Studies on hepatoprotective, antispasmodic and calcium antagonist activities of the aqueous-methanol extract of Achillea millefolium

The crude extract of Achillea millefolium (Am.Cr) was studied for its possible hepatoprotective effect against d-galactosamine (d-GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced hepatitis in mice and antispasmodic effect in isolated gut preparations to rationalize some of the folklore uses. Co-administration of d-GalN (700 mg/kg) and LPS (25 microg/kg) produced 100% mortality in mice. Pre-treatment of animals with Am.Cr (300 mg/kg) reduced the mortality to 40%. Co-administration of d-GalN (700 mg/kg) and LPS (1 microg/kg) significantly raised the plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels compared with values in the control group (p < 0.05). Pre-treatment of mice with Am.Cr (150-600 mg/kg) significantly prevented the toxins induced rise in plasma ALT and AST (p < 0.05). The hepatoprotective effect of Am.Cr was further verified by histopathology of the liver, which showed improved architecture, absence of parenchymal congestion, decreased cellular swelling and apoptotic cells, compared with the toxin group of animals. In isolated rabbit jejunum preparations, Am.Cr caused a concentration-dependent (0.3-10 mg/mL) relaxation of both spontaneous and K(+)-induced contractions as well as shifting the Ca(++) concentration-response curves (CRCs) to the right, similar to that caused by verapamil. These results indicate that the crude extract of Achillea millefolium exhibits a hepatoprotective effect, which may be partly attributed to its observed calcium channel blocking activity.     

Involvement of bradykinin and prostaglandins in the diuretic effects of Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae), popularly known as “mil-folhas”, is well recognized and widely used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat heart and kidney disorders. Among its popularly described effects are diuretic and hypotensive actions.

Aim of the study

The diuretic activity of Achillea millefolium L. extracts and its semi-purified fractions, as well as the mechanisms involved, were evaluated in male Wistar rats.

Material and methods

An aqueous extract (AEAM, 125–500 mg/kg), hydroethanolic extract (HEAM, 30–300 mg/kg), dichloromethane subfractions (DCM-2, 10 and 30 mg/kg), or hydrochlorothiazide (10 mg/kg), were orally administered and the animals were kept in metabolic cages for 8 h for urine collection. To evaluate the involvement of bradykinin and prostaglandins in the diuretic action of Achillea millefolium, selected groups of rats received HOE-140 (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.) or indomethacin (5 mg/kg, p.o.), before treatment with a DCM-2 subfraction (30 mg/kg). The urinary volume, conductivity, pH, density and electrolyte excretion were measured.

Results

Similar to hydrochlorothiazide, both HEAM and DCM-2, but not AEAM, increased urinary volume and the excretion of Na⁺ and K⁺ when compared with the control group (vehicle). The diuretic effect of DCM-2 was abolished by HOE-140 (a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist), as well as by indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor).

Conclusion

The present study reveals that extracts obtained from Achillea millefolium are able to effectively increase diuresis when orally administered in rats. This effect depends on both the activation of bradykinin B2 receptors and the activity of cyclooxygenases.     

Safety and antiulcer efficacy studies of Achillea millefolium L. after chronic treatment in Wistar rats

Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae), popularly known as yarrow, has been used in folk medicine to treat complaints such as inflammation, pain, wounds, hemorrhages and gastrointestinal disturbances. The aim of the present study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the aqueous extract (AE) of the plant after chronic exposure. Indeed, the AE was effective in protecting the gastric mucosa against acute gastric lesions induced by ethanol and indomethacin and in healing chronic gastric lesions induced by acetic acid with (ED(50)=32 mg/kg, p.o.). Safety studies were performed in female and male Wistar rats treated daily with AE (0.3-1.2 g/kg, p.o./day) or vehicle (water, 10 ml/kg/day) for 28 or 90 consecutive days. Satellite groups consisted of animals sacrificed 30 days after the end of these treatments. Clinical observations, body and organ weight measurements, gross autopsy, hematology, clinical biochemical and histopathological examinations were performed. Slight changes in liver weight, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and glucose were observed in male and female animals. These changes were not correlated with dose or time of exposure of the animals to the AE. Overall, the results show the antiulcer potential of the aerial parts of the Achillea millefolium which is accompanied by no signs of relevant toxicity even at very long chronic exposure.     

