Antitumor activity and antioxidant status of Caesalpinia bonducella against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice

The methanol extract of Caesalpinia bonducella FLEMING (Caesalpiniaceae) leaves (MECB) were evaluated for antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing Swiss albino mice. The extract was administered at the doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight per day for 14 days after 24 h of tumor inoculation. After the last dose and 18 h fasting, the mice were sacrificed. The present study deals with the effect of MECB on the growth of transplantable murine tumor, life span of EAC-bearing hosts, hematological profile, and biochemical parameters such as lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione content (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities. MECB caused significant (P<0.01) decrease in tumor volume, packed cell volume, and viable cell count; and it prolonged the life span of EAC-tumor bearing mice. Hematological profile converted to more or less normal levels in extract-treated mice. MECB significantly (P<0.05) decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation and significantly (P<0.05) increased the levels of GSH, SOD, and CAT. The MECB was found to be devoid of conspicuous short-term toxicity in the mice when administered daily (i.p.) for 14 days at the doses of 50, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg. The treated mice showed conspicuous toxic symptoms only at 300 mg/kg. The results indicate that MECB exhibited significant antitumor and antioxidant activity in EAC-bearing mice.     

Antitumor activity and antioxident role of Bauhinia racemosa against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice

AIM: To study the enzyme activity of CYP2C18 variant with exon 5 skipped. METHODS: A full length CYP2C18 cDNA X1 and an exon 5 skipped variant CYP2C18 X2 were separately subcloned into mammalian expression vector pREP9 to transfect HepG2 cells. The expression of CYP2C18 mRNA in transgenic cells and human liver tissues were determined by RT-PCR. The enzyme activity of CYP2C18 to oxidate tolbutamide in postmitochondrial supernate (S9) fraction was determined by HPLC. The cytotoxicity of ifosfamide to transgenic cells was evaluated by MTT test. RESULTS: HepG2-CYP2C18 X1 cells showed strong expression of the full length CYP2C18 mRNA. On the other hand, HepG2-CYP2C18 X2 cells had only infinitesimal expression of the exon-skipped CYP2C18 as well as the full length CYP2C18, while non-transfected HepG2 cell only demonstrated an infinitesimal expression of the full length CYP2C18. The expression of CYP2C18 exons 2 to 7 was also analyzed by RT-PCR in 7 extratumoral liver tissues. Among them, 3 samples expressed on     

Antitumor activity and antioxidant role of Bauhinia racemosa against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice [corrected]

AIM: To study the antitumor effect and antioxidant role of Bauhinia racemosa. METHODS: Antitumor activity and antioxidant status of methanol extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) of Bauhinia racemosa stem bark was evaluated against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) tumor in mice. Acute and short-term toxicity studies were performed initially in order to ascertain the safety of methanol extract of Bauhinia racemosa (MEBR). After 24 h of tumor inoculation, the extract was administered daily for 14 d. After administration of the last dose followed by 18 h fasting, mice were then sacrificed for observation of antitumor activity. The effect of MEBR on the growth of transplantable murine tumor, life span of EAC bearing hosts and simultaneous alterations in the hematological profile and liver biochemical parameters (lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes) were estimated. RESULTS: The MEBR showed decrease in tumor volume, packed cell volume and viable cell count, and increased the nonviable cell count and mean survival time thereby increasing life span of EAC tumor bearing mice. Hematological profile reverted to more or less normal levels in extract treated mice. Treatment with MEBR decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation and increased the levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase. CONCLUSION: The methanol extract of Bauhinia racemosa stem bark exhibited antitumor effect by modulating lipid peroxidation and augmenting antioxidant defense system in EAC bearing mice.     

Protective Role of Tinospora cordifolia against Lead-induced Hepatotoxicity

The importance of Tinospora cordifolia stem and leaves extract was investigated for its possible hepatoprotective effect in Swiss albino male mice against lead nitrate induced toxicity. Oral administration of plant extracts prevented the occurrence of lead nitrate induced liver damage. The decreased level of tissue enzymes, i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and increased level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and acid phosphatase (ACP) were observed in mice treated with lead. Administration of aqueous stem extract (400 mg/kg body weight, orally) and aqueous leaves extract (400 mg/kg body weight, orally) along with the lead nitrate (5 mg/kg body weight, i.p. for 30 days) increased the activities of SOD and CAT and decreased the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, and ACP enzymes in mice. These biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathology/histological examinations of liver section. Results of this study revealed that plant extract could afford protection against lead-induced hepatic damage.     

