Effects of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) on the liver of diabetic rats: a morphological and biochemical study

Parsley is used by diabetics in Turkey to reduce blood glucose. The present study aims to investigate both the morphological and biochemical effects of parsley on liver tissue. Rat hepatocytes were examined by light and electron microscopy. Degenerative changes were observed in the hepatocytes of diabetic rats. These degenerative changes were significantly reduced or absent in the hepatocytes of diabetic rats treated with parsley. Blood glucose levels, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were observed to be raised in diabetic rats. Diabetic rats treated with parsley demonstrated significantly lower levels of blood glucose, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase. The present study suggests that parsley demonstrates a significant hepatoprotective effect in diabetic rats.     

Protective role of Melissa officinalis L. extract on liver of hyperlipidemic rats: a morphological and biochemical study

In this study, the effects of Melissa officinalis L. extract on hyperlipidemic rats were investigated, morphologically and biochemically. The animals were fed a lipogenic diet consisting of 2% cholesterol, 20% sunflower oil and 0.5% cholic acid added to normal chow and were given 3% ethanol for 42 days. The plant extract was given by gavage technique to rats to a dose of 2 g/kg every day for 28, 14 days after experimental animals done hyperlipidemia. The degenerative changes were observed in hyperlipidemic rats, light and electron microscopically. There was a significant increase in the levels of serum cholesterol, total lipid, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a significant decrease in the levels of liver tissue glutathione (GSH), a significant increase in the levels of tissue lipid peroxidation (LPO) in this group. On the other hand, the administration of Melissa officinalis L. extract reduced total cholesterol, total lipid, ALT, AST and ALP levels in serum, and LPO levels in liver tissue, moreover increased glutathione levels in the tissue. As a result, it was suggested that Melissa officinalis L. extract exerted an hypolipidemic effect and showed a protective effect on the liver of hyperlipidemic rats.     

Antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of oleanolic acid from Ligustrum lucidum Ait in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats

The present study evaluated the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of oleanolic acid (OA) from Ligustrum lucidum Ait (LLA) in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats. OA in the alloxan‐induced diabetic rats showed significant hypoglycemic activity by lowering blood glucose (at doses of 60 and 100 mg/kg for 40 days). The levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c) in the OA‐treated diabetic rats were lower, and the high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c) level was higher than in the control diabetic rats. A significant reduction in the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels of diabetic rats following OA treatment was also observed. Furthermore, OA treatment decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) level, but increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐px) activities of the liver and kidney in diabetic rats. These results indicate that OA could protect the liver function avoiding alloxan‐induced damage; OA had hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant efficacy in the diabetic rats. The antioxidant ability of OA might be one of the mechanisms of its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) consumption improves glutathione and HDL-cholesterol levels in experimental diabetes

The aim of this investigation was to assess the influence of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) consumption on oxidant-antioxidant status and lipid profile in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. 32 rats were divided into 4 groups as control, control+peanut, diabetic, diabetic+peanut. Control and diabetic groups were fed on standard rat chow whereas control+peanut and diabetic+peanut were fed on standard rat chow supplemented with 0.63 g % peanut for 12 weeks. Serum glucose levels, lipids, Glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and atherogenic index (AI) levels were determined at the end of the experiment. In the diabetic group TG (Triglyceride), TC (Total cholesterol), LDL-C (LDL-cholesterol) levels and atherogenic indexes increased significantly whereas HDL-C (HDL-cholesterol) level decreased significantly compared to the control group. The supplementation with peanut in the diabetic group led to significantly higher HDL-C levels and lower AI levels compared to diabetic group. Peanut consumption increased GSH levels significantly both in control and diabetic groups. In conclusion, this study shows that peanut consumption may improve oxidant-antioxidant status in healthy and diabetic status without increasing blood lipids. Moreover, increased HDL-C levels and decreased AI levels in diabetic rats indicate that, peanut consumption may have protective effects against cardiovascular complications of diabetes.     

