Hypoglycaemic activity of commelina africana and ageratum conyzoides in relation to their mineral composition

Background

Many plants with antidiabetic properties probably act in part through their content of fibre, vitamins, bioactive or mineral content

Objectives

This study investigated the mineral, proximate, phytochemical compositions and hypoglycaemic effect of Commelina africana and Ageratum conyzoides extracts in diabetic rats, and the likely relationship between this property and the mineral, proximate and phytochemical compositions of the plants.

Methods

The plants were subjected to mineral, proximate composition and phytochemical analysis. Attempt was made to see (if any) the relationship between the hypoglycaemic effect and the mineral, proximate compositions and phytochemistry of the plants. Alloxan-induced diabetic animals were administered 500mg/kg body weight aqueous extracts of the plants and glibenclamide as the reference hypoglycaemic agent.

Results

Aqueous extract of Ageratum conyzoides reduced fasting blood glucose of experimental animals by 39.1% while Commelina africana reduced the same by 78.0%. Alkaloids, cardenolides, saponins, and tannins were detected in both plants. Anthraquinones was absent in C. africana but a trace of it was detected in A. conyzoides. The hypoglycaemic effect of Commelina africana was comparable with the reference hypoglycaemic agent. Ageratum conyzoides showed comparably weaker hypoglycaemic effect than exhibited by reference hypoglycaemic agent. Comparatively, Commelina africana had higher mineral concentrations (except Na) than Ageratum conyzoides.

Conclusions

Plants'' extracts minerals (magnesium, potassium and iron) and bioactive components (alkaloids and cardenolides) seemingly enhanced their hypoglycaemic effect. Furthermore, these minerals, alkaloids and cardenolides could be helpful in ameliorating complications of diabetes like hypertension and cardiovascular disease.     

In vivo hypoglycemic effect of methanolic fruit extract of Momordica charantia L

Background

Momordica charantia L. is a medicinal plant commonly used in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Objectives

We investigated the blood glucose lowering effect of the methanolic fruit extract of the Ugandan variety of M. charantia L. in alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats.

Methods

500g of M. charantia powder were macerated in methanol and the extract administered to two groups of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The first group received 125mg/kg, the second 375mg/kg and a third group 7mg/kg of metformin. A fourth group received 1ml normal saline. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were measured at 0.5,1,2,3,5,8 and 12 hours and compared using one-way ANOVA.

Results

There was an initial rise in FBG for 1 hour after administration of extracts followed by steep reductions. Significant reduction in FBG occurred at 2 hours for 125mg/kg of extract (−3.2%, 313±25.9 to 303±25.0mg/dL, p = 0.049), 375mg/kg of extract (−3.9%, 356±19.7 to 342±20.3mg/dL, p = 0.001), and metformin (−2.6%, 344±21.7 to 335±21.1mg/dL, p = 0.003) when compared to normal saline. The maximum percentage reduction in FBG by both extracts occurred between 3 and 12 hours post dose.

Conclusions

The methanolic fruit extract of M. charantia exhibits dose dependent hypoglycaemic activity in vivo.     

Antidiabetic and haematinic effects of Parquetina nigrescens on alloxan induced type-1 diabetes and normocytic normochromic anaemia in Wistar rats

Background

The plant, Parquetina nigrescens is used in folklore medicine to treat diabetes mellitus and its complications in several parts of West Africa.

Objective

To determine the effect of Parquetina nigrescens extract on fasting blood glucose in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

The blood glucose levels, complete blood count, erythrocyte indices and osmotic fragility, body and organ weights were evaluated.

Results

Diabetic rats treated with the extract showed significant (P<0.01) reduction of the blood glucose to levels comparable to that of the non-diabetic control and those treated with chlorpropamide (standard drug). Similarly, there was significant (P<0.01) reduction in the complete blood count in the diabetic rats.

Discussion

The anaemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia associated with the diabetes were corrected in the animals treated with the extract and chlorpropamide. The extract also reduced the erythrocyte osmotic fragility, body and organ weights. Parquetina nigrescens demonstrated antidiabetic property by reducing the elevated blood glucose in alloxan treated rats which is comparable to animals that received the standard drug.

