Evaluation of hypoglycemic effect of Morus alba in an animal model

Objective:

The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of mulberry leaves in an animal model of diabetes.

Materials and Methods:

Animals were treated with mulberry leaf extract 400 mg and 600 mg/kg body weight for 35 days. Blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, triglyceride, LDL, VLDL, HDL, blood urea, cholesterol, number of β cells, and diameter of the islets of Langerhans were measured at the beginning and at the end of the experiment.

Results:

Blood glucose level and other parameters (except HDL) were elevated in the diabetic group, but were brought to control group level in the diabetic group treated with 600 mg/kg body weight of mulberry leaf extract. The diameter of the islets and the number of β cells were reduced in the diabetic group; both parameters were brought to control group level after treatment with mulberry leaf extract.

Conclusion:

Mulberry leaf extract, at a dose of 600 mg/kg body weight, has therapeutic effects in diabetes-induced Wistar rats and can restore the diminished β cell numbers.     

Anti-dopaminergic effect of the methanolic extract of Morus alba L. leaves

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of methanolic extract of Morus alba L. leaves on dopaminergic function.

Materials and Methods:

The effect of the methanolic extract of Morus alba L. leaves was evaluated on haloperidol and metoclopramide induced catalepsy, foot shock-induced aggression, amphetamine-induced stereotyped behavior and phenobarbitone induced sleeping in mice. In each of these tests, the extract was administered in doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, i.p., 30 min before performing the test in mice. Further, the inhibitory effect of the extract on dopamine was studied using isolated rat vas deferens.

Results:

The extract produced significant dose dependent potentiation of haloperidol (1 mg/kg, i.p.) and metoclopramide (20 mg/kg, i.p.) induced catalepsy in mice. The extract significantly reduced number of fights and increased latency to fights in foot shock-induced aggression; it also decreased amphetamine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) induced stereotyped behavior in a dose dependent manner. The sleeping time induced by phenobarbitone (50 mg/kg, i.p.) too was prolonged. The extract inhibited contractions produced by dopamine on isolated rat vas deferens.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that the methanolic extract of Morus alba L. possesses antidopaminergic activity. Further neurochemical investigation can explore the mechanism of action of the plant drug with respect to antidopaminergic functions and help to establish the plant as an antipsychotic agent.     

Anti-stress effect of ethyl acetate soluble fraction of Morus alba in chronic restraint stress

Context: Restraint stress is a well-known method to induce chronic stress which leads to alterations in various behavioral and biochemical parameters.

Objective: The present work was designed to study anti-stress effects of Morus alba in chronic restraint stress (RS)-induced perturbations in behavioral, biochemical and brain oxidative stress status.

Materials and methods: The stress was produced by restraining the animals inside an adjustable cylindrical plastic tube for 3?h once daily for ten consecutive days. The ethyl acetate soluble fraction of Morus alba (EASF) 25, 50, 100?mg/kg and diazepam (1?mg/kg) per day was administered 60?min prior to the stress procedure. The behavioral and biochemical parameters such as open field, cognitive dysfunction; leucocytes count; blood glucose and corticosteroid levels were determined. On day 10, the rats were sacrificed and biochemical assessment of superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxidation (LPO), catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GSH) in whole rat brain were performed.

Results: Chronic restraint stress produced cognitive dysfunction, altered behavioral parameters, increased leucocytes count, SOD, LPO, glucose and corticosterone levels, with concomitant decrease in CAT and GSH activities. Gastric ulceration, adrenal gland and spleen weights were also used as the stress indices. All these RS induced perturbations were attenuated by EASF of Morus alba.

Discussion: The results of the study suggest that in addition to its classically established pharmacological activities, the plant also has immense potential as an anti-stress agent of great therapeutic relevance.

Conclusion: This study indicates the beneficial role of Morus alba for the treatment of oxidative stress-induced disorders.     

Anxiolytic activity of Nymphaea alba Linn. in mice as experimental models of anxiety

Objective:

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the anxiolytic effect of an ethanolic extract of Nymphaea alba Linn. in mice.

