Antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. leaves in Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The leaves of Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. have been utilized traditionally for the cure of diabetes.

Aim of the study

The present study was aimed to assess the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of T. asiatica leaves in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

The phytochemical screening, total phenolic content, HPLC analysis, acute toxicity study and oral glucose tolerance test were carried out. Glucose lowering effect of the hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of T. asiatica leaves was studied in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The antidiabetic and antioxidant activities were studied for the ethyl acetate extract. The effects of extracts on blood glucose, body weight, plasma insulin, total protein, liver glycogen, plasma enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP) and activities of SOD, CAT and GPx were analyzed.

Results

T. asiatica leaves ethyl acetate extract (TALEe) showed highly significant blood glucose lowering effect. Phytochemical evaluation of TALEe showed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, cumarins, flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The total phenolic content of TALEe was 126 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g extract. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of flindersine and ulopterol. Acute toxicity study of TALEe revealed no death or toxicity. The oral glucose tolerance test showed lowered area under curve (AUC_glucose) values in TALEe treated rats. After treatment with TALEe (250 and 500 mg/kg) for 28 days there was a significant decrease in blood glucose, plasma enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP) and significant increase in body weight, total protein, serum insulin and liver glycogen levels in treated diabetic rats. The activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GPx were reversed to near normal in treated diabetic rats. Histopathology of pancreas in TALEe treated groups showed regeneration of β-cells.

Conclusion

The results of the experiments showed that TALEe exerted significant antidiabetic and antioxidant effects in STZ-induced diabetic rats justifying its traditional use.     

The hypolipidaemic activity of aqueous Erica multiflora flowers extract in Triton WR-1339 induced hyperlipidaemic rats: a comparison with fenofibrate

In the present study, an aqueous extract from Erica multiflora L. (Ericaceae) flowers was evaluated for its hypocholesterolaemic and hypotriglyceridaemic activities using Triton WR-1339 induced hyperlipemic rats as experimental model. Hyperlipideamia was developed by intraperitonial injection of Triton (200mg/kg body weight). The animals were divided into control (CG), hyperlipidaemic (HG), hyperlipidaemic plus herb extract (HG+EmE) and hyperlipidaemic plus fenofibrate (HG+FF) treated groups. Intragastric administration of Erica multiflora extract (0.25 g/100g body weight) to the rats caused a significant decrease on their plasma lipid levels (quantified using enzymatic kits). At 7h after treatment, plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol were decreased by 47%, 95% and 67%, respectively, but the change of HDL-cholesterol level was not significant. However, the hypolipidaemic effect of fenofibrate was limited to triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, which were lowered by about 92% and 41%, respectively. At 24h after treatment, Erica multiflora extract reduced plasma total cholesterol by 68.5% and triglycerides by 91%. HDL-cholesterol was not significantly increased and LDL-cholesterol was lowered by 80.5%. In fenofibrate treated rats, only plasma triglyceride concentrations were lowered by 82%, while the other lipid parameters were not significantly changed indicating that this aqueous herb extract may contain products that lower plasma lipid concentrations and might be beneficial in treatment of hyperlipideamia.     

Assessment of antidiabetic potential of Cynodon dactylon extract in streptozotocin diabetic rats

This study was undertaken to investigate the hypoglycemic and antidiabetic effect of single and repeated oral administration of the aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon (Family: Poaceae) in normal and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats, respectively. The effect of repeated oral administration of aqueous extract on serum lipid profile in diabetic rats was also examined. A range of doses, viz. 250, 500 and 1000mg/kg bw of aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon were evaluated and the dose of 500mg/kg was identified as the most effective dose. It lowers blood glucose level around 31% after 4h of administration in normal rats. The same dose of 500mg/kg produced a fall of 23% in blood glucose level within 1h during glucose tolerance test (GTT) of mild diabetic rats. This dose has almost similar effect as that of standard drug tolbutamide (250mg/kg bw). Severely diabetic rats were also treated daily with 500mg/kg bw for 14 days and a significant reduction of 59% was observed in fasting blood glucose level. A reduction in the urine sugar level and increase in body weight of severe diabetic rats were additional corroborating factors for its antidiabetic potential. Total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride (TG) levels were decreased by 35, 77 and 29%, respectively, in severely diabetic rats whereas, cardioprotective, high density lipoprotein (HDL) was increased by 18%. These results clearly indicate that aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon has high antidiabetic potential along with significant hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects.     

