Stereological study of the effects of orally administrated Otostegia persica extract on pancreatic beta cells in male diabetic rats

Otostegia persica extract was used as a traditional medicine for the management of diabetes mellitus in humans in some parts of Iran. This study investigated the effects of O. persica oral extract on pancreatic beta cells in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by stereological methods. Thirty-two matured normoglycemic male Sprague–Dawley rats, weighing 180–220 g, were selected and randomly divided into four groups: Control group consists of normal rats which did not receive the extract during the study. Diabetic group comprises diabetic rats but did not receive any extract. Treated control group rats were normal but received the extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg/day. Treated diabetic group (TD) was made up of diabetic rats and received the extract (500 mg/kg/day). Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin. After 1 month, all the rats received deep anesthesia with ether, and then, the pancreas was dissected and processed. Isotropic uniform and random sections were obtained by orientator method. Volume of pancreatic beta cells and also volume density of pancreatic island were studied, using stereologic and ultrastereological methods. Blood glucose level (BGL) and blood insulin level (BIL) were measured in different phases during the investigation. Statistical analysis by one-way analysis of variance test showed the presence of hypertrophic changes in the volume of the remaining beta cells in diabetic group, not in the controls. But such changes reduced significantly (P?<?0.05) in the TD group which received the extract. Also, a significant reduction in pancreatic islet volume in diabetic and TD groups was seen, in comparison with the controls (P?<?0.01). BGL decreased significantly in TD group, compared to the diabetic group (P?<?0.001). BIL decreased in diabetic and TD groups in comparison to the controls (P?<?0.05). This study demonstrated that O. persica oral extract can play an effective role in the management of diabetes and probably by controlling the hyperglycemic condition and not stimulating the beta cell to increase insulin secretion can help prevent to a large extent the entering of the remaining beta cells to some pathologic changes, like hypertrophy.     

Evaluation of the antidiabetic and antioxidant potentials of methanolic leaf extract of Helianthus annuus L. on alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats

Helianthus annuus (sunflower) is an annual plant native to America that possesses a large inflorescence. The present study evaluated the acute toxicity, antidiabetic, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and antioxidant effects of methanol extract of H. annuus leaves using alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The extract at the dose range of 300–3,600 mg/kg was tolerated by the rats. The extract (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg) showed a significant (p?p?>?0.05) differences between the extract-treated groups and glibenclamide (2 mg/kg)-treated groups. At 6 h posttreatment, there was a significant (p?p?>?0.05) difference in blood glucose level among the treatment groups. In diabetic OGTT, the blood glucose level of the extract (600 mg/kg)-treated group was significantly (p?p?>?0.05) difference between the extract- and glibenclamide (2 mg/kg)-treated groups. The extract produced a concentration-dependent increase in antioxidant activity. These findings suggest that H. annuus has potent antidiabetic and antioxidant activities and validate its folkloric use in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.     

Erythropoietic and spermatogenic effects of subchronic administration of methanolic leaf extract of Dracaena arborea in rats

This study investigated the erythropoietic and spermatogenic effects of subchronic administration of methanolic leaf extract of Dracaena arborea in rats. Acute toxicity was performed. A total of 120 male rats weighing 140?±?14.14 g were used for the subchronic study divided into four groups. The extract was administered using the oral route daily for 91 days at the following dosages: group A, normal saline 10 ml/kg body weight, bw (control group); group B, 50 mg/kg bw of the extract; group C, 100 mg/kg bw of the extract and group D 500 mg/kg bw of the extract. The parameters assessed to determine the effect of subchronic administration of the extract were: packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HC), red blood cell counts (RBC), testicular weight (TW) and epididymal sperm reserve (ESR). The mean HC of rats in group D was significantly higher (p?p?相似文献   

Anti-diabetic effect of orally administered Otostegia persica extract on streptozotocin diabetic rats

Anti-diabetic effect of the alcoholic extract of Otostegia persica was investigated on 40 streptozotocin diabetic rats in four equal groups. Animals in the first group did not receive any extract and acted as a control for the other groups. Rats in group II, III, and IV received a daily oral dose of O. persica extract at 200, 350, and 500 mg/kg, respectively, for 3 weeks. Blood glucose level was estimated three times a day (8:00 and 11:00 am and 5:30 pm) in all groups. Statistical analysis of the results by t test showed that the extract produced a dose-dependent decrease in the blood glucose level especially in the fourth group (p < 0.0001) in comparison the control group. Thus, study indicates that O. persica has a strong anti-diabetic action and can decrease blood glucose levels.     

