Toxicological studies on Globularia alypum and Zygophyllum gaetulum in rats

This work examines the toxicological effects of Globularia alypum leaves and Zygophyllum gaetulum aerial parts used in the traditional treatment of diabetes mellitus in Morocco. The LD₅₀ after oral administration of the plant infusions was higher than 10 g/kg body weight. Chronic toxicity was evaluated by analysis of biochemical and haematological parameters and by anatomo-histopathological studies. It is suggested that these plants have no toxicological effects in rats. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Immunosuppressive Effects of Globularia alypum Extracts

Responder lymphocytes were cultured with an equal number of irradiated stimulator lymphocytes from another donor for 6 days in RPMI 1640 (a modified Mc Coh's 5 A Medium). After 48 h incubation with PMA (phorbol 12-myristate), PHA (phytohaematogglutin) and 120 h with MLR (mixed lymphocytes reaction), the cells were labelled with ³H-thymidine. Cells were harvested in a scintillation counter Globularia alypum L. extracts were dissolved in HPLC quality ethanol or water and diluted in RPMI to concentrations ranging from 0.156–10 μg/mL. Extract solutions were added immediately after cell stimulation in the cell walls. Cyclosporin A was used as a control. Both the water and ethanol extracts of Globularia alypum L. demonstrated a dose response effect in all three systems of MLR, PHA and PMA with no statistical difference in water or ethanol extracts. The IC₅₀ were: PHA 1.14 μg/mL, PMA 1.05 μg/mL and MLR 2.06 μg/mL. The PHA and MLR IC₅₀ are approximately double the IC₅₀ for cyclosporin A (0.5 μg/mL). The effects of Glubularia alypum L. in PMA stimulated lymphocytes suggests it may suppress T cell function through a pathway that cyclosporin A does not effect.     

Hypoglycaemic effect of Rubus fructicosis L. and Globularia alypum L. in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The present study investigates the effect of oral administration of the aqueous extract of Rubus fructicosis L. (RF) and Globularia alypum L. (GA) leaves on blood glucose levels in normal and streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. In normal rats, single and repeated oral administration of RF lowered significantly the blood glucose levels, while, GA treatment did not change blood glucose levels. In STZ rats, single and repeated oral administration of both RF and GA produced significant decrease of blood glucose levels. RF and GA treatments did not affect insulin secretion both in normal and STZ rats, indicating that mechanism(s) by which these plants decrease blood glucose levels is extra-pancreatic at least, for the doses used. In addition, the acute toxicity study revealed that the aqueous extracts may be considered relatively safe since that the LD(50) value was over 8.1 and 14.5 g/kg for RF and GA respectively. These findings indicate that RF and GA represent an effective blood glucose lowering and a potential source for discovery of new orally active component(s) for future therapy.     

Globularia alypum L. extracts reduced histamine and serotonin contraction in vitro

The present study analyses in in vitro models the pharmacological activity of methanol and dichloromethane extracts (1, 10 and 100 microg/mL) obtained from the leaves and stems of Globularia alypum L. Preincubation of the guinea-pig ileum and rat uterus with both extracts produced a dose dependent abolition of the contractile effects of histamine and serotonin, respectively. At the same doses, neither methanol nor dichloromethane extract reduced the contractile effects of acetylcholine on rat duodenum or noradrenaline on rat vas deferens.     

Antioxidant constituents of the aerial parts of Globularia alypum growing in Morocco

Three new phenolic compounds were isolated from the aerial parts of Globularia alypum. Their structures were determined as 6-hydroxyluteolin 7-O-laminaribioside (1), eriodictyol 7-O-sophoroside (2), and 6'-O-coumaroyl-1'-O-[2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3). In addition, three phenylethanoid glycosides (acteoside, isoacteoside, and forsythiaside) and two flavonoid glycosides (6-hydroxyluteolin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and luteolin 7-O-sophoroside) were also isolated and are reported here for the first time in this plant. The structures of compounds 1-3 were established on the basis of their spectroscopic data analysis. Evaluation of the antioxidative activity, conducted in vitro, showed that the isolated phenylethanoids and flavonoid glycosides possess strong effects of this type.     

