Aqueous garlic extract attenuates hepatitis and oxidative stress induced by galactosamine/lipoploysaccharide in rats

Injection of D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide (DGaIN/LPS) is useful as an experimental model of acute hepatic damage. Juvenile rats were used for investigation. The hepatoprotective activity of aqueous garlic (Allium sativum) extract (AGE) at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight for 14 days, intraperitoneal (i.p.) prior to the induction of DGalN/LPS, was investigated against DGalN/LPS-induced hepatitis in rats. DGalN/LPS (300 mg/kg body weight/30 microg/kg body weight, i.p.), induced hepatic damage that was manifested by a significant increase in the activities of marker enzymes [alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and gamma glutamyl transferase (gamma GT)], bilirubin, lipid peroxides (LPO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity level in serum. Also, the lipid profile in serum and liver homogenate including total cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids were significantly deteriorated. The antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, SOD; reduced glutathione, GSH; catalase, CAT and glutathione peroxidase, GPX) in liver homogenate were significantly decreased in the DGalN/LPS. Pretreatment of rats with AGE reversed these altered parameters near to normal control values. Results of this study revealed that AGE could afford a significant protection in the alleviation of DGalN/LPS-induced hepatic damage.     

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect of swertiamarin from Enicostemma axillare against d-galactosamine induced acute liver damage in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The whole plant of Enicostemma axillare Raynal (Family: Gentianaceae) is used in variety of diseases in traditional Indian system of medicine including hepatic ailments.

Aim of the study

Swertiamarin isolated from Enicostemma axillare Raynal was evaluated for antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity.

Materials and methods

Swertiamarin was isolated from successive ethyl acetate extract of the plant Enicostemma axillare belongs to the family Gentianaceae. The concentration of swertiamarin was determined by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). The hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of swertiamarin (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) was carried out against d-Galactosamine (d-GalN) (200 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally i.p.) induced liver injury in rats.

Results

Swertiamarin a secoiridoid glycoside was found to contain a major constituent of the extract. d-GalN caused significant hepatotoxicity by alteration of several hepatic parameters. It also caused significant lipid peroxidation and reduced the levels of antioxidant defense mechanisms. The treatment with swertiamarin at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight when administered orally for 8 days prior to d-GalN caused a significant restoration of all the altered biochemical parameters due to d-GalN towards the normal, indicating the potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective nature of swertiamarin.

Conclusions

Swertiamarin isolated from Enicostemma axillare possesses significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties against d-GalN induced hepatotoxicity given at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight orally for 8 days, which might be due to its in vitro antioxidant activity.     

The protective effects of total saponins from Ornithogalum saundersiae (Liliaceae) on acute hepatic failure induced by lipopolysaccharide and d-galactosamine in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

This study examined the protective effects of total saponins from Ornithogalum saundersiae (Liliaceae) on d-galactosamine (d-GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) - induced fulminant hepatic failure.

Materials and methods

Total saponins of Ornithogalum saundersiae (Liliaceae) (OC) were prepared with ethyl alcohol extract from bulbs of the plant. Mice were given an intraperitoneal injection of d-GalN (700 mg/kg)/LPS (10 μg/kg). OC (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) was administered orally for 3 days continuously, and at the last day at 1 h before the d-GalN/LPS injection. Mice were sacrificed at 8 h after the d-GalN/LPS injection. The liver injury was assessed biochemically, investigating aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) activities, and the expressions of caspase-3 and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) as well. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) content was measured after d-GalN/LPS induced 1 h by ELISA assay. The survival rates after application of OC in 24 h also were observed.

Results

d-GalN/LPS increased the serum aminotransferase levels and lipid peroxidation, while decreased the reduced glutathione level. The pretreatment with OC attenuated these changes in a dose-dependent manner. Elevation of TNF-α level and activation of caspase-3, HIF-1α were observed in the d-GalN/LPS group, which was attenuated by OC. The survival rate of the OC groups was significantly higher than that of the d-GalN/LPS group.