Determination of effective dose combination of Azadirachta indica leaf extracts and diminazene diaceturate in the treatment of experimental Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection in rats

This study investigated the effective dose of methanolic Azadirachta indica leaf extracts, MAILE, combined with diminazene diaceturate, DDA, in the treatment of experimental Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection in rats. Acute toxicity study of the drug and extract combinations was carried in non-infected rats. Eleven different groups of ten rats each were used. Ten out of the eleven groups were infected with T. brucei brucei and used to determine the effective dose of MAILE and DDA combination to be used in the treatment of the infection. All the infected rats were treated, viz, 7.0 mg/kg body weight (bw) DDA plus 500 mg/kg bw MAILE (group 1); 7.0 mg/kg body bw DDA plus 250 mg/kg bw MAILE (group 2); 7.0 mg/kg body bw DDA plus 125 mg/kg bw MAILE (group 3); 3.5 mg/kg body bw DDA plus 500 mg/kg bw MAILE (group 4); 3.5 mg/kg body bw DDA plus 250 mg/kg bw MAILE (group 5); 3.5 mg/kg body bw DDA plus 125 mg/kg bw MAILE (group 6); 1.8 mg/kg bw DDA plus 500 mg/kg bw MAILE (group 7); 1.8 mg/kg bw DDA plus 250 mg/kg bw MAILE (group 8); 1.8 mg/kg body bw DDA plus 125 mg/kg bw MAILE (group 9). Two other groups, infected untreated (group 10) and uninfected untreated (group 11), served as negative and positive control, respectively. The parameters assessed to determine the effective dose combination of the two were onset of parasitaemia (OP), level of parasitaemia (LOP), clearance of parasites post-treatment (COPPT), relapse of infection period (RIP), erythrocyte counts (EC), packed cell volume (PCV) and total leucocyte counts (TLC). There was no significant difference (p?<?0.05) in OP between the groups. A day following treatment, the LOP of groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 was found to be significantly lower (p?<?0.05) than that of groups 5 and 6 (p?<?0.05) which in turn was lower (p?<?0.05) than that of groups 7, 8 and 9, respectively. The mean COPPT of groups 5 and 6 was significantly (p?<?0.05) longer than that of groups 1, 2, 3 and 4. There was no significant difference (p?<?0.05) in the mean COPPT among groups 1, 2, 3 and 4. There was no clearance of parasites in groups 7, 8 and 9. The mean RIP of group 5 and 6 was significantly shorter (p?<?0.05) than in group 4. There was no relapse of infection in group 1, 2 and 3 rats. Rats in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 had significantly higher (p?<?0.05) PCV, EC and TLC 10 days post-treatment, and that trend continued throughout the experimental period when compared to other infected groups. It was concluded that dose combination of 125 mg/kg bw extract plus 7 mg/kg bw DDA was the best dose combination judging from the parameters assessed.     

The effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Iresine herbstii</Emphasis> Hook on some haematological parameters of experimentally induced anaemic rats