Effect of caesalpina bonducella seeds on blood glucose in rabbits

The seeds of Caesalpinia bonducella (L.) Flem. (Caesalpiniaceae) are sold in shops in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. A suspension of the powdered seed kernel in 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) was tested for ability to lower blood glucose in fasted and glucose-fed normal albino rabbits. Following administration of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 g/kg body weight of the powder there was no difference in areas under the fasting blood glucose and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) curves as compared to controls given CMC (P > 0.05). Similarly, 0.2 g/kg body weight of the powder administered for 7 consecutive days had no effect on either fasting blood glucose or the clearance of a glucose load from the blood. However, 0.1 g/kg body weight chlorpropamide significantly decreased the area under the fasting blood glucose and OGTT curves as compared to controls given CMC (P = 0.05). Thus, contrary to a previous report, we could not detect any hypoglycaemic activity in the seeds of Caesalpinia bonducella growing in Dar es Salaam.     

Effect of Caesalpina Bonducella Seeds on Blood Glucose in Rabbits

The seeds of Caesalpinia bonducella (L.) Flem. (Caesalpiniaceae) are sold in shops in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. A suspension of the powdered seed kernel in 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) was tested for ability to lower blood glucose in fasted and glucose-fed normal albino rabbits. Following administration of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 g/kg body weight of the powder there was no difference in areas under the fasting blood glucose and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) curves as compared to controls given CMC (P &gt; 0.05). Similarly, 0.2 g/kg body weight of the powder administered for 7 consecutive days had no effect on either fasting blood glucose or the clearance of a glucose load from the blood. However, 0.1 g/kg body weight chlorpropamide significantly decreased the area under the fasting blood glucose and OGTT curves as compared to controls given CMC (P = 0.05). Thus, contrary to a previous report, we could not detect any hypoglycaemic activity in the seeds of Caesalpinia bonducella growing in Dar es Salaam.     

Oral Hypoglycemic Effect of Caesalpinia bonducella

The blood sugar lowering efficacy of the aqueous extract of Caesalpinia bonducella F. (seed shell) was evaluated in fasted, fed, glucose loaded, streptozotocin diabetic, and alloxan diabetic rat models. The extract was administered orally at a dose of 250 mg/kg of rat body weight. It produced very significant blood sugar lowering (at least P &lt; 0.005) in glucose loaded, streptozotocin diabetic, and alloxan diabetic models. However, effects were not so pronounced in fasted and fed models. As a whole, Caesalpinia bonducella can be regarded as a good oral hypoglycemic agent in rat.     

Analgesic Activity of Dalbergia lanceolaria. Bark Extract in Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract

The ethanol extract of Dalbergia lanceolaria. Linn. bark was subjected to pharmacological screening using various animal models. The extract showed analgesic activity when tested in acetic acid–induced writhing, tail-flick response, and formalin-induced licking tests in Swiss albino mice. The plant extract, at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight, showed significant central as well as peripheral analgesic activity by oral route. Therefore, the current study indicates that the ethanol extract of Dalbergia lanceolaria. bark has significant central and peripheral analgesic activity.     

Beneficial Effects of Tinospora cordifolia on Blood Profiles in Male Mice Exposed to Lead

This study was carried out to evaluate in vivo protective role of aqueous extract of stem and leaves of Tinospora cordifolia (TC) on the toxic effects of lead on the hematological values. The lead-treated (5 mg/kg body weight, intraperitonially, once daily) male albino mice concurrently received either T. cordifolia stem or leaves extracts (400 mg/kg body weight, orally, once daily) for the duration of 30 days. The animals exposed to lead showed significant decrease in RBC and Hb level. Significant decline in WBC, DLC, and PCV was also noticed. Increase in MCV values displaying reciprocal relationship with RBC, PCV, and Hb values in lead-treated mice were also recorded. These influences of lead were prevented by concurrent daily administration of T. cordifolia stem and leaves extract. These results suggested that simultaneous supplementation of T. cordifolia protects against lead intoxication.     