Conclusions

Protection afforded by OC against d-GalN/LPS-induced fulminant hepatic failure is the result of reduced oxidative stress, inhibited expression of caspase-3, HIF-1α, and anti-apoptotic activity.     

Immunomodulatory effects of aqueous extract of Tridax procumbens in experimental animals

The immunomodulatory properties of ethanol insoluble fraction of aqueous extract of Tridax procumbens Linn. (TPEIF) have been investigated. After intraperitoneal administration of TPEIF in doses of 0.25 and 0.5 g/kg body weight (BW) a significant increase in phagocytic index, leukocyte count and spleenic antibody secreting cells was noticed. Stimulation of humoral immune response was further observed with elevation in heamagglutination antibody titer. Heightened delayed type hypersensitivity reaction suggested convincing evidence for activation of cellular immune system. Protective action of herbal medicine in case of anaphylactic shock was also studied. In addition, elicitation of specific antibody titer against tetanus toxoid (TT) challenge was measured in order to explore the possible use as adjuvant along with clinical vaccination program to reduce number of non-responders. The results suggest that TPEIF influences both humoral as well as cell mediated immune system vis-a-vis assists in genesis of improved antibody response against specific clinical antigen.     

Studies on hepatoprotective, antispasmodic and calcium antagonist activities of the aqueous-methanol extract of Achillea millefolium

The crude extract of Achillea millefolium (Am.Cr) was studied for its possible hepatoprotective effect against d-galactosamine (d-GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced hepatitis in mice and antispasmodic effect in isolated gut preparations to rationalize some of the folklore uses. Co-administration of d-GalN (700 mg/kg) and LPS (25 microg/kg) produced 100% mortality in mice. Pre-treatment of animals with Am.Cr (300 mg/kg) reduced the mortality to 40%. Co-administration of d-GalN (700 mg/kg) and LPS (1 microg/kg) significantly raised the plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels compared with values in the control group (p < 0.05). Pre-treatment of mice with Am.Cr (150-600 mg/kg) significantly prevented the toxins induced rise in plasma ALT and AST (p < 0.05). The hepatoprotective effect of Am.Cr was further verified by histopathology of the liver, which showed improved architecture, absence of parenchymal congestion, decreased cellular swelling and apoptotic cells, compared with the toxin group of animals. In isolated rabbit jejunum preparations, Am.Cr caused a concentration-dependent (0.3-10 mg/mL) relaxation of both spontaneous and K(+)-induced contractions as well as shifting the Ca(++) concentration-response curves (CRCs) to the right, similar to that caused by verapamil. These results indicate that the crude extract of Achillea millefolium exhibits a hepatoprotective effect, which may be partly attributed to its observed calcium channel blocking activity.     

Analgesic, antiinflammatory and antidiabetic properties of Harpagophytum procumbens DC (Pedaliaceae) secondary root aqueous extract

South Africa is blessed with a rich floral biodiversity of medicinally useful plants. One such plant is Harpagophytum procumbens DC (Family: Pedaliaceae). H. procumbens is widely used in South African traditional medicine for the treatment, management and/or control of a variety of human ailments. In the present study, the analgesic effect of H. procumbens secondary root aqueous extract was evaluated in mice, using the 'hot-plate' and 'acetic acid' test methods; while the antiinflammatory and antidiabetic effects of the plant's secondary root extract were investigated in rats. Fresh egg albumin-induced pedal oedema and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus were used as experimental test models of inflammation and diabetes Diclofenac (DIC, 100 mg/kg i.p.) was used as a reference analgesic and antiinflammatory agent for comparison. Chlorpropamide (250 mg/kg p.o.) was used as a reference hypoglycaemic agent for comparison. H. procumbens root aqueous extract (HPE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) produced significant (p < 0.05-0.001) analgesic effects against thermally and chemically induced nociceptive pain stimuli in mice. H. procumbens root extract (HPE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) also produced dose-related, significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) of the fresh egg albumin-induced acute inflammation of the rat hind paw oedema. Furthermore, the plant extract (HPE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) produced dose-dependent, significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) in the blood glucose concentrations of both fasted normal and fasted diabetic rats. The results of this experimental animal study indicate that H. procumbens root aqueous extract possesses analgesic, antiinflammatory and hypoglycaemic properties, and lend pharmacological support to the suggested folklore uses of Harpagophytum procumbens root in the management and/or control of painful, arthritic and other inflammatory conditions, as well as for adult-onset, type-2 diabetes mellitus in some communities of South Africa.     

Hepatoprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum peptides against d-galactosamine-induced liver injury in mice

Ganoderma lucidum (GL), a traditional Chinese medicinal mushroom, has been widely used for the treatment of chronic hepatopathy of various etiologies. The hepatoprotective activity of peptides from Ganoderma lucidum (GLP) was evaluated against d-galactosamine (d-GalN)-induced hepatic injury in mice. GLP was administered via gavage daily for 2 weeks at doses of 60, 120 and 180 mg/kg, respectively. Control groups were given the same amount of physiological saline synchronously. Then the mice from d-GalN control and GLP-treated groups were treated with d-GalN (750 mg/kg) suspended in normal saline by intraperitoneal injection. d-GalN-induced hepatic damage was manifested by a significant increase in the activities of marker enzymes (AST, ALT) in serum and MDA level in liver (P<0.01), and by a significant decrease in activity of SOD and GSH level in liver (P<0.01). Pretreatment of mice with GLP reversed these altered parameters to normal values. The biochemical results were supplemented by histopathological examination of liver sections. The best hepatoprotective effects of GLP were observed after treatment with the dose of 180 mg/kg as it was evidenced from biochemical parameters and liver histopathological characters which were similar to those of normal control group. Results of this study revealed that GLP could afford a significant protection in the alleviation of d-GalN-induced hepatocellular injury.     

Effect of Cassia auriculata Linn. on serum glucose level,glucose utilization by isolated rat hemidiaphragm

An aqueous leaf extract of Cassia auriculata (C. auriculata) was found to lower the serum glucose level in normal rats. Maximum reduction in serum glucose level was observed after 4 h at a dose levels of 100, 200, 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract. In normal rats the serum glucose level reduction at 4th h was 23% by 100 mg/kg body weight and 31% by 200 mg/kg body weight. In alloxan-induced diabetic rats, chronic administration of the extract significantly reduced the serum glucose level from third day to till the end of the experiment. The extract was also found to inhibit the body weight reduction induced by alloxan administration. Glucose uptake and glycogen deposition studies suggest that C. auriculata leaf extract probably has no direct insulin like effect which can enhance the peripheral utilization of glucose.     

Hepatoprotective activity of Centaurium erythraea on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The methanol extract of the leaves of Centaurium erythraea L. (Gentianaceae) was evaluated for hepatoprotective activity against acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity in rats. An oral dose of 300 mg/kg/day for 6 days or a single dose of 900 mg/kg for 1 day exhibited a significant protective effect by lowering serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The activity of the extract was supported by histopathological examination of liver sections.     

Effects of Nigella unguicularis fixed oil on blood biochemistry and oxidant/antioxidant balance in rats

In the present study, Nigella unguicularis (Lam.) Spenner (Ranunculaceae) (Nu) fixed oil was administered orally to Wistar Kyoto rats for 4 weeks. The effects of the oil on serum lipid profile, haematological parameters and oxidant/antioxidant balance were investigated. The study showed that daily administration of the oil (1 ml/kg orally for 4 weeks) caused a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose levels and a significant elevation of serum high-density lipoprotein level. The serum transaminases ( aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT)), alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, urea, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration decreased significantly while albumin, mean corpuscular volume and fibrinogen levels increased significantly compared to control values. The administration of the oil (1 ml/kg orally for 4 weeks) caused a significant increase total antioxidant status in rats. Treatment with Nigella unguicularis oil did not effect malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. It is concluded that Nigella unguicularis oil possesses favourable metabolic effects on blood biochemistry and oxidant/antioxidant balance in rats.     