Materials and Methods:

The elevated plus maze test (EPMT), light and dark test (L and DT) and open field test (OFT) were used to assess the anxiolytic activity of the ethanolic extract of N. alba Linn. in mice. In addition, aggressive behavior and motor coordination was also assessed by foot shock induced aggression test (FSIAT) and rota rod test (RRT). Diazepam 1 mg/kg served as a standard anxiolytic drug, administered orally.

Results:

The ethanolic extract of N. alba (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly increased the percentage of time spent and number of entries in open arm in EPMT. In L and DT, the extract produced significant increase in time spent, number of crossing and decrease in the duration of immobility in light box. In OFT, the extract showed significant increase in number of rearings, assisted rearings and number of square crossed, all of which are demonstrations of exploratory behavior. In FSIAT, N. alba extract attenuated aggressive behavior related to anxiolytic activity, such as number of vocalization, leaps, rearing, biting/attacks and facing each other in paired mice. Furthermore, the extract produced skeletal muscle relaxant effect assessed by RRT.

Conclusion:

The results of the present study suggest that an ethanolic extract of N. alba may possess anxiolytic activity and provide a scientific evidence for its traditional claim.     

Induction of Biologically Active Flavonoids in Cell Cultures of Morus nigra and Testing their Hypoglycemic Efficacy

The antidiabetic activity of both leaves and MJ-treated cell cultures of Morus nigra was evaluated after their oral administration to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The antidiabetic activity of extracts from leaves given to streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats for 10 days increased with increasing doses of leaves extract up to 500 mg/kg/day. The administration of 500 mg/kg/day of leaves extract reduced the concentration of glucose from 370 ± 7.31 mg/dl (control) to 154 ± 6.27 mg/dl, and a significant increase in the insulin level from 11.3 ± 0.31 μU/ml (control) to 14.6 ± 0.43 μU/ml was recorded. Cell suspension cultures were established from the young leaves of Morus nigra cultivated on modified MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 0.2 mg/l 6-(furfurylamino)purine (kinetin). The changes in cell weight and flavonoid content were monitored between day zero and 12. The linear increase in fresh weight was found to be parallel to flavonoids production. Cell cultures treated with 100 μM methyl jasmonate for 24 hours showed a noticeable increase in level of flavonoids and significant and more effective hypoglycemic activity than that for extract from leaves. The major flavonoids were isolated by TLC and HPLC and identified as rutin, quercetin, Morusin and cyclomorusin by co-chromatography and mass spectrometry in comparison to samples of authentic reference compounds.     

In vitro Evaluation of Eclipta alba against Serogroups of Leptospira interrogans

Leptospirosis is now acknowledged as the most widespread zoonoses in the world. Hundreds of cases occur in India every year accounting for considerable morbidity and sizable mortality. Several studies have delineated the epidemiology, pathology and variable clinical features of this condition. The present study comprises the importance and utilization of traditional based medicines to overcome the adverse reaction by conventional drugs and standardize the technology. The antileptospiral activity of Eclipta alba L. was well studied by both tube dilution and micro dilution techniques and the result showed better inhibitory action against various serogroups of Leptospira interrogans. L. australis, L. autumnalis and L. grippotyphosa are inhibited by both water and ethanol extract by tube dilution technique. The MIC level observed are 50 μg and 100 μg respectively. Similarly acetone extract, Icterohaemorrhagiae was responded to 200 μg/ml as MIC whereas in petroleum ether extract, no inhibition was observed. In the case of micro dilution technique, the entire inhibition rates are supported to the tube dilution technique. It showed that the micro dilution technique is the best method where we obtained the results within 30 minutes; at the same time tube dilution technique takes minimum of 7 days to provide the result.     

桑白皮抗病毒有效成分的提取分离及体外抗病毒活性研究

目的研究桑白皮中化学成分的抗病毒作用。方法利用细胞病变方法进行体外抗病毒筛选试验。结果桑白皮中分离得到的化合物1和化合物3在体外有较好的抑制副流感病毒、流感病毒的致病作用;化合物1具有抗呼吸道合胞病毒作用,延缓腺病毒Ⅲ、HSV Ⅰ致病作用;化合物2和化合物5也有部分抗病毒作用;化合物4能抑制腺病毒Ⅲ、柯萨奇病毒B3 、HSV Ⅰ、副流感病毒的致细胞病变作用。结论桑白皮提取物对呼吸道常见病毒有抑制作用。     

Effects of Phyllanthus reticulatus on lipid profile and oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic albino rats

Objective:

This study was designed to investigate the effect of Phyllanthus reticulatus on lipid profile and oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic albino rats.

