In vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of liriodendrin isolated from the stem bark of Acanthopanax senticosus

In the present study, liriodendrin isolated by activity-guided fractionation from the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts of the stem bark of Acanthopanax senticosus, was evaluated for anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. Liriodendrin (5, 10 mg/kg/day, p. o.) significantly inhibited the increase of vascular permeability induced by acetic acid in mice and reduced an acute paw edema induced by carrageenan in rats. When the analgesic activity was measured by the acetic acid-induced writhing test and hot plate test, liriodendrin showed a dose-dependent inhibition in animal models. In addition, syringaresinol, the hydrolysate of liriodendrin, more potently inhibited the LPS-induced production of NO, PGE 2 and TNF-alpha production of macrophages than liriodendrin. Consistent with these observations, the expression level of iNOS and COX-2 enzyme was decreased by syringaresinol in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of liriodendrin after oral administration were attributable to the in vivo transformation to syringaresinol, which may function as the active constituent.     

Triterpenes involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of ethanolic extract of Pterodon emarginatus Vogel stem bark

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethanolic extract of Pterodon emarginatus Vogel stem bark (EtEx) resulted in the isolation and characterization of lupeol and betulin. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR and comparison with literature values. This study showed the anti-inflammatory activity of EtEx, the hexane (HexL) and dichloromethane (DichL) layers, and lupeol and betulin. The extract, HexL, DichL, lupeol and betulin were able to inhibit acetic acid-induced writhing. In the formalin test, EtEx decreased licking time only in the second phase characterizing anti-inflammatory activity. In the oil-induced ear oedema test, EtEx, lupeol and betulin decrease edema formation. In conclusion, EtEx has antinociceptive effects arising from anti-inflammatory activity; this activity could be due to the presence of lupeol and betulin.     

Three new lanostane-type triterpene lactones from the stem bark of Abies mariesii

Three new delta 8-lanostane-type triterpene lactones (1), (2) and (3) were isolated from the stem bark of Abies mariesii M. and unambiguously characterized on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence. Chemical modification of compound 1 showed potent inhibitory effects on Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) activation induced by the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA).     

Study of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Schima wallichii bark

Hydroalcoholic extract of Schima wallichii Choisy. (Ternstroemiaceae) bark (HESW) was investigated for its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antipyretic activities. The anti-inflammatory effects of the HESW were assayed by using carrageenan and dextran (acute model) induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma assay (chronic model) in experimental rats. Oral administration of HESW at the doses of 150 and 300?mg/kg caused dose-dependent inhibition of carrageenan and dextran induced inflammation. HESW at the doses of 150 and 300?mg/kg caused significant dose-dependent reduction of the granuloma tissue formation in experimental rats. The extract at the oral doses of 50 and 100?mg/kg body weight exhibited significant central and peripheral analgesic activity in acetic acid induced writhing test and hot-plate test respectively in experimental mice. Treatment with HESW at the oral doses of 150 and 300?mg/kg body weight significantly reduced the yeast-provoked elevated body temperature in experimental rats in a dose-dependent manner.     

Evaluation of the cytotoxic potential of a new pentacyclic triterpene from Rhododendron arboreum stem bark

Context: Traditionally, Rhododendron arboreum Sm. (Ericaceae) is a very important medicinal plant having oxytocic, estrogenic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and hepatoprotective activities; it also inhibits the prostaglandin synthetase.

Objectives: This study determines the cytotoxic potential of 15-oxoursolic acid isolated from R. arboreum against selected human cancer cell lines.

Materials and methods: Extraction from stem bark (5?kg) of R. arboreum was performed with methanol, which was successively partitioned into hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions, respectively. The new antitumor agent [15-oxoursolic acid (1)] was isolated from ethyl acetate fraction through column chromatography. Structure elucidation of new compound was performed through extensive spectroscopy i.e., IR, MS and 1D and 2D NMR. Cytotoxicity of isolated compound was determined at doses 5–100?μM for a period of 72?h on specified human cancer cell lines [renal cell carcinoma (A498), non-small cell lung (NCI-H226), squamous cell carcinoma (H157) and human ovarian carcinoma (MDR-2780AD)].

