The antihypertensive and vasodilator effects of aqueous extract from Berberis vulgaris fruit on hypertensive rats

The aqueous extract from Berberis vulgaris fruit (B.V.) was tested to evaluate its antihypertensive effects on DOCA-induced hypertension in the rats. Hypertension was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g) by DOCA-salt injection (20 mg/kg, twice weekly, for 5 weeks, s.c.) plus NaCl (1%) which was added to the animals' drinking water. Then 5 weeks later, the rats were anaesthetized with thiopental (30 mg/kg, i.p.) and the arterial blood pressure was measured. The mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were 231 +/- 6.4 (mmHg) and 506 +/- 12 (beats/min), respectively. Administration of B.V. extracts significantly reduced the rat arterial blood pressure. In in vitro studies, rings of descending aorta were cut and mounted for isometric tension recording in an organ chamber containing Krebs solution. Mesenteric beds were also removed and perfused with Krebs solution. After 1 h of stabilization, preparations (aortic rings or mesenteric beds) were precontracted with phenylephrine (10(-5) M), then different concentrations of B.V. (0.4, 2 and 4 mg/mL) were added which caused a relaxation in these vessels. To investigate the mechanism of action of the extract, the tissues were incubated with either L-NAME (10(-5) M) or indomethacin (10(-5) M) for 20 min. In the aortic rings L-NAME pretreatment could only reduce the vasodilatory effects of a low concentration of B.V. (0.4 mg/mL), but indomethacin was without effect. In isolated perfused mesenteric beds preincubation with either L-NAME or indomethacin did not modify the vasodilator effects of the aqueous extract from B.V. fruit. The present results suggest that the antihypertensive and vasodilatory effects of B.V. fruit extract are mainly endothelial-independent and it may be used to treat hypertension, a status with endothelial dysfunction.     

Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Berberis vulgaris and its active constituent, berberine

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L. family Berberidaceae) is well known in Iran and various parts of this plant including its root, bark, leaf and fruit have been used as folk medicine. The two decades of research has demonstrated different pharmacological and therapeutic effects of B. vulgaris and its isoquinoline alkaloids (particularly berberine). Studies carried out on the chemical composition of the plant show that the most important constituents of this plant are isoquinoline alkaloids such as berberine, berbamine and palmatine. Berberine represents one of the most studied among the naturally occurring protoberberine alkaloids. In addition to B. vulgaris (barberry), berberine is present in many other plants and is used for the treatment of different diseases. This article reviews the traditional uses and pharmacological effects of total extract and the most active ingredient of B. vulgaris (berberine).     

Comparison of the antidiabetic activity of Berberis lyceum root extract and berberine in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Berberine has been shown to have hypoglycaemic activity in several in vitro and in vivo models, although the mechanism of action is not fully known. Berberis lyceum Royle root produces high concentrations of berberine, and in traditional medicine, the whole extract of this plant is used widely to treat diabetes. The antidiabetic activity of the ethanol root extract of Berberis lyceum was compared with pure berberine in normal and alloxan-diabetic rats using similar doses of each. The concentration of berberine in the extract was determined to be 80% dry weight with only trace amounts of other alkaloids present. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of berberine and a whole extract of Berberis lyceum on blood glucose and other parameters associated with diabetes, to compare the effects of the crude extract with those of pure berberine and thus validate its use as a therapeutic agent, and finally to identify any contribution of the other components of the extract to these effects. Oral administration of 50 mg/kg of Berberis extract and berberine to normal and experimental diabetic rats produced a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in blood glucose levels from days 3-7 days of treatment. Significant effects were also observed on the glucose tolerance, glycosylated haemoglobin, serum lipid profiles and body weight of experimental animals. Berberis extract and berberine demonstrated similar effects on all parameters measured, and although the extract was comparable in efficacy to berberine, it did not produce any effects additional to those shown by pure berberine. The results support the use of the extract in traditional medicine, and demonstrate that apart from being a highly cost-effective means of treating with berberine, the total extract does not appear to confer any additional benefits or disadvantages compared with the pure compound.     

Wound healing activity of root extracts of Berberis lyceum royle in rats

The wound healing activities of the aqueous and methanol extracts of the root of Berberis lyceum were assessed using incision, excision and dead wound space models of wound repair in rats. After application of both extracts it was observed that the area of epithelialization increased, followed by an increase in wound contraction, skin breaking strength, tissue granulation, dry weight and hydroxyproline content. Histopathological studies of the granulation tissue also indicated that there was an increase in collagen formation in those rats treated with the methanol extract, compared with the control group animals. The methanol extract was more effective than the aqueous extract, but both showed significant results compared with the control.     

