Antinociceptive effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum leaves extract

There are some reports concerning the antinociceptive effects of the plant Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) in Iranian traditional medicine. Because of the side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive drugs, and in search for more potent and less harmful compounds, we tried to study the antinocicptive effects of TFG leaves by using tail-flick and formalin tests. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of 500 mg/kg of TFG extract and 100 and 300 mg/kg of sodium salicylate (SS), as a positive control, did not show any effect in the tail-flick test, but the 1000 and 2000 mg/kg of the extract produced significant increase in the tail-flick latency. SS (300 mg/kg, i.p.) induced antinociception in the second phase of the formalin test. TFG (500 mg/kg, i.p.) demonstrated antinociception only in the first phase, but 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, i.p. doses alleviated the pain in both phases. Preliminary LD₅₀ of the extract was very close to 4000 mg/kg, i.p. We conclude that: (1) the extract of TFG leaves produces antinociceptive effects through central and peripheral mechanisms; (2) the antinociceptive effects of 2000 mg/kg of the extract was more potent than 300 mg/kg of SS.     

Psychopharmacological screening of Pfaffia glomerata Spreng. (Amarathanceae) in rodents

The alcoholic extract of Pfaffia glomerata roots (100, 500, 1000 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.), and 500, 1000, 1500 mg/kg, per os) was studied in several behavioral animal models for the evaluation of central activity: open field, barbiturate sleeping time, pentilenotetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsions, elevated plus-maze, step-down inhibitory avoidance and forced swimming test. The acute treatment (500 mg/kg, i.p.) interfered with the open-field habituation, decreased sleep latency and increased barbiturate-induced sleeping time, protected partially the animals of PTZ-induced convulsions, decreased the memory retention in step-down inhibitory avoidance, and did not have an important effect in the elevated plus-maze test and forced swimming test. The same extract at 1000 mg/kg per os did not cause any effect in barbiturate sleeping time and pentilenotetrazole-induced convulsions models. Thus, the effect on the memory was deeper evaluated in the step-down inhibitory avoidance task. When administered by intraperitoneal route, the extract showed a dose-dependent effect causing full amnesia at 1000 mg/kg. On the other hand, when it was given by oral route at 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg, no influence on the memory retention was observed. These results suggest that the alcoholic extract of P. glomerata roots presents different effects depending on the route of administration: by i.p route, it seems to be a central nervous system depressant agent; by oral route, it seems to be ineffective, at least in the tested doses.     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Satureja hortensis L. extracts and essential oil

Satureja hortensis L. (Lamiaceae) is a medicinal plant used in Iranian folk medicine as muscle and bone pain reliever. In the present study, hydroalcoholic extract, polyphenolic fraction and essential oil of the aerial parts of the herb were prepared and evaluated for the analgesic activity using light tail flick, formalin and acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. Also, the anti-inflammatory effects of the above-mentioned preparations were assessed using carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. Results showed that in the light tail flick test neither the essential oil nor the extracts could exert any significant effect. The hydroalcoholic extract (2000 mg/kg, p.o.) and the essential oil (200 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited the mice writhing responses caused by acetic acid. In formalin test, hydroalcoholic extract (500-2000 mg/kg, p.o.), polyphenolic fraction (250-1000 mg/kg, p.o.) and the essential oil (50-200 mg/kg, p.o.) showed analgesic activity and pretreatment with naloxone (1 mg/kg, i.p.) or caffeine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) failed to reverse this antinociceptive activity. Polyphenolic fraction (1000 mg/kg, p.o.) and the essential oil (200 mg/kg) reduced edema caused by carrageenan. These results suggest that S. hortensis L. has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects and probably mechanism(s) other than involvement of opioid and adenosine receptors mediate(s) the antinociception.     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Elaeagnus angustifolia fruit extract