Results: Structure of isolated compound was characterized as 15-oxoursolic acid on the basis of various extensive spectroscopic techniques. 15-Oxoursolic acid revealed considerable anticancer activity with IC₅₀ values of 2.3?±?0.1?μM, 4.9?±?0.2?μM, 9.2?±?0.2?μM and 10.3?±?0.1?μM against MDR 2780AD, Hep G2, H157 and NCI-H226, respectively, while in the case of A498, the activity was good (IC₅₀ 32.8?±?1.2?μM).

Conclusions: This study highlighted the potential of 15-oxoursolic acid to be further explored as a new lead compound for cancer chemotherapy.     

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the ethanolic extracts from Zanthoxylum riedelianum (Rutaceae) leaves and stem bark

We have evaluated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the leaves (LCE) and stem bark (BCE) crude extracts of Zanthoxylum riedelianum (Rutaceae). Different fractions of the stem bark extract (hexane, BCEH; dichloromethane, BCED; ethyl acetate, BCEE; and lyophilized aqueous residual, BCEW) were also investigated. We studied the effects of the extracts and fractions using the rat paw oedema test induced by carrageenan, dextran, histamine or nystatin; the mouse abdominal constriction test; the mouse hot-plate test (only for LCE and BCE); and the mouse formalin test. Both extracts and all BCE fractions displayed anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageenan-induced oedema model, but not for dextran, histamine or nystatin. Considering the analgesic models, both extracts showed antinociceptive activity, but BCE was more active than LCE in models of central pain. All BCE fractions showed significant inhibition in the abdominal constriction test and in both phases of the formalin test. When BCED was submitted to phytochemical procedures it led to the isolation of six lignans (sesamin, methylpluviatolide, dimethylmatairesinol, piperitol-4(')-O-(gamma),(gamma)-dimethylallyl ether, kaerophyllin and hinokinin), and a triterpene (lupeol). Inhibition of cyclooxygenase and its metabolites may have been involved in the mechanism of action of this plant, considering previous studies reporting the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity for the identified lignans, as well as anti-inflammatory activity for lupeol.     

Anticonvulsant activity of fraction isolated from ethanolic extract of heartwood of Cedrus deodara

The heartwood of Cedrus deodara is traditionally used for the treatment of neurological disorders in India. In this study, the compound 3,4-bis(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)furan-2,5-dione (BDFD) isolated from the ethanolic extract of C. deodara was evaluated for its anticonvulsant activity. The experimental studies were carried out in albino mice (18–22 g) and rats (180–220 g), employing different models of convulsions. The N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA)-induced lethality test and estimation of brain gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were carried out to investigate the mechanism of action of this compound. BDFD gave dose-dependent protection against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-, pilocarpine- and 6-Hz-induced convulsions but it could not inhibit NMDA-induced lethality. Motor incoordination was displayed when the BDFD dose exceeded 400 mg/kg, whereas the therapeutic dose was below 100 mg/kg in the PTZ, pilocarpine and 6-Hz models (39–90 mg/kg). Furthermore, brain GABA estimation revealed that this compound increases the GABA level. BDFD dose levels up to 150 mg/kg did not prevent NMDA-induced lethality, which proves its weak influence on the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. The findings of the experiments on various animal models clearly demonstrated that BDFD possesses anticonvulsant activity by enhancing inhibitory GABAminergic neurotransmission.     