Hypoglycemic effects of Murraya koenigii on normal and alloxan-diabetic rabbits

In past there have been many medicinal plants, which have been used in traditional medicines for their antidiabetic properties without any scientific support and pharmacological evidence. The aqueous extract of Murraya koenigii leaves has been taken to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rabbits. This plant is promising as it is widely and regularly used as a spice for food flavoring and as such it appears to be without any side effects and toxicity. Adequate characterization of hypoglycemic activity of aqueous extract has not been yet done, as no such reports are available in the literature though the activity is reported. The scientific evaluation of its hypoglycemic activity was, therefore, explored and also compared with the effect of a standard hypoglycemic drug, tolbutamide. A single oral administration of variable dose levels (200, 300 and 400 mg/kg) of aqueous extract led to lowering of blood glucose level in normal as well as in diabetic rabbits. The maximum fall of 14.68% in normal and 27.96% in mild diabetic was observed after 4 h of oral administration of 300 mg/kg. The same dose also showed a marked improvement in glucose tolerance of 46.25% in sub-diabetic (AR) and 38.5% in mild diabetic rabbits in glucose tolerance test after 2 h. The findings from this study suggest that the aqueous extract of these leaves may be prescribed as adjunct to dietary therapy and drug treatment for controlling diabetes mellitus.     

Effect of Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb. leaves extract on blood glucose and plasma lipid levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Aim of the study

To investigate the hypoglycemic effects of Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb. leaves (VBTL) extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

Materials and methods

After administration of VBTL extract for 4 weeks, the body weight, organ weight, blood glucose (BG), insulin and plasma lipid levels of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were measured.

Results

Body weights of diabetic mice treated with VBTL extract were partly recovered. The BG levels of AEG (diabetic mice treated with VBTL aqueous extract) were reduced to 91.52 and 85.82% at week 2 and week 4, respectively (P < 0.05), while those of EEG (diabetic mice treated with VBTL ethanolic extract) were reduced slightly (P > 0.05). The insulin levels of AEG and EEG were obviously higher (P < 0.05) than those of MC (diabetic mice in model control group). Comparing with MC, AEG and EEG had significantly lower (P < 0.05) TC or TG levels and similar HDL-cholesterol or LDL-cholesterol levels. In comparison with non-diabetic control mice, AEG had similar plasma lipid levels except higher LDL-cholesterol level, while EEG had higher TC, TG and LDL-cholesterol levels and lower HDL-cholesterol levels.

Conclusions

Both aqueous and ethanolic extract of VBTL possess a potential hypoglycemic effect in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.     

Beneficial effect of the leaves of Murraya koenigii (Linn.) Spreng (Rutaceae) on diabetes-induced renal damage in vivo

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Murraya koenigii (Linn.) Spreng (curry leaf) is widely used as a nephroprotective agent in kidney's infirmities among diabetics by the traditional practitioners in Malaysia. However, the latter role of curry leaf has been grossly under reported and is yet to receive proper scientific evaluation.

Aim of the study

The present study was designed to investigate the beneficial effect of the leaves of Murraya koenigii (Linn.) on diabetes-induced renal damage in vivo with regard to prove its efficacy by local traditional practitioners in the treatment of kidney frailties in diabetics.

Materials and methods

Aqueous (AQ) extract of the leaves of Murraya koenigii (Linn.) was administered to both normal and streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic male rats (Sprague-Dawley strain). Animals were divided into six groups (n = 6) and treated with variable dose levels of AQ extract (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight/day) for 30 days. At the end of 30 days, animals were sacrificed, blood was collected, processed and stored at −70 °C for the zestimation of serum urea and creatinine, changes in plasma antioxidant capacity by FRAP assay, and glutathione peroxidase levels, in the normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats. Histological changes of the kidneys of these animals were also evaluated by light microscopy to determine the beneficial effect of the leaves.

Results

Daily oral administration of variable dose levels of the AQ extract for 30 days, produced significant dose dependant decrease in serum urea and creatinine levels (p < 0.001), and marked increase in the levels of plasma antioxidant capacity (p < 0.01) in diabetic treated rats, compared to the control (non-diabetic) subjects. However, the normal treated rats showed minimal variation in these parameters in comparison to normal controls. Histological studies of the kidneys of these animals showed comparable tissue regeneration by the AQ extract.

