Ethanol extract of Astragali Radix and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix, Myelophil,exerts anti-amnesic effect in a mouse model of scopolamine-induced memory deficits

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Myelophil, a combination of extracts taken from Astragali Radix and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix, is a traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of chronic fatigue-associated disorders. Here we examined the ability of Myelophil to alleviate memory impairment in a mouse model. We aimed to investigate whether Myelophil has the pharmacological effects on memory deficits associated with brain dysfunctions using an animal model.

Materials and methods

Ten week-old male C57BL/6N mice were pretreated with Myelophil (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg), or tacrine (10 mg/kg) for 7 days, and then intraperitoneally injected with scopolamine (1 mg/kg). Memory-related behaviors were evaluated using the Morris water maze for 5 days. Levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress, antioxidant activity, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were measured in brain tissues.

Results

Scopolamine treatment increased the escape latency time and shortened time spent in the target quadrant; these effects were ameliorated by pretreatment with Myelophil. Scopolamine-induced changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialehyde (MDA), and AChE activity were significantly attenuated in mice pretreated with Myelophil. Recovery of antioxidant capacities, including total glutathione (GSH) content, and the activities of GSH-reductase, GSH-S-transferase, and catalase was also evident in Myelophil-treated mice. The strongest effects were seen for ERK and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 1 (mAChR1) at both the protein and gene expression levels, with significant amelioration of expression levels in the Myelophil pretreatment group.

Conclusions

These results suggest that Myelophil confers anti-amnesic properties in a mouse model of memory impairment, driven in part by the modulation of cholinergic activity.     

Myelophil attenuates brain oxidative damage by modulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in a chronic cold-stress mouse model

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Myelophil is composed of Astragali Radix and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix, according to the long traditional pharmacological practices, and it has been used for patients with chronic fatigue-associated symptoms including concentration problem or memory loss.

Aim of the study

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical relevance of Myelophil on brain oxidative damage using a chronic cold stress mice model.

Material and methods

Balb/c mice were subjected to cold stress (4 °C for 4 h) six times per week for 2 weeks with or without oral administration of Myelophil (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg), or ascorbic acid (50 mg/kg).

Results

Chronic cold stress induced histopathological hippocampal apoptosis with drastically increased serum levels of total reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, as well as brain lipid peroxidation levels, protein carbonyl, and caspase-3/7 activity. These alterations were significantly ameliorated by Myelophil treatment. Myelophil administration significantly recovered the depleted glutathione and its enzymes, superoxide dismutase activity, and catalase protein and gene expression levels. Serum levels of corticosterone, dopamine, and adrenaline were notably altered by chronic cold stress but were significantly ameliorated by Myelophil treatment. Myelophil also normalized alterations in tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-10 gene expression and protein levels. Chronic cold stress up-regulated gene expression levels of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase and monoamine oxidase-B, and glucocorticoid receptors in the hypothalamus and hippocampus, respectively, whereas Myelophil treatment completely normalized these levels.

Conclusions

These results suggest that Myelophil has potent pharmaceutical effects against chronic cold-stress-induced brain damage by relieving oxidative stress and inflammation and regulating stress hormones in mice.     

Antiinflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant activities of Cyathula prostrata (Linn.) Blume (Amaranthaceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Cyathula prostrata (Linn) Blume (Amaranthaceae) is an annual herb widely used traditionally in the treatment of various inflammatory and pain related health disorders in Nigeria. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant activities of the methanolic extract of Cyathula prostrata (Linn) Blume.

Materials and methods

The anti-inflammatory (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced nitric oxide production in U937 macrophages, LPS-induced COX-2 expression, carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema, arachidonic acid-induced ear oedema and xylene-induced ear oedema), analgesic (acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate tests) and antioxidant activities (DPPH [1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl] and lipid peroxidation assays) activities of the plant extract were investigated.