Iresine herbstii is fed to livestock in South-eastern Nigeria in the belief that it boosts their blood supply. The aim of this work is to study the effect of the methanolic extract of I. herbstii Hook on some blood parameters of experimentally induced anaemic albino rats. For acute toxicity study, graded doses of the methanolic leaf extract of I. herbstii at 10, 100, 1000, 1600, 2900 and 5000 mg/kg were administered orally to rats randomly allotted to six groups of three animals each and signs of toxicity were observed for 24 h. To evaluate its haematological effects, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of extract was administered orally to three out of five groups of six rats each for 14 days after the induction of acute blood loss anaemia. Parameters monitored were packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), weight gain and red blood cell counts (RBC). Phytochemical, proximate and nutritional analysis of the plant was done. I. herbstii had an LD₅₀?>?5000 mg/kg. Mean group weight gain and RBC were significantly (p?<?0.05) higher in treated than untreated groups. PCV and Hb did not differ significantly between the treated and untreated groups. Plant contained flavonoids; phenols; alkaloids; 22.85 % crude protein; 18.58 % ash; 9.62 % crude fibre; 1.5 % ether extract; 12.05 % moisture; vitamins A, C, E, B1, B3, B5, B6 and B12; zinc; iron; phosphorus; calcium; and magnesium. Methanolic extract of I. herbstii significantly improved red blood cell count of anaemic rats at the dose of 400 mg/kg bw and the body weights of anaemic rats at all treatment doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg bw).     

Artocarpus Communis Forst. Root-Bark Aqueous Extract- and Streptozotocin-Induced Ultrastructural and Metabolic Changes in Hepatic Tissues of Wistar Rats

Decoctions and infusions of Artocarpus communis (Forst.) (family: Moraceae) root-bark are commonly used traditionally among the Yoruba-speaking people of Western Nigeria as folk remedies for the management, control and/or treatment of an array of human diseases, including type 2, adult-onset diabetes mellitus. Although numerous bioactive flavonoids have been isolated from the roots, stem-bark and leaves of A. communis, to the best of our knowledge, the effects of the plant''s root-bark extract on animal model of diabetes mellitus and on liver tissues have hitherto, not been reported in the biomedical literature. In view of this, the present study was undertaken to investigate the glycaemic effect of, and hepatic tissue ultrastructural, morphological and metabolic changes induced by, A. communis root-bark aqueous extract (ACE) in Wistar rats. The ultrastructural, morphological and metabolic effects of ACE have been compared with those induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in rat experimental paradigms. Four groups (A, B, C and D) of Wistar rats, each group containing 10 rats, were used. Diabetes mellitus was induced in the diabetic groups B and C animals by intraperitoneal injections of STZ (75 mg/kg body weight), while group A rats received A. communis root-bark aqueous extract (ACE, 100 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) alone. Control group D rats received distilled water in quantities equivalent to the volume of ACE administered intraperitoneally. The rats in group C were additionally treated with ACE (100 mg/kg body weight i. p.) daily from day 3 to day 10 after STZ treatment. Hepatic glucokinase, hexokinase, glutamate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, serum insulin and blood glucose levels of the animals were measured and recorded before and after ACE, STZ and STZ+ACE treatments. Hepatic tissues were also processed for transmission electron microscopy. Electron microscopic examinations showed toxic, deleterious alterations in the ultrastructures of groups A, B and C hepatic cells, the most prominent deleterious effects being on the hepatocytes. Ultrastructural changes observed within the hepatocytes of groups A, B and C rats include disrupted mitochondria with increase in lipid droplets, extensive hepatocellular vacuolation, scanty rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and ribosomes. Large glycogen clusters were also noticed displacing the mitochondria and RER in group A rats. Group A rats also developed significant hyperglycemia (p<0.05) immediately after ACE administration, while groups B and C rats developed hyperglycemia 24 hours after STZ treatment. When compared with the control group D rats, the activities of all the three subsystems were disrupted, leading to overall inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation of the liver mitochondria in groups A, B and C rats, but remain normal in the untreated group D control rats. The findings of the present study indicate that A. communis root-bark aqueous extract induces hyperglycaemia in the experimental animal model used, and that the plant''s extract disrupts the ultrastructural characteristics and architecture of hepatocytes as well as oxidative energy metabolism.     

