Protective effects of Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae) against carbon tetrachloride and acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The effect of the ethanol extract of the rhizome of Zingiber officinale was tested against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) and acetaminophen-induced liver toxicities in rats. Increases in serum and liver marker enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase as well as sorbitol and glutamate dehydrogenases were produced in normal rats that were not pretreated with the extract. However, extract-pretreated rats attenuated in a dose-dependent manner, CCl(4) and acetaminophen-induced increases in the activities of ALT, AST, ALP, LDH and SDH in the blood serum. The protective effect of the extract on CCl(4) and acetaminophen-induced damage was confirmed by histopathological examination of the liver. These results indicate that the oil from the rhizome of Zingiber officinale could be useful in preventing chemically induced acute liver injury.     

Analgesic, antiinflammatory and antidiabetic properties of Harpagophytum procumbens DC (Pedaliaceae) secondary root aqueous extract

South Africa is blessed with a rich floral biodiversity of medicinally useful plants. One such plant is Harpagophytum procumbens DC (Family: Pedaliaceae). H. procumbens is widely used in South African traditional medicine for the treatment, management and/or control of a variety of human ailments. In the present study, the analgesic effect of H. procumbens secondary root aqueous extract was evaluated in mice, using the 'hot-plate' and 'acetic acid' test methods; while the antiinflammatory and antidiabetic effects of the plant's secondary root extract were investigated in rats. Fresh egg albumin-induced pedal oedema and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus were used as experimental test models of inflammation and diabetes Diclofenac (DIC, 100 mg/kg i.p.) was used as a reference analgesic and antiinflammatory agent for comparison. Chlorpropamide (250 mg/kg p.o.) was used as a reference hypoglycaemic agent for comparison. H. procumbens root aqueous extract (HPE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) produced significant (p < 0.05-0.001) analgesic effects against thermally and chemically induced nociceptive pain stimuli in mice. H. procumbens root extract (HPE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) also produced dose-related, significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) of the fresh egg albumin-induced acute inflammation of the rat hind paw oedema. Furthermore, the plant extract (HPE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) produced dose-dependent, significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) in the blood glucose concentrations of both fasted normal and fasted diabetic rats. The results of this experimental animal study indicate that H. procumbens root aqueous extract possesses analgesic, antiinflammatory and hypoglycaemic properties, and lend pharmacological support to the suggested folklore uses of Harpagophytum procumbens root in the management and/or control of painful, arthritic and other inflammatory conditions, as well as for adult-onset, type-2 diabetes mellitus in some communities of South Africa.     

Analgesic and anticonvulsant properties of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Taub) (Fabaceae) fruit aqueous extract in mice

Previous studies in our laboratories and elsewhere have shown that the fruit of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Taub) (family: Fabaceae) is widely used in African traditional medicine for the management and/or control of an array of human ailments, including schistosomiasis, asthma, epilepsy, hypertension and so on. The present study was designed to investigate the analgesic and anticonvulsant effects of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Taub) fruit aqueous extract (TTE) in mice. Morphine (MPN, 10 mg/kg i.p.), diclofenac (DIC, 100 mg/kg i.p.), phenobarbitone (20 mg/kg i.p.) and diazepam (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) were used, respectively, as reference analgesic and anticonvulsant agents for comparison. T. tetraptera fruit aqueous extract (TTE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) produced dose-dependent, significant (p < 0.05-0.001) analgesic effects against thermally and chemically induced pain in mice. Like the standard anticonvulsant agents (phenobarbitone and diazepam) used, T. tetraptera fruit aqueous extract (TTE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) significantly (p < 0.05-0.001) delayed the onset of, and antagonized, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures. Aqueous extract of the fruit (TTE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) also profoundly antagonized picrotoxin (PCT)-induced seizures, but only partially and weakly antagonized bicuculline (BCL)-induced seizures. However, the results of this experimental animal study indicate that Tetrapleura tetraptera (Taub) fruit aqueous extract (TTE) possesses analgesic and anticonvulsant properties. These findings lend pharmacological support to the suggested folkloric uses of the plant's fruit in the management and/or control of painful, arthritic inflammatory conditions, as well as for the management and/or control of epilepsy and childhood convulsions in some tropical African countries.     