Toxicological assessments of aqueous extract of Eugenia jambolana stem bark

Eugenia jambolana Lam. (Myrtaceae) is widely used in folk medicine as an antidiabetic, but there is a lack of information about its toxicity, especially for the stem bark. The present study evaluated acute oral and repeated-dose toxicity of the stem bark aqueous extract of Eugenia jambolana (EJ) in albino mice and Wistar rats. In the acute toxicity tests, mice received oral doses of EJ extract as 300, 2000, and 5000?mg/kg body weight. Mortality, signs of toxicity, body weight, food consumption, and gross findings were observed for 14 days post-treatment. In repeated toxicity, rats were orally treated with 300, 1000, and 2000?mg/kg body weight, and animals were observed till the 28th day of treatment. At the end of the study period, surviving animals were fasted overnight and anesthetized for blood collection and removal of some vital organs for histopathology. No significant differences were noted in body and organ weights between the control and treated groups from either of the studies. In addition, hematological parameters, e.g., red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelets (PLT), and white blood cell differential count, biochemical parameters, e.g., blood glucose, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, total protein, and albumin, and ions, e.g., potassium, sodium, chloride, calcium, and phosphorus, were studied in the repeated-dose toxicity study. In conclusion, these investigations indicate the safety of acute and repeated oral administration of the aqueous extract of EJ stem bark, suggesting therefore that it may be continuously used safely.     

Methanolic bark extract of Acacia catechu ameliorates benzo(a)pyrene induced lung toxicity by abrogation of oxidative stress,inflammation, and apoptosis in mice

Benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] is a well‐known carcinogen present in the environment. In this study, we evaluated the protective potential of methanolic bark extract of Acacia catechu Willd. (MEBA) against the lung toxicity induced by B(a)P in Swiss albino mice. To determine the protective efficacy of MEBA, it was orally administered to the mice at two doses (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) once daily for 7 days. Mice were also exposed (orally) to B(a)P at a dose of 125 mg/kg body weight on 7th day. Administration of B(a)P increased the activities of toxicity markers such as LDH, LPO, and XO with a subsequent decrease in the activities of tissue anti‐oxidant armory (CAT, SOD, GST, GPx, GR, QR, and GSH). It also caused activation of the apoptotic and inflammatory pathway by upregulation of TNF‐α, NF‐kB, COX‐2, p53, bax, caspase‐3, and downregulating Bcl‐2. Pretreatment with MEBA at two different doses (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) significantly ameliorates B(a)P‐induced increased toxicity markers and activities of detoxifying enzymes along with the levels of glutathione content. It also significantly attenuated expression of apoptotic and inflammatory markers in the lungs. Histological results further confirmed the protective role of MEBA against B(a)P‐induced lung toxicity. The results indicate that MEBA may be beneficial in ameliorating the B(a)P‐induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the lungs of mice. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1566–1577, 2017.     

Assessment of imidacloprid-induced mutagenic effects in somatic cells of Swiss albino male mice

Pesticides are being used for plant protection to increase food protection and to reduce insect-borne diseases worldwide. Exposure to the pesticides may cause genotoxic effects on both the target and nontarget organisms, including man. Therefore, the mutagenicity evaluation of such pesticides has become a priority area of research. Imidacloprid (IMI), a neonicotinoid insecticide, is widely used in agriculture either alone or in combination with other insecticides. A combined approach employing micronucleus test (MNT) and chromosomal aberrations assay (CA) was utilized to assess the mutagenicity of imidacloprid in bone marrow of Swiss albino male mice. IMI suspension was prepared in 3% gum acacia and administered at doses of 5.5, 11 and 22 mg/kg body weight for 7, 14 and 28 days to mice. IMI treatment resulted in a dose and time-dependant increase in the frequencies of micronuclei per cell and chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells. A statistically significant increase in chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei/cell was found only after daily treatment of IMI at highest selected dose (22 mg/kg body weight) for longest selected time period (28 days) compared to the control group. Thus, daily exposure of imidacloprid at a dose level of 22 mg/kg body weight for 28 days caused mutagenic effects on the somatic cells of Swiss albino male mice.     