Effects of aqueous garlic (Allium sativum) extract on testicular morphology and function in lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2)-treated albino rats

This study investigated the effects of aqueous garlic extract (Allium sativum) on testicular morphology and function in lead nitrate (Pb(NO₃)₂)-treated albino rats. Twenty four male albino rats, divided randomly into four groups of six rats per group, were used. Group A rats served as the control and received neither Pb(NO₃)₂ nor aqueous garlic extract (AGE) treatment. The treatments to the remaining three rat groups were as follows: group B, 300 mg/kg body weight of AGE; group C, 2 mg/kg body weight of Pb(NO₃)₂; and group D, 2 mg/kg body weight of Pb(NO₃)₂, and 300 mg/kg body weight of AGE 2 h later. Both the AGE and Pb(NO₃)₂ were orally given to these rats every 48 h for a period of 6 weeks. The testicular and epididymal (left and right sides) sperm reserves and the histomorphological features of the testes of the rats in the treatment groups were compared to the control rats. Results showed that testicular and epididymal sperm reserves were significantly (P?<?0.05) reduced in rats that received only Pb(NO₃)₂ treatment. AGE ameliorated the changes in testicular morphology and function associated with Pb(NO₃)₂ treatment in group D rats. Garlic in this study enhanced spermatogenesis as evidenced from the significant (P?<?0.05) increase in the epididymal (left and right sides) sperm reserves of the group B rats. This implies that garlic may serve as an agent that could be used in improving male fertility.     

Hepatoprotective effects of Cynara extract and silymarin on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Cynara scolymus extract alone or in combination with silymarin on the carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatic injury in rats. Cynara extract (30, 60, or 120 mg/kg), silymarin (25 mg/kg), or Cynara extract (30, 60, or 120 mg/kg) combined with silymarin was given once daily orally simultaneously with CCl₄ and for 2 weeks thereafter. Liver damage was assessed by determining serum enzyme activities and hepatic histopathology. Cynara extract given at the above doses conferred significant protection against the hepatotoxic actions of CCl₄ in rats, reducing serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels by 21 %, 24.3 %, and 35.8 %, respectively, compared to CCl₄ control group. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels decreased by 15.5 %, 39.6 %, and 44.3 %, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) decreased by 21 % and 25 % by Cynara extract at 60 and 120 mg/kg, respectively. In rats treated with silymarin combined with Cynara extract (30, 60, or 120 mg/kg), ALT decreased by 32.6 %, 34.5 %, and 51.6 %, and AST decreased by 20 %, 50.6 %, and 58.3 %, respectively. Meanwhile, ALP decreased by 22.4 % and 29.7 % after treatment with silymarin combined with Cynara extract (60 or 120 mg/kg). On the other hand, the administration of silymarin alone reduced ALT, AST, and ALP levels by 55.3 %, 67.1 %, and 52.5 %, respectively. The administration of CCl₄ resulted in marked increase in nitric oxide level in serum (the concentrations of nitrite/nitrate) as well as marked decrease in blood levels of reduced glutathione (GSH). Treatment with Cynara extract resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in serum nitric oxide level and increased GSH in blood compared with CCl₄ control group. Silymarin showed an additive effect resulting in further decrease in serum nitric oxide. Silymarin only treatment caused a marked reduction in serum nitric oxide level and increased GSH in blood. Histopathological studies also indicated that CCl₄-induced liver injury was less severe in Cynara extract-treated groups. Metabolic perturbations caused by CCl₄ in hepatocytes such as reduced protein and mucopolysaccharide content were markedly improved by the Cynara extract given at the dose of 120 mg/kg. Intracellular protein and mucopolysaccharide contents were normalized upon treatment with silymarin. The effect of Cynara–silymarin combination was, however, less than that of Cynara extract alone. These results suggest that treatment with Cynara extract protects against CCl₄-induced hepatic injury in rats and might prove of value in treating chronic liver disease in man, although the combination of Cynara–silymarin is not superior to either Cynara extract or silymarin alone.     

