Identification of trans-tiliroside as active principle with anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects from Potentilla chinesis

Aim of the study

The present study was carried out to isolate and identify trans-tiliroside as principal compound with anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects from Potentilla chinesis.

Materials and methods

A bioactive compound, trans-tiliroside was isolated from the ethanol extract of Potentilla chinesis and its administration dose was optimized and patented. The normal, alloxan-induced diabetic mice and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were used to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects of trans-tiliroside from Potentilla chinesis. Biochemical parameters were assayed in blood samples of different groups of alloxan-induced diabetic mice and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Results

The level of fasting serum glucose levels, triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) in alloxan-induced diabetic mice were significantly decrease after daily oral administration of trans-tiliroside in normal and diabetic mice at doses of 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mg/kg/day, for 15 days. Blood glucose level was significant decrease in STZ induced diabetic rats by trans-tiliroside (1.2 and 0.3 mg/kg body weight for 10 weeks). The content of TC, low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and TG levels were decreased and high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) content was increased, so lipid metabolism was improved. Moreover, trans-tiliroside revealed antioxidant activity as shown by increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), decreased level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in diabetic rats. Histological morphology examination showed that the trans-tiliroside restored the damage of pancreas tissues in rats with diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion

Trans-tiliroside, a constituent from Potentilla chinesis, revealed significant anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities.     

Hypoglycemic effect of a leaf extract of Pseuderanthemum palatiferum (Nees) Radlk. in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Pseuderanthemum palatiferum (Nees) Radlk (Acanthaceae) was first found in Northern Vietnam and expanded throughout the country including the Mekong Delta region. The leaves of this plant are recommended in folk medicine of Vietnam and Thailand for promoting and treating various diseases including hypertension, diarrhea, arthritis, hemorrhoids, stomachache, tumors, colitis, bleeding, wounds, constipation, flu, colon cancer, nephritis, and diabetes.

Aim of the study

The hypoglycemic effect of an 80% ethanolic leaf extract from the leaves of Pseuderanthemum palatiferum (PPE) was investigated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

The PPE was administered daily and orally to the rats at the doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) for 14 days. The levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum insulin, and biochemical data such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were evaluated. The hypoglycemic effect of PPE was compared to that of the known anti-diabetic drug glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg b.w.).

Results

FPG and serum insulin in normal rats were not significantly different from the control and test groups in all dosages. The treated diabetic rats which had received PPE and glibenclamide showed significantly (p < 0.05) decreased FPG and increased serum insulin levels at the end of the experiment. The hypoglycemic effect of PPE at the dose of 250 mg/kg b.w. was significantly (p < 0.05) more effective than that of glibenclamide. The serum insulin in PPE fed diabetic rats at the dose of 250 mg/kg b.w. was not different from those which had received glibenclamide, and this dose was significantly (p < 0.05) more effective than PPE at the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w. while PPE increased HDL and decreased TC, TG, LDL, BUN and ALP in the diabetic rats.

Conclusions

PPE has a beneficial effect in hyperglycemic rats and may prevent the complication of diabetes.     

Effects of Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus on tissue lipid peroxidation, trace elements (Cu, Zn, Fe) and blood glucose levels in experimental diabetes

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Juniperus oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae) fruits and leaves are used internally and pounded fruits are eaten for diabetes in Turkey.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the interrelationships between the levels of chosen trace elements (copper, iron, and zinc) and hepatic, renal lipid peroxidation (TBARS) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats treated with Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus (J.o.s.o.) leaf and fruit extracts for 10 days.

Materials and methods

J.o.s.o. fruit and leaf extracts were administered in STZ-induced diabetic rats, at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg. The blood glucose levels were measured in the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th day of experiment. Fe, Cu, and Zn contents and lipid peroxidation levels of liver and kidney tissues were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and ultraviolet spectrophotometry, respectively.

Results

Treatment of diabetic rats with the J.o.s.o. fruit and leaf extracts decreased the blood glucose levels and both the levels of lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney tissues. J.o.s.o. extracts have augmented Zn concentrations in liver of STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Conclusions

Results indicated that J.o.s.o. fruit and leaf extracts might be beneficial for diabetes and its complications.     