Anxiolytic-like actions of leaves of Casimiroa edulis (Rutaceae) in male Wistar rats

Anxiolytic-like actions of an aqueous extract of the leaves of Casimiroa edulis (Ce) La Llave ex Lex. (Rutaceae) were studied in male Wistar rats in the elevated plus-maze test, whether effect on locomotion were studied in the open-field task, and its possible antidepressant-like actions in the forced swimming task. In the elevated plus-maze test, diazepam (Dz) (1.30 mg/kg; P < 0.05) and Casimiroa edulis (25.0 mg/kg, P < 0.05; 35.0 mg/kg, P < 0.05) increased open arms exploration (i.e., anxiolytic-like action). Doses of 45.0 mg/kg (P < 0.05) and 55.0 mg/kg (P < 0.05) of Casimiroa edulis reduced locomotion in the elevated plus-maze test and in the open-field test. In the forced swimming task, desipramine (dmi) (32.0 mg/kg; P < 0.05) reduced immobility (i.e., antidepressant-like action). Conversely, as compared to control rats, neither diazepam (Dz) (1.30 mg/kg) nor Casimiroa edulis (25.0 mg/kg) modified immobility in the forced swimming task. However, diazepam (P < 0.05) or Casimiroa edulis (P < 0.05), when co-administered, canceled the antiimmobility actions of desipramine. In conclusion, the leaves of Casimiroa edulis (Rutaceae) produced anxiolytic-like actions in male Wistar rats, with several side actions, namely, reduced locomotion and neutralization of the antidepressant-like actions of desipramine.     

欧蓍草花水提物减轻环磷酰胺对大鼠睾丸毒性的体视学研究(英文)

Cyclophosphamide(CP) is extensively used for the treatment of various cancers,as well as an immunosuppressive agent.However,CP is known to cause several adverse effects including reproductive toxicity.Achillea millefolium,a widely distributed medicinal plant,is highly regarded for its medicinal activities,including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.The present study was conducted to assess whether Achillea millefolium inflorescences aqueous extract with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities could serve as a protective agent against reproductive toxicity during CP treatment.Male Wistar rats were categorized into four groups.Two groups of rats were administered CP at a dose of 5 mg·kg-1·d-1 for 28 d by oral gavages.One of these groups received Achillea aqueous extract at a dose of 1.2 g·kg-1·d-1 orally 4 h after cyclophosphamide administration.A vehicle treated control group and an Achillea control group were also included.The CP-treated group showed significant decreases in the body,testes and epidi-dymides weights as well as many histological alterations.Stereological parameters,spermatogenic activities and testicular antioxidant capacity along with epididymal sperm count and serum testosterone concentration were also significantly decreased by CP treatment.Notably,Achillea co-administration caused a partial recovery in above-mentioned parameters.These findings indicate that Achillea millefolium inflorescence aqueous extract may be partially protective against CP-induced testicular toxicity.     

Antinociceptive peripheral effect of Achillea millefolium L. and Artemisia vulgaris L.: both plants known popularly by brand names of analgesic drugs

The hydroalcohol extracts of Achillea millefolium L. (AM) and Artemisia vulgaris L. (AV), both belonging to the Asteraceae family, were evaluated by the hot plate, writhing, formalin and intestinal transit tests in an attempt to confirm their folk use as analgesic, antiinflammatory and antispasmodic agents. AM 500 and 1000 mg/kg significantly inhibited abdominal contortions by 65% and 23%, respectively, whereas AV 500 and 1000 mg/kg inhibited them by 48% and 59%, respectively. None of the extracts produced differences in the intestinal transit in mice, nor in the response time in the hot plate or in the immediate or late responses in the formalin test. In HPLC/DAD analyses 'fingerprint', monitored at 360 and 270 nm, both hydroalcohol extracts showed the same flavonoid glycoside as a principal constituent, which was identified as rutin. A high content of caffeic acid derivatives were also found in both extracts. The main differences were observed at 240 nm: AM had a higher content of rutin, while in AV the hydroxybenzoic acid derivative was the major component.     