Results

The methanolic extract of Cyathula prostrata did not show inhibitory activity in the in vitro PMA-induced reactive oxygen species, LPS-induced nitric oxide production and LPS-induced COX-2 expression assays. In the in vivo anti-inflammatory assays, the extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) showed a significant (P < 0.05) dose-dependent inhibition in the carrageenan, arachidonic acid and xylene-induced tests. Cyathula prostrata produced a significant (P < 0.05, 0.001) dose-dependent inhibition in the acetic acid and hot plate analgesic tests respectively. The plant extract did not exhibit any antioxidant activity in the DPPH and lipid peroxidation assays.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the methanolic extract of Cyathula prostrata possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities and this authenticates the use of the plant in the traditional treatment of ailments associated with inflammation and pain.     

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of Solanum fastigiatum (false "Jurubeba") against paracetamol-induced liver damage in mice

Aim of the study

Solanum fastigiatum is a medicinal plant widely distributed in the south of Brazil and has been used mainly to treat hepatitis, spleen disorders, uterine tumors, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic gastritis. The present research was aimed to evaluate the potential antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extracts of leaves using in vitro and in vivo models to validate the folkloric use of the plant.

Materials and methods

Antioxidant activity was evaluated by different assays, including thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), total antioxidant, 2,2-diphenlyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and metal ion-chelating activities. The hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extracts was studied on mice liver damage induced by paracetamol (250 mg/kg) by monitoring biochemical parameters.

Results

The extract showed inhibition against TBARS, induced by 10 μM FeSO₄ and 5 μM sodium nitroprusside in rat liver, brain and phospholipid homogenates from egg yolk. The plant exhibited strong antioxidant activity in the DPPH (IC₅₀, 68.96 ± 1.25 μg/ml) assay. The aqueous extract also showed significant hepatoprotective activity that was evident by enzymatic examination and brought back the altered levels of TBARS, non-protein thiol and ascorbic acid to near the normal levels in a dose dependent manner. Acute toxicity studies revealed that the LD₅₀ value of the extract is more than the dose 4 g/kg body weight of mice.

Conclusions

The results indicate that this plant possesses potential antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties and has therapeutic potential for the treatment of liver diseases.     

Antioxidative and hepatoprotective effect of CGX, an herbal medicine, against toxic acute injury in mice

Aim

CGX, a modified traditional Chinese herbal drug whose name means “liver cleaning,” is used to treat various liver disorders. This study investigated the protective effects of CGX and its mechanisms.

Material and methods

After pretreating ICR mice twice daily with CGX (po, 50 or 100 mg/kg) or distilled water for three consecutive days, acute liver injury was induced by a single injection of CCl₄ (ip, 10 mL/kg of 0.2% in olive oil) (n = 8 per group).

Results

Pretreatment with CGX significantly attenuated the elevation in biochemical parameters, such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum, and the malondialdehyde concentrations in liver tissue. Pretreatment with CGX significantly restored the reduction of catalase activity and glutathione (GSH) content, but not superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and it inhibited the CCl₄-induced high expression of iNOS and TNF-α in hepatic tissue.

Conclusion

This study showed that CGX has hepatoprotective effects against free radical-induced acute injury via primarily antioxidative properties.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Phaseolus trilobus,Ait on bile duct ligation induced liver fibrosis in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Phaseolus trilobus Ait (Fabaceae) is extensively used by tribal people of Nandurbar district (Maharashtra, India) in the treatment of Jaundice and other liver disorders.

Aim

of the present study was to assess the medicinal claim of Phaseolus trilobus as hepatoprotective and antioxidant.

Material and methods

The hepatoprotective activity of methanol and aqueous extract of Phaseolus trilobus was evaluated by bile duct ligation induced liver fibrosis and antioxidant activity was evaluated using in vitro and in vivo antioxidant models viz anti-lipid peroxidation assay, super oxide radical scavenging assay and glutathione estimation in liver. Liver function tests were carried out to detect hepatoprotective activity, which was further supported by histopathological examination.