Ornithodoros brasiliensis (mouro tick) salivary gland homogenates inhibit in vivo wound healing and in vitro endothelial cell proliferation

Ornithodoros brasiliensis is a nidicolous tick only found in the southern Brazilian highlands region. O. brasiliensis parasitism is frequently associated with toxicosis syndrome, which can lead to severe reactions, ranging from local pruritus and pain to systemic disturbances both in humans and dogs. One of the most frequent findings associated with an O. brasiliensis bite is a slow healing lesion at the site of tick attachment, which can take several weeks to heal. This work tested the hypothesis that an O. brasiliensis salivary gland homogenate is able to modulate the skin wound-healing process in vivo, using a model of excisional skin lesion in rats, which are divided into two groups: (1) control group and (2) treated group, which topically received salivary gland homogenate equivalent to the protein amount of one whole salivary gland (≈5 μg protein). The hypothesis that O. brasiliensis salivary gland homogenates interfere with endothelial cell proliferation, a key role phenomenon in wound healing, was also tested. O. brasiliensis salivary gland homogenates significantly delay skin wound healing. The time to full healing of skin lesions in control rats was 15 days, contrasting with 24 days in rats topically treated with O. brasiliensis salivary gland homogenates. The calculated HT₅₀ (healing time to recover 50 % of the wound area) for control groups was 3.6 days (95 % CI, 3.2–3.9) and for salivary gland treated rats was 7.7 days (95 % CI, 7.0–8.4). Salivary gland homogenates have a strong cytotoxic activity on cultured endothelial cells (LC₅₀, 13.6 mg/ml). Also, at sublethal concentrations (≤3 mg/ml), salivary gland homogenates have a remarkable anti-proliferative activity (IC₅₀ 0.7 mg/ml) on endothelial cells, equivalent to ≈0.03 salivary gland pairs, an activity which seems to be much greater than reported for any other tick species. This is the first report about the biological activities of O. brasiliensis salivary compounds and provides the first in vivo evidence to support the concept of wound-healing modulation by tick salivary secretions. Results shown here contribute to an understanding of O. brasiliensis tick toxicosis syndrome, and also increase our knowledge of tick salivary bioactive compounds.     

The effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on scopolamine-induced apoptosis in the hippocampus of rats

Apoptosis, known as programmed cell death, plays a crucial role in normal development and tissue homeostasis. Apoptosis is also involved in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Amnesia refers to the loss of memory and can also be a warning sign of neurodegenerative diseases. The antioxidant properties of Ginkgo biloba extract was known previously. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on the rat’s hippocampal apoptotic neurons number after Scopolamine based amnesia. Thirty-six adult male Wistar rats were used. Rats were randomly divided into control, sham, protective and treatment groups. The rats in the sham group received only scopolamine hydrobromide (3 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. The rats in the protective and treatment groups received Ginkgo biloba extract (40, 80 mg/kg) for 7 days intraperitoneally before/after scopolamine injection. Then 48 h after the last injection, the brains of rats were withdrawn and fixed with paraformaldehyde, and then, after histological processing, the slices were stained with the TUNEL kit for apoptotic neurons. Data were compared by the ANOVA Post Hoc Tukey test; P < 0.05 was considered significant. Our results showed that Scopolamine (in the sham group) increased significantly the number of apoptotic neurons in all areas of the hippocampus compared with the control. Whereas, Ginkgo biloba extract reduce the neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus before and/or after encounter with scopolamine. We concluded that pretreatment and treatment injection of Ginkgo biloba extract can have a protective effect for neurons and it can limit apoptosis in all area of the hippocampus.     

Antidiabetic effect of Orchis anatolica root extracts on alloxan-induced diabetic rats

