Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of Vochysia ferruginea

Anti-inflammatory activity of a methanol extract of the leaves of Vochysia ferruginea Mart. (Vochysiaceae) was determined in the rat paw edema test. At doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, i.p., the extract reduced edema significantly (p < 0.01) compared with indomethacin (10 mg/kg). It also showed significant dose-dependent analgesic activity (0.3–100 mg/kg) in mice (p < 0.05), compared with acetaminophen (130 mg/kg), and inhibitory activity with cyclooxygenase (COX-1) (72% at 70 mg/ml), compared with indomethacin (2.3 mM). An ulcerogenic effect was observed when the extract was administered to rats.     

Anti-inflammatory,Antinociceptive, and Neuropharmacological Activities of Clerodendron viscosum.

Abstract

The crude methanol extract of Clerodendron viscosum. Vent. (Verbenaceae) leaves was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and neuropharmacological activities. When given orally to rats at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg of body weight, the extract showed a significant (p < 0.001) anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan-induced rat paw edema comparable with the standard drug phenylbutazone at the dose of 100 mg/kg of body weight. It also produced a significant writhing inhibition in acetic acid–induced writhing in mice at the oral dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg of body weight (p < 0.001), which was comparable with the standard drug diclofenac sodium at the dose of 25 mg/kg of body weight. Moreover, when given intraperitoneally to albino mice, it potentiated the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time (p < 0.001), decreased the open field score in open field test (p < 0.001), decreased the number of holes crossed from one chamber to the other in the hole-cross test (p < 0.001), and decreased the head dip responses in the hole-board test (p < 0.001) at the dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg of body weight. The overall results tend to suggest the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and central nervous system depressant activities of the crude methanol extract of Clerodendron viscosum..     

Antihepatotoxic and Trypanocidal Effects of the Root Bark Extract of Uvaria chamae

Antihepatotoxic and trypanocidal activities of a root bark extract derived from Uvaria chamae were tested in vivo and in vitro. The plant material was defatted with n -hexane and extracted with 70% ethanol. The ethanol extract was recovered in a 6.13% w/w yield. The LD 50 of the ethanol extract in mice at 24 hr was 166 mg/kg (i.p.). Intraperitoneal injection of the ethanol extract into mice showed no significant effect on pentobarbitone-induced hypnosis. Pentobarbitone-induced sleep in CCl 4 -poisoned rats was significantly reduced (p&lt;0.005) by oral administration of the extract (60 mg/kg). The elevation of serum GOT, GPT, alkaline phosphatase and urea induced by CCl 4 intoxication in rats was also significantly reduced (p&lt;0.005) by the ethanol extract. Uvaria chamae ethanol extract showed a significant (p&lt;0.005) trypanocidal effect which was comparable to that of diminazine aceturate (r= 0.89). Reduction of existing parasitaemia in mice experimentally infected with Trypanasoma brucei brucei was dose-dependent.     

Some Pharmacological Properties of An Aqueous Extract of Securinega Virosa Roots

An aqueous extract of Securinega virosa is used by traditional healers in Tanga (northeastern Tanzania) as an aphrodisiac and in the treatment of impotence, which is one of the manifestations of diabetes mellitus. An aqueous extract of the roots at doses of 0.1,0.2, 0.4 and 1.0 g/kg body weight lowered the area under the oral glucose tolerance curve (OGTT) in normal albino rabbits by 0.3 (P &gt;0.05), 7.85, 11.0 and 9.6% (P =0.05), respectively. Chlorpropamide (0.1 g/kg body weight) had a greater effect on blood glucose and lowered area under the OGTT curve by 16.3%. The extract, at a dose of 0.4 g/kg body weight, had no effect on fasting blood glucose (FBG) when compared to controls given distilled water (P &gt;0.05), except at 4 h, when the FBG for treated animals was higher. The LD 50 (95% confidence interval) determined by intraperitoneal administration of the extract to white albino mice was 0.30 (0.20–0.50) g/kg body weight. We conclude that the aqueous extract of Securinega virosa roots lowered the area under the OGTT curve dose-dependently at doses between 0.1 and 1.0 g/kg body weight. It did not lower blood glucose below fasting levels both in the fed and fasted state. More work is required to determine the toxic characteristics of the extract and the utility of the observed activity in the management of diabetes mellitus in humans.     

Effect of Petroleum Ether Extract of Guar Gum in Streptozotocin-Induced Hyperglycemic Rats

The oral effectiveness of a petroleum ether extract of guar gum on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemia in albino rats was studied and the results were compared with glibenclamide used as standard drug. The extract treatment (200 mg/kg, p.o.) for a period of 20 days significantly (p &lt; 0.01) decreased blood glucose and blood urea levels and increased the serum proteins and albumin levels (p &lt; 0.01). The results indicate the therapeutic efficacy of guar gum in diabetes.     