Results

Methanol and aqueous extracts of Phaseolus trilobus reduced elevated level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bilirubin and hydroxyproline significantly (p < 0.01) in bile duct ligated Wistar rats, proving hepatoprotective activity comparable with Silymarin. Both the extracts were found to reduce the elevated levels of serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and elevate superoxide scavenging radical activity proving antioxidant activity comparable with ascorbic acid. The reduced level of glutathione was found to be elevated in liver proving antioxidant activity comparable with Silymarin.

Conclusion

Phaseolus trilobus posses hepatoprotective property and is effective in oxidative stress induced cholestatic hepatic injury.     

The protective effect of Zizyphus jujube fruit on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury in mice by anti-oxidative activities

Aim of the study

The study was aimed to investigate the protective effect against hepatic injury induced by CCl₄ for the ethanolic extract of FZJ.

Materials and methods

The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were detected as biomarker in blood of hepatic injury. Product of lipid peroxidation (MDA), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents were evaluated for oxidative stress in hepatic injury. Moreover, histopathological observation was assayed at the degree of hepatic injury.

Results

After administrated the FZJ, the dose of 200 mg/kg significantly decreased ALT and AST, and attenuated histopathology of hepatic injury, and ameliorated the oxidative stress in hepatic tissue. Partly assayed indexes were ameliorated after administrated FZJ at the dose of 100 mg/kg.

Conclusion

These results indicated that hepatic protective effects of FZJ were very relevant to modulate the oxidative stress in hepatic injury.     

In vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract from Meconopsis integrifolia (Maxim.) Franch

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Meconopsis integrifolia (Maxim.) Franch is a high mountain endemic species used as a traditional Tibetan and Mongolian herb to treat hepatitis, pneumonia, and edema. This study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Meconopsis integrifolia ethanolic extract (MIE) in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and methods

The in vitro antioxidant property of MIE was investigated by employing various established systems. Rats with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury were used to assess the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effect of MIE in vivo. The level or activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TB) in the blood serum and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) in the liver and kidney of the rats were assayed using standard procedures.

Results

MIE exhibited strong antioxidant ability in vitro. In the rats with CCl₄-induced liver injury, the groups treated with MIE and silymarin showed significantly lower levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and TB. MIE demonstrated good antioxidant activities in both the liver and kidney of the rats in vivo.

Conclusions

MIE exhibits excellent hepatoprotective effects and antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo, supporting the traditional use of Meconopsis integrifolia in the treatment of hepatitis.     

Protective activity of phyllanthin in ethanol-treated primary culture of rat hepatocytes

Aim of the study

To investigate the protective effect of phyllanthin (a known principal constituent of Phyllanthus amarus Schum. et Thonn.) on ethanol-induced rat liver cell injury.

Materials and methods

Primary culture of rat hepatocytes (24 h culturing) were pretreated with phyllanthin (1, 2, 3 and 4 μg/ml) for 24 h. After 24 h pretreatment, cells were treated with ethanol (80 μl/ml) for 2 h.

Results

Ethanol decreased %MTT, increased the release of transaminases (ALT and AST) with the increase in the production of intracellular ROS and lipid peroxidation. Phyllanthin demonstrated its role in protection by antagonizing the above effect induced by ethanol. Phyllanthin also restored the antioxidant capability of rat hepatocytes including level of total glutathione, and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) which were reduced by ethanol.

Conclusions

These results suggested the hepatoprotective effect of phyllanthin against ethanol-induced oxidative stress causing rat liver cell damage through its antioxidant activity.     

Antitumoral and antioxidant effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) (Willd. Ex Roem. & Schult) in an in vivo carcinosarcoma model

Aim of the study

The present work intended to study the antitumoral and antioxidant effects of Uncaria tomentosa (UT) hydroalcoholic extract in the Walker-256 cancer model.