Effect of cystone,a herbal formulation,on glycolic acid-induced urolithiasis in rats

The effect of cystone, a herbal formulation, was studied on experimentally induced urolithiasis in rats. Oxalate urolithiasis was produced by the addition of 3% glycolic acid to the diet for a period of 42 days. Glycolic acid treatment resulted in a significant increase in the levels of calcium and oxalate in the kidney as well as in the total kidney weight. Also, the urinary levels of calcium, oxalate and inorganic phosphorus were increased. Cystone treatment at 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg b.wt. p.o. for 42 days revealed a dose-related effect in the reduction of lithogenic substances, following glycolic acid induced urolithiasis. Simultaneous oral treatment with cystone at a dose of 500 and 750 mg/kg for 42 days, significantly reversed the glycolic acid-induced urolithiasis, presumably by preventing the urinary supersaturation of lithogenic substances, especially of oxalate and calcium. The reduction of urinary and kidney oxalate levels by cystone may be due to its inhibitory action on oxalate synthesizing liver enzyme glycolate oxidase. These observations indicate that cystone can play an important role in the prevention of disorders associated with kidney stone formation. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Berberine and barberry (Berberis vulgaris): A clinical review

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) has different medicinal applications in folk medicine of Iran. Berberine, an alkaloid constituent of this plant, is present in the roots, rhizomes, stem, and bark of B. vulgaris and many other plants. There have been many clinical trials conducted that suggested a wide range of therapeutic applications. Here, we investigated the clinical uses of berberine and B. vulgaris in the treatment of different diseases in humans. An extensive search in electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Sciences and Science Direct) was used to identify the clinical trials on B. vulgaris and berberine. Lipid‐lowering and insulin‐resistance improving actions are the most studied properties of berberine in numerous randomized clinical trials. There are also clinical trials regarding cardiovascular, anticancer, gastrointestinal, CNS, endocrine, and so on. Berberine has very low toxicity in usual doses and reveals clinical benefits without major side effects. Only mild gastrointestinal reactions may occur in some patients. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary concerning the clinical trials conducted on berberine to improve the clinical application of this nutraceutical in different diseases. In this review article, we used 77 clinical studies on human subjects.     

Anti-osteoporotic activity of aqueous-methanol extract of Berberis aristata in ovariectomized rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Traditionally Berberis aristata is employed for its supposed properties in treatment of joint pain and also used in alleviating symptoms of menopause.

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the antiosteoporotic effect of Berberis aristata in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.

Materials and methods

Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham and OVX groups. The OVX rats were further divided into four groups, which received standard estrogen (0.0563 mg/kg) and 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg aqueous-methanol extract of Berberis aristata, daily for 42 days. The uterine weight, bone loss, ash content, biomechanical, biochemical and histopathological observation were carried out for antiosteoporotic activity.

Results

The experimental animals treated with Berberis aristata aqueous-methanol extract showed dose dependent activity. The significant increase in uterine weight, femur BMD, ash content and lumbar hardness were observed. In addition, increased levels of calcium and phosphorus in serum and significant decreased in urine were observed as compared to control OVX group. The histopathological results also confirm the protective effect of extract.

Conclusion

The present findings strongly suggest that Berberis aristata possess the potent antiosteoporosis activity in ovariectomized rats and substantiates the ethnic use in treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.     

Antioxidant and cytoprotective compounds from Berberis vulgaris (barberry)

Activity-guided fractionation of an EtOAc-soluble partition of the MeOH extract from the root bark of Berberis vulgaris L. (barberry), using a hydroxyl radical-scavenging assay, led to the isolation and identification of three phenolic compounds of a previously known structure, N-(p-trans-coumaroyl)tyramine, cannabisin G and (+/-)-lyoniresinol. Of these, cannabisin G and (+/-)-lyoniresinol exhibited antioxidant activity in this bioassay. Furthermore, it was found that cannabisin G showed cytoprotective activity in cultured MCF-7 cells modulated by hydrogen peroxide.     