Analgesic and antiinflammatory activities of Ageratum conyzoides in rats

The water soluble fraction (WSF) obtained from a hydroalcohol extract of A. conyzoides, a medicinal plant used in Brazilian folk medicine, was evaluated for possible analgesic and antiinflammatory activities. It was demonstrated that WSF (20–50 mg/kg; i.p.) treatment reduced the articular incapacitation induced by carrageenin (300 μg) in rats. In this model, naloxone (2 mg/kg) blocked the analgesic action of morphine (2 mg/kg) but did not change the WSF antinociceptive effect. It suggests that endogenous opioids are not involved in the WSF antinociceptive effect. The neutrophil migration induced by carrageenin (300 μg) injection into rat peritoneal cavities and into 6-day-old subcutaneous air-pouches was significantly inhibited (p <0.05) by WSF pre-treatment (30 and 50 mg/kg; s.c.). At the same dose WSF also inhibited (p <0.05) the carrageenin (400 μg/paw)-induced oedema, but failed to modify the oedema induced by dextran (100 μg/paw). Furthermore, the increase in the cutaneous vascular permeability induced by the potent leukocyte chemotactic agent LTB₄ (39 ng co-injected with 500 ng iloprost, i.d.) was significantly blocked by WSF (30 mg/kg; i.p.). However, in the same dose WSF caused a 2-fold increase in the vascular permeability induced by histamine (10 μg), a direct vasoactive mediator. These results suggest that WSF can inhibit the inflammatory reactions induced by neutrophil mobilizing stimuli. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A systematic review of the anti‐obesity and weight lowering effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and its mechanisms of action

Recently, the beneficial effects of ginger on obesity is taken into consideration. Albeit, it seems that the anti‐obesity effect of ginger and its mechanism of action has not yet been reviewed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically review the effect of Zingiber officinale Roscoe on obesity management. Databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar, and Science Direct were searched from 1995 until May 2017 using the definitive keywords. Searching was limited to articles with English language. All of the relevant human and animal studies and also in vitro studies were included. Review articles, abstract in congress, and also other varieties of ginger were excluded. Eligibility of included articles were evaluated by 3 reviewers, which also extracted data. Articles were critically assessed individually for possible risk of bias. Twenty‐seven articles (6 in vitro, 17 animal, and 4 human studies) were reviewed. Most of the experimental studies supported the weight lowering effect of ginger extract or powder in obese animal models, whereas the results of the available limited clinical studies showed no changes or slight changes of anthropometric measurements and body composition in subjects with obesity. Ginger could modulate obesity through various potential mechanisms including increasing thermogenesis, increasing lipolysis, suppression of lipogenesis, inhibition of intestinal fat absorption, and controlling appetite. This review article provides some convincing evidence to support the efficacy of ginger in obesity management and demonstrates the importance of future clinical trials.     

Analgesic,antipyretic and antiinflammatory effects of Achillea ageratum

The aqueous and methanol extracts of Achillea ageratum L. (Asteraceae) have been evaluated for analgesic, antipyretic and antiinflammatory properties in mice and rats in several experimental models. The aqueous extract exhibited significant activity in the analgesic and antiinflammatory assays but was unable to reduce hyperthermia. Moreover, the methanol extract exerted effects in three pharmacological actions. The phytochemical investigation of this latter extract revealed the presence of flavonic compounds: luteolin, quercetin and 7-O-β-luteolin. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analgesic and antiinflammatory effects of mollic acid glucoside, a 1 alpha-hydroxycycloartenoid saponin extractive from Combretum molle R. Br. ex G. Don (Combretaceae) leaf

The analgesic and antiinflammatory properties of mollic acid glucoside (MAG), a 1 alpha-hydroxycycloartenoid extract from Combretum molle leaf, have been investigated in mice and rats. The effects of graded doses of mollic acid glucoside (MAG, 5-80 mg/kg i.p.) were examined against thermally- and chemically-induced nociceptive pain in mice. Furthermore, the effects of graded doses of the plant extract (MAG, 5-80 mg/kg p.o.) were also investigated on rat paw oedema induced by subplantar injections of fresh egg albumin (0.5 mg/kg). Morphine (MPN, 10 mg/kg i.p.) and diclofenac (DIC, 100 mg/kg i.p.) were used as reference analgesic and antiinflammatory agents for comparison, respectively. Like DIC (100 mg/kg i.p.) and MPN (10 mg/kg i.p.), MAG (5-80 mg/kg i.p.) produced dose-dependent, significant (p < 0.05-0.001) analgesic effects against thermally and chemically induced nociceptive pain in mice. The extractive (MAG, 5-80 mg/kg i.p.) also significantly reduced (p < 0.05-0.001) rat paw oedema induced by subplantar injections of fresh egg albumin in a dose-related fashion. However, the extract (MAG, 5-80 mg/kg i.p.) was found to be less potent than diclofenac (DIC) as an analgesic or antiinflammatory agent. Experimental evidence obtained from this laboratory animal study indicates that the Combretum molle leaf extractive (MAG) possesses analgesic and antiinflammatory properties, and thus lend pharmacological credence to the folkloric, ethnomedical uses of the plant's leaf in the management, control and/or treatment of painful, arthritic and other inflammatory conditions in some rural communities of southern Africa.     