Neuroprotective effect of Momordica charantia in global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion induced neuronal damage in diabetic mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) fruits have been used traditionally for centuries, especially for treating diabetes and associated complications.

Aim of the study

The present study was performed to evaluate neuroprotective effect of lyophilized M. charantia fruit juice against global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion induced neuronal injury in diabetic mice.

Materials and methods

Global cerebral ischemia induced by occluding both common carotid arteries for 10 min followed by 24 h reperfusion was used to induce neuronal injury. Ischemia-reperfusion induced neuronal injury was evaluated in terms of cerebral infarct size, generation of free radicals measured as thiobarbaturic acid reactive substances (TBARS), and neurological functions measured as short term memory and motor activity.

Results

The cerebral oxidative stress and damage, and neurological deficits were dose dependently attenuated by pre-treatment with the lyophilized M. charantia juice (200-800 mg/kg, p.o., o.d.). Moreover, M. charantia also exhibited dose dependent antihyperglycemic activity in diabetic mice.

Conclusions

These results suggest that M. charantia has potent neuroprotective activity against global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion induced neuronal injury and consequent neurological deficits in diabetic mice.     

Bacopa monniera leaf extract up-regulates tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH2) and serotonin transporter (SERT) expression: implications in memory formation

Aim of the study

To examine the effect of Bacopa monniera leaf ethanolic extract (BMEE) on the serotonergic system of postnatal rats with reference to learning and memory.

Materials and methods

From postnatal day (PND)-15-29, rats were treated with BMEE (40 mg/kg BW + 0.5% gum acacia) by oral gavage. Behavioural tests (Y-maze, hole-board and passive avoidance) were used to evaluate their learning (PND-32-37) and retention of memory (PND-47-53). Effect of BMEE on neurotransmitter system was analyzed by ELISA and semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

Oral administration of BMEE improved learning and retention of memory significantly in all behavioural tasks. Following BMEE treatment, the level of serotonin (5-HT) increased while dopamine (DA) decreased significantly. We also found variation in the level of acetylcholine (ACh). However, no significant changes were observed in the level of ACh and glutamate (Glu). The level of 5-HT was significantly elevated up to PND-37 and was then restored to normal level on PND-53. Interestingly, concomitant up-regulation was recorded in the mRNA expression of serotonin synthesizing enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2) and serotonin transporter (SERT) on PND-29 and PND-37, which was restored on PND-53.

Conclusions

The results suggest that BMEE treatment significantly enhances the learning and retention of memory in postnatal rats possibly through regulating the expression of TPH2, 5-HT metabolism and transport.     

Effects of Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex Baker on endothelial dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study was to investigate an ethanolic extract of Kaempferia parviflora (KPE) reduces oxidative stress and preserves endothelial function in aortae from diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

Diabetes was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by streptozotocin (STZ) treatment (55 mg/kg i.v.). Vascular reactivity and superoxide generation were assessed in aortic rings using standard organ bath techniques and lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence, respectively.

Results

Eight weeks after STZ treatment blood glucose was elevated compared to citrate treated control rats and there was an increased aortic generation of superoxide anion. In aortic rings acetylcholine-induced relaxation was impaired whereas endothelium-independent relaxation to sodium nitroprusside was unaffected. When aortic rings were acutely exposed to KPE (1, 10 and 100 μg/ml) there was a significant reduction in the detection of superoxide anion and enhanced relaxation to acetylcholine. Two separate groups of rats (control and diabetic) were orally administered daily with KPE (100 mg/kg body weight) for 4 weeks. KPE treatment reduced superoxide generation and increased the nitrite levels in diabetic aortae, and enhanced acetylcholine-induced relaxation. In the presence of N^G-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA), the relaxation to acetylcholine in aortic rings of diabetic rats was only partially inhibited, but was totally abolished in aortic rings from the KPE-treated diabetic rats. Indomethacin did not affect relaxation to acetylcholine in aortic rings of any group.

Conclusions

These results suggest that KPE, acutely in vitro or after 4 weeks administration in vivo, reduces oxidant stress, increases NO bioavailability and preserves endothelium-dependent relaxation in aortae from diabetic rats.     

Tanshinones isolated from the rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza inhibit passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SM, family Labiatae), which contains tanshinones as main constituents, has been used as a cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory agent in Chinese medicine.