Glutathione S-transferases and malondialdehyde in the liver of NOD mice on short-term treatment with plant mixture extract P-9801091

Changes in the concentration of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed in the liver of normal and diabetic NOD mice with and without treatment with the plant extract P-9801091. The plant extract P-9801091 is an antihyperglycaemic preparation containing Myrtilli folium (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), Taraxaci radix (Taraxacum of fi cinale Web.), Cichorii radix (Cichorium intybus L.), Juniperi fructus (Juniperus communis L.), Centaurii herba (Centaurium umbellatum Gilib.), Phaseoli pericarpium (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), Millefoliiherba (Achillea millefolium L.), Mori folium (Morus nigra L.), Valerianae radix (Valeriana of ficinalis L.) and Urticae herba et radix (Urtica dioica L). Hyperglycaemia in diabetes mellitus is responsible for the development of oxidative stress (via glucose auto-oxidation and protein glycation), which is characterized by increased lipid peroxide production (MDA is a lipid peroxidation end product) and/or decreased antioxidative defence (GST in the liver is predominantly an alpha enzyme, which has antioxidative activity). The catalytic concentration of GSTs in the liver was significantly reduced in diabetic NOD mice compared with normal NOD mice (p < 0.01), while the concentration of MDA showed a rising tendency (not significant). The results showed that statistically significant changes in antioxidative defence occurred in the experimental model of short-term diabetes mellitus. A 7-day treatment with P-9801091 plant extract at a dose of 20 mg/kg body mass led to a significant increase in the catalytic concentration of GSTs in the liver of diabetic NOD mice (p < 0.01) and a decrease in MDA concentration (not significant), which could be explained by its antihyperglycaemic effect.     

Effect of 'antidiabetis' herbal preparation on serum glucose and fructosamine in NOD mice

The antihyperglycemic effect of the Antidiabetis herbal preparation ((Myrtilli folium (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), Taraxaci radix (Taraxacum officinale Web.), Cichorii radix (Cichorium intybus L.), Juniperi fructus (Juniperus communis L.), Centaurii herba (Centaurium umbellatum Gilib.), Phaseoli pericarpium (Phaseolus vulgaris), Millefollii herba (Achillea millefolium L.), Morii folium (Morus nigra L.), Valeriane radix (Valleriana officinalis L.), Urticae herba et radix (Urtica dioica L.)), patent No. P-9801091 Zagreb, Croatia was investigated. Two extracts were prepared: ethanol extract (extract 1), and ethanol extract from which ethanol was evaporated on a rotatory evaporator at a temperature of 45 degrees C (extract 2). Extract 1 and extract 2 were administered (in experiment 1) to alloxan-induced non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice in the same dose of 20 mg/kg. Blood glucose was determined before, and 10, 30, 60 and 120 min after the preparation administration. Extract 1 and extract 2 decreased the level of blood glucose by 10 and 20%, respectively, of the initial value (at 0 min, mean = 22.6 +/- 8.3 mmol/l). Serum levels of glucose and fructosamine were determined in NOD mice, NOD mice administered extract 2 in a dose of 20 mg/kg of extract 2, and NOD mice administered acarbose in a dose of 25 mg/100 g chow, in order to verify the hypoglycemic action of extract 2 (in experiment 2). Extract 2 and acarbose were admixed to the chow. The duration of treatment was 7 days. Significantly lower glucose (P < 0.05) and fructosamine (P < 0.001) levels were recorded in extract 2 treated NOD mice as compared with NOD mice. Study results showed extract 2 to significantly decrease the level of glucose and fructosamine in alloxan induced NOD mice. Our future studies will be focused on the search of active principles of the extracts.     