In this study, probable antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Elaeagnus angustifolia fruit components, were evaluated. For evaluation of antinociceptive effects, the chronic (formalin test) and acute (tail-flick) pain models of rats were used. For the anti-inflammatory effects, the paw inflammation model was used through subcutaneous injection of 5% formalin to the paw of male rats. Water extracts of the fruit and its components in the single dose were assessed through comparison with the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of sodium salicylate (SS) as a positive control. Administration of 300 mg/kg of SS (i.p.) had no effect on tail flick latency, while 1000 mg/kg of total (i.p. and p.o.) and endocarp (i.p.) extract, increased this latency (P<0.01, P<0.001, respectively), which was not reversed by naloxone (2 mg/kg). In the formalin test, SS (300 mg/kg, i.p.) and the extract (1000 mg/kg, p.o. ) alleviated the animals nociception in the second phase, while in the first phase they were not effective. The total and endocarp extracts (1000 mg/kg, i.p.) showed a significant effect on both phases (P<0.01, P<0.001, respectively) which was also not reversed by naloxone (2 mg/kg, i.p.). In the acute anti-inflammatory test, the total extract and the aqueous extract of individual fruit components showed a significant effect (P<0.001). This anti-inflammatory effect was not significant compared with the anti-inflammatory effect of SS. Because of the extract effect on the tail-flick latency and both phases of the formalin test, the site of its analgesic action is probably central, and the mechanism of antinociceptive action of the extract are not related to the opioid system. Our phytochemical studies indicated that aqueous extract of E. angustifolia fruit contains flavonoids, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides.     

Inhibition of chemically induced inflammation and pain by orally and topically administered leaf extract of Manihot esculenta Crantz in rodents

The aqueous leaf extract of Manihot esculenta Crantz (MELE) is being used orally and topically in traditional African medicine for the treatment of inflammation and pain, and claimed to be safe. The anti-inflammatory effects of MELE (100-400mg/kg, p.o. or 1-4%, w/w in petroleum jelly, topically) were tested against carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats as well as against xylene-induced ear oedema in mice. The analgesic effect of MELE (100-400mg/kg, p.o. or 1-4%, w/w in petroleum jelly, topically) was tested against acetic acid-induced (20mul, 0.6%, v/v in normal saline, i.p.) and acetylcholine-induced (8.3mg/kg, i.p.) mouse writhing models. At 100-400mg/kg, p.o. and 1-4% (w/w), topically, MELE produced significant inhibitions of carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema and xylene-induced ear swelling in mice. Effects produced by MELE were significantly higher than those produced by indomethacin (10mg/kg, s.c. or 1%, w/w in petroleum jelly) in the anti-inflammatory models. For the analgesic effect, MELE (100-400mg/kg, orally) and (1-4%, w/w, topically), like aspirin (100mg/kg, i.p.) exhibited significant (P<0.05) inhibition of acetic acid- and acetylcholine-induced mouse writhing tests, compared to untreated control. Effects produced by MELE were significantly lower than those produced by aspirin (100mg/kg, i.p.) in the analgesic models, except for the topically administered extract on acetylcholine-induced pain. Acute oral administration up to 10g/kg did not cause death within 14 days, but mortalities were produced in i.p. administered extract with LD(50) of 2.5+/-0.3g/kg. Based on these, the extract may contain orally safe, topically and orally effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic principles, which justify its use in traditional African medicine.     

Antitumour property and toxicity of Barringtonia racemosa Roxb seed extract in mice

Ethnomedical survey has shown that the seeds of Barringtonia racemosa Roxb are traditionally used in certain remote villages of Kerala (India) to treat cancer like diseases. So the seed extracts were tested for their antitumour activity and toxicity. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) daily administration of 50% methanol extract of this seed to mice challenged with 1 million Dalton's Lymphoma Ascitic (DLA) cells resulted in remarkable dose dependent anti-DLA activity in mice. The optimum dose was found to be 6 mg/kg. This dose protected all the animals challenged with the tumour cells. The efficacy of the drug was found to be better than that of a standard drug, vincristine in this tumour model. However, the oral administration showed only marginal activity compared to i.p. administration. The extract was found to be devoid of conspicuous acute and short-term toxicity to mice, when administered daily, (i.p.) for 14 days up to a dose of 12 mg/kg (which was double the concentration of optimum therapeutic dose). The treated mice showed conspicuous toxic symptoms only at 24 mg/kg. The LD(50) to male mice for a single i.p. dose was found to be 36 mg/kg. The seed extract is an attractive material for further studies leading to drug development.     