Conclusion

Paraquetina nigrescens stabilized the erythrocyte membrane, decreased the body weight probably by lowering lipogenesis. However, the mechanism underlying the antidiabetic and haematinic properties of Parquetina nigrescens remains to be elucidated.     

Ameliorative effects of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on alloxan toxicity in Wistar rats

Background

Diabetes has been associated with several complications occasioned by oxidative stress. Thus, in treatment of the condition, these complications must also be taken into consideration. This study evaluates the effect of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius complications of diabetes induced by alloxan, on haematology and sperm morphometry using the Wistar rats.

Methods

Diabetes was induced in 25 rats using alloxan. The diabetic rats were then divided into five groups B–F consisting of five rats per group. Groups C–E were administered with 100mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg of ethanolic leaves extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, respectively, for four weeks post treatment with alloxan, while group F received Chlorpropamide (Diabenes®, Pfizer). The diabetic rats in group B were not treated while group A served as the non diabetic control.

Result

Following treatment with alloxan, there was anaemia, thrombocytopenia and leucopenia, while the sperm count, motility and live/dead ratio were significantly reduced. Sperm morphological abnormalities and erythrocyte osmotic fragility also increased significantly. Following treatment of alloxan treated-rats with the extract, there were significant increases in the PCV, RBC, Hb, WBC, MCV and the platelet values. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility, sperm count, motility and live/dead ratio also improved significantly.

Conclusion

Cnidoscolus aconitifolius extract was found to ameliorate the effects of alloxan induced diabetes on the haematology but not on the abnormal sperm morphometry in rats.     

Anti-Arthritic Potential of the Plant Justicia Gendarussa Burm F

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the anti-arthritic potential of the plant Justicia gendarussa using two different rat models.

MATERIALS AND METHOD:

The anti-arthritic potential of the alcoholic extract of the plant Justicia gendarussa was evaluated using the Freund’s adjuvant-induced and collagen-induced arthritic rat models. The rats were treated with the ethanolic extract of Justicia gendarussa and with standard aspirin.

RESULTS:

The ethanolic extract of Justicia gendarussa showed significant anti-arthritic activity that was statistically similar to that of aspirin. Our results suggest that the alcoholic extract of Justicia gendarussa exhibits significant anti-arthritic potential.     

Acute toxicity effects of the methanolic extract of Fagara zanthoxyloides (Lam.) root-bark

Background

Fagara zanthoxyloides is a well known medicinal plant in Uganda. It is used extensively in malaria and other infections. However nothing is known about its toxicity.

Objective

The objective of the study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of the methanolic extract of the root-bark of F. zanthoxyloides, in mice.

Methods

Methanolic extract of the root-bark of the plant was administered orally to mice at various dose levels to determine the acute toxic effects and the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) in mice.

Results

The LD50 of the methanolic extract was found to be 5.0 g/Kg body weight within 95 % confidence limits. The mice showed signs of cerebral irritation before dying. Histopathological examinations of the viscera showed congestion and focal necrosis of the liver and renal tubules.

Conclusion

It was concluded that the extract of F. zanthoxyloides is safe, however the cerebral mechanism that lead to the death of the mice need to be investigated further.     

Anti-seizure activity of the aqueous leaf extract of Solanum nigrum linn (solanaceae) in experimental animals

Background

Solanum nigrum is claimed in traditional medical practice, to be useful in the treatment of epilepsy in some parts of Nigeria.

Objectives

To study the anti-convulsant property of the aqueous extract of the leaves of S. nigrum in chicks, mice and rats.

Method

Aqueous extracts were administered intraperitoneally, at a pre-treatment time of 30 minutes, at graded doses and animals were challenged with different types of proconvulsants.

Results

The aqueous leaf extract produced a significantly (P<0.05) dose dependent protection against electrically-induced seizure in chicks and rats, pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure in mice and rats and picrotoxin-induced seizure in mice and rats. The anti-seizure property of the extract was potentiated by amphetamine.

Conclusion

The result obtained in this study suggests that the leaves of this plant may possess anti-convulsant property in chicks, mice and rats.     