Methods and materials

Walker-256 cells were subcutaneously inoculated in the pelvic limb of male Wistar rats. Daily gavage with UT extract (10, 50 or 100 mg kg⁻¹, Groups UT) or saline solution (Control, Group C) was subsequently initiated, until 14 days afterwards. For some parameters, a group of healthy rats (Baseline, Group B) was added. At the end of treatment the following parameters were evaluated: (a) tumor volume and mass; (b) plasmatic concentration of urea, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH); (c) hepatic and tumoral activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as the rate of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and gluthatione (GSH); and (d) hepatic glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity. The reactivity of UT extract with the stable free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was assessed in parallel.

Results

UT hydroalcoholic extract successfully reduced the tumor growth. In addition, treatment with UT reduced the activity of AST, which had been increased as a result of tumor inoculation, thus attempting to return it to normal levels. UT did not reverse the increase of LDH and GGT plasma levels, although all doses were remarkably effective in reducing urea plasma levels. An important in vitro free radical-scavenging activity was detected at various concentrations of UT extract (1–300 μg mL⁻¹). Treatment also resulted in increased CAT activity in liver, while decreasing it in tumor tissue. SOD activity was reduced in liver as well as in tumor, compared to Group C. No statistical significance concerning ALT, GST, LPO or GSH were observed.

Conclusions

This data represent an in vivo demonstration of both antitumoral and antioxidant effects of UT hydroalcoholic extract. The antineoplastic activity may result, partially at least, from the ability of UT to regulate redox and metabolism homeostasis.     

Gastroprotective activities of Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult. revisited: Role of arbutin

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult. has been used for the treatment of several human disorders including peptic ulcer.

Objectives of the study

The current study is an attempt to evaluate the anti-ulcerogenic activities of arbutin, a major constituent of Turnera diffusa on two ulcer models. The possible involvement of lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and mucus barrier mechanism has been investigated.

Materials and methods

Effects of arbutin on ulcer index, gastric juice acidity, mucus content and histochemistry, gross and histological gastric lesions, nitric oxide, cytokines levels (IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), were evaluated in aspirin or ethanol-induced ulcer in vivo. Acute toxicity of arbutin was also examined in rodent model. MTT assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of the compound on normal liver cells (WRL-68).

Results

Pre-treatment with arbutin or omeprazole protected the gastric mucosa as seen by reduction in ulcer area and mucosal content, reduced or absence of edema, inflammation and leucocytes infiltration on both models. Arbutin significantly (P < 0.05) lowered the elevated TBARS level into gasteric homogenate. Arbutin did not produce significant inhibition of NO. This natural compound has modulated the levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-10 and TNF-α. No in vitro or in vivo toxicities for arbutin were observed.

Conclusion

Thus it can be concluded that Turnera diffusa possesses anti-ulcer activity, which could be attributed to lipid peroxidation inhibitory, immuno modulatory and anti-oxidant mechanisms of arbutin but not to the intervention with nitric oxide inflammation pathway.     

Potential therapeutic effects of a traditional Chinese formulation, BJ-JN, on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats

Aim of the study

to evaluate the anti-fibrotic effects of BJ-JN (a traditional Chinese formulation) in CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis in rats.

Materials and methods

BJ-JN (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 g/kg) was administrated via gavage once a day starting from the fifth weeks after the CCl₄ treatment for subsequent 9 weeks. Evaluated with liver and spleen index, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hyaluronic acid (HA), nitric oxide (NO), hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, as well as with histopathologic changes of liver. The proliferation and collagen synthesis of primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) from normal, model and BJ-JN (2.0 g/kg) treatment rats were examined with ³H-TdR and ³H-Pro uptake assay, respectively.

Results

BJ-JN (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 g/kg) effectively reduced the elevated levels of liver and spleen index, serum ALT, AST, NO, HA, and hepatic MDA contents, enhance the reduced hepatic SOD activity in CCl₄-treated rats. The histopathological analysis suggested that BJ-JN obviously alleviated the degree of liver fibrosis induced by CCl₄. The proliferation and collagen synthesis of HSC isolated from BJ-JN (2.0 g/kg) treatment rats were remarkably inhibited.