Conclusion

The results of our study scientifically support the traditional belief for using the leaves of Murraya koenigii (Linn.) as adjuvant, in the treatment of pain disorders related to renal impairments among diabetics.     

Antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of aqueous extract of Cassia auriculata L. leaves in experimental diabetes

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Cassia auriculata L. (Caesalpiniaceae) is widely used from ancient period to treat diabetes mellitus. The leaves of Cassia auriculata are having potential in the development of drug for diabetes due to its antihyperglycemic and lipid-lowering activity.

Aim of the study

The present study was to evaluate antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of aqueous extract of Cassia auriculata leaves (CLEt) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced mild diabetic (MD) and severe diabetic (SD) rats.

Materials and methods

Male Albino rats were rendered diabetic by STZ (45 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). CLEt was orally administered to MD and SD rats at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses for 1 day to determine antihyperglycemic activity. The 400 mg/kg dose was administered daily for 3 weeks to assess glycemic control and hypolipidemic effect.

Results

CLEt showed dose dependant fall in fasting blood glucose (FBG). After 5 h of extract administration at 400 mg/kg dose, FBG was reduced by 13.9% and 17.4% in MD and SD rats respectively. After 3 weeks treatment, CLEt produced significant reduction in FBG and glycosylated haemoglobin (GHb) in both MD and SD rats. Serum lipid levels were reversed towards normal in extract fed MD and SD rats.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that CLEt possesses potent antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activity in both MD and SD rats.     

西洋蓍草提取物对糖尿病大鼠的β细胞保护活性及降糖、降脂作用(英文)

AIM:To evaluate the therapeutic uses of Achillea millifolium in diabetic rats.METHODS:Diabetes was induced bysingle intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared solution of alloxan monohydrate(150 mg·kg.1 body weight) in Wistar rats of150.200 g body weight.In this study,the aqueous and methanolic extract of Achillea millifolium was studied for its hypoglycemic andhypolipidemic properties.The rats were divided into several groups,serving as Normal group,Diabetic Control group,Diabetictreated with glibenclamide,and extract treated groups.The blood serum collected from the various groups of rats was analysed for itsvarious biochemical parameters like glucose,cholesterol,triglycerides,VLDL,SGOT,SGPT and ALP.On the 14th day of the experimentthe rats were scarified and pancreas was collected for histopathological studies.RESULTS:The extracts at dose levels of 250and 500 mg·kg.1 body weight showed significant(P ≤ 0.05) decrease in blood glucose level,TGL,VLDL,cholesterol,SGOT,SGPT,and ALP in diabetic rats.The extracts prevented the β-cells of pancreas from the cytotoxic effects of Alloxan monohydrate.CONCLUSION:The results indicate that the extracts as mentioned above are effective in hyperglycemia and can effectively protectagainst other metabolic aberrations caused by alloxan monohydrate.     

Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activity of Murraya koenigii leaves in diabetic rats

The commonly used spice curry patta (Murraya koenigii) is traditionally consumed by diabetics in southern part of India. Feeding of diet containing various doses of curry leaves (5, 10 and 15%) to normal rats for 7 days as well as mild diabetic (blood glucose levels >175 mg/dl induced by alloxan 35 mg/kg IP) and moderate diabetic rats (blood glucose levels >250 mg/dl induced by STZ 60 mg/kg IP) for 5 weeks showed varying hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic effect. In normal rats, reduction in blood glucose was almost negligible (approximately 4% with 10 and 15% diet). In mild and moderate diabetic rats, feeding of 5, 10 and 15% diet caused a maximal reduction in blood sugar by 13.1, 16.3 and 21.4% (NS, P<0.05 and 0.005) and 3.2, 5.58, 8.21% (NS), respectively. The mechanism of action is further discussed in light of results of previous and the present study.     

Antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. leaves extract in streptozotocin-induced type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

In traditional Indian medicine, all parts of Emblica officinalis Gaertn plant including the fruit, seed, leaves, root, bark and flowers are used in various herbal preparations for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, chronic diarrhea, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the hypoglycemic and antioxidants effects of the hydro-methanolic (20:80) extract of leaves of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. (HMELEO) in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Material and methods

The hypoglycemic effect was measured by blood glucose and plasma insulin level. The oxidative stress was measured in liver and kidney by level of antioxidant markers i.e. lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT), and the biochemical parameters, i.e. blood serum levels of creatinine, urea, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminases (SGPT), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminases (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were the salient features observed in diabetic control and treated rats.