Effect of picroliv on antioxidant-system in liver of rats,after partial hepatectomy

Levels of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase in the serum of rats increased maximally at 12 h and bilirubin at 24 h, while total proteins decreased maximally at 48 h after partial hepatectomy. The levels of total lipids, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase in liver increased maximally at 12 h and catalase at 24 h, but the activities of peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase decreased maximally at 12 h. After the period of maximal initial increase/decrease, the changes in these parameters in liver and serum started recovering towards their prehepatectomy levels. When a similar study was performed in rats fed 12 mg/kg body wt picroliv (an iridoid glycoside fraction of Picrorhiza kurroa) once daily for 7 days, the rate of recovery of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase in serum and total lipids, reduced glutathione, peroxidase, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase in liver was faster.     

Hepatoprotective activity of Trianthema portulacastrum L. against paracetamol and thioacetamide intoxication in albino rats

The ethanolic extract of Trianthema portulacastrum L. (Aizoaceae) showed a significant dose dependent (100 mg, 200 mg/kg p.o. 10x) protective effect against paracetamol and thioacetamide induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. The degree of protection was measured by using biochemical parameters like serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin (BRN), and total protein (TP). The plant extract completely prevented the toxic effects of paracetamol (acetaminophen) and thioacetamide on the above serum parameters. A significant hepatoprotective activity of the ethanolic extracts of Trianthema portulacastrum L. was reported.     

Anti-diabetic activity of Picrorrhiza kurroa extract

An alcoholic extract of Picrorrhiza kurroa was found to lower blood glucose in basal conditions and after a heavy glucose load in normal rats. Maximum reduction in serum glucose was observed after 2 h at a dose level of 75 mg extract/kg of body weight. P. kurroa extract was also found to reduce the increase of blood sugar in alloxan-induced diabetic rats (43% at 75 mg/kg body weight and 60% at 150 mg/kg body weight). Chronic administration of the extract significantly reduced the blood sugar in alloxan-induced diabetic rats for several days (10 days). The extract was also found to reduce the increased blood urea nitrogen and serum lipid peroxides in alloxan-induced diabetic animals and to inhibit the body weight reduction and leukopenia induced by alloxan administration. These results indicate that P. kurroa extracts are able to ameliorate biochemical damages induced by alloxan in diabetic rats.     

Evaluation of acute and chronic treatments with Harpagophytum procumbens on Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

The extract of Harpagophytum procumbens, widely utilized in Europe and, more recently, in other countries, is traditionally indicated to treat inflammatory processes. Harpagophytum procumbens acts by way of interleukins and leukocyte migration to the painful and inflamed joint area. Chemically, its secondary tuberous roots contains iridoid glycosides, harpagogide, procumbide, and harpagoside, as the active principle. The purpose of the present study was evaluate the therapeutic potential as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent in rat model of Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis both in the acute and chronic phases. The animals were injected with Freund's adjuvant in sub-plantar tissue of the right posterior paw and randomly assigned in acute (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg) or chronic (100 mg/kg) treatments with Harpagophytum procumbens solution test or vehicle. Then, submitted to behavioral test and assessment of body weight and right paw's measurements. The results show that Harpagophytum procumbens extract increased the animals 'latency of paws' withdrawal, indicating a protective effect against the pain induced by the thermal stimulus, both in acute and chronic treatments. In addition to reduction in the right paw edema in the experimental groups when compared to control group. Thus, the data showed anti-inflammatory and peripheral analgesic properties of Harpagophytum procumbens extract with all doses tested, thus confirming its indication for inflammatory processes.     