The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of Orchis anatolica roots ethanol extraction on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Thirty-six albino rats (200 g) were used in this experiment and divided into six groups. Diabetes was induced in five rat groups by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg body weight). After hyperglycemia was conformed, one rat group was considered as diabetic control and one group was treated with glibenclamide (10 mg/kg body weight/daily) where the remaining three groups received daily treatments with three different doses of O. anatolica extract namely 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight for 10 days. Body weight and fasting blood sugar levels were recorded throughout and by the end of the treatment. Blood serum biochemical markers such as urea, creatinine, cholesterol, and total serum protein levels were recorded after the treatment ended. Findings indicate that treatment with medium and high doses of O. anatolica extract (400 and 800 mg/kg/body weight) reduces blood sugar values to significant levels (P?<?0.01 and P?<?0.001) in rats after 7 and 10 days treatment when compared with diabetic control alloxan-induced rats in a similar fusion as in glibenclamide treatment (P?<?0.001). However, both treatments failed to bring the blood sugar values to normal value levels. All elevated blood serum markers induced by the alloxan treatment were reduced to significant levels in rats treated with O. anatolica at both medium and high doses (P?<?0.01 and P?<?0.001) and also after glibenclamide treatment (P?<?0.001). Glibenclamide and the two high doses of O. anatolica extract did not alter the rat’s body weight when compared with nondiabetic control rats, whereas significant reduction (P?<?0.05) was observed when compared with the alloxan-induced rats’ body weight. We can conclude that O. anatolica treatment exhibits a significant antihyperglycemic effect without altering the body weight and can correct some biochemical uttered markers induced by diabetes in a similar manner to glibenclamide treatment.     

Effect of methanolic leaf extract of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Telfairia occidentalis</Emphasis> (Hook f.) on vaginal cytology,serum hormonal levels and ovarian histomorphology of female (Sprague—Dawley) albino rats

Telfairia occidentalis is one of the most commonly consumed leafy vegetable and a component of the Nigerian ethnomedical pharmacopoeia. It is used frequently as a hematinic in the treatment of postmenstrual blood loss. This study evaluated the effect of the oral administration of methanolic leaf extract of T. occidentalis on vaginal cytology, serum hormone (progesterone and estrogen) levels, and histomorphology of the ovaries of female albino rat. Fifteen female albino rats were used for the study. They were randomly assigned to three groups of five rats each. The first group (A) served as the untreated control and received distilled water while the second group (B) and third (C) received 200 and 800 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively for 21 days. Evaluation of vaginal cytology did not show any effect of the extract on the estrous cycle. The group C rats that received the highest dose (800 mg/kg body weight) had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) serum concentration of progesterone during the prestrus and estrus phases and a significant lower (p < 0.05) serum levels of oestrogen during the metestrus and diestrus. Histological examination of ovarian tissues of the different groups did not show obvious abnormalities.     

The effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of silymarin on serum lipids profiles in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Diabetes produces disturbances in lipid profile and increased incidence of atherosclerosis. Lipid abnormalitiesare defined by increases in triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and decreases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Silymarin is a natural hepato-protector extracted from Silybum marianum. It is possible that that Silymarin might be able to modulate metabolic changes in the liver and pancreas. In the present study, fifty adult male Wistar rats were used in five groups: group I—control (0.9 % NaCl), group II—diabetic control (0.9%NaCl), group III—diabetic receiving 100 mg/kg silymarin, group IV—diabetic receiving 125 mg/kg, silymarin, and group V—diabetic receiving 250 mg/kg silymarin. All groups were dosed for 14 days via oral gavage. Diabetes was induced by single injection of streptozotocin in rats (45 mg/kg b.w., ip.). Fasting glucose level and weight were measured before injection, 3 days after injection, and on days 7 and 14 of treatment. At the end of day 14, blood samples were collected via a heart puncture after animals had been anaesthetized with ether. Lipid profile of the serum samples were analysed (TC, TG, HDL-c, LDL-c). The results showed that hydroalcoholic extract of silymarin increased the average weight and decreased glucose level in this period, and TC, TG, LDL-c and VLDL-c level experienceda dose dependent reduction; the level of HDL-c increased in a dose-dependent manner at the end of 14 days (P?<?0/05). The results of the present study demonstrate that hydroalcoholic extract of silymarin has an overall beneficial effect on weight, glucose level and lipid profile in an experimental model.     