Results

Oral administration of the HMELEO at a concentration of 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg b.w. daily for 45 days showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in fasting blood glucose and increase insulin level as compared with the diabetic rats. Also it significantly (P<0.05) reduced all biochemical parameters (serum creatinine, serum urea, SGOT, SGPT and lipid profile). The treatment also resulted in a significant (P<0.05) increase in reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and decrease LPO level in the liver and kidney of diabetic rats.

Conclusion

The results clearly suggest that the hydro methanolic extract of leaves of Emblica officials Gaertn. treated group may effectively normalize the impaired antioxidant status in streptozotocin induced diabetes at dose dependent manner than the glibenclamide-treated groups. The extract exerted rapid protective effects against lipid peroxidation by scavenging of free radicals and reducing the risk of diabetic complications.     

Antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of Annona muricata (Annonaceae), aqueous extract on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The leaves of Annona muricata are used in Cameroon to manage diabetes and its complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic, antioxidant activities and the potential toxicity of aqueous extract of Annona muricata in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Material and methods

Oral administration of Annona muricata aqueous extract (100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg) was studied in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. In long term treatment, 2 weeks after streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, animals received plant extract during 28 consecutive days. For a protective effect, extract was administered 3 days prior to streptozotocin exposure and animals were observed 2 weeks without treatment.

Results

The plant extract was not effective in normal rats. In diabetic rats, single administration of the extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels by 75% and 58.22% respectively at the dose of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg as compared to the initial value. Treatment of normal rats 3 days prior to diabetes induction showed that, Annona muricata extract has no effect within 72 h following STZ injection. However, after 14 days post-treatment, the extract at the dose of 100 mg/kg significantly reduced blood glucose levels as compared with initial value and diabetic control rats. Immunohistochemical staining of pancreatic β-cells of diabetic rats treated with the dose of 100 mg/kg expressed strong staining for β-cell compared to diabetic control. In a long-term study daily administration of Annona muricata aqueous extract for 28 days to diabetic rats, reduced blood glucose levels, serum creatinine, MDA, AST, ALT activity, and nitrite levels LDL-cholesterol. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, SOD, and CAT activity contents were restored.

Conclusion

These different results show that the antidiabetic activity of Annona muricata aqueous extract can be explained by its hypolipidaemic effect, its antioxidant and protective action on pancreatic β-cells, which in turn improve glucose metabolism.     

Antioxidant effect of Cytisus scoparius against carbon tetrachloride treated liver injury in rats

The study was aimed to investigate the antioxidant activity of Cytisus scoparius L. (Family: Leguminosae) on CCl(4) (carbon tetrachloride) treated oxidative stress in Wistar albino rats. CCl(4) injection induced oxidative stress by a significant rise in serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminases (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminases (SGPT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) along with reduction of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GRD). Pretreatment of rats with different doses of plant extract (250 and 500mg/kg) significantly lowered SGOT, SGPT, LDH and TBARS levels against CCl(4) treated rats. GSH and hepatic enzymes like SOD, CAT, GPx, GRD, and GST were significantly increased by treatment with the plant extract, against CCl(4) treated rats. The activity of extract at the dose of 500mg/kg was comparable to the standard drug, silymarin (25mg/kg). Based on these results, it was observed that Cytisus scoparius extract protects liver from oxidative stress induced by CCl(4) in rats and thus helps in evaluation of the traditional claim on this plant.     

Assessment of therapeutic effect of Inula heterolepsis Boiss in alcoholic rats

An aqueous extract from the root of Inula heterolepsis Boiss was prepared and then tested for its ability to treat experimentally induced alcoholic hepatic injury in rats. Alcoholic rats were divided into two groups. The first group of rats were given 200 mg/kg/day plant extract. Repeated doses of extract preparations were given at 12 h intervals for 10 days. Differences between the recovery of tissue injury, with and without Inula plant extract, were evaluated. The second group of rats were given vehicle. Liver, testis and kidney injuries due to the chronic alcohol consumption were proven biochemically and histopathologically. Rats were killed, serum SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase, and albumin levels were measured. SGOT, SGPT and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly higher in alcoholic rats due to the tissue damage compared with intact, vehicle and Inula treated groups of rats (p < 0.05). Liver, testis, kidneys, stomach, intestine, heart, lungs and bladder were examined histopathologically. According to our study, the root extract of Inula heterolepsis Boiss has a slight therapeutic effect on alcoholic liver, kidney and testis damage in rats. Comparing the therapeutic effects in these organs, the liver seemed to be affected meaningfully after treatment with the plant extract.     