清热解毒中药有效组分配伍对内毒素致大鼠感染性脑水肿的保护作用

目的：探讨清热解毒中药黄芩、栀子等有效组分配伍而成的注射液（TLQN注射液）对内毒素（LPS）所致大鼠感染性脑水肿的脑保护作用及其可能机制。方法：70只SD大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、清开灵组（3 mL/kg）、地塞米松组（10 mg/kg）、TLQN注射液低、中、高剂量组（24、47.5、95 mg/kg）。经颈内动脉注射LPS（1 mg/kg）建立感染性脑损伤模型,各给药组在注入LPS后立即尾静脉注射相应药物。造模前以及造模6h后各测量一次体温。取各组脑组织标本,干湿法测定脑组织含水量,甲酰胺法检测脑组织伊文思蓝（EB）水平,HE染色后观察各组脑组织病理形态变化,酶联免疫法（ELISA）检测各组血清TNF-α、IL-6含量。结果：模型组体温、脑组织含水量和EB含量明显高于正常组（P〈0.01）,皮质及海马区存在广泛的神经元、胶质细胞损伤,血清TNF-α及IL-6水平显著升高（P〈0.01）;TLQN注射液可明显降低模型大鼠体温（P〈0.05）,减少脑组织含水量及EB含量（P〈0.05,0.01）,改善脑组织神经元、胶质细胞损伤,显著降低血清TNF-α和IL-6水平（P〈0.05）。结论：清热解毒中药有效组分配伍对LPS致大鼠感染性脑损伤有保护作用,其机制可能与抑制TNF-α和IL-6等细胞因子过度产生有关。     

Hypolipidaemic action of Tinospora cordifolia roots in alloxan diabetic rats

We undertook the present study to evaluate the hypolipidaemic effect of an aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia roots, an indigenous plant used in Ayurvedic medicine in India. Administration of the extract of T. cordifolia roots (2.5 and 5.0 g/kg body weight) for 6 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in serum and tissue cholesterol, phospholipids and free fatty acids in alloxan diabetic rats. The root extract at a dose of 5.0 g/kg body weight showed highest hypolipidaemic effect. The effect of T. cordifolia roots at 2.5 and 5.0 g/kg body weight was better than glibenclamide. Insulin restored all the parameters to near normal values.     

五苓散对腹泻模型大鼠体重及血清、尿渗透压的影响

目的:观察五苓散对腹泻模型大鼠体重及血清、尿渗透压的影响。方法:将SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组、腹泻模型组、氢氯噻嗪组、口服盐液组、五苓散低、中、高剂量组7组,观察大鼠腹泻状态、测体重等。分别于第4天上午、第7天上午收集大鼠尿液、血液。采用冰点法检测血清渗透压、尿渗透压。结果:正常组大鼠体重在实验期间继续增长,模型组体重增长下降,口服盐液组体重继续增长但低于正常组、高于其他组,氢氯噻嗪组和五苓散各剂量组体重停止增长或体重下降,各组大鼠血清渗透压实验前后没有明显变化,模型组和口服盐液组尿渗透压下降。结论:3.6g/kg番泻叶浸液灌胃可致大鼠腹泻、体重增长下降,尿渗透压降低;口服盐液有利于腹泻模型大鼠维持体重增长;5.4g/kg五苓散灌胃显示止泻作用,但五苓散和氢氯噻嗪的利尿作用不利于腹泻模型大鼠体重增长,应用时亦注意补充水液。     

针刺对前列腺增生大鼠防治作用的研究

目的:探讨针刺对前列腺增生的影响及其作用机理。方法:SD雄性大鼠30只,随机分为假手术组、模型组和捻转补法组。皮下注射丙酸睾酮复制前列腺增生大鼠模型。捻转补法组采用捻转针刺补法进行治疗,取“关元”“气海”和“三阴交”穴,留针20 min,每日1次,共针刺21 d。造模及治疗结束后,计算大鼠前列腺重量指数,放免法检测大鼠血清睾丸酮、雌二醇,光镜和电镜下观察大鼠前列腺形态学的变化。结果:模型组大鼠前列腺重量指数和血清雌二醇与假手术组比较明显升高(P<0.01),腺上皮细胞数目与假手术组比较明显增加。针刺组大鼠前列腺重量指数和血清雌二醇与模型组比较明显降低(P<0.01),腺上皮细胞数目与模型组比较明显减少。血清睾丸酮在各组均无明显变化。结论:捻转针刺补法能明显降低前列腺增生大鼠血清雌二醇和前列腺重量指数,从而发挥其抑制前列腺增生的作用。