Reproductive toxicity potentials of Salvia fruticosa (Labiatae) in rats

The antiimplantation, antifertility and reproductive toxicity potentials after ingestion of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Salvia fruticosa leaves have been investigated in male and female rats. The ingestion of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of aqueous or 400 mg/kg of ethanolic extracts of S. fruticosa from day one to day six of pregnancy by female rats did not cause pregnancy failure. However, the ingestion of an ethanolic extract reduced the number of viable fetuses and increased the number of resorptions in the pregnant rats. The ingestion of aqueous extract (800 mg/kg) or ethanolic extract (400 mg/kg) of S. fruticosa for 30 consecutive days by adult female rats had no effect on the occurrence of pregnancy. However, the ingestion of these extracts reduced both the number of implantations and viable fetuses and increased the number of resorptions in the pregnant females. The ingestion of aqueous extract (800 mg/kg) or ethanolic extract (400 mg/kg) of S. fruticosa for 30 consecutive days by adult male rats had no effect on the number of females impregnated by these males. However, the number of implantations and viable fetuses were reduced in females impregnated by males which ingested either aqueous or ethanolic extracts of S. fruticosa, whereas the number of resorptions was increased in females impregnated by males administered either aqueous or ethanolic extracts of S. fruticosa. On the other hand, the prenatal exposure of male and female rat offspring to 400 mg/kg ethanolic extract of S. fruticosa had no effects on the timing of testicular descent and vaginal opening, respectively. It would appear from these experiments that the ingestion of S. fruticosa may produce adverse effects on the fertility of male and female rats.     

Androgenic potentials of aqueous extract of Massularia acuminata (G. Don) Bullock ex Hoyl. stem in male Wistar rats

The use of medicinal plants in the management of several ailments is gaining popularity nowadays. Massularia acuminata, one of such plants is commonly used as chewing sticks due to its antimicrobial activity and the aqueous extract of its stem as an aphrodisiac. Aphrodisiac activity in some plants may be due to androgen increasing property of its phytochemicals. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study therefore sought to assess the androgenic potentials of aqueous extract of Massularia acuminata stem in male rats for 21 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male rats weighing between 220 and 260 g were completely randomized into four groups: A, B, C and D. Group A, the control received orally 1 ml of distilled water (the vehicle) while groups B, C and D were orally administered with 1 ml each corresponding to 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of the plant extract, respectively for 21 days. Rats were sacrificed 24h after 1, 7 and 21 days. RESULTS: Compared with the control, extract administration at all the doses produced significant increase (P<0.05) in testes-body weight ratio, testicular protein, glycogen, sialic acid, cholesterol, testosterone, luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormone concentrations throughout the period of administration. Testicular gamma glutamyl transferase activities were decreased significantly (P<0.05) after the first dose and was sustained throughout the experimental period. CONCLUSION: The available evidence in this study suggests that aqueous extract of Massularia acuminata stem has androgenic potential which may stimulate male sexual maturation and enhance normal testicular function.     

Anti-anaemic potentials of aqueous extract of Sorghum bicolor (L.) moench stem bark in rats

The effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench stem bark at the doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight on iron sufficient and iron deficient weaning rats were investigated. Weaning rats of 21 days old were maintained on iron sufficient and iron deficient diets for 6 weeks before the administration of the aqueous extract of Sorghum bicolor stem bark at various doses for 7 days. Proximate analysis of the iron sufficient and iron deficient diets showed that they were similar except in the amount of iron. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids and saponins. Extract administration produced significant increase in haemoglobin, packed cell volume and red blood cells in iron sufficient and iron deficient groups (P < 0.05). There was also significant increase (P < 0.05) in the catalase activity of the rat liver and kidney without any significant change (P > 0.05) in the serum catalase activity. The results revealed that extract administration has restored the anaemic condition in the iron deficient group and thus lend credence to its use in folklore medicine in the management of anaemia.     

Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of Caralluma arabica

In the present study, a 10% ethanolic extract of Caralluma arabica at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg was evaluated for the antinociceptive activity using the hot plate and acetic acid induced abdominal constrictions in mice and tail flick method in rats. Oral and topical application of C. arabica extract was assessed in the present study for anti-inflammatory properties using carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. Anti-inflammatory activity was also evaluated using cotton pellet granuloma method. C. arabica extract showed significant Anti-nociceptive properties in all the models studied. C. arabica extract significantly reduced the increase in hind paw volume induced by carrageenan injection when used orally or topically. Results of the present study confirm the use of C. arabica traditionally for the treatment of painful and inflammatory conditions and indicate transdermal absorption of the plant extract.     