Aim of the study

This study aimed to elucidate anti-allergic effects of the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SM, family Labiatae) and its main constituents, tanshinones, against passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction.

Materials and methods

PCA reaction was induced by IgE-antigen complex (IAC) in ICR mice. Protein expression of IL-4 and TNF-α in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and NF-κB and c-jun (AP-1) activation assayed by immunoblot.

Results

Tanshinones inhibited the PCA reaction and reduced IL-4 and TNF-α production in mice as well as in IAC-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. Tanshinones also inhibited NF-κB and AP-1 activation in RBL-2H3 cells stimulated with IAC. Among tested tanshinones, tanshinone I exhibited the most potent inhibition, followed by 15,16-dihydrotanshinone I, tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone.

Conclusions

SM and tanshinones may ameliorate the PCA reaction by inhibiting the allergic cytokines IL-4 and TNF-α via NF-κB and AP-1 pathways.     

Identification of hypoglycaemic compounds from berries of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus through bioactivity guided isolation technique

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Decoction of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae) berries is used internally as tea and pounded fruits are consumed to lower blood glucose levels in Turkey.

Aim of the study

To evaluate hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic activity of J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus berries and to identify active compounds through bioactivity guided isolation technique.

Material and methods

Hypoglycaemic effect of J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus (Joso) berry extracts on oral administration was studied using in vivo models in normal, glucose-hyperglycaemic rats. Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats were used to examine antidiabetic activity of Joso extracts, subextracts, fractions, subfractions and shikimic acid (SA).

Results

Through in vivo bioactivity-guided fractionation processes, shikimic acid, 4-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl ferulic acid and oleuropeic acid-8-O-β-d-glucopyranoside were isolated from the n-butanol subextract by silica gel and reverse phase column chromatography as the main active ingredient of the active subfraction. After 8 days administration of the major compound shikimic acid, blood glucose levels (24%), malondialdehyde levels in kidney tissues (63-64%) and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) of diabetic rats were decreased.

Conclusion

Results indicated that Joso berry extract and its active constituents might be beneficial for diabetes and its complications.     

Permeability of rosmarinic acid in Prunella vulgaris and ursolic acid in Salvia officinalis extracts across Caco-2 cell monolayers

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Rosmarinic acid (RA), a caffeic acid-related compound found in high concentrations in Prunella vulgaris (self-heal), and ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpene acid concentrated in Salvia officinalis (sage), have been traditionally used to treat inflammation in the mouth, and may also be beneficial for gastrointestinal health in general.

Aim of the study

To investigate the permeabilities of RA and UA as pure compounds and in Prunella vulgaris and Salvia officinalis ethanol extracts across human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cell monolayers.

Materials and methods

The permeabilities and phase II biotransformation of RA and UA as pure compounds and in herbal extracts were compared using Caco-2 cells with HPLC detection.

Results

The apparent permeability coefficient (P_app) for RA and RA in Prunella vulgaris extracts was 0.2 ± 0.05 × 10⁻⁶ cm/s, significantly increased to 0.9 ± 0.2 × 10⁻⁶ cm/s after β-glucuronidase/sulfatase treatment. P_app for UA and UA in Salvia officinalis extract was 2.7 ± 0.3 × 10⁻⁶ cm/s and 2.3 ± 0.5 × 10⁻⁶ cm/s before and after β-glucuronidase/sulfatase treatment, respectively. Neither compound was affected in permeability by the herbal extract matrix.

Conclusion

RA and UA in herbal extracts had similar uptake as that found using the pure compounds, which may simplify the prediction of compound efficacy, but the apparent lack of intestinal glucuronidation/sulfation of UA is likely to further enhance the bioavailability of that compound compared with RA.     

Increased sexual motivation in female rats treated with Humulus lupulus L. extract

Aim of the study

To evaluate the influence of Humulus lupulus extract on sexual behavior in female rats.

Materials and methods

Ovariectomized rats hormonally primed with estradiol benzoate (1.5 μg/rat) and progesterone (500 μg/rat) were acutely treated by oral gavage with Humulus lupulus extract dosed at 5, 10 and 25 mg/kg and then tested for partner preference and sexual receptivity.