Materials and Methods:

Hypercholesterolemia was induced in albino rats by administration of atherogenic diet for 2 weeks. Experimental rats were divided into different groups: normal, hypercholesterolemic control and P. reticulatus treated (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight doses for 45 days). After the treatment period of 45^th day triglyceride, VLDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol and oxidative stress (protein carbonyl) were assayed and compared with hypercholesterolemic control.

Results:

The aqueous extract of P. reticulatus (250 mg and 500 mg/kg) produced significant reduction (P < 0.05) in triglyceride, VLDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol and oxidative stress (protein carbonyl) while increased HDL-cholesterol in atherogenic diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats at the end of the treatment period (45 days). However, the reduction in the above parameters was comparable with hypercholesterolemic control. Thus, aqueous extract of P. reticulatus is effective in controlling TC, lipid profile and oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic animals.

Conclusion:

The results suggest the aqueous extract of P. reticulatus can be utilized for prevention of atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic patients.     

The Neuroprotective Potential of Cyanidin-3-glucoside Fraction Extracted from Mulberry Following Oxygen-glucose Deprivation

In this study, cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) fraction extracted from the mulberry fruit (Morus alba L.) was investigated for its neuroprotective effects against oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and glutamate-induced cell death in rat primary cortical neurons. Cell membrane damage and mitochondrial function were assessed by LDH release and MTT reduction assays, respectively. A time-course study of OGD-induced cell death of primary cortical neurons at 7 days in vitro (DIV) indicated that neuronal death was OGD duration-dependent. It was also demonstrated that OGD for 3.5 h resulted in approximately 50% cell death, as determined by the LDH release assay. Treatments with mulberry C3G fraction prevented membrane damage and preserved the mitochondrial function of the primary cortical neurons exposed to OGD for 3.5 h in a concentration-dependent manner. Glutamate-induced cell death was more pronounced in DIV-9 and DIV-11 cells than that in DIV-7 neurons, and an application of 50μM glutamate was shown to induce approximately 40% cell death in DIV-9 neurons. Interestingly, treatment with mulberry C3G fraction did not provide a protective effect against glutamate-induced cell death in primary cortical neurons. On the other hand, treatment with mulberry C3G fraction maintained the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in primary cortical neurons exposed to OGD as assessed by the intensity of rhodamine-123 fluorescence. These results therefore suggest that the neuroprotective effects of mulberry C3G fraction are mediated by the maintenance of the MMP and mitochondrial function but not by attenuating glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in rat primary cortical neurons.     

桑白皮黄酮化学成分的研究

目的分离并鉴定桑白皮Morus alba L.丙酮提取物的化学成分.方法利用各种色谱方法进行分离纯化,根据理化性质和光谱数据进行结构鉴定.结果得到4个化合物,分别鉴定为2',4',5-三羟基-3-(y,y,γ-羟基-二甲基)丙基-2″,2″-二甲基吡喃-5″,6″:6,7-黄酮(1,morusignin L)、6,4'-二甲氧基-5,7,3'-三羟基异黄酮(2)、7-甲氧基-5,4'-二羟基二氢黄酮醇(3)、6-甲氧基-5,7,4'-三羟基异黄酮(4).结论化合物2、3、4为首次从该植物中分离得到.     

Protective effects of Phyllanthus amarus aqueous extract against renal oxidative stress in Streptozotocin -induced diabetic rats

Aim and Objectives:

In the present study, we have evaluated the antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus (PAAEt) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

PAAEt was administered at 200 mg/kg body weight/day to normal treated (NT-group) and STZ-induced diabetic treated rats (DT-group) by gavage for eight weeks. During the experimental period, blood was collected from fasted rats at 10 days intervals and plasma glucose level was estimated. The plasma lipid profile was estimated at the end of experimental period. After the treatment, period kidney lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein oxidation and reduced glutathione (GSH) were estimated and antioxidant enzymes viz., glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also assayed.