In vitro antimicrobial activity of extracts of four Achillea species: the composition of Achillea clavennae L. (Asteraceae) extract

The extracts of aerial parts of Achillea clavennae, Achillea holosericea, Achillea lingulata and Achillea millefolium (hexane:ether:methanol=1:1:1) have been tested for antimicrobial activity in a disk diffusion assay against five bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enteritidis) and two fungi (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans). Extracts of all four species possessed a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity against all tested strains. The composition of the extract of Achillea clavennae, which showed the strongest activity, was investigated and the structures of isolated compounds were elucidated by spectral means (1D and 2D NMR, UV, IR and MS). The extract yielded alkanes, fatty acids, monoterpenes, guaiane sesquiterpenes (rupicolin A and B, 1-deoxy-1alpha-peroxy-rupicolin A and B), and flavonoids (apigenin and centaureidin). This study confirms the ethnopharmacological use of plants from this genus and places Achillea clavennae L. on the same level as the recognized Achillea millefolium.     

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and methanol extracts of Achillea millefolium subsp. millefolium Afan. (Asteraceae)

The in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the essential oil and methanol extracts of Achillea millefolium subsp. millefolium Afan. (Asteraceae) were investigated. GC-MS analysis of the essential oil resulted in the identification of 36 compounds constituting 90.8% of the total oil. Eucalyptol, camphor, alpha-terpineol, beta-pinene, and borneol were the principal components comprising 60.7% of the oil. The oil strongly reduced the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical (IC(50)=1.56 micro g/ml) and exhibited hydroxyl radical scavenging effect in the Fe(3+)-EDTA-H(2)O(2) deoxyribose system (IC(50)=2.7 micro g/ml). It also inhibited the nonenzymatic lipid peroxidation of rat liver homogenate (IC(50)=13.5 micro g/ml). The polar phase of the extract showed antioxidant activity. The oil showed antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Clostridium perfringens, Candida albicans, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Acinetobacter lwoffii and Candida krusei while water-insoluble parts of the methanolic extracts exhibited slight or no activity. This study confirms that the essential oil of Achillea millefolium possesses antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in vitro.     

Effects of icariin combined with Panax notoginseng saponins on ischemia reperfusion-induced cognitive impairments related with oxidative stress and CA1 of hippocampal neurons in rat

Previous studies suggest that treatment with icariin (ICA) combined with Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) improved behavior and cholinergic system disorders followed by amyloid beta-peptide(25-35) lateral ventricle injection in rats. The present study investigated whether administration of ICA + PNS had preventive and therapeutic effects on bilateral common carotid arteries (CCA) occlusion-induced cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly as follows: sham-operated, i.g. vehicle, ICA (5 mg/kg), PNS (40 mg/kg), ICA + PNS (2.5 + 20, 5 + 40 or 10 + 80 mg/kg), and ergoloid mesylate as a positive control (0.45 mg/kg) in model rats. Treatment was performed once a day for 7 days prior to ischemia. The rats were subjected to transient global IR induced by CCA occlusion in combination with intraperitoneal injection of sodium nitroprusside (2.0 mg/kg), then treated with ICA + PNS for another 14 days continuously. ICA + PNS significantly improved the rat passive avoidance task in step-down paradigms, and spatial cognition in the eight-arm radial maze, concomitant with an improvement of blood viscosity. Increased lipid peroxidation in brain after IR injury was observed, MDA being 0.56 +/- 0.10 nmol/mg prot vs 0.48 +/- 0.06 nmol/mg prot in the vehicle control (p < 0.05). Treatment with ICA + PNS 2.5 + 10, 5 + 40, 10 + 80 mg/kg produced a marked reduction in the MDA level to 0.46 +/- 0.06, 0.42 +/- 0.09 and 0.45 +/- 0.08 nmol/mg prot, respectively vs 0.56 +/- 0.10 nmol/mg prot in IR injury only control (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). A decrease in superoxide dismutase activity was observed in the brain of IR rats (the SOD activity being 72.75 +/- 4.62 U/mg prot vs 80.97 +/- 6.06 U/mg prot in control, p < 0.05). ICA + PNS 5 + 40 mg/kg prevented the IR injury mediated fall in superoxide dismutase activity being 78.90 +/- 6.61 U/mg prot versus 72.75 +/- 4.62 U/mg prot (p < 0.05). ICA + PNS tended to attenuate apoptosis in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. Either ICA or PNS treatment alone did not obviously improve cognitive impairment (except that lipid peroxidation was reduced by PNS-treatment). The results indicated that ICA + PNS may ameliorate learning and memory deficit and blood viscosity by protecting neurons from oxidative stress in ischemic brain.     