Effect of Chronic Administration of Hexane Extract of Byrsonima Crassifolia Seed on B-Cell and Pancreatic Oxidative Parameters in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat

Background

In Mexican traditional medicine, the seeds of Byrsonima crassifolia have been used in the treatment of diabetes, rheumatism and for wound healing. The aim was to evaluate the effect of seeds of B. crassifolia on insulin release from the pancreatic beta cells in streptozotocininduced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods

In the present study, we evaluated the beneficial effect of seeds B. crassifolia streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic rats. Insulin level; insulin sensitivity index, insulin content in pancreas, malonaldehyde, nitric oxide contents, oxidative stress parameters were assayed. Serum glucose levels were determined by the glucose oxidase method. To determine the insulin releasing activity, after extract treatment, the pancreas was excised. Pancreatic sections were processed for examination of insulin-releasing activity using an imunocytochemistry kit.

Results

Administration of the hexane extract (200 and 400 mg/kg), exhibited a significant reduction in serum glucose. Administration of streptozotocin decreased the number of beta cells with insulin secretory activity in comparison with intact rats; but treatment with the B. crassifolia seed extract increased significantly the activity of the beta cells in comparison with the diabetic control rats. The extract decreased serum glucose in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and increased insulin release from the beta cells of the pancreas.

Conclusion

These finding suggest that B. crassifolia seed has beneficial effect for diabetes through decreasing blood glucose and lipid levels, increasing insulin sensitivity index and insulin content, up-regulating antioxidant enzyme activity and decreasing lipid peroxidation.     

Antifertility activity of aqueous ethanolic leaf extract of Spondias mombin (Anacardiaceae) in rats

Background

Despite the availability of modern (orthodox) medicine, many developing countries, especially in the rural areas, still rely heavily on traditional healers and medicinal plants to meet their primary health care needs and that of their domestic animals. This has been attributed to easy accessibility and low cost of herbal medicine. In Eastern Nigeria, fresh leaves of Spondias mombin is widely used by the natives to aid delivery and to expel the placenta in small ruminants (sheep and goats), especially during difficult labour.

Objective

The present study was designed to evaluate the in vivo effects of leaf extracts of S. mombin on reproductive performance of female rats.

Methods

Acute toxicity test of the plant extract was carried out in rats of both sexes. The anticonceptive and abortifacient activity of the extract were investigated, including the Fertility Index or embryo score of control and treated animals. The estrogenic activity was determined using ovariectomized rats.

Results

The results revealed a relatively non-toxic plant extract. The extract displayed anticonceptive but not abortifacient activity as judged by the number of pregnant animals at the end of the third trimester of pregnancy. The extract did not exhibit any oestrogenic activity.

Conclusion

Aqueous ethanol leaf extract of S. mombin has significant anticonceptive activity attributed to a direct action of the extract on the uterus.     

Anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of shallot (Allium ascalonicum) extract

Introduction

Alliumplants are an important part of the diet of many populations and there is a long-held belief in their health-enhancing properties such as cancer prevention. In this study, the anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract of the Allium ascalonicum bulbs have been studied.

Material and methods

The antiproliferative and anti-growth activity of the aqueous extract of A. ascalonicum was examined in vitro on different tumor cell lines. Furthermore, the acetic acid-induced vascular permeability as an in vivo assay was used for studying anti-inflammatory activity of the extract.

Results

The aqueous extract of A. ascalonicum had the most anti-growth activity on the cancer cell lines; Jurkat and K562 against Wehi 164 with lower cytotoxic preference. The extract also showed much less cytotoxicity against the normal cell (HUVEC) line and significant anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.

Conclusions

It is of interest that the extract of this plant has shown much less cytotoxicity against the normal cell line, and, if this also occurs in vivo, the use of this plant clinically for the treatment of cancer patients would have some scientific support. The results of these assays indicated that A. ascalonicum can be a candidate for prevention and treatment of many diseases related to inflammation and malignancy.     

Can fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels predict oral complications following invasive dental procedures in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus? A preliminary case-control study

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the effects of the levels of glycemic control on the frequency of clinical complications following invasive dental treatments in type 2 diabetic patients and suggest appropriate levels of fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin considered to be safe to avoid these complications.