新疆黑果小檗根皮、根木质部中阿魏酸提取工艺条件的优化比较研究

目的采用HPLC法测定并对比新疆黑果小檗根皮与根木质部中阿魏酸的含量,并优化其提取工艺条件。方法 (1)通过不同溶剂提取黑果小檗根皮、根木质部,根据其含量测定结果选定最优提取溶剂。(2)在单因素试验结果基础上,采用响应曲面法优化阿魏酸的提取工艺。结果 (1)确定乙醇提物中阿魏酸含量最高。(2)确定最佳提取条件。平行试验3次,新疆黑果小檗根皮、根木质部中的阿魏酸在提取溶剂为60%乙醇,提取温度为50℃,料液比为1∶15,提取次数为3次的提取条件下提取效率最高,其中,根皮中阿魏酸提取量0.71%(RSD=1.24%),根木质部中阿魏酸提取量0.32%(RSD=1.51%)。结论本提取工艺稳定可行,提取效率较高。     

实验性大鼠肾草酸钙结石造模方法筛选研究

目的:筛选一种方法简便、稳定、成石效果好的实验性大鼠肾草酸钙结石造模方法。方法:采用几种目前常用的实验性大鼠肾草酸钙结石造模方法(造模Ⅰ组:1%乙二醇饮水+2%氯化铵每天ig 2 mL/只;造模Ⅱ组:1.25%乙二醇+1%氯化铵,ig 20 mL.kg-1.d-1;造模Ⅲ组:每只每天饮用1.25%乙二醇+1%氯化铵10 mL,水30 mL;造模Ⅳ组:1%乙二醇+1%氯化铵自由饮用)进行造模,并进行各组尿液、血液和肾组织中的多项生化指标【尿素氮(BUN)、肌酐(Cr)、尿酸(UA)、无机磷(IP)、钙(Ca2+)、草酸(OX)】检测以及肾脏病理标本观察,综合评价造模效果。结果:造模Ⅰ组的24 h尿液中的BUN,Cr,UA,IP,Ca2+,OX均高于正常对照组(Ⅴ组),且统计学上有极显著性差异(P0.01);血液中BUN,Cr,UA,IP,Ca2+均高于正常对照组,且统计学上有极显著性差异(P0.01);肾组织中Ca2+和OX均高于正常对照组,且统计学上有极显著性差异(P0.01);肾组织可见大量草酸钙结晶沉积。造模Ⅱ组和造模Ⅲ组的多项生化指标结果显示大鼠的肾功能下降,但肾组织中未见结晶体,仅发现肾间质血管充血。造模Ⅳ组大鼠全部死亡。结论:造模Ⅰ组为最佳造模方法。     

溶石颗粒剂对结石模型大鼠肾骨桥蛋白表达的影响

目的：通过测定用药前后肾脏骨桥蛋白(osteopontin,OPN)的变化,来阐明民间验方溶石颗粒剂防治肾结石的作用机制。方法：采用乙二醇、氯化胺法致大鼠肾结石,同时每天1次ig给予溶石颗粒剂5.8,11.6,17.4 g·kg^-1,实验全程21 d。每7 d作以下测定：尿标本以EDTA法测定钙浓度,比色法测定草酸浓度；肾组织HE染色,以免疫组化法检测大鼠肾骨桥蛋白的表达。结果：模型组大鼠肾OPN的表达明显增加,与溶剂对照组相比P<0.01,其中21 d模型组OPN的表达最高,OPN的表达为溶剂对照组的1.4倍（0.281 3/0.201 8）；溶石颗粒剂各剂量组均能明显抑制大鼠肾结石模型OPN的表达（P<0.05）,且呈现明显的量效关系；溶石颗粒剂各剂量组能减轻大鼠肾脏草酸钙结晶程度,显著降低大鼠尿钙和草酸浓度(P<0.01)。结论：溶石颗粒剂可以抑制大鼠肾结石模型中OPN的表达。     

Safety assessment of the standardized extract of Carissa edulis root bark in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Preparations of Carissa edulis (Vahl) have been used in the Nigerian traditional medicine for the management of fever, sickle cell disease, epilepsy, pain and inflammation for many years and their efficacy is widely acclaimed among the Hausa communities of northern Nigeria.

Aim of the study

The present studies aimed at evaluating the toxicological properties of the standardized ethanol extract of C. edulis root bark in rats, in order to determine its safety and to complement earlier efficacy studies on this widely used medicinal plant.

Materials and methods

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and preliminary phytochemical analysis of the extract were conducted and its oral median lethal dose (LD₅₀) determined. Signs of toxicity, body weight changes, relative organs weight, feed and water consumption were monitored following 28 days of daily oral administration of graded doses of the extract in rats. Effects of the extract on sex hormones, low- and high-density lipids, hematological and biochemical parameters were examined and pathological changes of the vital organs after treatment with the extract were also investigated.