高尿酸血症动物模型的实验研究

[目的]制备稳定持续、简便易行的高尿酸血症动物模型。[方法]采用单纯氧嗪酸钾、氧嗪酸钾+次黄嘌呤、腺嘌呤+乙胺丁醇、单纯酵母膏、酵母膏+腺嘌呤、酵母膏+腺嘌呤+氧嗪酸钾不同药物与不同浓度进行实验,检测模型动物血清尿酸值。[结果]单纯氧嗪酸钾、氧嗪酸钾+次黄嘌呤模型组尿酸值升高,与空白组比较有差异,但模型不稳定,重复性差,个体差异较大。腺嘌呤+乙胺丁醇、单纯酵母膏、酵母膏+腺嘌呤模型组尿酸值与空白组比较无差异。酵母膏+腺嘌呤+氧嗪酸钾模型组尿酸值升高,与空白组比较有显著性差异(P0.01),且模型稳定,个体差异小。[结论]采用酵母膏+腺嘌呤+氧嗪酸钾复制高尿酸血症动物模型最佳。     

Antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. leaves extract in streptozotocin-induced type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

In traditional Indian medicine, all parts of Emblica officinalis Gaertn plant including the fruit, seed, leaves, root, bark and flowers are used in various herbal preparations for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, chronic diarrhea, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the hypoglycemic and antioxidants effects of the hydro-methanolic (20:80) extract of leaves of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. (HMELEO) in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Material and methods

The hypoglycemic effect was measured by blood glucose and plasma insulin level. The oxidative stress was measured in liver and kidney by level of antioxidant markers i.e. lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT), and the biochemical parameters, i.e. blood serum levels of creatinine, urea, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminases (SGPT), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminases (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were the salient features observed in diabetic control and treated rats.

Results

Oral administration of the HMELEO at a concentration of 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg b.w. daily for 45 days showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in fasting blood glucose and increase insulin level as compared with the diabetic rats. Also it significantly (P<0.05) reduced all biochemical parameters (serum creatinine, serum urea, SGOT, SGPT and lipid profile). The treatment also resulted in a significant (P<0.05) increase in reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and decrease LPO level in the liver and kidney of diabetic rats.

Conclusion

The results clearly suggest that the hydro methanolic extract of leaves of Emblica officials Gaertn. treated group may effectively normalize the impaired antioxidant status in streptozotocin induced diabetes at dose dependent manner than the glibenclamide-treated groups. The extract exerted rapid protective effects against lipid peroxidation by scavenging of free radicals and reducing the risk of diabetic complications.     

Diuretic effect and mechanism of action of parsley

This work provides substantial evidence for the advocated diuretic effect of parsley in folk medicine and determines the mechanism of action of the herb. Rats offered an aqueous parsley seed extract to drink, eliminated a significantly larger volume of urine per 24 h as compared to when they were drinking water. These findings were supported by the results of other experiments using an in situ kidney perfusion technique which demonstrated also a significant increase in urine flow rate with parsley seed extract. This effect was still apparent in presence of amiloride, furosemide and in the absence of sodium, but not in the absence of potassium, suggesting that the diuretic effect of the herb is mediated through an increase in K+ retention in the lumen. Parsley extract, was shown on the other hand, to reduce the activity of the Na+-K+ ATPase in both cortex and medulla homogenates. Such an inhibition would decrease apical cellular Na+ reabsorption, lower K+ secretion, increase K+ concentration in the intercellular space and consequently would inhibit passive K+ influx across the tight junctions. The mechanism of action of parsley seems to be mediated through an inhibition of the Na+-K+ pump that would lead to a reduction in Na+ and K+ reabsorption leading thus to an osmotic water flow into the lumen, and diuresis.     

Prophylactic effect of flaxseed oil against radiation-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

Flaxseed (linseed, Linum usitatissimum, Linaceae) is widely used for its edible oil in many parts of the world. The present study investigates the radioprotective and antioxidative potential of flaxseed oil (FO). Swiss albino mice were administered FO orally once daily for 15 consecutive days, then exposed to a single dose of 5 Gy of gamma radiation. Lipid peroxide, reduced glutathione and total protein were estimated in the liver. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), acid and alkaline phosphatase estimations in serum were also carried out. Radiation-induced increases in the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), AST, ALT and acid phosphatase were significantly ameliorated by flaxseed oil pretreatment, and radiation-induced depletion in the level of glutathione (GSH) and alkaline phosphatase activities was significantly inhibited by flaxseed oil administration. The lifespan was increased in the flaxseed oil treated irradiated mice in comparison with their respective control mice, with survival data showing an LD(50/30) (lethal dose for 50% of animals after 30 days) of 7.1 and 10 Gy for control and FO treated irradiated mice, respectively, and produced a dose reduction factor for flaxseed oil (DRF) of 1.40. Radiation-induced deficits in body and organ weight were significantly reduced or prevented in flaxseed oil pretreated mice. The protection afforded by flaxseed oil may be attributed to the constituents of the oil, which include omega-3 essential fatty acids and phytoestrogenic lignans, which appear to play an important role in free radical scavenging and singlet oxygen quenching. The study does not rule out the possibility of a prophylactic potential of flaxseed oil against radiation-induced degenerative changes in liver.     