Hypoglycemic effect of Cecropia obtusifolia Bertol aqueous extracts on type 2 diabetic patients

Cecropia obtusifolia is widely used in Mexican traditional medicine due to its reputed hypoglycemic effect. During a period of 32 weeks, aqueous extracts of the leaves of this plant were administrated daily to 12 recently diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients, controlled only with diet and exercise. Serum glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and insulin levels were determined every 15 days; HbA1c, ALT, AST and ALKP were measured every month. A significant reduction of glucose was detected after 4 weeks of administration but the reduction was significant and sustained after 18 weeks of administration. The HbA1c was also significantly reduced after 6 weeks of treatment. No significant changes on cholesterol, triglycerides ALT, AST, ALKP or insulin could be detected. No collateral effects were observed. After suspending the administration of the extract, and a follow-up of 34 weeks, the glucose and HbA1c levels increased reaching levels higher than the basal ones. It can be concluded that the aqueous extracts of Cecropia obtusifolia have a significant hypoglycemic effect with no adverse effects and that the mechanism of action is not brought about by stimulating the insulin secretion. The results support the fact that the extracts of Cecropia obtusifolia have a great potential to be further developed into a phytomedicine.     

Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effect of Begonia malabarica Lam. in normal and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Aim of the study

The stem of Begonia malabarica was used traditionally by the Malasar tribe to treat diabetes. To validate the hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effects of the hexane, ethylacetate and methanol extracts obtained from an ethnomedicinal plant, Begonia malabarica.

Materials and methods

The doses for the study were fixed based on Irwin test. The hypoglycemic effect of hexane, ethylacetate and methanol extracts of Begonia malabarica stems were studied in normal animals. The antihyperglycemic effect of the methanol extract was studied in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Results

In normal rats the treatment with the methanol extract of Begonia malabarica had shown a highly significant reduction (16.54 and 34.47%) in plasma glucose levels from the 0 h values at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively. In streptozotocin induced diabetic rats the body weight of the Begonia malabarica methanol extract treated animals had shown a significant increase (13.38% at 200 mg/kg) after 4 weeks treatment. The plasma glucose levels were reduced significantly by 46.57 and 50.20% after 4 weeks treatment at 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively. Likewise the absolute kidney weight was also reduced in a significant manner. After 25 days treatment the Begonia malabarica methanol extract treated animals had shown low fasting plasma glucose levels (54.29, 61.34% in 100 and 200 mg/kg) and reduced postprandial plasma glucose levels (54.23, 65.96% in 100 and 200 mg/kg) when compared with diabetic control values. Serum insulin levels and liver glycogen levels were increased to 40.04 and 42.18% in 200 mg/kg Begonia malabarica methanol extract treated animals respectively. The treatment with Begonia malabarica methanol extract did not change the triglycerides and total cholesterol levels. The urea and creatinine levels were also reduced significantly by this treatment. The reduction in SGPT levels indicated the absence of toxicity of Begonia malabarica extract at this dose level.

Conclusion

This study supports the use of Begonia malabarica by the Malasar tribe for the treatment of diabetes. Fractionation of this extract may yield novel prototypes to manage diabetes mellitus.     

Antihyperglycemic effects of three extracts from Momordica charantia

Momordica charantia (L.) (Cucurbitaceae) commonly known as bitter gourd or karela is a medicinal plant, used in Ayurveda for treating various diseases, one of which is diabetes mellitus. In this study, various extract powders of the fresh and dried whole fruits were prepared and their blood glucose lowering effect compared by administrating them orally to diabetic rats. The aqueous extract powder of fresh unripe whole fruits at a dose of 20mg/kg body weight was found to reduce fasting blood glucose by 48%, an effect comparable to that of glibenclamide, a known synthetic drug. This extract was tested for nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and biochemical parameters such as SGOT, SGPT and lipid profile. The extract did not show any signs of nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity as judged by histological and biochemical parameters. Thus the aqueous extract powder of Momordica charantia, an edible vegetable, appears to be a safe alternative to reducing blood glucose.     