Anti-Helicobacter pylori effect of costunolide isolated from the stem bark ofMagnolia sieboldii

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is now established as the major pathogenic factor in chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. In addition, there is accumulating evidence thatH. pylori plays an important role in the process of gastric carcinogenesis. On the other hand, oriental traditional medicines have been used for stomach disease for thousands of years. In the present study, methanol extract from the stem bark ofMagnolia sieboldii (M. sieboldii) and its components were investigated on their inhibitory effects against urease activity and growth ofH. pylori in vitro. The methanol extract ofM. sieboldii significantly inhibited the growth ofH. pylori ATCC 43504 at 5 mg/ml. From the further fractionation, the chloroform fraction inhibited the bacterial growth dose-dependently. Among four fractions separated from the chloroform fraction by silica gel column chromatography, MS-C-2 was the most potent. Costunolide was isolated from the MS-C-2 subfraction by preparative TLC and recrystallization using n-hexane. Anti-H. pylori effect of costunolide was investigated using one commercial strain (H. pylori ATCC 43504) and three clinical strains (H. pylori 4, 43, 82548). Costunolide exhibited potent anti-H. pylori activity, and the MIC was around 100–200 μg/ml. However, costunolide had no inhibitory effect ofH. pylori urease activity at the concentration used for the growth inhibition assay. From these results, we conclude that costunolide inhibits the growth ofH. pylori by the independent manner ofH. pylori urease inhibition.     

The ameliorative effect of 23-hydroxytormentic acid isolated from Rubus coreanus on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Previously, the authors demonstrated that the triterpenoid glycoside niga-ichigoside F? (NIF?) and its aglycone 23-hydroxytormentic acid (23-HTA) isolated from the unripe fruits of Rubus coreanus (Rosaceae) ameliorate cisplatin-induced toxicity in renal epithelial LLC-PK? cells. In the present study, the nephroprotective effects of NIF? and 23-HTA were investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats with acute renal injury induced by a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of cisplatin (7 mg/kg). Pretreatment with 23-HTA (10 mg/kg/d, per os (p.o.)) significantly reduced cisplatin-induced elevations in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine level, whereas NIF? (10 mg/kg, p.o.) slightly reduced these levels. In addition, pretreatment with 23-HTA prevented cisplatin-induced hydroxyl radical generation, malondialdehyde (MDA) production, glutathione (GSH) depletion, and cisplatin-induced changes in the activities of oxidant and antioxidant enzymes in rat renal tissues. In addition, histopathological examinations showed that 23-HTA pretreatment reduced cisplatin-induced acute tubular necrosis and histological changes. In contrast, NIF? was found to have a slight or no influence on cisplatin-induced oxidative enzymes and acute tubular necrosis. Taken together, these results suggest that protective effect of 23-HTA pretreatment on cisplatin-induced renal damage is associated with the attenuation of oxidative stress and the preservation of antioxidant enzymes.     

Anti-allodynic action of the tormentic acid,a triterpene isolated from plant,against neuropathic and inflammatory persistent pain in mice

Experiments were designed to address whether the pentacyclic triterpene tormentic acid isolated from the stem bark of the plant Vochysia divergens exerts oral anti-allodynic properties in two models of chronic pain in mice: neuropathic pain caused by partial ligation of the sciatic nerve and inflammatory pain produced by intraplantar injection of Complete Freund's Adjuvant. Oral administration of tormentic acid (30 mg/kg) twice a day for several consecutive days produced time-dependent and pronounced anti-allodynia effect in both ispsilateral and contralateral paws after plantar injection of Complete Freund's Adjuvant. The inhibition observed was 82+/-9% and 100+/-11%, respectively. Interestingly, tormentic acid did not inhibit paw oedema formation following Complete Freund's Adjuvant plantar injection. Tormentic acid (30 mg/kg, p.o.) and gabapentin (70 mg/kg, p.o.), given twice a day, inhibited markedly the neuropathic allodynia induced by partial ligation of the sciatic nerve, with inhibition of 91+/-19% and 71+/-16%, respectively. The anti-allodynic action of tormentic acid was not associated with impairment of the motor activity of the animals. Together, the present results indicate that tormentic acid or its derivatives might be of potential interest in the development of new clinically relevant drugs for the management of persistent neuropathic and inflammatory allodynia.     