Anti-inflammatory Properties of Amaranthus spinosus Leaf Extract

The methanol extract of Amaranthus spinosus L. leaves was evaluated for anti-inflammatory activities in different animal models. The effect of the plant extract was also studied on castor oil–induced diarrhea and gastric mucosal integrity. The extract (25–100 mg/kg) inhibited the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and produced significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of acetic acid–induced increased vascular permeability. Inhibition of the cotton pellet granuloma was also inhibited by 100 mg/kg of the plant extract. Analgesic activity was exhibited with the significant and dose-related reduction in the number of writhings induced with acetic acid, as well reduction in paw licking induced by injection of formalin in mice. The extract (50 and 100 mg/kg) produced gastric erosion in rats, following repeated administration for 4 days, and with 25–100 mg/kg of the extract, there was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction in castor oil–induced diarrhea in rats. These results demonstrate the anti-inflammatory properties of the leaf extract of A. spinosus. It is also suggested that the plant extract probably acts by the inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis.     

Toxic Effects of Dennettia tripetala. Root Extract

Abstract

Toxic effects of the ethyl acetate root extract of Dennettia tripetala. G. Baker (Annonaceae) were studied using in vivo. and in vitro. models. The LD₅₀ of the extract was 1120 mg/kg, i.p. No remarkable change was observed in the major organs on postmortem examination, except for the hyperemia and petechiation of the mucous and serous membranes of gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. The LC₅₀ of 83.96 ppm and estimated ED₅₀ of 8.4 ppm (95% confidence interval) were obtained following a brine shrimp lethality test. The chronic exposure of mice to the extract showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell (RBC) count. The plant extract (0.5–2.0 g extract/kg feed) also produced a dose- and time-related significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the total white blood cell (WBC) count. The total number of lymphocytes and neutrophils were reduced. There was significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the relative organ weight (ROW) of liver on day 63 for all the treatment groups and spleen for the mice that received 2.0 g extract/kg feed. The extract produced a significant (p < 0.05) increase in ROW of the heart on day 63 in mice fed 2.0 g extract/kg diet. The vascular effects of the extract include degenerative, necrotic, and regenerative changes with cellular (mainly mononuclear leukocytes) infiltration in the portal areas of the liver, which was both dose- and time-dependent. The kidneys showed areas of hyperemia, hemorrhages, tubular epithelial degeneration, and necrosis with mononuclear leukocytes infiltrating the perivascular spaces and interstices.     

Anti-inflammatory Properties of Entada abyssinica. Leaves

Abstract

The effects of the defatted methanol extract of Entada abyssinica. Steud. ex A. Rich leaves on some models of inflammation were investigated. The analgesic property of the plant extract was also tested on acetic acid–induced writhing, as well as formalin-induced paw licking, in mice. The antipyretic effect was evaluated using yeast-induced hyperpyrexia in mice. At doses of 50–200 mg/kg, the extract produced significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of leukocyte migration after intraperitoneal injection of carrageenan in rats. A topical anti-inflammatory effect was produced by 20 mg/ear of the extract, as demonstrated by inhibition of croton oil–induced ear edema in mice. The analgesic property of the plant extract was observed by inhibition of acetic acid–induced writhing and paw licking induced by formalin in mice. The extract, however, exhibited no antipyretic activity. This study further established the anti-inflammatory activity of E. abyssinica., in addition to its analgesic effect.     

Hypoglycaemic Activity of an Aqueous Extract from Ficus Carica (Fig Tree) Leaves in Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats

To investigate the hypoglycaemic activity of Ficus carica leaf aqueous extract, a decoction was administred to rats in lieu of drinking water for three weeks. The groups were: untreated non-diabetic (n = 13), untreated diabetic (n = 13), treated non-diabetic (n =13) and treated diabetic (n = 13) animals. The extract decreased (p &lt; 0.025) plasma glucose in diabetic (27.9 ± 4.5 mmol/L to 19.6 ± 9.9 mmol/L) while not in normal rats. Plasma insulin levels were decreased by treatment (p &lt; 0.05) in non-diabetic rats from 4.9± 1.6 ng/mL to 3.3 ± 1.2 ng/mL. Glucose uptake (µmol/min) by rat hindquarters perfused was: 5.9 ± 2.2 (untreated non-diabetic rats), 4.8 ± 2.3 (treated non-diabetic rats, p &lt; 0.05 vs. untreated non-diabetic rats), 2.0 ± 2.0 (untreated diabetic rats, p &lt; 0.01 vs. untreated non-diabetic rats) and 4.1 ± 3.6 (treated diabetic rats) in absence of insulin; 7.0 ± 1.7 (untreated non-diabetic rats), 8.3 ± 0.8 (treated non-diabetic rats, p &lt; 0.05 vs. untreated non-diabetic rats), 5.0 ± 1.6 (untreated diabetic rats, p &lt; 0.05 vs. untreated non-diabetic rats) and 6.4 ± 2.4 (treated diabetic rats) in presence of insulin. Lactate released was lower in untreated diabetic vs. untreated non-diabetic rats. Thus, Ficus carica extract showed a clear hypoglycaemic effect in diabetic rats. Such an effect cannot be mediated by an enhanced insulin secretion, so an as yet undefined insulin-like peripheral effect, may be suggested.     

Hypoglycemic activity of aqueous seed extract of Hunteria umbellata in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The present study evaluated the aqueous seed extract of Hunteria umbellata K. Schum (Apocynaceae) for hypoglycemic activity in rats. Diabetes was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (50?mg/kg i.p.). Daily doses of 400, 800, and 1000?mg/kg of extract were orally administered to fasted normal and diabetic rats. Blood glucose levels were monitored after 0, 2, 4, 8, 12?h and on day 14 post treatment. Liver glycogen levels were also estimated on day 14. In normal rats, only 400?mg/kg of the extract produced a significant reduction in blood glucose at the 4?h (P?<?0.05) which was 22.15?±?4.88%. In diabetic rats, the extract, 400, 800?mg/kg, caused significant reduction (P?<?0.01), 51.87% ± 5.79% and 43.47% ± 8.06% respectively, with maximum effect at 8?h. This reduction in blood glucose was greater than that of glibenclamide (31.03% ± 8.86%). Diabetic rats administered with 400?mg/kg extract produced a significant reduction (P?<?0.01) on day 14 (43.60% ± 8.10%). Liver glycogen levels were significantly increased (P?<?0.05) in diabetic rats administered with doses of 400 and 800?mg/kg extracts and these were comparable to glibenclamide. Acute toxicity data showed no mortality in mice up to 17.5?g/kg. We conclude that the extract possesses marked hypoglycemic effects in diabetic rats possibly through increased glycogenesis, thus justifying its use in herbal medicine for the treatment of diabetes.     

Anti-Inflammatory,Antipyretic And Antispasmodic Properties Of Chromolaena Odorata

A methanol extract of the leaves of Chromolaena odorata was evaluated for anti-inflammatory effects in the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model as well as for antipyretic activity in mice. The effects of the extract on intestinal transit of charcoal meal and castor oil-induced diarrhoea were also investigated. The extract (50-200 mg/kg) inhibited paw edema in rats and produced significant (p &lt;0.05) reduction in rectal temperature of mice rendered hyperthermic by yeast suspension. Antimotility and antidiarrhoeal effects were produced by the extract in intact mice. This study establishes the out-inflammatory, antipyretic, and anti-spasmodic properties of C. odorata.     

Hydroalcoholic extract of Myrtus communis can alter anxiety and sleep parameters: a behavioural and EEG sleep pattern study in mice and rats

Context: Myrtus communis L. (Myrtaceae), myrtle, is an evergreen shrub with strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activities. Also, it is used as a sedative-hypnotic plant in Iranian traditional medicine.

Objective: This study evaluates the effect of 80% ethanolic extract of M. communis leaves on sleep and anxiety in mice and rats.

Materials and methods: Male NMRI mice were subjected to open field, righting reflex, grip strength and pentylentetrazole-induced seizure tests. Male Wistar rats were used to evaluate the alterations in rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM (NREM) sleep. They were treated with 25–400?mg/kg doses of the extract intraperitoneally.

Results: The applied doses (50–200?mg/kg) of M. communis extract increased vertical (ED_50?=_?40.2?±?6.6?mg/kg) and vertical and horizontal activity (ED_50?=_?251?±?55?mg/kg), while treatment with 200 and 400?mg/kg attenuated muscle tone significantly compared to vehicle treated animals (p?<?0.001 for all) in a dose-independent manner. Also, a significant hypnotic and not anticonvulsant effect was observed when animals were treated with 200?mg/kg of the extract (p?<?0.01). In this regard, electroencephalography results showed that REM sleep time was decreased (2.4?±?0.5%), while total and NREM sleep times were increased significantly compared to the control group of mice (82.5?±?7.6%).