METHOD:

Type 2 diabetic patients and non-diabetic patients were selected and divided into three groups. Group I consisted of 13 type 2 diabetic patients with adequate glycemic control (fasting blood glucose levels <140 mg/dl and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels <7%). Group II consisted of 15 type 2 diabetic patients with inadequate glycemic control (fasting blood glucose levels >140 mg/dl and HbA1c levels >7%). Group III consisted of 18 non-diabetic patients (no symptoms and fasting blood glucose levels <100 mg/dl). The levels of fasting blood glucose, glycated HbA1c, and fingerstick capillary glycemia were evaluated in diabetic patients prior to performing dental procedures. Seven days after the dental procedure, the frequency of clinical complications (surgery site infections and systemic infections) was examined and compared between the three study groups. In addition, correlations between the occurrence of these outcomes and the glycemic control of diabetes mellitus were evaluated.

RESULTS:

The frequency of clinical outcomes was low (4/43; 8.6%), and no significant differences between the outcome frequencies of the various study groups were observed (p>0.05). However, a significant association was observed between clinical complications and dental extractions (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS:

Because of the low frequency of clinical outcomes, it was not possible to determine whether fasting blood glucose or glycated HbA1c levels are important for these clinical outcomes.     

Antihyperlipidemic Effect of Peucedanum Pastinacifolium Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

INTRODUCTION:

Dyslipidemia is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus, significantly contributing to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Peucedanum pastinacifolium Boiss. & Hausskn. is commonly used as an antihyperlipidemic vegetable in Iranian folk medicine.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

In this study, we examined a hydroalcoholic extract of the aerial parts of Peucedanum pastinacifolium to determine its lipid-lowering activity in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Experimental diabetes mellitus was induced by a single intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin. Normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were separated into four groups. The groups were fed with 0, 125, 250 or 500 mg/kg body weight of Peucedanum Pastinacifolium hydroalcoholic Extract (PPE) in aqueous solution for 30 days.

RESULTS:

The results show that there were significant (P < 0.05) increases in total serum cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Treatment of diabetic rats with PPE over a period of a month returned these levels close to control levels.

CONCLUSION:

These results suggest that PPE has hypolipidemic effects in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.     

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Methanol Extracts and Alkaloid Fractions of Four Mexican Medicinal Plants of Solanaceae

Background

Methanol extracts and alkaloid fractions of different parts of four plant species belonging to Solanaceae family and used in Mexican traditional medicine were investigated for their total phenolic contents, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Materials and Methods

The total phenolic compounds of each extract was determined according to the Folin-Ciocalteu method, while the in vitro radical scavenging activities of the extracts were assessed using the DPPH and ABTS radicals. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was determined using the TPA-induced mouse ear edema model.

Results

The methanol extracts contained the highest concentrations of phenolic compounds and also exhibited the best reducing power on the DPPH and ABTS radicals, in a concentration-dependent fashion. However, the anti-inflammatory activity did not follow the same trend, as some alkaloid fractions that showed low radical reducing power exhibited the strongest anti-inflammatory activity.

Conclusion

The methanol extract obtained from the flowers of Nicotiana glauca presented the best overall performance with the largest amount of phenolic compounds (111 µg garlic acid equivalents/g of extract), the best antioxidant activity (94.80% inhibition of DPPH and 97.57% of ABTS) and the highest anti-inflammatory activity (81.93% inhibition of the inflammation).     

Chemical composition of the essential oil from kelussia odoratissima Mozaff. and the evaluation of its sedative and anxiolytic effects in mice

OBJECTIVE:

The present study aimed to evaluate the sedative and anxiolytic effects of the essential oils and hydroalcoholic extract of Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff. (K. odoratissima) in mice by utilizing an elevated plus maze. The chemical composition of its essential oil was also determined.

METHODS:

The hydroalcoholic extract or essential oil fraction from this plant were administered intraperitoneally to male mice at various doses 30 min before testing. The anxiolytic and sedative effects were determined by an elevated plus maze and locomotor activity tests, respectively.

RESULTS:

According to the results, none of the administered doses of hydroalcoholic extract or essential oil fraction of K. odoratissima changed the percentage of the time spent or number of entries into the open arms of the elevated plus maze. In contrast, the cumulative spontaneous locomotor activity of mice treated with the essential oil or hydroalcoholic extract was significantly decreased. Chemical analysis of the essential oil by Gas chromatography-mass spectromentry (GC-MS) showed that 3-butylidene-4,5-dihydrophthalide (85.9%) was the major component.