Conclusions

Those results suggest BJ-JN has a protective and therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis induced by CCl₄, which might be associated with its anti-oxidative activity, inhibitory activity on HSC proliferation and collagen synthesis.     

Protective effect of Heliotropium foertherianum (Boraginaceae) folk remedy and its active compound, rosmarinic acid, against a Pacific ciguatoxin

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Terminalia pallida is an evergreen endemic tree, mentioned in Ayurveda as the fruits of Terminalia pallida are excellent in cardioprotective property. Tribal people use Terminalia pallida fruit for the treatment of diabetes and this plant widely used in many other disorders.

Aim of study

The present investigation was to evaluate the antioxidant, biochemical profile and histological studies of qualitatively standardized ethanolic extract of Terminalia pallida fruits (TpFE) against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

Materials and methods

TpFE was standardized by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectroscopy (MS). Rats were pretreated orally with different doses of TpFE (100, 300, and 500 mg kg⁻¹ body weight) and cardioprotective positive control gallic acid (GA) for 30 days prior to isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction. The rats were sacrificed, hearts were collected and homogenized for biochemical analysis. The effects on total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), lipid peroxidation (LPO) marker, malondialdehyde (MDA), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), sodium potassium (Na⁺/K⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases) were estimated in heart tissue homogenate.

Results

Rats administered with ISO showed a significant increase in TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C, and MDA and a significant decrease in HDL-C, cardiac marker enzymes – CK, LDH, ALT and AST. ISO significantly reduced antioxidants – CAT, GPx, and membrane bound enzymes – Na⁺/K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ATPases. Pretreatment with TpFE (100, 300, and 500 mg kg⁻¹ bw) and GA (15 mg kg⁻¹ bw) for a period of 30 days significantly inhibited the effects of ISO. Moreover, biochemical findings were supported by histopathological observations.

Conclusion

The present study provide evidence for the first time, that TpFE pretreatment ameliorated myocardial injury in ISO-induced myocardial infarcted rats and exhibited cardioprotective activity.     

Antifibrotic effects of Artemisia capillaris and Artemisia iwayomogi in a carbon tetrachloride-induced chronic hepatic fibrosis animal model

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Artemisia capillaris and Artemisia iwayomogi, both members of the Compositae family, have been indiscriminately used for various liver disorders as traditional hepatotherapeutic medicines in Korea for many years.

Aim of the study

In this study, the anti-hepatofibrotic effects of Artemisia capillaris and Artemisia iwayomogi were comparatively analyzed using a carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis rat model.

Materials and methods

Hepatic fibrosis was induced via a 10-week course of intraperitoneal CCl₄ injections (50% dissolved in olive oil, 2 mL/kg, twice per week). Water extract of Artemisia capillaris (AC) or Artemisia iwayomogi (AI) was orally administered six times per week from the 5th to the 10th week.

Results

AI (50 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the CCl₄-induced excessive release of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum (p < 0.05), and hydroxyproline and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in liver tissue (p < 0.05). Further, AI markedly ameliorated the depletion of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in liver tissue (p < 0.01). Unexpectedly, AC did not exert any effects on the above parameters. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that AI drastically reduced inflammation, necrosis, fatty infiltration, collagen accumulation, and activation of hepatic satellite cells in liver tissue. These changes were not observed with AC treatment. Several critical genes of fibrosis-related cytokines including transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), platelet-derived growth factor beta (PDGF-β), and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were more prominently downregulated by AI compared to AC treatment.

Conclusion

Our results show that AI exerts greater hepatoprotective and anti-fibrotic effects as compared with AC via enhancing antioxidant capacity and downregulating fibrogentic cytokines.     