Protective effect of leaf extract of Ficus hispida Linn. against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The methanol extract of the leaves of Ficus hispida Linn. (Moraceae) was evaluated for hepatoprotective activity in rats by inducing acute liver damage by paracetamol (750 mg/kg, p.o.). The extract at an oral dose of 400 mg/kg exhibited a significant protective effect by lowering the serum levels of transaminase (SGOT and SGPT), bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). These biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination of liver sections. The activity of extract was also comparable to that of Liv-52 a known hepatoprotective formulation.     

Hypolipidaemic activity of aqueous Ocimum basilicum extract in acute hyperlipidaemia induced by triton WR-1339 in rats and its antioxidant property

Hyperlipidaemia, atherosclerosis and related diseases are becoming a major health problem in developing countries. Ocimum basilicum is one of the medicinal plants widely used in Morocco to reduce plasma cholesterol and to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis-related diseases. However, mechanisms underlying the reported hypolipidaemic effect of this plant have not been investigated. This study evaluates the lipid lowering effect of aqueous Ocimum basilicum extract in Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidaemic rats. Hyperlipidaemia was developed in animals by intraperitoneal injection of Triton (200 mg/kg). After injection of Triton the animals were divided into three treatment groups: hyperlipidaemic, hyperlipidaemic plus herb extract and hyperlipidaemic plus fenofibrate treated rats. At 7 h after the Triton injection, levels of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol in rats treated also with the Ocimum basilicum extract (0.5 g/100 g body weight) were, respectively, 50%, 83% and 79% lower than Triton-treated rats and HDL-cholesterol was 129% higher than in rats given Triton alone. At 24 h following Ocimum basilicum administration, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol levels decreased by 56%, 63% and 68%, respectively, in comparison with the Triton treated group and HDL-cholesterol was not increased significantly. The hypolipidaemic effect exerted by Ocimum basilicum extract was markedly stronger than the effect induced by fenofibrate treatments. Further it was demonstrated that Ocimum basilicum aqueous extract displayed a very high antioxidant power. These results indicate that Ocimum basilicum extract may contain hypolipidaemic and antioxidant substances and its use as a therapeutic tool in hyperlipidaemic subjects may be of benefit and encourage further investigation in this field.     

Comparison between ethanolic and aqueous extracts from Chinese juniper berries for hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effects in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

AIM OF THE STUDY: Hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic properties of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively, from Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis L.) berries were investigated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After oral administration of each extract singly or repeatedly to alloxan-induced diabetic rats, the blood glucose, glutamate-pyruvate transferase (GPT), glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels were assayed. RESULTS: The blood glucose levels after a single oral administration of the ethanolic extract significantly reduced in a time-dependent manner, which is much faster and more than that of glibenclamide. The blood glucose levels of alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated with the ethanolic extract were reduced to 94, 81%, 66%, 45% and 40% at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9h, respectively (p<0.05), while the aqueous extract had no effect at all. Repeated oral administration of the ethanolic extract also effectively reduced the GPT value to 58% of the diabetic rats, but slightly reduced the GOT value to 87% of the diabetic rats (p<0.05). On the other hand, the repeated oral administration of aqueous extract effectively reduced the GOT value to 43% of the diabetic rats, without affecting the GPT level. Effects of both extracts on the TC and TG levels were different. There was no significant difference in the TC and TG levels between diabetic control and diabetic groups when repeatedly administered orally with ethanolic extract. On the other hand, the aqueous extract brought down the TC value to 57% and the TG value to 37% of the diabetic control rats (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that the ethanolic extract of Chinese juniper berries possesses a potential hypoglycaemic effect while the aqueous extract has a potential hypolipidemic effect.     

Antidiabetic activity of aqueous leaf extract of Annona squamosa in streptozotocin-nicotinamide type 2 diabetic rats

The claim by some tribal populations in parts of Northern India that the young leaves of the custard apple tree, Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae) has antidiabetic properties was investigated. Diabetes mellitus was induced with streptozotocin-nicotinamide and graded doses of the aqueous leaf extracts were then administered in drinking water to normal and experimental diabetic rats for 12 days. Fasting plasma glucose levels, serum insulin levels, serum lipid profiles and changes in body weight were evaluated in normal rats while liver glycogen levels and pancreatic TBARS levels were evaluated additionally in diabetic rats. The diabetic groups treated with the aqueous leaf extract were compared with standard glibenclamide. The findings of the study support the antidiabetic claims of Annona squamosa.