Toxicological evaluation of an ethanolic extract from Chiococca alba roots

The roots of Chiococca alba have been employed to treat rheumatic disorders and for other therapeutic purposes in Brazil and elsewhere. This study was undertaken to evaluate the toxicological properties of an ethanolic extract from Chiococca alba roots (EE), including mutagenicity in the Salmonella assay and acute and subacute toxicity to mice. Single oral doses of EE caused hypoactivity, but no deaths were noted up to the highest dose tested (2000 mg/kg). EE (500 mg/kg p.o.) reduced mouse locomotion in the open field test. EE was markedly more toxic when given by intraperitoneal (i.p.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) routes. Acute approximate lethal doses (ALD) were 125 mg/kg (males) and 250 mg/kg (females) and 250 mg/kg (both sexes) by i.p. and s.c. routes, respectively. Deaths after single doses were preceded by hypoactivity, ataxia and lethargy. Repeated administration of EE by gavage for 14 days caused no deaths. Activity of liver monooxygenases (pentoxy- and ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylases) was not altered by repeated treatment with EE (2000 mg/kg/day p.o.). Administration of EE by the i.p. route for 14 days decreased weight gain and caused anemia, neutrophilia and deaths. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for subacute treatment by the i.p. route was as low as 15.6 mg of EE/kg body weight (wt)/day. EE was not mutagenic in the Salmonella/microsome assay with TA100, TA98, TA97a and TA1535 strains. In summary, EE was not mutagenic and presented a low acute and subacute toxicity by the oral route. Toxicities by parenteral routes, however, were more pronounced.     

Effects of Papaver rhoeas extract on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference in mice

In the present study, the effects of water-alcohol extract of Papaver rhoeas on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in mice were investigated. Subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of morphine (1, 10 and 20 mg/kg) produced place preference. On the other hand, intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of the plant extract (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) did not show any effect. Injection of extract (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) 30 min before the morphine administration decreased the acquisition of morphine CPP. Administration of the plant extract (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) 30 min before the test did not change the expression of morphine-induced CPP. It could be concluded that Papaver rhoeas reduced the acquisition but not the expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference.     

Anti-inflammatory,analgesic activity and acute toxicity of Glaucium grandiflorum extract

The species of Glaucium have been used in Iranian herbal medicine as laxative, hypnotic, antidiabetic agents and also in the treatment of dermatitis. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the aerial parts of Glaucium grandiflorum Boiss & Huet (Papaveraceae), a native plant of Iran, were studied using carrageenan induced edema, formalin and hot plate tests. The G. grandiflorum extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg had more edema inhibition than indomethacin at the doses of 10 (P<0.01) and 8 mg/kg (P<0.001) in the carrageenan test. The ED₅₀ (i.p.) in the edema induced by carrageenan was 13.59 mg/kg. In formalin test, the extract (60–90 mg/kg, i.p.) caused graded inhibition of both phases of formalin-induced pain. In hot plate test, the i.p. administration of the extract at the doses of 60, 70, 80 and 90 mg/kg significantly raised the pain threshold at a observation time of 45 min in comparison with control (P<0.001). The extract, at the antinociceptive doses, did not affect motor coordination of animals when assessed in the rotarod model. The 72 h acute LD₅₀ value of this extract after i.p. administration in mice was 797.94 mg/kg.     

Effects of Papaver rhoeas extract on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced behavioral sensitization in mice

In the present study, the effects of a water-alcohol extract of Papaver rhoeas on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced behavioral sensitization in mice were investigated. The subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of morphine (50 mg/kg) induced locomotor activity in animals, whereas the drug did not show an effect at a dose of 5 mg/kg. On the other hand, intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of the plant extract (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) did not show any effect. The locomotor behavioral response was enhanced in mice pretreated with morphine (5 mg/kg, daily x 3 days) alone, indicating that sensitization had developed. Extract (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) administration, 30 min before each of the three daily doses of morphine decreased the development of sensitization. Moreover, intraperitoneal administration of the plant extract (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) 30 min before the test reduced the expression of morphine-induced behavioral sensitization.The results indicate that administration of the extract of Papaver rhoeas reduced the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced behavioral sensitization in mice.     

