointestinal motility was also determined by the oral administration of charcoal meal and castor oil-induced intestinal fluid accumulation (enteropooling). EEPR showed remarkable dose-dependent antidiarrhoeal activity evidenced by a reduction of defecation frequency and change in consistency. Extracts at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight significantly reduced diarrhoeal faeces. EEPR also significantly inhibited gastrointestinal motility and castor oil-induced enteropooling at 500 and 1000 mg/kg, similar to the inhibition obtained in control rats treated by atropine. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, polyphenols and reducing sugars in the stem bark of P. reticulatum. No mortality or visible signs of general weakness were observed in the rats following administration of the crude extract in doses up to 6000 mg/kg body weight in an acute toxicity study. Our results show that the stem bark of P. reticulatum possesses antidiarrhoeal activity and strongly suggest that its use in traditional medicine practice could be justified.     

Antinociceptive and Antiinflammatory Effects of Essential Oil of Dennettia Tripetala G.Baker (Annonaceae) in Rodents

In this study we evaluated the analgesic and anti- inflammatory activities of the essential oil (EO) of the fruits of Dennettia tripetala in rodents. The plant is a tropical African plant and the fruits are commonly eaten as spices and consumed as a stimulant, and its various parts are used in the treatment of fever, cough and as anti-emetics.The analgesic effects of the oil was assessed in mice using the hot plate, acetic acid-induced writhings and formalin test, while carrageenan-induced paw oedema was used to study the antiinflammatory effects in rats. The EO at 25–50 mg/kg exhibited significant (p<0.05) antinociceptive effects comparable to a potent opioid agonist, morphine (10 mg/kg) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as, aspirin (100 mg/kg) and indomethacin (80 mg/kg). The antinociceptive effect of the EO was also blocked by naloxone (2 mg/kg) in all the models used. The EO demonstrated significant (p<0.05) anti-inflammatory effect in the carrageenan-induced paw oedema model of inflammation that is also comparable to dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) The results showed that the essential oil of D.tripetala possesses significant antinociceptive and antiinflammatory effects in the animal models used. The results also suggest that the analgesic effects may be mediated both centrally as well as peripherally, while the antiinflammatory activity may be effective in both early and late phases of inflammation. The results obtained may therefore be used to rationalize the use of the plant in the treatment of pain and fever in traditional medicine.