Results

The oral LD₅₀ of the extract was estimated to be >5000 mg/kg. The body weights of treated rats increased progressively, but the changes were not significantly different from the control groups. The extract neither produces significant changes in feed and water consumption nor affected the relative organs weight. Although some variations were observed in hormonal and lipid profiles hematological and biochemical indices, these important parameters were normal and within acceptable limits. No lesions or pathological changes of the organs attributable to treatment with the extract were observed from the pathological examinations. The HPLC fingerprint of the extract shows a spectrum profile characteristic of C. edulis, while the preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, anthraquinones and cardiac glycosides.

Conclusion

Our results provided evidence that short-term administration of the standardized ethanol extract of C. edulis root bark at doses lower than 1000 mg/kg is safe in rats and may not exert severe toxic effects.     

Neuropharmacological effects of the aqueous extract of Nauclea latifolia root bark in rats and mice

The present study evaluated the neuropharmacological effects of the aqueous extract of Nauclea latifolia root bark in rodents. Effects on the spontaneous motor activity (SMA), exploratory behaviour, pentobarbital sleeping time, apomorphine-induced stereotypic behaviour and motor coordination (rota-rod performance) were investigated. The extract (50-200 mg/kg p.o.) significantly (P<0.05) decreased the SMA and exploratory behaviour in mice and prolonged pentobarbital sleeping time in rats dose-dependently. The extract also remarkably attenuated the intensity of apomorphine-induced stereotypy dose-dependently in mice, but had no effect on motor coordination as determined by the performance on rota-rod. These results indicate the presence of psychoactive substances in the aqueous extract of the root bark of Nauclea latifolia.     

Wound healing activity of Calotropis gigantea root bark in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Calotropis gigantea R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae) is a perennial undershrub found chiefly in wastelands throughout India. It has been reported as a traditional folkloric medicine for a variety of alignments. The plant Calotropis gigantea is also used in some parts of India for wound healing in combination with other plants. However there are no scientific reports on wound healing activity of the plant Calotropis gigantea R.Br.

Aim of the study

To investigate the effects of Calotropis gigantea root bark on wound healing activity in rats by excision, incision and dead space wound healing models in rats.

Methodology

Wistar albino rats of either sex weighing between 180 and 200 g were topically treated with extract formulated in ointment by using simple ointment BP as base. 5% (w/w) ointment was applied once daily in excision wound model. Calotropis gigantea ethanolic extract was given orally at a dose of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg in incision and dead space wound healing models. Rats of standard groups were treated with 5% Povidone iodine ointment topically. The percentage wound closure, epithelization time, hydroxyproline content and scar area on complete epithelization were measured.

Results

Topical application of Calotropis gigantea in excision wound model increased the percentage of wound contraction. Scar area and epithelization time were decreased. In incision wound and dead space wound breaking strength of wounds and hydroxyproline was increased.

Conclusion

Calotropis gigantea accelerated wound healing in rats and thus supports its traditional use.     

Effect of berberine and Berberis aetnensis C. Presl. alkaloid extract on glutamate-evoked tissue transglutaminase up-regulation in astroglial cell cultures

Berberis aetnensis C. Presl. is a bushy-spiny shrub common on Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy), containing various alkaloids with several pharmacological properties. This study assessed the effect of berberine and of the alkaloid extract of B. aetnensis roots on the glutamate-evoked tissue transglutaminase (TG2) up-regulation in rat astrocyte primary cultures, used as an in vitro model of excitotoxicity. The findings show that the alkaloid extract of B. aetnensis roots consists mainly of berberine. Furthermore, berberine and the alkaloid extract of B. aetnensis roots were able to restore the oxidative status modified by glutamate and the levels of TG2 to control values. It was found that berberine or the alkaloid extract of B. aetnensis roots are able to ameliorate the excessive production of glutamate, protein misfolding and aggregation, mitochondrial fragmentation, and neurodegeneration. Thus, it is suggested that berberine and the alkaloid extract of B. aetnensis roots, may represent a natural therapeutic strategy in the neuropathological conditions associated with excitotoxicity.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of Lannea coromandelica bark extract in rats

Oral administration of an ethanolic extract of Lannea coromandelica (ELC) demonstrated a dose related antiinflammatory activity (AIA) in carrageenan and dextran induced oedema and adjuvant induced arthritis in rats. ELC reduced the pleural exudate volume and inhibited leucocyte migration in carrageenan-induced pleurisy in rats. It lacked analgesic, antipyretic or ulcerogenic effect and failed to exhibit any effect in cotton pellet granuloma. It did not prolong the gestation period, parturition time in pregnant rats or the onset time of diarrhoea in rats induced by castor oil. The ALD₅₀ is greater than 2 g/kg p.o. in mice.     

Antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effect of Berberis aristata root extract and its role in regulating carbohydrate metabolism in diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Berberis aristata DC root is used in traditional medicine for a number of ailments including metabolic disorders.

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study was to explore the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant potential of 50% aqueous ethanolic root extract of Berberis aristata (BA) in alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

BA root extract (250 mg/kg) was administered to diabetic rats and standard drug glybenclamide (0.6 mg/kg) to group serving as positive control. Effect of extract on antioxidant and carbohydrate metabolism regulating enzymes of liver was studied in diabetic rats along with its safety parameters.

Results

The main constituents of root were identified as berberine, berbamine and palmatine through HPTLC. The extract besides being safe, lowered the blood glucose significantly without any hypoglycemic effect on their control counterparts. It increased CAT, SOD, GPx, GR activity significantly and reduced lipid peroxidation (41.6%) and protein carbonylation (30.15%). It also increased the glucokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities and decreased glucose-6-phosphatase activity in diabetic rats which play a critical role in glucose homeostasis.

Conclusion

Thus, the extract of Berberis sristata (root) has strong potential to regulate glucose homeostasis through decreased gluconeogenesis and oxidative stress.     

Grape seed extract prevents azathioprine toxicity in rats

Azathioprine (Aza) is an important drug commonly used in the therapy of autoimmune system disorders. It induces hepatotoxicity and hazard effects that restrict its use. The effects of administration of grape seed extract and folic acid on Aza toxicity by gavage (simultaneously) daily for 4 weeks were studied by determining the changes in some hematological parameters and liver histology. The glutathione level (GSH) and lipid peroxidation content as malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver tissue were measured. The repeated intake of Aza (25 mg/kg body weight) induced anemia characterized by decreased erythrocyte and leukocyte counts and reticulocyte and hematocrit percentages, while the prothrombin time was significantly increased. Moreover, Aza caused a significant decrease in phagocytic activity and lymphocyte percentage. Aza induced hepatic damage as indicated by pronounced changes in the histological structure, a significant increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and MDA content in the liver tissue. Meanwhile, the GSH activity was significantly decreased. Co‐treatment with grape seed extract and Aza minimized the previously mentioned hazard effects of Aza and significantly protected the hepatic tissue by ameliorating the antioxidant activity. Folic acid administration, simultaneously, with Aza only improved the anemia. It may be concluded that grape seed extract is a useful herbal remedy, especially for controlling oxidative damages and is considered as a potent protective agent against Aza hepatotoxicity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antidiabetic activity of Ficus amplissima Smith. bark extract in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ficus amplissima commonly known as kal-itchchi have a long history of use in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani herbal preparations in Indian traditional system of medicine. It has been used in folklore medicine for the treatment of diabetes.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of methanolic extract of the bark of Ficus amplissima (FAB) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

Oral administration of FAB bark at the doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg was studied in normal, glucose-loaded and STZ—induced diabetic rats.

Results

The three doses caused significant reduction in blood glucose levels in all the models. The effect was more pronounced in 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg than 150 mg/kg. FAB also showed significant increase in serum insulin and body weight. The glycogen content in liver, skeletal muscle, total protein contents were markedly increased and marker enzymes of hepatic function of STZ-induced diabetic rats while there was significant reduction in the levels of serum triglyceride and total cholesterol. FAB also showed significant anti-lipid peroxidative effect in the pancreas of STZ-induced diabetic rats. The anti-diabetic effect of FAB was compared with glibenclamide, a well known hypoglycemic drug. Histological analysis showed the regenerative effect of FAB on the β-cells of diabetic rats.

Conclusion

Results of this experimental study indicated that FAB possessed anti-diabetic and antioxidant activities. Hence it could be used as a natural source of antidiabetic (Type-I) and antioxidant drug.     

Efficacy of Adiantum capillus veneris Linn in chemically induced urolithiasis in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Adiantum capillus veneris Linn has been recommended in ancient literature of Unani system of medicine as an important ingredient of many formulations for the treatment of urolithiasis. Its decoction has long been used for the same purpose by several Unani physicians.