Discussion and conclusion: The data show the anxiolytic and muscle relaxant effect of the extract without anticonvulsant activities. The anxiolytic, myorelaxant and hypnotic effects without effect on seizure threshold are in line with the effect of a alpha 2 GABA receptor agonist.     

HPLC profile and antihyperglycemic effect of ethanol extracts of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Andrographis paniculata</Emphasis> in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Andrographis paniculata is a Malaysian traditional herb for treatment of fever-causing diseases and diabetes. The aim of the present study was to examine the antihyperglycemic effects of different extracts (95, 50, and 20% ethanol extracts and water extracts) of A. paniculata in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Only the treatment with 20% ethanol extract (at 1 g/kg for 7 h, p.o.) significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the rise in blood glucose levels in glucose-loaded rats. None of the different extracts (at 1 g/kg for 7 h, p.o.) significantly (P > 0.05) altered the blood glucose levels in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats as compared to the control group. However, administration of the 50 and 95% ethanol extracts (at 1 g/kg for 14 days, p.o.) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced fasting blood glucose and insulin levels in normal and diabetic rats compared to the pre-treatment level. HPLC profiles of the extracts were developed using andrographolide (AP) as a marker. The amounts of AP in 95, 50, and 20% ethanol extracts and water extracts were 25.8, 19.4, 2.0, and 0.8 mg/g of dry weight, respectively.     

In Vitro And In Vivo Antitrypanosomal Potential Of Nyctanthes Arbor-Tristis Leaves

Antitrypanosomal potential of a crude 50% ethanolic extract of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis leaves was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The extract exhibited trypanocidal activity at the highest concentration (1000 µg/ml) tested. In vivo studies revealed that the extract exerted antitrypanosomal effects at doses of 300 and 1000 mg/kg, intraperitoneally and significantly (P &lt; 0.05; P &lt; 0.01) prolonged the survival period of the Trypanosoma evansi infected mice. However, as soon as the treatment with the extract was discontinued, the parasitaemia increased and resulted in the death of the experimental animals.     

Effect of Cleome arabica Leaf Extract on Rat Paw Edema and Human Neutrophil Migration

The anti-inflammatory activity of Cleome arabica leaf extract was studied in vivo and in vitro. Firstly, the extract was examined for its anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema as a model of acute inflammation. A subplantar injection of 0.1 ml of carrageenan 1% induced a progressive swelling of the rat paw in all time points, that reached a maximal volume in placebo group within 5 h. Results showed that pre-treatment of rats by Cleome arabica leaf extract, 1 h prior the injection of the phlogogenic agent, prevented the increase of the edema in dose-dependent manner with an ED 50 of 231 mg/kg, body weight. The extract doses 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, reduced edema to 65.54 ± 5.2%, 57.86 ± 8%, and 41.54 ± 3.6%, respectively, 5 h after the carrageenan injection. Secondly, we have examined the effect of Cleome arabica leaf extract on human neutrophil migration induced by fMLP (10 -7 M), using 48-well chemotaxis chamber. Results showed that the extract inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis significantly (p &lt; 0.01) and in a dose-dependent manner. Neutrophil migration was reduced to 16.71 ± 4.6% in presence of 50µg/ml of Cleome arabica leaf extract. It appears that the antiinflammatory activity of Cleome arabica leaf extract, observed in vivo as well as in vitro, could be due to its high flavonoid content (19%). These results may contribute to explain the use of this plant in folk medicine.     

Protective effect of Amaranthus spinosus against d-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatic failure

The current study is an effort to identify the hepatoprotective activity of the 50% ethanol extract of the whole plant of Amaranthus spinosus Linn. (Amaranthaceae) against d-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (d-GalN/LPS)-induced liver injury in rats. d-GalN/LPS (300?mg/kg body weight/30 µg/kg body weight)-induced hepatic damage was manifested by a significant (p <0.05) increase in the activities of marker enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and gamma glutamyl transferase) and bilirubin level in serum while phospholipids significantly decreased. All other parameters, i.e. cholesterol, triglycerides and free fatty acids were increased significantly in both serum and liver compared to the control group. Pretreatment of rats with A. spinosus extract (400?mg/kg) significantly (p <0.05) reversed these altered parameters to normal compared to the intoxicated group. The biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination of liver sections. There were no significant changes in the activities of marker enzymes, bilirubin level and lipids in the rats treated with A. spinosus extract alone. Results of this study revealed that A. spinosus extract could afford a significant protection against d-GalN/LPS-induced hepatocellular injury.     