Bioactivity of methanolic extract of Brassica juncea in animal model of diabetes mellitus

Objective To study the bioactivity of methanolic extract of Brassica junceaon animal model of diabetes mellitus along with its effect on diabetic and metabolic parameters. Methods Diabetesmellitus was induced in rats by injecting streptozotocin (60mg/kg) intraperitonealy. Blood glucose was measured on day 3by GOD-POD method to confirm the diabetes mellitus. Rats having fasting blood glucose >250 mg/dLwere further selected for study and they were divided into four groups, control, control+streptozotocin, streptozotocin+ metformin(75mg/kg) and streptozotocin+ extract of B. juncea(450mg/kg). Each group consistedof six rats of either sex. Metformin and experimental extract were administered for 21 d. Triglyceride, cholesterol level were measured on day 21 by commercially available kit. Blood glucose was measured on days 7 and 21. Anti-oxidant potential was assessed by estimating extent of lipid peroxidation (LPO) by malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) in liver, kidney, pancreas, muscle tissues on day 21. Unpaired and paired student’s t-test were applied for statistical analysis. Results The extract of B. junceashowed significant decrease in blood glucose level on day 21. The treatment group showed significant difference in oxidative stress by increasing SOD and GSH and decreasing LPO and NO activity on day 21. The treatment didn’t show statistically significant difference of cholesterol, and triglycerides level on day 21. Conclusion The study showed anti-hyperglycemic and anti-oxidative properties of methanolic extract of B.juncea.     

Studies on the glycemic and lipidemic effect of Murraya koenigii in experimental animals

Diabetes is often accompanied by lipid abnormalities, which contribute significantly to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Previously, we have demonstrated potent hypoglycemic activity of lyophilized aqueous extract of Murraya koenigii leaves in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rabbits for short duration of 6 h. In this study, we examined the effect of 1 month oral administration of Murraya koenigii aqueous leaves extract in normal and STZ induced severe diabetic rats, at the dose of 300 mg/kg bw, on various biochemical parameters, viz., fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL), triglyceride (TG), alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), serum glutamate oxaloacetate and pyruvate transaminases (SGOT and SGPT) and serum creatinine. In case of diabetic animals fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels of treated animals reduced by 48.2% after 30 days treatment with the aqueous leaves extract. A fall of 19.2 and 30.8% in TC and 22.97 and 37.1% in TG levels were also observed in the case of treated normal as well as diabetic rats, respectively. Feeding the extract increased the HDL-cholesterol level by 16 and 29.4% in normal and diabetic rats, respectively, as compared with their initial values. In the normal rats after 1 month of oral administration of the extract SGOT and SGPT levels were decreased by 21.7 and 25.0%. Serum alkaline phosphatase values of the treated normal animals were also reduced by 33% while negligible change was observed in the normal control animals. In the case of diabetic rats, SGOT and SGPT levels were reduced by 36.7 and 32.2%, respectively, whereas ALKP levels decreased by 39.7% after 1 month oral administration of the extract. The serum creatinine levels decrease in normal as well as in the diabetic animals by 17.75 and 18.2%, respectively, as compared to initial values. In the diabetic control animals the urinary sugar remains at +4 level but there was a decrease of 75% in urine sugar in the case of treated diabetic rats. This indicates that the aqueous extract of Murraya koenigii has favorable effect in bringing down the severity of diabetes.     

The effect of Anethum graveolens L. (dill) on corticosteroid induced diabetes mellitus: involvement of thyroid hormones

An investigation was made to evaluate the role of Anethum graveolens L. (dill) leaf extract in the regulation of corticosteroid-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in female rats. In dexamethasone-treated animals (1 mg/kg for 22 days) an increase in serum concentration of insulin and glucose and in hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) was observed. However, there was a decrease in serum concentration of thyroid hormones and in the endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in liver. In animals treated with an equivalent amount of dexamethasone for a similar period (22 days) when received the leaf extract (100 mg/kg b.wt/d.) for last 15 days a decrease in the concentration of both serum glucose and insulin was observed, indicating the potential of the plant extract in the regulation of corticosteroid-induced diabetes. Dexamethasone-induced alterations in the levels of thyroid hormones as well as in hepatic LPO, SOD, CAT and GSH were also reversed by the plant extract.     