CONCLUSION:

These data confirm the sedative properties of K. odoratissima, yet there were no profound anxiolytic effects observed.     

Is there a relationship between admission blood glucose level following acute poisoning and clinical outcome?

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the admission blood glucose level following acute poisoning, severity of acute poisoning and clinical outcome.

Material and methods

This prospective study was conducted on 345 deliberate self-poisoning patients. Standard demographic and clinical information; admission blood glucose level; poisoning severity score and outcome were recorded. Patients with a history of diabetes mellitus, receipt of pre-sampling intravenous dextrose solution or glucocorticoids, and poisoning with toxic agents which produce hyper- or hypoglycaemia were excluded.

Results

Mean age of the patients was 27.5 ±8.6 years. Females outnumbered males (57.9%). Oral ingestion of more than one drug (46.7%) and opiates (14.2%) were the main causes of poisoning. Blood glucose values ranged from 50 mg/dl to 396 mg/dl. Hyper- and hypoglycaemia were observed in 23.8% and 13.91% respectively. A total of 24.41% and 22.92% of the patients in hyper- and hypoglycaemic groups had grade 3 and 4 severity score in comparison with 4.18% in the normoglycaemic group. Development of complications and death were 14.64% and 10.42% in patients with hyper- and hypoglycaemia versus 3.73% in patients with normoglycaemia. A significant difference between normoglycaemic and hyperglycaemic patients in the severity of poisoning and clinical outcome was observed (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Admission blood glucose levels may have a relationship with the severity of poisoning and clinical outcome following acute poisoning.     

A Study on Antimicrobial,Antioxidant and Antimutagenic Activities of Elaeagnus Angustifolia L. Leaves

Backround

The aim of this work was to investigate the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antimutagenic potentials of methanol extracts from E. angustifolia.

Materials and Methods

Methanol extracts were screened for antimicrobial activity against different species of 4 Gram positive and 3 Gram negative bacteria and one fungus. These bacteria included food pathogens. The leaf extract was tested using disc diffusion assay.

Results

The methanol extract of E. angustifolia showed maximum inhibition zone of 16 mm against Yersinia enterocolitica. Whereas, the inhibition zone was not determined by methanol extract against Escherichia coli ATCC 1122 and Candida albicans RSKK 02029. The MIC was evaluated on plant extracts as antimicrobial activity. All of bacterial strains showed the lowest sensitivity to methanol extract of E. angustifolia (3.5 mg/mL), except Yersinia enterocolitica NCTC 11174. In addition, the plant extracts were tested against the stable DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) free-radical. Finally, the methanol extract displayed a strong antioxidant activity (Trolox equivalent = 1.49 mM). Also, E. angustifolia methanol extracts were screened for their antimutagenic activity against sodium azide by Ames test in absence of rat microsomal liver enzyme (-S9). The results showed that E. angustifolia methanol extracts can inhibit mutagenic agents of sodium azide. The plant leaf extracts with the inhibition of 36% sodium azide showed moderate potential in decreasing mutagenic agents in Salmonella typhimurium TA100.

Conclusion

E. angustifolia methanol extracts have antimicrobial, antioxidant and antimutagenic potential.     

Effect of Rumex steudelii methanolic root extract on ovarian folliculogenesis and uterine histology in female albino rats

Background

A substantial number of the world population especially that of the developing countries rely on herbal products to control their fertility since ancient times. Rumex steudelii Hochst is one of the traditionally used antifertility plants in Ethiopia. Previous studies showed that the methanolic root extract of the plant had reversible antifertility effect in experimental animals. However, no study had hitherto been done on the antifertility activity of the methanolic root extract of Rumex steudelii on the ovary and uterus of female albino rats.

Objective

To investigate the quantitative aspects of follicular development in the ovaries and uterine histology in cyclic female albino rats to get further information on the possible mechanism of antifertility effect of the methanolic extract of R. steudelii.