Effect of baicalein on experimental prostatic hyperplasia in rats and mice

We determined the effect of baicalein on prostatic hyperplasia in experimental animal models. Prostatic hyperplasia was induced by testosterone propionate in mice and castrated rats and by transplantation of homologous strain fetal mice urogenital sinus in mice. With the histopathological examination, the efficacy of baicalein on prostate hyperplasia in experimental animals was evaluated by the activity of serum acid phosphatase (ACP) and the following norm of the prostate gland: the volume, wet weight, wet weight index, dry weight index, DNA contents and prostatic epithelial height and cavity diameter. Results showed that baicalein at doses of 260 and 130 mg/kg administrated intragastrically (i.g.) significantly inhibited prostatic hyperplasia in castrated rats induced by testosterone propionate compared with the negative control group (p<0.01). Baicalein at doses of 520 and 260 mg/kg (i.g.) also significantly inhibited prostatic hyperplasia in mice induced by transplantation of homologous strain fetal mouse urogenital sinus and by testosterone propionate (p<0.01). These results suggested that baicalein has an inhibitory effect on prostatic hyperplasia in experimental animals.     

The in vivo effect of Cordyceps sinensis mycelium on plasma corticosterone level in male mouse

Cordyceps sinensis (CS), an Ascomycetes fungus parasitic to Lepidoptera larvae, has been traditionally used as nutritious food for the enhancement in immuno-modulation in Chinese society for a long time. Previous report has demonstrated the CS water extract stimulates in vitro corticosterone production in rat primary adrenal cells. In the present studies, we determined the in vivo effects of CS and its fractions on plasma corticosterone production in mouse. Different concentrations of CS and CS fractions dissolved in water (0.02 and 0.2 mg/g body weight) were fed to immature and mature mice from 1, 3 or 7 d. The plasma levels of corticosterone were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA), and the weight of adrenal gland and body weight were also evaluated. Results illustrated that plasma corticosterone levels were significantly induced by F2 at 0.02 mg/g body weight with 7 d feeding in immature mice, and by CS at 0.02 mg/g body weight with 3 d feeding and F3 at 0.02 mg/g body weight for 7 d feeding in mature mice, respectively (p < 0.05). There were no differences of adrenal gland weight except there was significant stimulation by CS at 0.2 mg/g body weight with 3 d feeding in mature mice (p < 0.05) and there were significant inhibitions by both dosages of F3 for 3 d feeding in immature mice and F2 for 7 d feeding in mature mice (p < 0.05), respectively. Concerning body weight, the stimulatory effects were observed with CS feeding at 0.2 mg/g body weight for 7 d and F3 feeding at 0.02 mg/g body weight for 3 and 7 d in mature mice. Whereas, the inhibitory effect were observed in F2 feeding at 0.2 mg/g body weight for 7 d in immature mice and at both dosages for 7 d in mature mice, respectively. Taken together, these studies illustrate that CS and its fractions stimulated mouse in vivo corticosterone production. However, CS and its fractions didn't have constant stimulatory or inhibitory effects on the weights of body and adrenal glands.     

Anti-Hepatotoxic Properties of Vitex doniana Bark Extract

The ability of an aqueous extract of Vitex doniana bark (a plant traditionally used in the treatment of liver disease) to protect the liver of albino rats from carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage was evaluated by measuring serum levels of alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin and total protein. Treatment with an aqueous bark extract (200–1000 mg/kg body weight) of V. doniana after CCl 4 administration significantly decreased serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP and bilirubin (P &lt; 0.01), while the total protein level remained the same for both the test and control rats. The anti-hepatotoxic effect appears to depend on the dosage administered and on the duration of treatment. Administration of the same concentrations of aqueous extract of the plant prior to CCl 4 administration did not seem to offer any protection. Results suggest that the stembark extract of V doniana may be hepato-protective.     

Prevention of Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity by the Ethanol Extract of Capparis moonii Fruits in Rats

The effect of the ethanol extract of Capparis moonii Hook. f. Thoms. (Capparidaceae) fruits was studied in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The hepatotoxicity was induced in rats with the administration of 1 : 1 (v/v) mixture of CCl₄ in olive oil at the dose of 1 ml/kg subcutaneously on day 7. The ethanol extract of C. moonii (200 mg/kg) and the standard drug silymarin (25 mg/kg) were given orally from day 1 to day 9. The extract of C. moonii produced significant (p &lt; 0.001) lowering of the elevated Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminace (SGOT) Serum glutamicpyraric transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and a rise of depleted total protein when compared with the toxic control. The results were comparable with the standard drug silymarin.