A preliminary study of Cedronella canariensis (L.) var. Canariensis extracts for antiinflammatory and analgesic activity in rats and mice

Several extracts and fractions from Cedronella canariensis (L.) have been submitted to analgesic, antipyretic and antiinflammatory tests on rats and mice. The experimental results obtained justified the utilization of this species as an anticatarrh and antiinfluenza agent in Canarian folk medicine. Its acute toxicity turned out to be low as measured in mice.     

Analgesic and antipyretic effects of Myrica salicifolia (Myricaceae)

Myrica salicifolia Hoechst (Myricaceae) root extract was found to have analgesic activity in mice. In rats there was antipyretic but no antiinflammatory activity.     

Analgesic and antiinflammatory activity of Morinda citrifolia L. (Noni) fruit

M. citrifolia is a tropical plant with a long tradition of medicinal use in Polynesia and tropical parts of eastern Asia and Australia. One of its favorite uses is the treatment of painful inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. The analgesic activity of Noni fruit puree on mice was investigated using the hot plate test. A 10% solution of freeze concentrated Noni fruit puree in the drinking water of mice reduced the pain sensitivity comparably to the central analgesic drug tramadol. This effect was only partly reversed by the application of the morphine antagonist naloxone. An alcohol extract of noni fruit puree also caused an inhibition of MMP‐9 release from human monocytes after stimulation with LPS. This effect was comparable to hydrocortisone (10^?5 m ). The findings suggest that preparations of noni fruits are effective in decreasing pain and joint destruction caused by arthritis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hypoglycaemic activity of Nelumbo nucifera gaertn. (Fam. Nymphaeaceae) rhizome (methanolic extract) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The hypoglycaemic effect of the rhizome extract of Nelumbo nucifera was studied in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. A methanol extract of the plant obtained by soxhlet extraction from finely pulverized rhizomes was used. The LD₅₀ of the extract was found to be 2 g/kg. The extract (300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg, orally) caused a reduction of blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by 53% (p<0.001) and 55% (p<0.001) respectively at the end of 12 h. The results of this study indicate that the methanol extract of the rhizome possesses favourable hypoglycaemic activity in hyperglycaemic animals taking chlorpropamide as a standard.     

Antidepressant effect of Yueju-Wan ethanol extract and its fractions in mice models of despair

AIM OF THE STUDY: Yueju-Wan (YJ), a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, is commonly used for the treatment of depression-related syndromes in China. This study was conducted to evaluate the antidepressant activity of YJ ethanol extract (YJ-E) and its four different fractions, the petroleum ether fraction (YJ-EA), ethyl acetate fraction (YJ-EB), n-butanol fraction (YJ-EC) and final aqueous fraction (YJ-ED). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two experimental despair animal models: the mice tail suspension test (TST) and the mice forced swimming test (FST) were used to evaluate the antidepressant activity of YJ-E and its fractions. These extracts or fractions were administered orally for 7 days, while the parallel positive control was given at the same time using fluoxetine hydrochloride (FLU) in TST and imipramine hydrochloride (IMI) in FST respectively. RESULTS: YJ-E high dose (YJ-E2), YJ-EA, YJ-EC and the positive control groups could decrease the duration of immobility in the TST and FST and have no significant changes in locomotor activity. YJ-E low dose (YJ-E1), YJ-EB, YJ-ED and the vehicle solvent (VEH) control group have no obvious effect on these same tests. CONCLUSIONS: In these despair animal models, YJ ethanol extract, the petroleum ether fraction and n-butanol fraction show potent antidepressant effects. The petroleum ether fraction and n-butanol fraction appear to be the active fractions of YJ-E.     