Anticonvulsant activity of Cotyledon orbiculata L. (Crassulaceae) leaf extract in mice

The anticonvulsant activity of Cotyledon orbiculata L. (Crassulaceae) was investigated by studying the effects of both aqueous and methanol extracts of the plant species on seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole, bicuculline, picrotoxin and N-methyl-dl-aspartic in mice. Aqueous extract of Cotyledon orbiculata (50-400mg/kg, i.p.) and methanol extract (100-400mg/kg, i.p.) significantly prolonged the onset of tonic seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (95mg/kg, i.p.). Methanol extract (400mg/kg, i.p.) also significantly reduced the incidence of the seizures. One hundred to two hundred milligrams/kilogram (i.p.) of aqueous extract of Cotyledon orbiculata significantly delayed the onset of the tonic seizures induced by bicuculline (40mg/kg, i.p.), picrotoxin (12mg/kg, i.p.) and N-methyl-dl-aspartic acid (NMDLA, 400mg/kg, i.p.). Similarly, methanol extract (100-400mg/kg, i.p.) significantly delayed the onset of the tonic seizures induced by bicuculline (40mg/kg, i.p.) and picrotoxin (12mg/kg, i.p.) while 100mg/kg (i.p.) significantly delayed the onset of N-methyl-dl-aspartic acid (NMDLA, 400mg/kg, i.p.)-induced seizures. Methanol extract (200mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced the incidence of the seizures induced by bicuculline (40mg/kg, i.p.). Phenobarbitone (12mg/kg, i.p.) and diazepam (0.5mg/kg, i.p.) effectively antagonized only seizures induced by PTZ (95mg/kg, i.p.), bicuculline (40mg/kg, i.p.) and picrotoxin (12mg/kg, i.p.). Phenytoin (30mg/kg, i.p.) did not affect any of the seizures to any significant extent. The data obtained suggest that both aqueous and methanol extracts of Cotyledon orbiculata have anticonvulsant property and may probably be affecting both gabaergic and glutaminergic mechanisms to exert its effect. The phytochemical analysis carried out revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins, reducing sugar and triterpene steroids in the plant extract.     

The juice of fresh leaves of Boerhaavia diffusa L. (Nyctaginaceae) markedly reduces pain in mice

The decoction or juice of leaves of Boerhaavia diffusa L. (Nyctaginaceae) is used in Martinican folk medicine for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present investigation we studied the acute oral (p.o.) toxicity of a crude extract obtained from a lyophilized decoction (DE) and from the juice (JE) of fresh leaves. We observed no signs of toxicity up to the dose of 5000 mg/kg (p.o.) in mice. At the dose of 1000 mg/kg, neither extract altered sleeping time evoked by the administration of pentobarbital sodium (i.p.). The DE and JE of B. diffusa were assessed in standard rodent models of algesia and inflammation. We investigated the antinociceptive effect of DE and JE in chemical (acetic acid) and thermal (hot plate) models of hyperalgesia in mice. Dipyrone sodium (200 mg/kg), JE (1000 mg/kg) and DE at the same dose (p.o.), produced a significant inhibition of acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing in mice (100, 50 and 47% inhibition, respectively) when compared with the negative control (P<0.001). In the hot-plate test in mice, morphine and JE produced a significant increase in latency during the observation time. The DE, however, only raised the pain thresholds during the first period (30 min) of observation (P<0.05). The extracts of B. diffusa were also investigated for their anti-edematogenic effect on carrageenan-induced edema in mice. However, neither extract inhibited the paw edema induced in mice (P>0.05). In the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing in mice, pre-treatment of the animals with naloxone (5 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reversed the analgesic effect of morphine and JE but not that of DE. These data show that the active antinociceptive principle of B. diffusa is present mainly in the juice of fresh leaves and has a significant antinociceptive effect when assessed in these pain models. The mechanism underlying this analgesic effect of fresh leaves of B. diffusa remains unknown, but seems to be related to interaction with the opioid system.     

Reversal of LPS-induced central and peripheral hyperalgesia by green tea extract

Tea has recently attracted a great deal of attention for its beneficial health effects. Green tea polyphenols inhibit the production of arachidonic acid metabolites and leukotrienes resulting in decreased inflammatory responses. In the present study, the effect of green tea extract (GTE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced thermal and behavioural hyperalgesia in mice and the possible involvement of the cyclooxygenase pathway in this paradigm was evaluated. GTE (25 mg/kg, i.p.), nimesulide (2 mg/kg, i.p.) and rofecoxib (2 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly attenuated LPS-induced thermal and behavioural hyperalgesia but per se did not modify any of the behavioural effects. Concurrent administration of a subeffective dose of GTE (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and rofecoxib (2 mg/kg, i.p.) or nimesulide (2 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly potentiated the antinociceptive effect of GTE in both LPS-induced thermal and behavioural hyperalgesia with nimesulide showing a more pronounced enhancing effect. Thus it can be concluded that GTE attenuates LPS-induced central and peripheral hyperalgesia by selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme.     