Results

The administration of Humulus lupulus extract at the highest dose significantly increased the preference for the stimulus male during the partner preference test and the number of proceptive behaviors during the receptivity test, without affecting the lordosis response.

Conclusions

Humulus lupulus extract increased sexual motivation in hormone-primed female rats.     

Sedative, hypnotic and anticonvulsant activities of the ethanol fraction from Rhizoma Pinelliae Praeparatum

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Rhizoma Pinelliae Praeparatum is the product of raw Rhizoma Pinellia processed with alkaline solution and Licorice, which had been widely used for treatment of insomnia in traditional Chinese medicine. The present study aimed to investigate the sedative, hypnotic and anticonvulsant activities of ethanol fraction from Rhizoma Pinelliae Praeparatum (EFRP) and to determine whether these effects were related to GABAergic mechanism.

Materials and methods

The sedative, hypnotic and anticonvulsant activities of EFRP were investigated with locomotion activity, pentobarbital-induced sleeping and nikethamide (NKTM)-induced convulsion tests, respectively. Additionally, the effects of flumazenil (an antagonist of GABA_A receptor) and l-malic acid (blocker of synthetic enzyme for GABA) on the hypnotic activity of EFRP were evaluated.

Results

EFRP at dose of 12 g/kg significantly inhibited the locomotion activity of mice. EFRP showed synergic effect on pentobarbital-induced sleeping by increased numbers of mice falling asleep, reduced the sleep latency and prolonged the sleeping time. l-malic acid and flumazenil inhibited the augment effects of EFRP on pentobarbital-induced sleeping. EFRP promoted a significant protection to NKTM-induced convulsion, by prolonged the death latency and decreased mortality.

Conclusion

EFRP possessed sedative, hypnotic and anticonvulsant activities and these activities may be related to the GABAergic system.     

Hypotensive effect of aqueous extract of Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae) in rats: an in vivo and in vitro approach

Aim of the study

Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae) leaves are used in Brazilian traditional medicine to treat hypertension. This study was conducted to evaluate the hypotensive effect of the aqueous extract of Averrhoa carambola (AEAc) and its underlying mechanisms in the isolated rat aorta.

Materials and methods

The effect of AEAc on the mean arterial pressure (MAP) was determined in vivo in anesthetized rats. In vitro, thoracic aortic rings were isolated and suspended in organ baths, and the effects of AEAc were studied by means of isometric tension recording experiments. In HPLC analysis, the fingerprint chromatogram of AEAc was established.

Results

In normotensive rats, AEAc (12.5-50.0 mg/kg, i.v.) induced dose-dependent hypotension. In vitro, AEAc caused a depression in the E_max response to phenylephrine without a change in sensibility. Also, in a depolarized Ca²⁺-free medium, AEAc inhibited CaCl₂-induced contractions and caused a concentration-dependent rightward shift of the response curves, indicating that AEAc inhibited the contractile mechanisms involving extracellular Ca²⁺ influx.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the hypotensive effects of AEAc, and these effects may, in part, be due to the inhibition of Ca²⁺, which supports previous claims of its traditional use.     

Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effect of Witheringia solanacea in normal and alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats

Aim of the study

Witheringia solanacea is a small shrub that belongs to the Solanaceae family. The plant is used as an antidiabetic in Costa Rican herbal medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activity of the aqueous extract of W. solanacea leaves in rodent models.

Materials and methods

A crude extract of W. solanacea leaves was prepared in boiling water and the aqueous filtrate was lyophilized. A single oral dose of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg of the extract was evaluated for hypoglycemic activity in a glucose tolerance test in normal rats and for antihyperglycemic activity in alloxan-induced (140 mg/kg) diabetic rats. The blood glucose level was determined at different times by the glucose oxidase method.

Results

Dosage of 500 and 1000 mg/kg of the extract significantly decreased (p < 0.05) blood glucose levels in the glucose tolerance test in normal rats after 1 h, there was no significant difference observed at 250 mg/kg. Dose of 500 mg/kg of the extract significantly reduced (p < 0.05) blood glucose levels in alloxan induced hyperglycemic rats at 4 and 5 h.