Inhibition of benzo(a)pyrene induced lung adenoma by panax ginseng extract, EFLA400, in Swiss albino mice

In the present investigation the chemopreventive action of Panax ginseng extract, EFLA400, in Swiss albino mice has been evaluated. We used a 9-week medium term anticarcinogenicity test model of lung adenomas [Yun et al.1)]. Lung adenomas were induced by single subcutaneous injection in the subscapular region with 0.02 ml of benzo(a)pyrene (BP) (0.5 mg suspension in 1% aqueous gelatin) in newborn mice (less than 24 h old). Also chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei induction were evaluated in bone marrow cells. These genotoxicity end-points were compared with adenoma incidence at the same dose levels of BP and EFLA400. The oral administration of EFLA400 (10 mg/kg body weight) showed significant reduction in number of adenomas and weight of the lungs induced by BP. A significant reduction (p<0.001) in lung adenoma incidence in EFLA400-treated mice was observed as compared to the 68.3+/-2.96% lung adenoma incidence in BP-alone group. The inhibition rate was 72.05+/-1.36% in EFLA400-treated group with respect to the reference group (BP-alone group). However, tumor multiplicity was observed as 0.91+/-0.08 and 0.25+/-0.01 in BP alone and BP+EFLA400-treated groups respectively. In EFLA400-treated group significantly reduced frequencies of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei induced by BP were observed. The results of the present investigation suggest the chemopreventive action and antimutagenic effect of EFLA400 in Swiss albino mice induced by BP in newborn mice.     

Cytogenetic effects of quinalphos in mice

The cytogenetic effect of quinalphos was studied in Swiss albino mice using the micronucleus test, bone marrow and germ cell chromosome assays and sperm morphology assay. Quinalphos at 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg body weight was administered orally to mice. Quinalphos induced micronuclei in the bone-marrow cells of mice and also caused a significant increase in chromosomal aberrations in bone-marrow cells (at 10 and 15 mg/kg body weight dose levels) and in germ cells (at all tested doses). A high incidence of abnormal sperms was also observed in mice treated with quinalphos.     

Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa inhibits the proliferation of transplanted Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice

The anticancer effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Aegle marmelos (AME) was studied in the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing Swiss albino mice. The spatial effect of various AME administration schedules showed that six-day administration increased the survival of tumor bearing mice. The best antineoplastic action of AME was obtained when AME administered through intraperitoneal route than the oral route at equimolar dose. Administration of AME once daily for six consecutive days to the tumor bearing mice caused a dose dependent remission of the tumor at 400 mg/kg body weight, where the greatest antitumor effect was observed and the higher doses showed toxic manifestations. A 24-d lengthening in life span was observed in EAC animals treated with 400 mg/kg AME. This dose of 400 mg/kg was considered as the best dose, where the animals survived up to 43 d post-tumor-cell inoculation as against no survivors in the saline treated control group. The antitumor activity when tested for different schedules for triple administrations, the best effect was observed for 1-2-3, followed by 1-3-5 and 1-5-9 days, respectively. Stage specific evaluation of AME inhibited the increase in body weight gain in animals due to tumor development during early stages only. The AME treatment resulted in a dose dependent elevation in the median survival time (MST) and average survival time (AST) up to 400 mg/kg AME and decline thereafter. The effective dose of 400 mg of AME is 1/6th of the LD50 dose, which increased the MST and AST up to 29 and 27 d, respectively. The acute toxicity study of AME showed that the drug was non-toxic up to a dose of 1750 mg/kg b. wt. The LD10 and LD50 was found to be 2000 and 2250 mg/kg.     

Evaluation of antinociceptive and antidiarrhoeal properties of Manilkara zapota leaves in Swiss albino mice

Context Manilkara zapota (L.). P. Royen. (Sapotaceae) has been used in folk medicine to treat pain, diarrhoea, inflammation, arthralgia, and other disorders.

Objective Screening of Manilkara zapota leaves ethanol extract and its different solvent soluble fractions for possible antinociceptive and antidiarrhoeal activities in Swiss albino mice.