Neuroprotective activity of Matricaria recutita Linn against global model of ischemia in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Traditionally, the whole plant is used for various diseases, including neuronal disorders.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of Matricaria recutita L. against global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury-induced oxidative stress in rats.

Materials and methods

Neuroprotective activity was carried out by global cerebral ischemia on Sprague–Dawley rats by bilateral carotid artery (BCA) occlusion for 30 min followed by 60 min reperfusion. The antioxidant enzymatic and non-enzymatic levels were estimated along with cerebral infarction area and histopathological studies.

Results

The Matricaria recutita L. methanolic extract showed dose-dependent neuroprotective activity by significant decrease in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and increase in the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and total thiol levels in extract treated groups as compared to ischemia/reperfusion group. Cerebral infarction area was significantly reduced in extract treated groups as compared to ischemia/reperfusion group.

Conclusion

The methanolic extract of Matricaria recutita L. showed potent neuroprotective activity against global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced oxidative stress in rats.     

Hancornia speciosa: indications of gastroprotective, healing and anti-Helicobacter pylori actions

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomez) is a medicinal plant frequently cited in ethnopharmacological inventories of the central region of Brazil against gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhoea, ulcer, gastritis and stomachache.

Aim of the study

The hydroalcoholic extract (HE) and infusion (BI) of Hancornia speciosa bark were investigated for their ability to prevent and heal rodent gastric ulcer.

Materials and methods

The preventive and healing action of both preparations of Hancornia speciosa were evaluated in experimental models in rodents that simulated this disease in human gastric mucosa.

Results

BI did not exert gastroprotective effect, in contrast to HE (500 mg/kg, p.o.) that decreased (p < 0.05) the severity of gastric damage induced by HCl/ethanol (52%), indomethacin/bethanechol (51%), stress (52%) or pylorus ligature experiments (54%). HE increased (p < 0.05) the pH and decreased acid output of gastric juice. This extract promoted increase of mucus amount (3.62 mg/wt. tissue vs. 5.81 mg/wt. tissue), healing action (67%) and displayed anti-Helicobacter pylori effect.

Conclusions

The antiulcer action of Hancornia speciosa resulted in increase of gastric mucus formation and antioxidant properties of polymeric proanthocyanidins present in the bark composition of this medicinal plant.     

Hepatoprotective effect of the ethanol extract of Vitis thunbergii on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats through anti-oxidative activities

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Vitis thunbergii var. taiwaniana are traditionally used for the treatment of diarrhea, fracture and injury, jaundice, and hepatitis in Taiwan.

Aim of the study

The hepatoprotective activity of its plant extracts seems to be been associated with its antioxidant activity. This paper aims to investigate the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant effects of the ethanol extract of Vitis thunbergii (EVT).

Materials and methods

In HPLC analysis, the fingerprint chromatogram of EVT was established. Antioxidant ability of EVT was investigated by employing several established in vitro methods. In vivo antioxidant activity was tested against CCl₄-induced toxicity in mice. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were detected in the blood to indicate hepatic injury. Product of lipid peroxidation (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents were evaluated for oxidative stress in hepatic injury. Moreover, histopathological observation was assayed for the degree of hepatic injury.

Results

EVT exhibited strong antioxidant ability in vitro. After oral administration of EVT significantly decreased ALT and AST, and ameliorated the oxidative stress in hepatic tissue and increased the activity of CAT, SOD, GPx, and GSH. Serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin−1β (IL-1β), and nitric oxide (NO) were decreased in the group treated with CCl₄ plus EVT. Western blotting revealed that EVT blocked protein expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in CCl₄-treated rats, significantly. Histopathological examination of livers showed that EVT reduced fatty degeneration, cytoplasmic vacuolization and necrosis in CCl₄-treated rats.

Conclusion

This study suggests that EVT possesses antioxidant effects in vitro and hepatoprotective effect on acute liver injuries induced by CCl₄in vivo, and the results suggested that the effect of EVT against CCl₄-induced liver damage is related to its antioxidant properties.