Psoralea corylifolia extract ameliorates experimental osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats

We evaluated the protective effect of Psoralea corylifolia L. (PCL) extract on the ovariectomized (OVX) rat model. The biochemical markers of bone turnover, calcium metabolism, and calcium balance were examined. PCL extract (25 mg or 50 mg/kg body weight/day) was orally administrated to OVX rats for 3 months. PCL extract did not alter weight gain or uterus weight in OVX rats. PCL extract significantly increased serum Ca (calcium) levels (p < 0.05, vs. OVX group) as well as decreased urinary Ca excretion (p < 0.05 vs. OVX group) in OVX rats. The upregulation of serum osteocalcin level by ovariectomy was suppressed by treatment with PCL extract in rats (p < 0.05, vs. OVX group). PCL extract increased bone mineral density at 50 mg/kg body weight/day in OVX rats (p < 0.05, vs. OVX group). Our results indicate that orally administrated PCL extract can decrease urinary calcium excretion and decrease serum osteocalcin in OVX rats, resulting in positive effects on bone mineral density as well as bone formation. In conclusion, our studies showed that PCL might be a potential candidate for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.     

Protective effect of Lygodium flexuosum (L.) Sw. extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in rats

The hepatoprotective potential of Lygodium flexuosum (L.) Sw. was evaluated in male Wistar rats against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in preventive and curative models. Toxic control and n-hexane extract-treated rats received a single dose of CCl4 (150 microL/100g, 1:1 in corn oil). Pre-treated rats were given n-hexane extracts at 200 and 100 mg/kg dose 48, 24 and 2 h prior to CCl4 administration. In post-treatment groups, rats were treated with n-hexane extract at a dose of 200 and 100 mg/kg, 2, 24 and 48 h after CCl4 intoxication. Rats pre-treated with Lygodium flexuosum remarkably prevented the elevation of serum AST, ALT, LDH and liver lipid peroxides in CCl4-treated rats. Rats treated with the extract after the establishment of CCl4 induced liver injury showed significant (p < or = 0.05) protection of liver as evidenced from normal AST, ALT, LDH and MDA levels. Hepatic glutathione levels were significantly (p < or = 0.05) increased by the treatment with the extracts in both the experimental groups. Histopathological changes induced by CCl4 were also significantly (p < or = 0.05) reduced by the extract treatment in preventive and curative groups. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of saponins, triterpenes, sterols and bitter principles in Lygodium flexuosumn-hexane extract which could be responsible for the possible hepatoprotective action.     

The hepatoprotective effects of Limonium sinense against carbon tetrachloride and beta-D-galactosamine intoxication in rats