Physical, chemical and pharmacological characterization of a new oleogel-forming triterpene extract from the outer bark of birch (betulae cortex)

Triterpenes are biologically active secondary plant substances that display antimicrobial, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the poor solubility of triterpenes in both polar and non-polar solvents as well as expensive purification procedures have prevented the large-scale isolation of these compounds for medicinal purposes. Here, we describe a novel quantitative extraction method of triterpenes from the outer bark of birch (Betula species) in which betulin, a lupan triterpene, predominates. The resulting highly purified triterpene extract (TE) in the form of a dry powder contains betulin as the major compound, but also betulinic acid, lupeol, erythrodiol and oleanolic acid. We have found that this TE is able to form an oleogel, thus providing an opportunity for the topical application of pharmacologically relevant amounts of triterpenes. Furthermore, we have investigated the TE in comparison to its major isolated compounds in cell culture experiments with human immortalized keratinocytes and skin cancer cells. We could demonstrate dose-dependent cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing effects of TE and betulin. These experimental data support the notion from a previous clinical study that TE from the outer bark of birch might represent a new tool for the topical treatment of skin cancer and skin cancer precursors like actinic keratoses.     

Antitumor and antioxidant activity of Polyalthia longifolia stem bark ethanol extract

In the present study, the ethanol extract of stem bark of Polyalthia longifolia Benth. and Hook (Annonaceae) was screened for its in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity. In vitro cytotoxicity of P. longifolia extract was assessed in murine cancer cells and in human cancer cells by Trypan blue exclusion assay and MTT assay, respectively. P. longifolia extract showed concentration-dependent cytotoxicity in Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma (EAC) and Dalton’s ascites lymphoma (DLA) cells with IC₅₀ values of 45.77 and 52.52?µg/mL, respectively. In the MTT assay, the IC₅₀ values of P. longifolia extract against HeLa and MCF-7 cells were 25.24 and 50.49 µg/mL, respectively. In vivo antitumor activity against Ehrlich’s ascites tumor and Dalton’s solid tumor models was assessed by administering 50 and 100?mg/kg of P. longifolia extract, i.p., for 7 consecutive days. P. longifolia extract, at a dose of 100?mg/kg, significantly enhanced mean survival time (MST) and marginally improved hematological parameters when compared to EAC control mice. And the same dose significantly reduced the tumor volume as compared to control DLA inoculated mice. Positive control, cisplatin (3.5?mg/kg, i.p., single dose), significantly enhanced MST and improved hematological parameters when compared to EAC and significantly reduced the tumor volume when compared to DLA control. In vitro antioxidant potential of P. longifolia extract was also determined owing to the role of reactive oxygen species in tumor initiation and progression. P. longifolia extract scavenged DPPH radicals, reduced ferric ions and inhibited lipid peroxidation with IC₅₀ values of 18.14, 155.41 and 73.33 µg/mL, respectively.     

Lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity of some constituents isolated from the stem bark ofEucalyptus globulus

Twelve compounds with lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity were isolated from the stem bark of E. globulus. Their structures were assigned as a new aromatic monoterpene (1) and eleven known compounds, pinoresinol (2), vomifoliol (3), 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenol 1-O-beta-D-(6'-O-galloyl)glucopyranoside (4), methyl gallate (5), rhamnazin (6), rhamnetin (7), eriodictyol (8), quercetin (9), taxifolin (10), engelitin (11), and catechin (12) on the basis of UV, mass, and NMR spectroscopic analyses. These compounds except vomifoliol significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsome.     