Antioedema and analgesic actions of Diodia scandens extract in rats and mice

An extract of Diodia scandens obtained by petroleum ether extraction of the leaves was screened for pharmacological actions. The extract evinced a marked antiinflammatory effect in rats, causing a dose-related and sustained inhibition of the increase in rat paw circumference caused by subplantar injection of a phlogistic agent. In addition, the extract increased the threshold of pain stimulus in mice. The extract significantly protected rats from aspirin, indomethacin and reserpine induced ulcers. These results revealed that the plant, Diodia scandens has potential medicinal value.     

生姜有效部位对实验性高脂血症大鼠血清血栓素A2、前列环素和脂质过氧化的影响

 目的观察经液-固萃取法所得的生姜有效部位对高脂血症大鼠血浆血栓素A₂(TXA₂)、前列环素(PGI₂)和脂质过氧化的影响,分析其影响血管内皮功能的可能机制。方法以高脂饲料喂养大鼠,造成高脂血症模型,同时每天灌服生姜有效部位(成分为姜辣素及挥发油)200,400,800 mg·kg^-1,连续10周,测定血清中抗活性氧活力、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性、丙二醛(MDA)及血浆TXA₂,PGI₂的水平。结果生姜有效部位能显著升高高脂血症大鼠血清SOD活性及抗活性氧活力,降低血清MDA含量,降低血浆TXA₂/PGI₂水平。结论生姜有效部位具有抗脂质过氧化作用,并能改善血浆TXA₂与PGI₂的平衡,有利于保护血管内皮功能,防止动脉粥样硬化的发生和发展。     

Analgesic and antiinflammatory properties of Scoparia dulcis L. Extracts and glutinol in rodents

The analgesic, antiinflammatory and antipyretic activities of the water (WE) and ethanolic (EE) extracts of Scoparia dulcis L. were tested in mice and rats. Both extracts (0.5 and 1 g/kg) p.o., prolonged the sleeping time induced by pentobarbital in mice, EE being more active than WE. Injections of EE (0.5–2 mg/kg i.v.) to anaesthetized rats induced a dose-related hypertension inhibited by alpha-blocker drugs; the hypertension was not obtained after oral treatment. EE (0.25-1 g/kg p.o.) but not WE, reduced writhings induced by acetic acid in mice. Glutinol (30 mg/kg p.o.), a major triterpene obtained from EE, produced the same effect. The tail flick response of mice was not influenced by either extract. EE (0.5 and 1 g/kg) and glutinol (30 mg/kg) p.o., reduced the paw oedema and pleurisy induced by carrageenin in rats, but only EE (1 g/kg) reduced the paw oedema induced by dextran or histamine. No effect of EE was detected on chronic inflammation induced by cotton pellets and in yeast-induced hyperthermia in rats. The results indicate that the extract of S. dulcis is endowed with analgesic effects probably related to the antiinflammatory activity of the plant. Those effects are related mainly to the presence of glutinol and flavonoids, which exert their action on the early phase of the acute inflammatory process.     

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) prevents the development of morphine analgesic tolerance and physical dependence in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), a well-known spice plant, has been used traditionally in the treatment of a wide variety of ailments such as opiates withdrawal-induced disorders. However, its influences on opioid tolerance and dependence have not yet been clarified.

Materials and methods

Adult male Wistar rats were rendered tolerant to analgesic effect of morphine by injection of morphine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) twice daily for 8 days. To develop morphine dependence, rats given escalating doses of chronic morphine. To determine the effect of ginger on the development of morphine tolerance and dependence, different doses of ginger were administrated before morphine. The tail-flick and naloxone precipitation tests were used to assess the degree of tolerance and dependence, respectively.

Results

Our results showed that chronic morphine-injected rats displayed tolerance to the analgesic effect of morphine as well as morphine dependence. Ginger (50 and 100 mg/kg) completely prevented the development of morphine tolerance. In addition, concomitant treatment of morphine with 100 and 150 mg/kg attenuated almost all of the naloxone-induced withdrawal sings which include weight lose, abdominal contraction, diarrhea, petosis, teeth chattering, and jumping. In addition, morphine-induced L-type calcium channel over-expression in spinal cord was reversed by 100 mg/kg ginger.

Conclusion

The data indicate that ginger extract has a potential anti-tolerant/anti-dependence property against chronic usage of morphine.     