Results:

The significant decrease in the body weight, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia observed in STZ-induced diabetic rats (D-group) were rectified with PAAEt treatment in diabetic treated group (DT-group). D-group rats showed increased renal oxidative stress with increased LPO and protein oxidation. DT-group showed a significant decrease in renal LPO, protein oxidation and a significant increase in GSH content and GR, GPx and GST activities when compared with D-group. The activities of SOD and CAT decreased significantly in D-group, but were normalized in DT-group. Normal rats treated with PAAEt (NT-rats) showed a significant decrease in lipid profile, renal LPO and protein oxidation, with significant increase in renal GSH and activities of antioxidant enzymes compared to normal rats (N-group).

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrated that PAAEt with its antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties could be a potential herbal medicine in treating diabetes and renal problems.     

左氧氟沙星与桑白皮苇茎汤治疗社区获得性呼吸道感染疗效比较

目的探讨左氧氟沙星与桑白皮苇茎汤治疗社区获得性呼吸道感染的临床对比疗效。方法收集2008年12月～2011年12月在本社区卫生服务中心就诊的社区获得性呼吸道感染患者共40例,根据先后顺序平分为治疗组与对照组各20例,治疗组采用左氧氟沙星静脉给药方法 ,对照组给予桑白皮苇茎汤口服治疗。结果治疗组的总有效率（显效＋有效/总例数）为95.0%,对照组总有效率为75.0%,治疗组的临床疗效明显好于对照组（P〈0.05）。同时两组都无明显不良反应情况发生（P〉0.05）。结论左氧氟沙星注射液治疗社区获得性呼吸道感染有更好的临床效果,值得推广应用。     

Changes in norepinephrine and epinephrine concentrations in adrenal gland of the rats submitted to acute immobilization stress

Catecholamines act as neurotransmitters and hormones. Studies conducted to understand the synthesis and metabolism of these monoamines during stress have been the main concern of many authors. This work proposes to investigate the time course of changes in epinephrine and norepinephrine concentration in adrenal gland obtained from rats submitted to acute immobilization stress. The results of the present study indicate that acute immobilization stress during 5 and 15 min did not provoke changes in epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations in adrenal gland in relation to the control group. Such results are justified due to the short time of the stress, showing that the stress did not provoke physiological alteration. The epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations in adrenal gland increased significantly after the immobilization session in stressed groups during 30 and 50 min as compared to control group. This increase probably is due to the emotional component of the immobilization stress. In this way, we suggested that the immobilization stress provoke increase in the biosynthesis of catecholamines in the adrenal gland from rats. However, the results shows that a maximum increase is reached at 30 min of immobilization stress and then a decrement of catecholamines levels starts at 50 min of the experimental design. This decline in catecholamines level may be consequence of adaptation to stress situations, an increase of the activity of the uptake systems and/or metabolization of catecholamines. In conclusion, these results suggest an effective participation of the adrenal glands to maintain the homeostasis of organism to the stressful conditions.     

Protective effect of N-acetylcysteine on bisphenol A-induced cognitive dysfunction and oxidative stress in rats

Bisphenol A (BPA) is commonly used as a monomer in polycarbonate plastics. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of BPA on cognitive functions and oxidative stress in the brain tissue of rats and if co-administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant, can modulate the effect of BPA on cognitive functions and prevent any possible oxidative stress. The BPA was administered per orally (p.o) in two doses 2 and 20 μg/kg for 28 days. Cognitive functions were assessed using step-down latency (SDL) on a passive avoidance apparatus and spatial navigation task on Morris water maze. Oxidative stress was assessed by examining brain malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. A significant reduction in SDL, and prolongation of latency in spatial navigation task were observed in BPA (2 and 20 μg/kg) treated group as compared to control group. The co-administration of NAC (100 mg/kg, p.o) antagonized the effect of BPA on SDL and spatial navigation test. NAC treatment also attenuated the BPA-induced increased MDA levels and decreased GSH levels in brain. Results of the present study show that NAC has potential to reverse cognitive dysfunction and oxidative stress induced by BPA exposure in rats.     

Protective effect of aqueous extract of Embelia ribes Burm fruits in middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced focal cerebral ischemia in rats

Objective:

The present study was carried out to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of the aqueous extract of Embelia ribes, in focal ischemic brain.