针刺光明穴对近视患者视力及图形诱发电位(P-VEP)的影响

目的观察针刺光明穴对近视患者视力的调节作用及对图形视觉诱发电位(P-VEP)的影响。方法将60例近视患者随机分为光明穴组(30例)和孔最穴组(30例)。光明穴组取光明穴(双);孔最穴组取孔最穴(双),针刺用平补平泻法。两组均每天针刺1次,连续7次为1个疗程,共治疗1个疗程。两组均于治疗前、治疗后用P-VEP检测P100波的潜伏期和幅值;同时检查治疗前后的视力。结果两组患者治疗后PVEP P100潜伏期和振幅与治疗前相比,差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。视力变化:光明穴组治疗前后比较,患者视力明显提高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),孔最穴组治疗前后比较,患者视力没有明显提高,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论针刺光明穴对近视患者P-VEP P100潜伏期和振幅均没有调节作用,但可明显提高近视患者视力。     

Fetal toxicity of Solanum lycocarpum (Solanaceae) in rats

Lobeira (Solanum lycocarpum) is a Brazilian plant used as a hypoglycemic agent. In this study, the toxic effects of lobeira were evaluated during the fetogenesis period. Twenty pregnant Wistar rats were randomly allocated into two groups: control and treated, which received, via oral gavage, 0.5 ml of distilled water or 100 mg of the lobeira powder/kg of body weight, respectively, during days 17-20 of pregnancy. Maternal toxicity was evaluated by body weight, food intake, piloerection, locomotor activity, diarrhoea and vaginal bleeding. Euthanasia was done on 21st day, when ovaries, fetuses and their respective placentas were removed. Resorptions, live and dead fetuses were recorded. External malformations and fetal body, brain, liver, lung and kidneys were also weighed. No clinical signs of maternal toxicity were observed. The placenta weights of the treated rats were lower than those of the control (P<0.01). Lungs (P<0.01) and kidneys (P<0.02) of the fetuses treated with lobeira were also significantly reduced, suggesting a fetotoxic effect of this plant.     

Immunomodulatory effect of Cynara scolymus (artichoke) in rats

Cynara scolymus is a plant used both as food as well as medicinal plant worldwide. Cynarin is one of the main active principles of the plant, and it is also present in species such as Echinacea purpurae, which is known to have immunomodulatory activity. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the immune effects of C. scolymus in rats. Rats were treated with 1.0‐, 2.0‐, or 4.0‐g/kg body weight of C. scolymus extract for 28 days. Haemogram, serum biochemistry, lymphoid organs weight, and their cell phenotypes were evaluated. Macrophages and neutrophils oxidative burst, specific humoral immune response, and the delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) were studied. No changes in the haemogram, biochemical profile, antibody titers, lymphoid organs, and in their cellularities were observed. An increase in the basal activity of reactive oxygen species from male's macrophage was observed. There was a suppression of the DTH response in both gender when treated with the highest dose of C. scolymus. This study is the first in the literature that revealed an immunosuppressive effect of C. scolymus. We also verified that the doses of artichoke extract here employed did not cause general toxicity.     

电针肾俞、足三里对慢性疲劳综合征事件相关电位的影响

目的:观察电针对慢性疲劳综合征(CFS)患者的效应机制。方法:采用时间生物学的动态测试方法,对20例健康受试者和20例CFS患者进行事件相关电位检测,采集并分析24 h内4个等距时间点(8:00、14:00、20:00、次日2:00)P3a、P3b(靶刺激诱发的大脑第3组正相电位)潜伏期,进行宏观分析和余弦法微观节律分析。结果:①CFS组P3a潜伏期在14:00时明显延长,与健康组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05),电针治疗后P3b潜伏期在14:00时明显缩短,与治疗前比较差异有统计学意义(P0.01);②健康组P3a和P3b潜伏期均存在明显昼夜节律(P0.05),CFS组二者节律均消失(P0.05),电针治疗后CFS患者P3b潜伏期昼夜节律恢复(P0.05);③CFS组治疗前P3a、P3b潜伏期昼夜节律峰值相位较健康组明显后移(P0.05),电针治疗后峰值相位前移(P0.05)。结论:CFS患者事件相关电位的昼夜节律丧失,电针肾俞、足三里通过调整P3a、P3b潜伏期的昼夜节律而提高患者日间认知敏捷程度。     

Effects of yeast hydrolysate on neuropeptide Y (NPY) and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) immunoreactivity in rats

To investigate the appetite regulation mechanism of low and high molecular weight yeast hydrolysate, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) expressions were analyzed in the brains on rats using immunohistochemical method; normal diet (control), 0.1 g/kg (BY‐1) or 1.0 g/kg (BY‐2) of yeast hydrolysate below 10 kDa, 0.1 g/kg (AY‐1) or 1.0 g/kg (AY‐2) of yeast hydrolysate of 10–30 kDa. Body weight gain was lower in the BY‐2 (133.0 g) than in the control (150.1 g) (p < 0.05). Triacylglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL‐cholesterol levels were lower in the BY‐2 as compared to control, BY‐1 and AY‐2 (p < 0.05). NPY staining intensities at paraventricular nucleus (PVN) were lower in the BY groups (BY‐1: 96.1, BY‐2: 88.6) as compared to the control (105.6) and AY groups (AY‐1: 110.5, AY‐2: 114.1) (p < 0.05). NPY expression at lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) was lower in the BY‐2 (92.3) than in the control (98.9) (p < 0.05). The BY groups (BY‐1: 143.9, BY‐2: 154.6) had higher TPH staining intensities at dorsal raphe (DR) than the AY‐2 (115.9) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the results indicate that administering yeast hydrolysate of below 10 kDa to normal diet‐fed rats reduced body weight gain and serum lipids by altering NPY and TPH expressions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of the aphrodisiac activity of Litsea chinensis (Lauraceae) and Orchis malculata (Orchidaceae) extracts in rats