Pharmacological studies of the antiinflammatory profile of Mikania cordata (Burm) B. L. robinson root extract in rodents

The methanolic fraction of the root extract of Mikania cordata was found to possess an inhibitory effect on carrageenin and other mediator—induced oedema; there was a significant inhibition of protein exudation, an increase in peritoneal capillary permeability and leucocyte migration in inflammatory conditions. The extract significantly inhibited both cotton pellet and carrageenin—induced granuloma formation, was effective in experimentally induced arthritic conditions and turpentine—induced joint oedema. The extract also possessed inhibitory effects on sodium urate-induced experimental gout. A significant reduction of pyrexia was also found to occur when rats were treated with the extract. Thus it may be concluded that the methanolic fraction of M. cordata root extract possessed significant antiinflammatory effects in exudative, proliferative and chronic phases of inflammation and demonstrated an antipyretic activity.     

Antiinflammatory,Analgesic and Antipyretic Activity in Rodents of Plant Extracts used in African Medicine

Antiinflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities and toxicity of different extracts (decoction, petroleum ether, ethanol and aqueous extracts) of: Afrormosia laxiflora (Benth. ex Bak.) Harms (leaves), Cyathula prostrata (L.) Blume (whole plant), Ficus glomerata Roxb. (leaves), Lantana camara L. (leaves), Lippia geminata H.B.K. (leaves), Lippia nodiflora (L.) Michx. (leaves) and Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn. (whole plant), were evaluated in pharmacological tests using rats and mice.     

重楼对小鼠急性肝损伤保护作用的研究

目的:探讨重楼醇提物和水提物对四氯化碳(CCl4)所致小鼠急性肝损伤的保护作用。方法:小鼠随机分为9组,分别每天给予不同剂量的药物:重楼醇提物高、中、低剂量组(3.9、2.6、1.3 g/kg)、水提组的高、中、低剂量组(7.2、4.8、2.4g/kg)和联苯双酯(0.15 g/kg),正常组和模型组给予生理盐水。7d后,除正常对照组外各组小鼠腹腔注射0.1%CCl4制备急性肝损伤模型,16h后取血检测血清ALT、AST活性;测定肝组织匀浆中MDA含量和SOD、GSH的活性及观察肝脏病理学变化。结果:醇提组高剂量(3.9g/kg)和水提物高、中、低剂量(7.2、4.8、2.4g/kg)组均能降低CCl4所致急性肝损伤小鼠血清ALT、AST活性(P<0.01,P<0.05),降低肝脏MDA的含量、增强SOD和GSH活力(P<0.01,P<0.05),并能明显改善肝组织的病理学损伤。结论:重楼水提物对CCl4所致小鼠急性肝损伤具有较好保护作用。     

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic effects of Rhus chirindensis (Baker F.) [Anacardiaceae] stem-bark aqueous extract in mice and rats

In an attempt to scientifically evaluate some of the anecdotal, folkloric, ethnomedical uses of Rhus chirindensis Baker F. ('red currant'), the present study was undertaken to investigate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic effects of the plant's stem-bark aqueous extract (RCE) in mice and rats. The analgesic effect of RCE was evaluated by 'hot-plate' and 'acetic acid' analgesic test methods in mice; while its anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic effects were investigated in rats, using fresh egg albumin-induced pedal oedema, and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus animal models. Morphine (MPN, 10 mg/kg), diclofenac (DIC, 100 mg/kg) and chlorpropamide (250 mg/kg) were used as reference drugs for comparison. RCE (50-800 mg/kg i.p.) produced dose-dependent, significant (P<0.05-0.001) analgesic effects against thermally- and chemically-induced nociceptive pain in mice. The plant's extract (RCE, 50-800 mg/kg p.o.) also significantly (P<0.05-0.001) inhibited fresh egg albumin-induced acute inflammation, and caused dose-related, significant (P<0.05-0.001) hypoglycaemia in normal (normoglycaemic) and diabetic (hyperglycaemic) rats. The flavonoids, triterpenoids and other chemical compounds present in RCE are speculated to account for the observed pharmacological effects of the plant's extract in the experimental animal paradigms used. The findings of this experimental animal study indicate that Rhus chirindensis stem-bark aqueous extract possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic properties; and thus lend pharmacological credence to the anecdotal, folkloric, ethnomedical uses of the plant in the treatment and/or management of painful, arthritic, inflammatory conditions, as well as in the management and/or control of type 2 diabetes mellitus in some rural communities of South Africa.