Pharmacological evaluation of the folklore of Sphenostylis stenocarpa

The pharmacological effects of an aqueous extract of Sphenostylis stenocarpa seed were investigated in albino mice. Acute toxicity testing indicated the LD50 to be 570 mg/kg, i.p. The extract significantly potentiated pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time. Increasing the dose of the extract correspondingly increased the sleeping time up to a dose of 60 mg/kg i.p. The extract did not protect mice from convulsions and death resulting from the administration of strychnine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) or leptazol (100 mg/kg, s.c.).     

Cardiovascular effects of the South American medicinal plant Cecropia pachystachya (ambay) on rats

Cecropia pachystachya is used in South America for relieving cough and asthma. In Argentina it is known as "ambay" and grows in the neotropical forests (Ntr C.p.) and in temperate hilly regions (Tp C.p.). To evaluate their cardiovascular profile, the effect of extracts obtained from plants growing in the neotropical region as well as in temperate areas were compared by i.v. administration in normotensive rats. The following parameters were measured: blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). The hypotensive effect was stronger for Ntr C.p., which aqueous extract decreased BP at doses between 90 and 300 mg lyophilised/kg until 46.2 +/- 12% of basal. The extract of Tp C.p. reduced BP to 86.1 +/- 11% of basal (p < 0.05 respect to Ntr C.p.) at 180 mg/kg, but increased HR at 90 and 180 mg/kg (until 133.6 +/- 10.8% of basal, p < 0.05) and produced death by respiratory paralysis at 320 mg/kg (about 3g dry leaves/kg). The hypotensive effects, but not the chronotropic ones, were attenuated by pretreatment with reserpine (5 mg/kg). The plant extracts had not diuretic activity by oral administration in conscious rats, nor produced vasodilation of perfused hindquarters arterial bed precontracted with high-[K] or 100 microM phenylephrine. The results suggest that neotropical ambay is more hypotensive than the one from the temperate hilly region. When it reaches plasma, it could produce hypotension (by central blockade of sympathic innervation of vessels) and tachycardia (by central cholinergic inhibition of heart), although it happens at doses higher than the oral ethnotherapeutic (about 340 mg dried leaves/kg).     

Anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum leaves extract in the rat

Anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of the Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) leaves extract, an Iranian medicinal plant, were examined. For anti-inflammatory activity, the formalin-induced edema model was used. Hyperthermia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 20% (w/v) aqueous suspension of brewer's yeast. Sodium salicylate (SS) was used as a positive control. Both TFG and SS significantly reduced formalin-induced edema in single dose (TFG 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, SS 300 mg/kg) and chronic administration (TFG 1000 mg/kg and SS 300 mg/kg). TFG and SS also significantly reduced hyperthermia induced by brewer's yeast in 1 and 2 h after their administration. The results indicate that the TFG leaves extract possess anti-inflammatory as well as antipyretic properties in both i.p. and p.o. administration. Phytochemical studies indicate that alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, and phenols are the major component in the extract. Although existence of three anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects in this extract suggest a NSAID-like mechanism for it, but the presence of alkaloids, the absence of other effective compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, steroids, etc., and also its analgesic effect on tail-flick test that usually is not produced by NSAIDs, suggest another mechanism for the extract. So the possibility of alkaloids as effective compounds, in this extract, increases.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of 'TAF' an active fraction from the plant Barleria prionitis Linn

'TAF' fraction from the methanol-water extract of Barleria prionitis Linn. was evaluated for anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities against different acute and chronic animal test models. It exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity against different inflammagens like carrageenan, histamine and dextran. The anti-inflammatory activity in adrenalectomised rats was maintained showing that the effect of fraction 'TAF' is not activated by the pituitary-adrenal axis. Significant anti-arthritic activity was observed in adjuvant-induced polyarthritis test in rats. 'TAF' also showed inhibition of vascular permeability and leucocytes migration in vivo into the site of inflammatory insult.Ibuprofen (Cadilla India Ltd., Mumbai) was used as a standard reference drug. The oral (p.o.) LD(50) was more than 3000mg/kg, with no signs of abnormalities or any mortality observed for 15 days after single-dose drug administration. The intraperitoneal (i.p.) LD(50) was found to be 2530mg/kg (+/-87mg/kg S.E.) [Proceedings of Society of Experimental Biological Medicine 57 (1944) 261].     