The ethanolic extract of the bark of Litsea chinensis and the tuber of Orchis maculata were studied on male sexual behaviour in rats using a battery of tests including penile erection, homosexual mounting, stretching/yawning, aggressive behaviour, copulatory behaviour and orientational activities. The extract of O. maculata (500 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a significant increase in penile erection index, homosexual mounting and facilitated sexual behaviour and orientational activity, as evidenced by increased mounting performance, anogenital sniffing, intromission and ejaculation frequencies. The group of animals given the extract of L. chinensis produced a significant increase in ejaculation latency with a significant decrease in ejaculation frequency. The results indicate that O. maculata extract enhanced sexual arousal in male rats.     

Antiulcerogenic effects of coconut (Cocos nucifera) extract in rats

A warm water crude extract of coconut milk and a coconut water dispersion were investigated for their antiulcerogenic effects in male Wistar albino rats. Ulcers were induced in the male rats by subcutaneous administration of indomethacin (40 mg/kg) using standard procedures. The ulcer inhibition rate (UIR) was taken as a measure of the cytoprotection offered by test substances. Coconut milk (2 mL daily oral feeding) produced a stronger percentage (54%) reduction in the mean ulcer area than coconut water (39%). The effect of coconut milk was similar to the effect of sucralfate that reduced the mean ulcer area by 56% in this study. Sucralfate is a conventional cytoprotective agent. The results showed that coconut milk and water via macroscopic observation had protective effects on the ulcerated gastric mucosa. It is concluded that coconut milk offered stronger protection on indomethacin-induced ulceration than coconut water in rats.     

Antiinflammatory activity of an herbal preparation (HemoHIM) in rats

This study evaluated a new herbal preparation, HemoHIM, for its antiinflammatory activity against carrageenan-induced edema, the formation of granulation tissues by cotton pellet and experimental colitis by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). The HemoHIM was prepared by adding its ethanol-insoluble polysaccharide fraction to the total water extract of Angelica Radix, Cnidii Rhizoma and Paeonia Radix. The preparation (4 mg of solids/mL of drinking water, p.o., 50-100 mg/kg of body weight, i.p.) produced a dose-related inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma in rats. In addition, HemoHIM also reduced the degree of TNBS-induced colitis and improved the gross and histological changes such as thickening, dilatation, ulceration, and infiltration by polymorphonuclear leukocytes and multiple erosive lesions. These results demonstrate that the HemoHIM has a potent antiinflammatory effect.     

电针太冲对大脑感觉皮层诱发电位的影响

目的:观察电针太冲对健康人群大脑皮层诱发电位的影响,探讨躯体刺激对感觉皮层的兴奋性作用,为临床循经远端选穴提供参考依据.方法:采用自身前后对照,纳入健康志愿者10名,在电针左侧太冲前后测定阴部神经体感诱发电位(PSEP)、下肢体感诱发电位(LSEP),比较电针前后诱发电位的差异.结果:电针左侧太冲后,左下肢体感诱发电位...     

双(α-呋喃甲酸)氧钒与六味地黄丸联合应用对糖尿病大鼠血糖血脂影响的实验研究

[目的]观察双(α-呋喃甲酸)氧钒(VO-FA)与六味地黄丸联合应用对糖尿病大鼠血糖血脂影响.[方法]用四氧嘧啶诱发糖尿病大鼠模型,分别以高、低剂量VO-FA联合六味地黄丸治疗,并设立正常组和模型组作对照,检测血糖、血脂变化.[结果]VO-FA联合六味地黄丸组在给药后与模型组相比表现出降糖效果(P＜0.05),尤以VO-FA高剂量联合六味地黄丸组为著(P＜0.01);糖尿病大鼠伴随血脂紊乱,VO-FA联合六味地黄丸与模型组相比能明显降低其总胆同醇水平(P＜0.01),对其余指标无显著差异.[结论]VO-FA联合六味地黄丸能降低糖尿病大鼠的血糖和总胆固醇水平,药理机制有待于进一步研究.