Materials and Methods:

Adult male Wistar albino rats were fed with the aqueous extract of Embelia ribes (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) for 30 days. After 30 days of feeding, all the animals were anaesthetized with chloral hydrate (400 mg/kg, i.p.). The right middle cerebral artery was occluded with a 4-0 suture for 2 h. The suture was removed after 2 h, to allow reperfusion injury. The animals were used for grip strength measurement, biochemical estimation in serum and brain tissue (hippocampus and frontal cortex) and cerebral infarct size measurement.

Results:

In the ischemic group, a significant (P < 0.01) alteration in the markers of oxidative damage (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS); reduced glutathione (GSH); glutathione peroxidase (GPx); glutathione reductase (GR); and, glutathione-S-transferase (GST)) was observed in the hippocampus and frontal cortex, as compared to sham operated rats. We observed that the animals treated with the aqueous extract of Embelia ribes had a significant (P < 0.01) increase in the poststroke grip strength activity. Further, supplementation with aqueous extract of Embelia ribes reversed the levels/activities of the above mentioned biochemical parameters significantly (P< 0.01) and also resulted in decreased cerebral infarct area, as compared to the ischemic group.

Conclusion:

The results of our study, for the first time, provide clear evidence that aqueous extract of Embelia ribes pretreatment ameliorates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and enhances the antioxidant defense against middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced cerebral infarction in rats; it exhibits neuroprotective property.     

Evaluation of Chinese medicine Qian-Yu for chronic bacterial prostatitis in rats

Objectives:

Qian-Yu (QY), a Chinese medicine formula, has anti-inflammatory and broad spectrum anti-bacterial activity. This study is undertaken to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Qian-Yu (QY) in chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP).

Materials and Methods:

The potential of QY in the treatment of CBP was evaluated using a CBP animal model by examining the anti-inflammatory activity. Its consequences were analyzed by immunological and histopathological methods. Experimental chronic bacterial prostatitis was induced by instillation of bacterial suspension of Escherichia coli 7.5 × 10⁵ CFU/ml into the prostatic urethra. Animals were followed up for four weeks and then treated with either 7 mg/kg QY or 7 mg/kg positive control agent-Qianlietai (QLT) or 1 ml of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for the controls. Ten rats in each group were sacrificed at the end of four weeks. The inhibition of inflammation and its consequences were analyzed histologically. Prostatic IL-8, SIgA and zinc concentrations were measured by ELISA, RIA and ICP-AES, respectively. The data was expressed as mean ± S.D. Least-significant difference (LSD) of one-way ANOVA (SPSS 12.0) was used to determine the differences of scores.

Results:

The histopathology showed resolving prostatitis in QY-and QLT-treated groups and the immunology showed reduction of IL-8 and increment of SIgA contents in prostatic tissues as compared to the control groups. The prostatic zinc levels were higher in the QY-and QLT-treated groups than those in the controls. These results suggested that QY is effective in CBP treatment.     

Preventive effect of tert-butylhydroquinone on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II (CDDP)-induced nephrotoxicity is associated with the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. tert-Butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) is a compound widely used as food antioxidant. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of tBHQ to prevent the nephrotoxic effect of CDDP in rats as well as the mechanisms involved. Thirty-six Wistar rats divided in the following groups were used: control, tBHQ (12.5 mg/kg), CDDP (7.5 mg/kg) and tBHQ + CDDP. Twenty-four h urine was collected at the beginning and at the end of the experiment and the rats were sacrificed 72 h after CDDP-administration. Histological studies were performed and markers of renal function and oxidative/nitrosative stress were measured. In addition, the activity of the following antioxidant enzymes was measured: glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). CDDP-induced renal dysfunction, structural damage and oxidative/nitrosative were prevented by tBHQ. In addition, tBHQ completely prevented the CDDP-induced fall in GPx and GST activities. In conclusion, the present study indicates that the antioxidant activity of tBHQ is associated with its nephroprotective effect against CDDP-induced acute kidney injury in rats.     