Methods

The effect of the extract on uterine histology and ovarian follicular growth was determined after oral administration of the methanolic root extract of Rumex steudelii at 2.2, 2.5, 3.0 g/kg/day doses consecutively for 30 days.

Results

The extract significantly decreasing the number of healthy small antral, Graffian follicles and corpora lutea with concomitant significant increase in the number of atretic follicles of the same stage in dose dependent manner. Treatment at 3.0 g/Kg dose level in addition caused a significant decrease in the number of healthy primary, small preantral and large preantral follicles with concomitant significant increase in the number of atretic primary follicles. The ovarian and uterine wet weights are reduced significantly. The extracts also caused a significant decrease in the epithelial cell height, myometrial and stromal thickness in a dose dependent manner.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that the methanolic extract could cause atrophic changes in the uterus and disruption of ovarian folliculogenesis by inhibiting further development of the recruited ovarian follicles.     

Bioactivity-Guided Isolation of Anticancer Agents from Bauhinia Kockiana Korth

Background

Flowers of Bauhinia kockiana were investigated for their anticancer properties.

Methods

Gallic acid (1), and methyl gallate (2), were isolated via bioassay-directed isolation, and they exhibited anticancer properties towards several cancer cell lines, examined using MTT cell viability assay. Pyrogallol (3) was examined against the same cancer cell lines to deduce the bioactive functional group of the phenolic compounds.

Results

The results showed that the phenolic compounds could exhibit moderate to weak cytotoxicity towards certain cell lines (GI₅₀ 30 – 86 µM), but were inactive towards DU145 prostate cancer cell (GI₅₀ > 100 µM).

Conclusion

It was observed that pyrogallol moiety was one of the essential functional structures of the phenolic compounds in exhibiting anticancer activity. Also, the carboxyl group of compound 1 was also important in anticancer activity. Examination of the PC-3 cells treated with compound 1 using fluorescence microscopy showed that PC-3 cells were killed by apoptosis.     

Piper Sarmentosum Increases Nitric Oxide Production in Oxidative Stress: A Study on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

OBJECTIVE:

Nitric oxide produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) possesses multiple anti-atherosclerotic properties. Hence, enhanced expression of eNOS and increased Nitric oxide levels may protect against the development of atherosclerosis. Piper sarmentosum is a tropical plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Piper sarmentosum on the eNOS and Nitric oxide pathway in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

METHODS:

HUVECs were divided into four groups: control, treatment with 180 μM hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), treatment with 150 μg/mL aqueous extract of Piper sarmentosum, and concomitant treatment with aqueous extract of PS and H₂O₂ for 24 hours. Subsequently, HUVECs were harvested and eNOS mRNA expression was determined using qPCR. The eNOS protein level was measured using ELISA, and the eNOS activity and Nitric oxide level were determined by the Griess reaction.

RESULTS:

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with aqueous extract of Piper sarmentosum showed a marked induction of Nitric oxide. Treatment with PS also resulted in increased eNOS mRNA expression, eNOS protein level and eNOS activity in HUVECs.

CONCLUSION:

Aqueous extract of Piper sarmentosum may improve endothelial function by promoting NO production in HUVECs.     

Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Prosopis Juliflora (SW.) DC. Leaves

Background

The ethnobotanical importance of Prosopis juliflora is well-known in the folkloric system of medicine for the treatment of various ailments. Although, the study related to the antibacterial potential of this plant, from Central India is scanty.

Material and methods

The in vitro antibacterial activity of Prosopis juliflora leaves collected from the local area was evaluated against ten bacterial type cultures by agar well diffusion assay. The crude extracts prepared by two methods separately with three different solvents were examined for the preliminary antibacterial activity and phytochemical screening, the results of which were used for the choice of solvent and mass extraction of crude extract. Solvent fractionation of crude extract was done employing two sets of solvents namely Set-PCE and Set-HDB which resulted in total, six organic and two aqueous fractions, which were finally subjected to antibacterial activities.

Results

Varying degrees of growth inhibition was shown by all the fractions against tested microorganisms. The highest antibacterial activity was observed in aqueous fractions as compared to solvent fractions.

Conclusion

Isolation and characterization of the bioactive components can be further done by systematic screening of the most active solvent fraction which could lead to the possible source of new antibacterial agents.