Antiallergic and anti-inflammatory properties of the ethanolic extract from Gleditsia sinensis

This study was carried out to determine the effects of the 70% ethanolic extract from the anomalous fruits of Gleditsia sinensis LAM. (AFGS) on experimental allergic reactions and inflammation. AFGS (200, 500, 1000 mg/kg, p.o.) dose-dependently inhibited the systemic anaphylactic shock induced by compound 48/80 in mice and cutaneous reactions induced by histamine or serotonin in rats. At doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg, AFGS showed a clear inhibition on homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats. In vitro, AFGS significantly reduced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells triggered by compound 48/80 at concentrations of 20 and 50 micro/ml. Moreover, AFGS (500, 1000 mg/kg, p.o.) showed a significant inhibition on the hind paw edema in rats and ear swelling in mice caused by carrageenin and croton oil, respectively. It also clearly inhibited the vascular permeability induced by acetic acid in mice at a dose of 1000 mg/kg. These findings demonstrate that the ethanolic extract from the anomalous fruits of Gleditsia sinensis possesses antiallergic and anti-inflammatory activities, which may be mediated by reducing the release of mediators such as histamine from mast cells and weakening the inflammatory action of these mediators.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the methanol stem bark extract of Prosopis africana

Prosopis africana (Guill. & Perr.) Taub. (Mimosoideae) is a shrub used for menstrual and general body pain in Nupe land in north central Nigeria. In this study, the methanol extract of the stem bark of Prosopis africana (at doses of 62.5, 125, and 250?mg/kg) was evaluated for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities using acetic acid-induced writhing assay and carrageenan-induced inflammation in rats. The extract significantly (P <0.05) attenuated the acetic acid-induced writhing with the highest activity observed at the highest dose, 250?mg/kg (76.89%) comparable to that of piroxicam (83.16%) the standard agent used. In the carrageenan-induced inflammation assay, the extract showed significant anti-inflammatory activity (P <0.001) from the third hour. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, tannins, and alkaloids. The oral median lethal dose was found to be 3807.9?mg/kg in mice and > 5000?mg/kg in rats. This study supports the folkloric claim of the use of Prosopis africana in the management of pain.     

Evaluation of genotoxicity and DNA protective effects of mangiferin,a glucosylxanthone isolated from Mangifera indica L. stem bark extract

Mangiferin is a glucosylxantone isolated from Mangifera indica L. stem bark. Several studies have shown its pharmacological properties which make it a promising candidate for putative therapeutic use. This study was focused to investigate the in vitro genotoxic effects of mangiferin in the Ames test, SOS Chromotest and Comet assay. The genotoxic effects in bone marrow erythrocytes from NMRI mice orally treated with mangiferin (2000 mg/kg) were also evaluated. Additionally, its potential antimutagenic activity against several mutagens in the Ames test and its effects on CYP1A1 activity were assessed. Mangiferin (50–5000 μg/plate) did not increased the frequency of reverse mutations in the Ames test, nor induced primary DNA damage (5–1000 μg/mL) to Escherichia coli PQ37 cells under the SOS Chromotest. It was observed neither single strand breaks nor alkali-labile sites in blood peripheral lymphocytes or hepatocytes after 1 h exposition to 10–500 μg/mL of mangiferin under the Comet assay. Furthermore, micronucleus studies showed mangiferin neither induced cytotoxic activity nor increased the frequency of micronucleated/binucleated cells in mice bone marrow. In short, mangiferin did not induce cytotoxic or genotoxic effects but it protect against DNA damage which would be associated with its antioxidant properties and its capacity to inhibit CYP enzymes.     

Antinociceptive action of the extract and the flavonoid quercitrin isolated from Bauhinia microstachya leaves