In the present study, the hepatoprotective action of Limonium sinense (Plumbaginaceae) was evident after carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) and beta-D-galactosamine (D-GalN), respectively, challenge in rats. The plant materials were divided into two parts: (1) the roots extracted with water (WRE) and (2) the leaves extracted with methanol and fractionated with chloroform (CLE). Both WRE and CLE were extremely flavonoid-enriched extracts. In an CCl(4)-induced acute liver damage study, pretreatment with WRE at 300 mg/kg i.p. and CLE at 100 mg/kg i.p. significantly reduced the amino-transaminases levels of SGOT (p < 0.01) and SGPT (p < 0.01) previously increased by CCl(4) intoxication. In D-GalN-induced acute liver damage study, administration of WRE (300 and 500 mg/kg) or CLE (100 mg/kg) p.o. also significantly reduced the SGOT (p < 0.01) and SGPT (p < 0.01) levels previously increased by D-GalN intoxication. Furthermore, the serum triglyceride level was increased after pretreatment with WRE or CLE previously reduced by D-GalN intoxication. All of the liver function profiles were confirmed to have improvement of liver lesion in histopathological observation. In an acute toxicity test on ICR mice, the LD(50) of WRE was 777.6 mg/kg i.p. An in vitro study showed that CLE possessed a more potent cytotoxicity to human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Hep3B) (EC(50) = 43.1 micro g/mL) than the other organic fractions, which were fractionated from methanol extracts of the leaves of L. sinense. The present results conclude that L. sinense possesses a hepatoprotective efficacy, and is relatively safe in rats.     

决明子蛋白质和蒽醌苷对高脂血症大鼠血液流变学的影响

目的 探讨决明子蛋白质和蒽醌苷对高脂血症大鼠血液流变学的影响。方法 将大鼠制成同脂血症模型。测定决明子蛋白质和蒽醌苷的小、大剂量，以及两者小剂量合用后对高脂血症大鼠的全血粘度（高切为率下的ηH,低切变率下的ηL），全血还原粘度（RV），血浆粘度（ηP)，血小板粘附率（PAR），红细胞压积（HCT）有血沉（ESR）的影响。结果 决明子蛋白质大剂（１mg/kg），蒽醌苷大剂量（２０mg/kg）以及两者的小剂量（蛋白质２０mg/kg）以及两者的小剂量（蛋白质０．２５mg/kg，蒽醌苷５mg/kg）合用，均可使高脂血症大鼠的ηH ，ηL，RV，ηP和PAR显著降低（P＜0．05）。结论 决明子蛋白质和蒽醌苷皆可降低高脂血症大鼠的ηH ，ηL，RV，ηP和PAR。     

Effect of Lepidium sativum L. on renal glucose reabsorption and urinary TGF-beta 1 levels in diabetic rats

The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism underlying the hypoglycaemic activity of the aqueous extract perfusion of Lepidium sativum L. (LS) in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The aqueous LS extract was administered intravenously and the blood glucose levels were determined within 4 h of treatment. Plasma insulin concentrations and glycosuria were determined. The 24 h urinary transforming growth factor-beta1 (ELISA) was evaluated in diabetic and control rats 15 days after oral treatment with the aqueous LS extract at a dose of 20 mg/kg. The study showed that LS at a dose of 10 mg/kg/h reduced blood glucose levels both in normal and diabetic rats (p < 0.001). At the same time as a potent increase of glycosuria was observed both in normal and diabetic rats (p < 0.001). In addition, oral administration of LS for 15 days normalized glycaemia (p < 0.001), enhanced glycosuria (p < 0.05 vs diabetic control) and decreased the amount of urinary TGF-beta1 (p < 0.01) in diabetic rats. It is concluded that the aqueous LS extract caused a potent inhibition of renal glucose reabsorption which in turn reduced blood sugar. This renal effect is at least one mechanism explaining the observed hypoglycaemic activity of this plant in normal and diabetic rats.     

Bacopa monnieri Increases Cerebral Blood Flow in Rat Independent of Blood Pressure

Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. (Brahmi in India and Thailand) is an ayurvedic dementia treatment, but its effect on cerebral blood flow (CBF) is still unknown. We sought to test its chronic and acute effects on CBF compared with Ginkgo biloba and donepezil. CBF was measured by laser Doppler from rat cerebral cortex after 8 weeks of daily oral dosing of these drugs. Systolic blood pressure was also measured using the tail cuff method or via arterial cannulation. In rats treated with B. monnieri (40 mg/kg), CBF was 25% increased [2927 ± 123 perfusion units, (PU)] compared with shams (2337 ± 217 PU, p < 0.05, nine rats). G. biloba (60 mg/kg) also increased CBF (by 29% to 3019 ± 208 PU, p < 0.05, nine rats). No clear effect was obtained with donepezil (1 mg/kg). Chronic administration of the preparations had no effect on blood pressure. In contrast, intravenous acute infusion of these herbals (20–60 mg/kg) had marked dose‐dependent hypotensive actions (diastolic ~31 mmHg lower with 40 mg/kg of either extract), which correspondingly reduced CBF by ~15%. Likewise, CBF fell slightly with acute intravenous sodium nitroprusside and rose with noradrenaline. Donepezil (1 mg/kg) was slightly hypotensive without affecting CBF. Increased CBF with B. monnieri may account for its reported procognitive effect, and its further exploration as an alternative nootropic drug is worthwhile. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst. stem-bark aqueous extract in mice and rats

In order to appraise some of the ethnomedical uses of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst., subspecies caffra (Sond.) Kokwaro [family: Anacardiaceae], the present study was undertaken to investigate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties of the plant's stem-bark aqueous extract in experimental models of pain, inflammation and diabetes mellitus. The analgesic effect of Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark aqueous extract was evaluated in mice, while its anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects were investigated in rats. Diclofenac (DIC, 100 mg/kg p. o.) and chlorpropamide (250 mg/kg p. o.) were used respectively as reference analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic agents for comparison. Like diclofenac (DIC, 100 mg/kg p. o.), Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark aqueous extract (SBE, 100-800 mg/kg p. o.) produced dose-dependent, significant protection (p < 0.05-0.001) against electrical heat-induced pain. The plant extract (SBE, 25-800 mg/kg p. o.) also produced dose- and time-related, sustained and significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) in the fresh egg albumin-induced acute inflammation of the rat hind paw oedema. However, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the plant's extract were found to be approximately 10-15 times less than that of diclofenac. In one set of experiments involving hypoglycaemic/antidiabetic evaluation of the plant's extract, graded doses of Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark aqueous extract (SBE, 25-800 mg/kg p. o.) were separately administered to groups of fasted normal and fasted diabetic rats. In another set of experiments, a single dose of the plant's aqueous extract (SBE, 800 mg/kg p. o.) was used. The hypoglycaemic effect of this single dose of Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark aqueous extract (SBE, 800 mg/kg p. o.) was compared with that of chlorpropamide (250 mg/kg p. o.) in both fasted normal and fasted streptozotocin (STZ)-treated diabetic rats. Following acute treatment, relatively moderate to high doses of Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark aqueous extract (SBE, 25-800 mg/kg p. o.) produced dose-dependent, significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) in the blood glucose concentrations of both fasted normal and fasted diabetic rats. Chlorpropamide (250 mg/kg p. o.) also produced significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) in the blood glucose concentrations of the fasted normal and fasted diabetic rats. Administration of the single dose of Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark aqueous extract (SBE, 800 mg/kg p. o.) significantly reduced (p < 0.01-0.001) the blood glucose levels of both fasted normal (normoglycaemic) and fasted STZ-treated, diabetic rats. The results of this experimental animal study indicate that Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark aqueous extract possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic properties. These experimental findings lend pharmacological support to the suggested folkloric uses of the plant's stem-bark in the management and/or control of pain, inflammatory conditions, and adult-onset, type-2 diabetes mellitus in some communities of South Africa.     

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.     

银杏叶提取物调节高脂血症大鼠模型血脂的有效剂量研究

目的 探索银杏叶提取物(ginkgo leaf extracts,GBE)调节高脂血症大鼠模型血脂的有效剂量.方法 SD大鼠随机分为对照组、模型组、DBE(1.2、3.8、12.0、37.9、119.8、378.7 mg/kg)组、非诺贝特(20 mg/kg)组.除对照组,其余大鼠以高脂饲料饲养1周建立高脂血症大鼠模型...