Long-lasting effects of chronic stress on DOI-induced hyperthermia in male rats

Rationale Exposure to chronic stress can affect the serotoninergic (5-HT) system and behavioral measures associated with 5-HT. Repeated stress increases 5-HT receptor subtype 2 (5-HT₂) mediated behaviors in rodents, such as wet dog shakes and head twitch. Objectives The current study investigated whether exposure to chronic unpredictable stress would augment 5-HT_2A/C receptor-mediated hyperthermia. Furthermore, the persistence of these hyperthermic effects was investigated by testing rats up to 60 days after the stress procedure terminated. Methods For 2 or 10 days, rats were either not stressed (controls) or exposed to chronic unpredictable stress, i.e. two stressors per day of the following: cage rotation, cold exposure, swim, restraint, light cycle manipulations, single housing, and food and water deprivation. After the termination of stress (day 3 or 11), the 5-HT_2A/C receptor agonist DOI (1.5 mg/kg) or saline, was injected and the rectal temperature of the rats was monitored. In a separate experiment, the 5-HT₂ receptor antagonist, LY-53,587, was injected 30 min prior to the injection of DOI or saline. Finally, DOI was injected into rats 8, 30 or 60 days after the 10-day stress procedure ended. Results Rats exposed to 10 days, but not 2 days, of unpredictable stress exhibited higher rectal temperatures following DOI than non-stressed rats. The DOI-induced hyperthermia was attenuated by LY-53,587. The augmentation of DOI-induced hyperthermia in stressed rats persisted when examined 8, 30 and 60 days following the stress procedure. Conclusions The enhancement of 5-HT receptor function by chronic stress persists even after the environmental stressor is removed. This lasting increase in 5-HT receptor function may have implications for clinical disorders associated with stress, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.     

Antidiabetogenic action of Morus rubra L. leaf extract in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats

Objectives Researchers all over the world are exploring herbal supplements to control diabetes and its complications. This study evaluated the antidiabetic action of Morus rubra L. aqueous leaf extract through its effect on hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. Methods The extract was orally administered to diabetic rats (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) daily for 21 days. Fasting blood glucose was measured on days 0, 7, 14 and 21. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were drawn to measure glucose tolerance, glycosylated haemoglobin, insulin, C‐peptide and lipid parameters. Antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase), reduced glutathione and lipid peroxides were determined in blood and liver tissue. Histopathological examination of pancreatic tissue was also performed. Key findings The extract showed a dose‐dependent fall in fasting blood glucose. Treatment with 400 mg/kg extract produced a significant reduction in glycosylated haemoglobin with a concomitant elevation in plasma insulin and C‐peptide levels. The altered serum lipids in diabetic rats were significantly restored following treatment with the extract. In erythrocytes, as well as liver, the activity of antioxidant enzymes and content of reduced glutathione were found to be significantly enhanced, while levels of serum and hepatic lipid peroxides were suppressed in extract‐fed diabetic rats. Histopathological examination of pancreatic tissue revealed an increased number of islets and β‐cells in extract‐treated diabetic rats. Conclusions M. rubra aqueous leaf extract leads to control over hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia. The study also demonstrates its antioxidant nature, and hence it may be protective against diabetic complications.     

A biochemical study on the gastroprotective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Andrographis paniculata in rats

Aim:

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the gastroprotective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Andrographis paniculata (HAEAP) in male albino wistar rats.

Materials and Methods:

Rats were pretreated with HAEAP (100,200,500mg/kg b. wt for 30 days) and then gastric ulcers were induced by ethanol, aspirin, pylorus ligation and cold restraint stress models. Ulcer score was determined in all the ulcer models. pH, gastric volume, titrable acidity, pepsin, mucin, myeloperoxidase, H⁺K⁺ATPase, thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) and antioxidant enzyme activities were assayed in ethanol-administered rats.

Results:

The ulcer score was found to be low in HAEAP-pretreated rats. Among the doses studied, 200 mg/kg b.wt was found to be optimum for significant ulcer reduction. The test drug significantly reduced the acidity, pepsin concentration, myeloperoxidase and H⁺K⁺ATPase activities in ethanol-administered rats. The elevated TBARS and decreased glutathione (GSH) and mucin levels observed during ulcerogenesis were found to be altered in HAEAP-received animals.

Conclusions:

The ulcer preventing effect of HAEAP may partly be due to its regulating effect on H⁺K⁺ATPase activity and /or mucin preserving effects. The flavonoids present in the HAEAP might be responsible for the gastroprotective action probably by maintaining the antioxidants and thiol status in the gastrointestinal tract.