This study examined the antinociceptive effect of Bauhinia microstachya (Leguminosae), a native plant widely distributed in the South of Brazil, in several chemical and mechanical models of pain. The methanolic extract (ME) from B. microstachya (3--30 mg kg(-1), i.p.) and the isolated compound quercitrin (1--10 mg kg(-1), i.p.), given 30 min earlier, produced a dose-dependent inhibition of acetic-acid-induced visceral pain in mice, with a mean ID50 value (dose necessary to reduce the nociceptive response by 50% relative to the control value) of 7.9 and 2.4 mg kg(-1), respectively. The ME of B. microstachya (3--100 mg kg(-1), i.p., 30 min earlier) also caused a dose-dependent inhibition of capsaicin-induced pain, with a mean ID50 value of 18.8 mg kg(-1). Moreover, the ME (3--100 mg kg(-1), i.p., 30 min earlier) produced marked inhibition of both phases of formalin-induced pain, with mean ID50 values for the neurogenic and the inflammatory phases of 30.3 and 17.2 mg kg(-1), respectively. In addition, the ME of B. microstachya (3--300 mg kg(-1), i.p., 30 min earlier) inhibited, in a graded manner, the hyperalgesia induced by bradykinin (3.2 microg/paw), substance P (13.5 microg/paw), carrageenan (300 microg/paw), capsaicin (100 microg/paw) and adrenaline (100 ng/paw) in the rat paw, with mean ID50 values of 20.5, 17.9, 101.8, 54.2 and 99.7 mg kg(-1), respectively. Taken together, these data demonstrate that ME of B. microstachya elicited a pronounced antinociceptive action against several chemical and mechanical models of pain in mice and rats. The precise mechanism responsible for the antinociceptive effect of the extract still remains unclear, but seems to be partly related to modulation of the release or action of pro-inflammatory mediators involved in the models of pain used. Finally, the flavonoid quercitrin isolated from this plant appears to contribute for the antinociceptive property of the methanolic extract.     

Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of the methylene chloride extract of Miconia ligustroides,isolated triterpene acids,and ursolic acid derivatives

The methylene chloride extract of Miconia ligustroides (DC.) Naudin (Melastomataceae), the isolated compounds ursolic and oleanolic acids and a mixture of these acids, and ursolic acid derivatives were evaluated against the following microorganisms: Bacillus cereus (ATCC 14579), Vibrio cholerae (ATCC 9458), Salmonella choleraesuis (ATCC 10708), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 10031), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (ATCC 6305). The microdilution method was used for determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) during evaluation of the antibacterial activity. The methylene chloride extract showed no activity against the selected microorganisms. Ursolic acid was active against B. cereus, showing a MIC value of 20?μg/mL. Oleanolic acid was effective against B. cereus and S. pneumoniae with a MIC of 80?μg/mL in both cases. The mixture of triterpenes, ursolic and oleanolic acids, did not enhance the antimicrobial activity. However, the acetyl and methyl ester derivatives, prepared from ursolic acid, increased the inhibitory activity for S. pneumoniae.     

beta-Amyrin and alpha-amyrin acetate isolated from the stem bark of Alstonia boonei display profound anti-inflammatory activity

Context: Alstonia boonei De Wild (Apocyanaceae) is used in ethnomedicine for the management of malaria, ulcer, rhematic pain, toothache, and inflammatory disorders.

Objective: To investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of β-amyrin and α-amyrin acetate isolated from the stem bark of Alstonia boonei using animal models.

Materials and methods: Chromatographic purification of the crude methanol extract led to the isolation and structure elucidation of β-amyrin and α-amyrin acetate. Their anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated in rodents using egg albumen-induced paw edema and xylene-induced ear edema models. The gastric ulcerogenic, in vivo leucocyte migration, and RBC membrane stabilization tests were also investigated.

Results: α-Amyrin acetate at 100?mg/kg showed significant (p?p?>?0.01) irritation of the gastric mucosa while significant (p?p?p?Discussion and conclusion: This study generally provided evidence of profound anti-inflammatory activity of β-amyrin and α-amyrin acetate isolated from the Alstonia boonei stem bark.     

Antidiabetic activity of an ethanol extract obtained from the stem bark of Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae)

This study analyzed the antidiabetic properties of an ethanol extract of the stem bark of Psidium guajava, an indigenous medicinal plant used to control diabetes in Indian System of Medicine. The anti-hyperglycaemic activity of this plant on blood glucose levels of normal, normal glucose loaded (OGTT) and alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats was evaluated. The results showed that ethanol stem bark extract exhibited statistically significant hypoglycaemic activity in alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats but was devoid of significant hypoglycaemic effect in normal and normal glucose loaded rats (OGTT).