Conclusions

In the present study, the hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic potential of the W. solanacea was demonstrated in rats. These results give support to the traditional use of W. solanacea as antidiabetic herbal medicine.     

翻白草水提液对2型糖尿病胰岛素抵抗大鼠糖脂代谢的影响

目的:观察翻白草水提取物对2型糖尿病胰岛素抵抗大鼠糖脂代谢的影响.方法:采用3周龄Wistar大鼠,高脂喂养16周加腹腔小剂量注射链脲佐菌素(STZ)的方法建立2型糖尿病胰岛素抵抗(IR)动物模型,随机分为4组:翻白草高、低剂量组(400,200 mg?kg-1)、吡格列酮组(4.05 mg?kg-1)及模型组,每组7只.另取标准饲料喂养大鼠7只为正常组.比较各药物干预4周后对2型糖尿病IR大鼠空腹血糖(FBG)、甘油三酯(TG)、胆固醇(TC)、低密度脂蛋白(LDL-C)、高密度脂蛋白(HDL-C)及游离脂肪酸(FFA)影响.结果:翻白草提取物和西药组均可显著降低大鼠FBG,TG,TC,LDL,FFA水平,升高HDL水平(P＜0.05).结论:翻白草对2型糖尿病胰岛素抵抗大鼠的空腹血糖及血脂水平有一定调节作用.     

Antidiabetic activity of Passiflora incarnata Linn. in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The present study was designed to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties of Passiflora incarnata Linn. leaves which are widely used as traditional treatment for diabetes mellitus.

Materials and methods

The methanolic extracts of leaves of Passiflora incarnata were administered orally (100 and 200 mg/kg, for 15 days) to streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Hypoglycemic effects, oral glucose tolerance test, change in body weight and lipid profile of diabetic mice treated with methanolic extracts were assessed and compared with normal, diabetic control and standard drug treated mice. Histological examination during 15 days of treatment was also carried out.

Results

Methanolic extract (200 mg/kg) produced a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Significant differences were also observed in urine glucose level, oral glucose tolerance test, serum lipid profile and body weight of methanolic extract treated diabetic mice, when compared with diabetic, normal and standard drug treated mice. Histopathological studies of the pancreas showed comparable regeneration of the cells by extract which were earlier necrosed by streptozotocin.

Conclusion

Methanolic extract of Passiflora incarnata exhibit significant anti-hyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activities in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice.     

Olive (Olea europaea L.) leaf extract attenuates early diabetic neuropathic pain through prevention of high glucose-induced apoptosis: in vitro and in vivo studies

Aim of study

Since the leaves of olive have been recommended in the literature as a remedy for the treatment of diabetes and they also contain antioxidant agents, we decided to investigate the possible effects of olive leaf extract (OLE) on in vitro and in vivo models of diabetic pain neuropathy.

Materials and methods

The high glucose-induced cell damage in naive and NGF-treated Pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were used. Tail-flick test was used to access nociceptive threshold. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Biochemical markers of neural apoptosis were evaluated using immunoblotting.

Results

We found that elevation of glucose (4 times of normal) sequentially increases functional cell damage and caspase-3 activation in NGF-treated PC12 cells. Incubation of cells with OLE (200, 400 and 600 μg/ml) decreased cell damage. Furthermore, the diabetic rats developed neuropathic pain which was evident from decreased tail-flick latency (thermal hyperalgesia). Activated caspase 3 and Bax/Bcl2 ratio were significantly increased in spinal cord of diabetic animals. OLE treatment (300 and 500 mg/kg per day) ameliorated hyperalgesia, inhibited caspase 3 activation and decreased Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Furthermore, OLE exhibited potent DPPH free radical scavenging capacity.

Conclusion

The results suggest that olive leaf extract inhibits high glucose-induced neural damage and suppresses diabetes-induced thermal hyperalgesia. The mechanisms of these effects may be due, at least in part, to reduce neuronal apoptosis and suggest therapeutic potential of olive leaf extract in attenuation of diabetic neuropathic pain.     

Hypoglycaemic activity and molecular mechanisms of Caesalpinia ferrea Martius bark extract on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in Wistar rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The tea from the stem bark of Caesalpinia ferrea Martius (Leguminosae) has been popularly used in the treatment of diabetes in Brazil.