Effect of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) on the skin of STZ induced diabetic rats

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is one of the medicinal herbs used by diabetics in Turkey and it has been reported to reduce blood glucose. The purpose of this study therefore was to investigate the effect of feeding parsley on diabetes induced impairments in rat skins. Uncontrolled induced diabetes caused significant increases in nonenzymatic glycosylation of skin proteins, lipid peroxidation and blood glucose. Administration of parsley extract did not inhibit these effects except for the increase in blood glucose. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed no significant differences in any protein bands between any of the groups.     

Therapeutic potential of ethyl acetate fraction of Tephrosia purpurea Linn. leaves in a rat model of gout

ObjectiveThe present study is to determine the potential treatment effects of ethyl acetate fraction of Tephrosia purpurea Linn. leaves (EATP) against gout.MethodsGout in experimental rats was induced with potassium oxonate at the dose of 250 mg/kg (intraperitoneal injection) for 7 consecutive days; EATP was administered 1 h after administration of the potassium oxonate on each day of experiment. Potassium oxonate was discontinued on the 8th day; thereafter allopurinol (10 mg/kg, p.o.) and EATP (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) were continued until day 14. The uric acid level was measured from serum and urine during the experiment. Other biochemical parameters were assessed, including blood and urine creatinine, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and total protein. Blood urea nitrogen, serum aspartate aminotransferase serum alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were also measured. The blood was analyzed for levels of malondialdehyde and the antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Histopathological and radiological changes in the ankle of rats were observed after completion of the experiment.ResultsEATP was able to decrease serum uric acid and creatinine level; it also reduced inflammation, oxidative stress and lysosomal enzyme level, which has a role in acute inflammation. EATP increased uric acid excretion through urine due to its uricosuric effect.ConclusionEATP lowered the serum uric acid level and increased the urine uric acid level through excretion, which is useful in the treatment of gout. Hence the EATP was found to be helpful in the treatment of gout.     

芒果苷对高尿酸血症小鼠血尿酸及嘌呤代谢相关酶表达的影响

目的:研究芒果苷对氧嗪酸钾诱导的高尿酸血症小鼠血尿酸的影响以及对磷酸核糖焦磷酸合成酶(PRPS),磷酸核糖焦磷酸酰胺转移酶(PRPPAT)和次黄嘌呤-鸟嘌呤磷酸核糖转移酶(HGPRT) mRNA表达水平的影响。方法:雄性昆明种小鼠60只,随机分为正常组、高尿酸血症模型组、芒果苷1. 5,3. 0,6. 0 mg·kg~(-1)组、别嘌醇组(1. 0 mg·kg~(-1)),每组10只。按10 m L·kg~(-1)每天灌胃给药2次,连续10次,给药后1 h再灌胃给予氧嗪酸钾(500. 0 mg·kg~(-1))诱导形成高尿酸血症小鼠。磷钨酸法测血清尿酸水平,采用逆转录聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)检测小鼠肝脏PRPS,PRPPAT和脑组织中HGPRT mRNA的表达水平。结果:灌胃给予氧嗪酸钾后,与正常组比较,模型组小鼠血尿酸水平显著升高(P 0. 05);给予芒果苷和别嘌醇后,与模型组比较,芒果苷各剂量(1. 5,3. 0,6. 0 mg·kg~(-1))和别嘌醇(1. 0 mg·kg~(-1))均能显著降低高尿酸血症小鼠血清尿酸水平(P 0. 05,P 0. 01);与正常组和模型组比较,芒果苷各剂量组小鼠肝脏PRPS和PRPPAT mRNA的表达没有显著性差异,小鼠脑组织中HGPRT mRNA表达水平也没有显著性差异。结论:在本实验条件下,芒果苷的降尿酸作用与嘌呤代谢相关酶PRPS,PRPPAT和HGPRT mRNA的表达无关。     

Evaluation of the bio-activity of marine cyanobacteria on some biochemical parameters of rat serum

Wistar strain male albino rats were administered with the water soluble fraction of the ethanol extract of 12 different strains of marine cyanobacteria to understand their effect on the biochemical composition of the blood namely, serum levels of proteins, total free sugars, cholesterol, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium and the levels of activity of the enzymes glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamate oxalacetate transaminase, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase. The results suggest the potential application of some of the marine cyanobacteria as pharmaceuticals/modulators of the regulatory system, though a few strains exerted minor toxic effects.     