Materials and methods The extract and various fractions (200 and 400?mg/kg body weight; p.o.) were tested for peripheral and central antinociceptive activity by acetic acid-induced writhing and radiant heat tail-flick method, respectively; castor oil-induced diarrhoeal model was used to evaluate antidiarrhoeal activity at both doses. All the samples were administered once in a day and the duration of study was approximately 5?h.

Results Ethanol extract (400?mg/kg), petroleum ether fraction (400?mg/kg), and ethyl acetate fraction (400?mg/kg) showed significant peripheral antinociceptive activity having 59.89, 58.24, and 46.7% (p?<?0.001) of writhing inhibition, respectively, which is comparable with that of standard diclofenac (59.34% inhibition). The ethanol extract (400?mg/kg) and petroleum ether fraction (400?mg/kg) also showed promising central analgesic activity having 74.15 and 82.15% (p?<?0.001) elongation of reaction time, respectively, at 90?min after administration of sample which is also similar to that obtained by morphine (85.84% elongation). In antidiarrhoeal activity screening, ethanol extract (200 and 400?mg/kg) showed significant inhibition of defecation by 53.57 and 60.71%, respectively (p?<?0.001) compared with that of loperamide (71.42%).

Discussion and conclusion The findings of the studies demonstrated antinociceptive and antidiarrhoeal activities of M. zapota leaves which could be the therapeutic option against pain and diarrhoeal disease.     

In vivo Antimalarial Activities of Russelia Equisetiformis in Plasmodium Berghei Infected Mice

The rising problem of resistance to most commonly used antimalarials remains a major challenge in the control of malaria suggesting the need for new antimalarial agents. This work explores the antiplasmodial potential of ethanol extract of Russelia equisetiformis in chloroquine Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Swiss albino mice were intraperitoneally infected with chloroquine-resistant P. berghei (ANKA). Experimental mice were treated for four days consecutively with graded doses of plant extracts and standard antimalarial drugs (artesunate and chloroquine) at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight used as control. The extract showed a dose-dependent activity in the chemosuppression of P. berghei parasites by 31.6, 44.7, 48.4 and 86.5% at doses of 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg, while chloroquine (10 mg/kg) and artesunate produced 59.4 and 68.4%, respectively. The extract showed a significant decrease in parasitaemia (P<0.05). The level of parasitemia and decrease in weight in all the treated groups was significantly lower (P<0.05) compared with the infected but untreated mice. The plant extract was devoid of toxicity at the highest dose tested (5000 mg/kg). The study concluded that the ethanol extract of R. equisetiformis possesses antimalarial effect, which supports the folk medicine claim of its use in the treatment of malaria.     

Radioprotective Efficacy of Aloe vera Leaf Extract

Radiomodifying effects of the leaf extract of Aloe vera were observed on the testes of Swiss albino mice at 50 and 100 mg/kg dose levels. This extract was non-toxic when injected up to 800 mg/kg, and significant enhancement in survival time of the irradiated group was observed. In addition, treatment reduced radiation-induced damage to germ cells and loss in body weight.     

Nephroprotective effect of Bauhinia variegata (Linn.) whole stem extract against cisplatin-induced nephropathy in rats

The nephroprotective activity of the ethanolic extract of Bauhinia variegata (Linn.) whole stem against cisplatin-induced nephropathy was investigated by an in vivo method in rats. Acute nephrotoxicity was induced by i.p. injection of cisplatin (7 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.)). Administration of ethanol extract at dose levels of 400 and 200 mg/kg (b.w.) to cisplatin-intoxicated rats for 14 days attenuated the biochemical and histological signs of nephrotoxicity of cisplatin in a dose-dependent fashion. Ethanol extract at 400 mg/kg decreased the serum level of creatinine (0.65 ± 0.09; P<0.001) and urea (32.86 ± 5.88; P<0.001) associated with a significant increase in body weight (7.16 ± 1.10; P<0.001) and urine volume output (11.95 ± 0.79; P<0.05) as compared to the toxic control group. The ethanol extract of B. variegata at 400 mg/kg (b.w.) exhibited significant and comparable nephroprotective potential to that of the standard polyherbal drug cystone. The statistically (one-way-ANOVA followed by Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison) processed results suggested the protective action of B. variegate whole stem against cisplatin-induced nephropathy.     

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..