Aim of the study

To investigate the hypoglycaemic properties and to elucidate the mechanisms by which the aqueous extract of the stem bark of Caesalpinia ferrea reduces blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats via the enzymatic pathways of protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC).

Materials and methods

The aqueous extract of the stem bark of Caesalpinia ferrea (300 and 450 mg/kg/day), vehicle and metformin (500 mg/kg/day) were administered orally to STZ-diabetic rats (n = 7/group) for 4 weeks. Changes in body weight, food and water intake, fasting glucose levels and oral glucose tolerance were evaluated. Phosphorylation (P) and the expression of Akt, AMPK and ACC in the liver and skeletal muscle were determined using Western blot.

Results

The aqueous extract of the stem bark of Caesalpinia ferrea reduced blood glucose levels and improved the metabolic state of the animals. P-Akt was increased in the liver and skeletal muscle of the treated animals, P-AMPK was reduced only in the skeletal muscle of these animals and P-ACC was reduced in both when compared with untreated rats.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the aqueous extract of the stem bark of Caesalpinia ferrea has hypoglycaemic properties and possibly acts to regulate glucose uptake in liver and muscles by way of Akt activation, restoring the intracellular energy balance confirmed by inhibition of AMPK activation.     

Effects of modified Haizao Yuhu Decoction in experimental autoimmune thyroiditis rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Modified Haizao Yuhu Decoction (MHYD), based on clinical experience, has been used for approximately 500 years and famous for its efficiency in treating thyroid-related diseases.

Aim of the study

To investigate therapeutic effects of MHYD on thyroid-related autoantibodies and thyroid hormone in experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) rats, and to provide evidence for the immunomodulatory potential during antigenmediated immunostimulation.Materials and methods:The effect of MHYD was investigated in EAT rats induced by subcutaneous injection of porcine thyroglobulin with Freund's adjuvant (complete and incomplete, CFA and IFA). MHYD was fed to EAT rats daily at a dose of 100 mg/kg for 10 weeks. The presence of mononuclear cell infiltration in thyroid tissues were examined to assess the severity of EAT. The levels of serum T3, T4, TgAb and TPOAb were determined by radioimmunoassay and protein expressions of TRAIL were detected by immunohistochemistry.

Results

MHYD exhibited a significant protective effects by reversing serum T3, T4, TgAb and TPOAb levels, histopathological changes and TRAIL protein expression of thyroid in EAT model rats. Sargassum fusiforme and Radix Glycyrrhiza in the formulation could be responsible for the immunomodulatory effects of MHYD.

Conclusions

These results showed MHYD playing a role as an immunomodulator and TRAIL inhibitor during antigenmediated immunostimulation, may warrant further evaluation as a possible agent for the treatment of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.     

Anti-hyperglycemic activity of the leaves of Tetracera scandens Linn. Merr. (Dilleniaceae) in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Aim of the study

The present study was aimed to investigate the anti-diabetic potential of the leaves of Tetracera scandens Linn. Merr. (Dilleniaceae) in vivo with regard to prove its efficacy by local herbalists in the treatment of diabetes frailties.

Materials and methods

Crude aqueous (AQ) and methanol (MEOH) extracts of the leaves of T. scandens L. were administered to both normal and alloxan induced diabetic male albino rats (Wistar strain). The blood glucose levels were measured at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after oral administration of AQ and MEOH extracts.

Results

Significant reduction in glucose was observed in fasting blood glucose levels in the treated diabetic rats without causing any hypoglycemic effect compared to normal rats. Both polar extracts of the leaves of T. scandens L. exhibited significant anti-hyperglycemic activity at different doses and intervals. The highest anti-hyperglycemic effect (62.5%) was observed by the AQ extract at 0.25 g/kg body weight (b.w.) and MEOH extract (36.5%) at 0.5 g/kg b.w. after 8 h. The significant anti-hyperglycemic activity was found to be comparable with a known oral synthetic hypoglycemic drug, glibenclamide 0.25 mg/kg b.w.

Conclusion

This study provides scientific evidence that the leaves of T. scandens L. have anti-diabetic efficacy and justifies its utility by local herbalists. However, more experiments at the clinical levels are required to confirm the utility of this plant by traditional practitioners in the management of diabetes mellitus.