In vivo antimalarial activity of Trichilia megalantha harms extracts and fractions in animal models

The crude methanol extracts of leaf, stem bark, root bark and stem bark fractions of Trichilia megalantha (Meliaceae) were screened for in vivo antimalarial activities in mice against a chloroquine resistant Plasmodium berghei berghei ANKA clone using the 4-day suppressive test procedure. Chloroquine diphosphate was used as the positive control. The extracts demonstrated intrinsic antimalarial property. Of all the seven extracts studied, the stem bark gave the highest activity. At 200 mg/kg of mouse, the stem bark extract had complete suppression of parasite growth (100 %). Least activity was observed for the leaf extract, while the root bark had a parasite suppression of 98.4 % at 800 mg/kg comparable to that of Chloroquine. Percentage suppression of parasite growth on day 4 post-infection ranged from 3.1 to 96.1 % in mice infected with P. berghei and treated with extracts and fractions of T. megalantha when compared with chloroquine diphosphate, the standard reference drug which had a chemosuppression of 96.2 %. At 400 mg/kg, the stem bark chloroform fraction was the most active fraction with 89.1 % parasite growth suppression followed by the ethyl acetate fraction (76.4 %), hexane soluble fraction (54.8 %) and methanol fraction (20.5 %). The mean survival time of mice that received extract ranged from 8.75?±?0.65 to 26.0?±?1.2 days (increased as the dose increases to 800 mg/kg), which was statistically significant, except the lowest dose (100 mg/kg) compared to the negative control group mice (9.45?±?0.6 days). The animals that were treated with Chloroquine had mean survival time of 23.5?±?1.2 days     

Antimalarial, hematological, and antioxidant effects of methanolic extract of Terminalia avicennioides in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice

Terminalia avicennioides Guill. & Perr. (Combretaceae) is used traditionally to treat malaria in Nigeria. To establish its efficacy, methanolic extract of T. avicennioides bark was investigated for antimalarial activity against Plasmodium berghei (NK-65) in mice. Twenty-five mice in five groups were used for this study. Group 1 was uninfected normal control. Twenty mice infected with P. berghei were grouped as untreated negative control (group 2), 5 mg/kg b.w. p.o. artesunate-treated positive control (group 3), and 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. p.o. T. avicennioides-treated infected mice (groups 4 and 5, respectively). Four-day suppressive effects on P. berghei and hematological and oxidative statuses of the mice were assessed. Suppression of parasitemia by artesunate and methanolic extract of T. avicennioides (at 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) after 1 day of treatment was 10, 18, and 11 % respectively; at day 5, the level of suppression was 77, 82, and 84 % respectively. P. berghei infection decreased hemoglobin, red blood cell, and lymphocyte counts and increased neutrophil count; artesunate and medicinal plant treatment restored these parameters to normal control levels. Also, artesunate and medicinal plant treatment of infected mice significantly (p?<?0.05) increased serum and liver superoxide dismutase activities and significantly (p?<?0.05) reduced serum malondialdehyde concentration compared to untreated infected mice. The antimalarial effect of T. avicennioides is comparable to that of artesunate. The restoration of oxidative and hematological statuses, to normal values by T. avicennioides, may provide better protection against the malaria severity and complications.     

Effects of Stephania dinklagei (Engl.) Diels methanol root extract on alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats

The natives of Orba in Udenu, Enugu State, Nigeria use the roots of Stephania dinklagei to treat folkloric “sugar disease.” The methanol root extract of S. dinklagei was investigated for antidiabetic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats and also evaluated for in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potentials. Extraction was by cold maceration in 80 % methanol for 48 h. Diabetes was induced with alloxan monohydrate at 160 mg/?kg, intraperitoneally. Treatment was done orally using the extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/?kg with glibenclamide (2 mg/?kg) as the standard reference drug for 14 days. Fasting blood sugar levels were measured at days 0, 7, and 14 using an autoanalyzer (Accu-Chek Advantage^®) glucose kit. Total cholesterol and malondialdehyde were evaluated on day 14. The extract and the glibenclamide caused a time-dependent decrease in the fasting blood glucose levels of the diabetic rats when compared to the negative control group at various levels of significance (p?<?0.05–0.0001). The extract at the dose of 100 mg/?kg reduced the fasting blood glucose level by 60.5 % on day 14. S. dinklagei extract also caused a significant reduction in total cholesterol and malondialdehyde when compared with the negative control (p?<?0.05–0.0001). The highest activity was observed at the dose of 100 mg/?kg of the extract. There was a concentration-dependent increase in percentage total antioxidant activity from 10 to 400 μg/?ml. The results suggest that S. dinklagei has significant antidiabetic and antioxidant potentials in type 2-induced diabetic Wistar rats.     