Anticonvulsant effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq) Jack. in rats with kainic acid-induced epileptic seizure.

This study investigated the anticonvulsant effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) and the physiological mechanisms of its action in rats. A total of 70 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected for study. Thirty four of these rats were divided into 5 groups as follows: 1) Control group (n = 6): received intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of kainic acid (KA, 12 mg/kg); 2) UR1000 group (n = 10), 3) UR500 group (n = 6) 4) UR250 group, received UR 1000, 500, 250 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration, respectively; 5) Contrast group: received carbamazepine 20 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration. Behavior and EEG were monitored from 15 min prior to drug administration to 3 hours after KA administration. The number of wet dog shakes were counted at 10 min intervals throughout the experimental course. The remaining 36 rats were used to measure the lipid peroxide level in the cerebral cortex one hour after KA administration. These rats were divided into 6 groups of 6 rats as follows: 1) Normal group: no treatment was given; 2) Control group: received KA (12 mg/kg) i.p.; 3) UR1000 group, 4) UR500 group, 5) UR250 group, received UR 1000, 500, 250 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration, respectively; 6) Contrast group: received carbamazepine 20 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration. Our results indicated that both UR 1000 and 500 mg/kg decreased the incidence of KA-induced wet dog shakes, no similar effect was observed in the UR 250 mg/kg and carbamazepine 20 mg/kg group. Treatment with UR 1000 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, or 250 mg/kg and carbamazepine 20 mg/kg decreased KA-induced lipid peroxide level in the cerebral cortex and was dose-dependent. These findings suggest that the anticonvulsant effect of UR possibly results from its suppressive effect on lipid peroxidation in the brain.     

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Biebersteinia multifida DC. root extract

The root of Biebersteinia multifida DC (Geraniaceae), a native plant of Iran, has been used topically for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders as a folk medicine. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the root extract were studied using carrageenan induced edema and formalin tests. A similar activity was seen between Biebersteinia multifida root extract (10 mg/kg; i.p.) and indomethacin (4 mg/kg; i.p.) in carrageenan test. The results of formalin test showed the analgesic activity of the root extract (50 mg/kg; i.p.) was comparable with morphine (10 mg/kg; i.p.) at the first phase of formalin test. Furthermore, the probable ulcerogenic activity of the root extract was also studied. The extract did not show any ulcerogenic effect at anti-inflammatory doses (10 mg/kg; p.o.).     

Antidiabetic effect of alcoholic extract of Caralluma sinaica L. on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rabbits

People of Asir region of Saudi Arabia chew Caralluma sinaica (CS) to lower glucose level. To establish its utility in diabetes mellitus we have under taken this study. The effect of CS on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic model as well as effect on oral glucose tolerance test were studied. The extract was shown to have positive test for possessing following chemical constituents like phenolic alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, coumarins, steroids and tannins. Administration of CS in different doses (50, 100, 150 and 200mg/kg, p.o.) to normal animals caused significant (P<0.01) decrease in glucose level. Prior administration of either CS (100mg/kg, p.o.) or glibenclamide (GB) (5mg/kg, p.o.) blocked the rise of glucose caused by the streptozotocin. Antidiabetic activity of CS was compared with clinically available drug GB. Administration of CS (100mg/kg, p.o.) to diabetic rabbits for 30 days has been shown to decrease plasma glucose level to almost normal level (P<0.001). Liver and kidney weight expressed as percentage of body weight significantly (P<0.05; P<0.01) increased in diabetic rabbits versus normal control (CNT). CS significantly (P<0.05) reversed the increasing weight of liver caused by STZ but not GB. STZ induced lowering of glycogen content of liver and muscle was reversed by both CS and GB. STZ induced a significant (P<0.001) increase in renal glycogen content this was almost normalized by CS (P<0.001) whereas GB significantly decreased (P<0.002) glycogen content. In oral glucose tolerance test administration of glucose increased plasma glucose level significantly in the diabetic control over the 2-h period. Compared to diabetic control plasma glucose levels in rabbits given CS or GB were significantly lower at all the time points that blood was sampled after oral glucose load. Comparing with the GB treatment blood glucose lowering effect was more pronounced for diabetic rabbits given CS. All these effects could explain the basis for use of this plant extract to manage diabetes mellitus.