丹参酮ⅡA磺酸钠注射液对冠心病病人血尿酸水平的影响

目的观察应用丹参酮ⅡA磺酸钠注射液治疗1周及2周后冠心病病人血尿酸水平的变化。方法将330例冠心病病人分为治疗组与对照组。治疗组234例,其中无症状高尿酸血症病人109例,为1组,血尿酸水平正常者125例,为2组;对照组96例,其中无症状高尿酸血症病人42例,为3组,血尿酸水平正常者56例,为4组。所有病人入院当日或次日测量静脉血尿酸水平,1周后及2周后分别复查静脉血尿酸水平。比较治疗前后各组血尿酸水平的变化。结果各组病人治疗1周及2周后尿酸水平均有下降,1组下降最明显,与其他3组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）。结论丹参酮ⅡA磺酸钠注射液对无症状高尿酸血症的冠心痛病人有降低血尿酸水平的作用。     

Toxic studies on biochemical parameters carried out in rats with Serankottai nei, a siddha drug-milk extract of Semecarpus anacardium nut

Tinospora cordifolia is widely used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for treating diabetes mellitus. Oral administration of an aqueous T. cordifolia root extract (TCREt) to alloxan diabetic rats caused a significant reduction in blood glucose and brain lipids. The extract caused an increase in body weight, total haemoglobin and hepatic hexokinase. The root extract also lowers hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase and serum acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase in diabetic rats. Thus TCREt has hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effect.     

益母草提取物对大鼠高尿酸血症的调控作用

该研究采用灌胃给予SD大鼠氧嗪酸钾(300 mg·kg·d)制备高尿酸血症模型, 并将其分为正常组、模型组、别嘌醇组、益母草提取物高、中、低剂量组(200, 100, 50 mg·kg·d), 给予氧嗪酸钾1 h后给药, 连续给药7 d。分别测定血清尿酸(serum uric acid, SUA), 肌酐(serum creatinine, SCre), 尿中尿酸(uric acid, UA)及肾脏中相关转运体的表达水平, 研究益母草提取物对高尿酸血症大鼠血尿酸、肾功能的影响及肾脏相关转运体的mRNA的调节作用。结果显示与模型组相比, 益母草提取物可以显著性降低高尿酸血症大鼠血清尿酸, 肌酐的水平, 升高尿尿酸水平;同时, 益母草提取物可以显著性下调肾脏尿酸盐转运体(urate transporter 1, URAT1), 葡萄糖转运蛋白9(glucose transporter 9, GLUT9) mRNA 的表达, 上调有机阳离子转运体(organic cation transportanter, OCT), 肉毒碱转运体(carnitine transporter, OCTN)mRNA的表达, 具有促进肾脏尿酸排泄的作用。     

Hepatoprotective activity of Emblica officinalis and Chyavanaprash

Hepatoprotective activity of Emblica officinalis (EO) and Chyavanaprash (CHY) extracts were studied using carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) induced liver injury model in rats. EO and CHY extracts were found to inhibit the hepatotoxicity produced by acute and chronic CCl(4) administration as seen from the decreased levels of serum and liver lipid peroxides (LPO), glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Chronic CCl(4) administration was also found to produce liver fibrosis as seen from the increased levels of collagen-hydroxyproline and pathological analysis. EO and CHY extracts were found to reduce these elevated levels significantly, indicating that the extract could inhibit the induction of fibrosis in rats.     

水蛭素抗痛风作用及其机制研究

目的探讨水蛭素抗痛风作用及其机制。方法利用次黄嘌呤复制小鼠高尿酸血症模型,尿酸钠诱导大鼠急性痛风性炎症模型,观察水蛭素对急性高尿酸血症尿酸水平及其诱导炎症的影响;利用氧嗪酸钾诱导小鼠慢性高尿酸血症模型,观察水蛭素对慢性高尿酸血症小鼠血清尿酸、尿素氮水平及血清、肝脏黄嘌呤氧化酶活性,肾脏的病理学改变、C-反应蛋白(CRP)水平及葡萄糖转运体9(GLUT9)表达的影响。结果水蛭素可显著降低次黄嘌呤引起的高尿酸血症小鼠血清尿酸水平,显著抑制由尿酸钠引起的大鼠足跖急性肿胀;可显著降低由氧嗪酸钾引起的慢性高尿酸小鼠血清高尿酸水平,降低血清尿素氮水平,显著抑制GLUT9的表达,减轻肾脏病理学损伤。结论水蛭素具有显著的抗高尿酸血症及抗痛风作用,其机制可能与保护肾脏作用及调节GLUT9表达有关。