The effects of soy and tamoxifen on apoptosis in the hippocampus and dentate gyrus in a pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure model of ovariectomized rats

The effects of tamoxifen and soy on apoptosis of the hippocampus and dentate gyrus of ovariectomized rats after repeated seizures were investigated. Female rats were divided into: (1) Control, (2) Sham, (3) Sham-Tamoxifen (Sham-T), (4) Ovariectomized (OVX), (5) OVX-Tamoxifen (OVX-T), (6)OVX-Soy(OVX-S) and (7) OVX-S-T. The animals in the OVX-S, OVX-T and OVX-S-T groups received soy extract (60 mg/kg; i.p.), tamoxifen (10 mg/kg) or both for 2 weeks before induction of seizures. The animals in these groups additionally received the mentioned treatments before each injection of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ; 40 mg/kg) for 6 days. The animals in the Sham and OVX groups received a vehicle of tamoxifen and soy. A significant decrease in the seizure score and TUNEL-positive neurons was seen in the OVX group compared to the Sham (P < 0.001). The animals in both the OVX-T and OVX-S groups had a significantly higher seizure score as well as number of TUNEL-positive neurons compared to the OVX group (P < 0.01–P < 0.001). Co-treatment of the OVX rats by the extract and tamoxifen decreased the seizure score and number of TUNEL-positive neurons compared to OVX-S (P < 0.001). Treatment of the OVX rats by either soy or tamoxifen increased the seizure score as well as the number of TUNEL-positive neurons in the hippocampal formation. Co-administration of tamoxifen and soy extract inhibited the effects of the soy extract and tamoxifen when they were administered alone. It might be suggested that both soy and tamoxifen have agonistic effects on estrogen receptors by changing the seizure severity.     

Efficacy of Monacrosporium thaumasium in the control of goat gastrointestinal helminthiasis in a semi-arid region of Brazil

The aim of the present study was to test a pellet formulation of Monacrosporium thaumasium in a sodium alginate matrix in the biological control of goat gastrointestinal helminthiasis in a semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. An area of 2.4 ha was divided into three paddocks, with seven goats kept on each paddock, during the months of March to August 2011: group 1 received 3 g/10 kg live weight of M. thaumasium pellets (NF34a) twice a week; group 2 was given 0.2 mg/kg of 0.2 % moxidectin orally every 30 days; and group 3 received 3 g/10 kg live weight of pellets without fungus twice per week. Each month, two tracer goats was placed in each group for 30 days and then killed and necropsied. The M. thaumasium group showed a 34 % reduction in eggs per gram, higher packed cell volume rates and a lower parasitic load in the tracers compared with the other groups. The 0.2 % moxidectin group had weight gain of 5.7 kg; the M. thaumasium group, 3.6 kg; and the control group had an average reduction in weight of 1.1 kg. The use of M. thaumasium pellets may be effective as an alternative method to control goat gastrointestinal helminthiasis in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil.     

Antihyperlipidemic and antiinflammatory effect of Bhallataka nuts in ameliorating the alterations in lipid metabolism and inflammation in diabetes-induced cardiac damage in rats

Semecarpus anacardium Linn., which belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, has been used in both Ayurveda and Siddha system against various ailments. The present study was carried out to establish the antihyperlipidemic and antiinflammatory effect of S. anacardium Linn. nut milk extract (SA) in diabetes-induced cardiovascular complications in rats. Type 2 diabetes was induced in rats by feeding them with a high-fat diet for 2 weeks followed by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) 35 mg/kg body wt twice 24 h apart dissolved in olive oil and left for 12 weeks to develop cardiovascular complication. High-fat diet and STZ induction significantly (p?相似文献