Effect of garlic (Allium sativum) on lipid peroxidation in experimental myocardial infarction in rats

The present study was conducted to elucidate the antioxidant role of garlic oil in isoproterenol (IPL)-induced myocardial infarction in rats. In myocardial necrosis induced by isoproterenol, a significant increase in serum iron content with a significant decrease in plasma iron binding capacity, ceruloplasmin activity and glutathione (GSH) level were observed. There was also a significant increase in lipid peroxides levels on isoproterenol administration. Activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GRD) were decreased significantly in heart with isoproterenol-induced myocardial necrosis. Garlic oil produced a marked reversal of these metabolic changes related to myocardial infarction induced by isoproterenol. In conclusion, garlic oil exerts its effects by modulating lipid peroxidation and enhancing antioxidant and detoxifying enzyme systems.     

Neuroprotective effect of the methanolic extract of Hibiscus asper leaves in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease

Ethnopharmacological relevance

While the Hibiscus asper Hook.f. (Malvaceae) is a traditional herb largely used in tropical region of the Africa as vegetable, potent sedative, tonic and restorative, anti-inflammatory and antidepressive drug, there is very little scientific data concerning the efficacy of this.

Materials and methods

The antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities of the methanolic extract of Hibiscus asper leaves (50 and 100 mg/kg) were assessed using superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) specific activities, total glutathione (GSH) content, malondialdehyde (MDA) level (lipid peroxidation) and DNA fragmentation assays in male Wistar rats subjected to unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesion.

Results

In 6-OHDA-lesioned rats, methanolic extract of Hibiscus asper leaves showed potent antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities. Chronic administration of the methanolic extract (50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p., daily, for 7 days) significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GPX and CAT), total GSH content and reduced lipid peroxidation (MDA level) in rat temporal lobe homogenates, suggesting antioxidant activity. Also, DNA cleavage patterns were absent in the 6-OHDA-lesioned rats treated with methanolic extract of Hibiscus asper leaves, suggesting antiapoptotic activity.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results suggest that the methanolic extract of Hibiscus asper leaves possesses neuroprotective activity against 6-OHDA-induced toxicity through antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities in Parkinson's disease model.     

Anti-oxidant effect of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides in chronic footshock stress-induced perturbations of oxidative free radical scavenging enzymes and lipid peroxidation in rat frontal cortex and striatum

The antioxidant activity of Withania somnifera (WS) glycowithanolides was assessed in chronic footshock stress induced changes in rat brain frontal cortex and striatum. The stress procedure, given once daily for 21 days, induced an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) activity, with concomitant decrease in catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities in both the brain regions. WS glycowithanolides (WSG), administered orally 1 h prior to the stress procedure for 21 days, in the doses of 10, 20 and 50 mg/kg, induced a dose-related reversal of the stress effects. Thus, WSG tended to normalise the augmented SOD and LPO activities and enhanced the activities of CAT and GPX. The results indicate that, at least part of chronic stress-induced pathology may be due to oxidative stress, which is mitigated by WSG, lending support to the clinical use of the plant as an antistress adaptogen.     

Protective effects of dietary ginger (Zingiber officinales Rosc.) on lindane-induced oxidative stress in rats

The protective effect of dietary feeding of Zingiber officinales Rosc. (ginger) against lindane-induced oxidative stress was investigated in male albino rats. Oxidative stress was monitored by estimating the extent of lipid peroxidation, activities of the oxygen free radical (OFR) scavenging enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and the status of the glutathione redox cycle antioxidants. Lindane administration (30 mg/kg bw orally for 4 weeks) was associated with enhanced lipid peroxidation and compromised antioxidant defenses in rats fed a normal diet. Concomitant dietary feeding of ginger (1%w/w) significantly attenuated lindane-induced lipid peroxidation, accompanied by modulation of OFR scavenging enzymes as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) and the GSH dependent enzymes glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in these rats. These findings suggest that a diet containing naturally occurring compounds is effective in exerting protective effects by modulating oxidative stress.     

Effects of wild ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) leaves on lipid peroxidation levels and antioxidant enzyme activities in streptozotocin diabetic rats

The aim of this study was to examine the possible antioxidant activities of wild Panax ginseng leaf extract intake in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats (WGLE). Initial blood glucose levels increased abruptly after streptozotocin injection. After 4 weeks of WGLE supplementation, blood glucose levels were lower in animals fed 40 mg/kg (266 mg/dL) and 200 mg/kg (239 mg/dL) than those in no-WGLE fed diabetic rats (464 mg/dL). The concentration of blood TBARS, which are considered the main products of glucose oxidation in blood, was also lowered by WGLE supplementation. These results indicate that WGLE supplementation is involved in suppressing a sudden increase in blood glucose levels and a consequent decrease in TBARS levels in diabetic rats. TBARS levels in the liver, kidney and spleen of WGLE-fed diabetic groups were also significantly lower than in the control diabetic group indicating that oral administration of WGLE effectively suppresses lipid peroxidation that occurs in the organs of diabetic rats. Antioxidant activities of WGLE supplementation further extend in suppressing activities of antioxidant related enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), in organs of diabetic rats. These results confirm the effectiveness of WGLE supplementation in detoxifying free radicals that are produced excessively in diabetic-induced complications.     

Action of Hygrophila auriculata against streptozotocin-induced oxidative stress

Hygrophila auriculata (K. Schum.) Heine (Family: Acanthaceae) is a wild herb widely used in 'Ayurveda' as 'Rasayana' drug for treatment of various disorders. Treatment of diabetic rats with aerial parts of Hygrophila auriculata extract (HAEt, 100 and 250 mg/kg body weight) for 3 weeks showed significant reduction in blood glucose, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hydroperoxide in both liver and kidney. The treatment with HAEt significantly increased the glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) in the drug-treated group, which is comparable to the control group. HAEt and glibenclamide-treated rats also showed decreased lipid peroxidation that is associated with increased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. The ability of HAEt on tissue lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in diabetic animals has not been studied before. The result of this study thus shows that HAEt possesses significant antidiabetic activity along with potent antioxidant potential in diabetic conditions.     

Anti-oxidant activities of the extracts from the herbs of Artemisia apiacea

The anti-oxidant activities of the various fractions from the herbs of Artemisia apiacea were investigated. The n-hexane and n-butanol fractions were found to cause significant free radical scavenging effects on DPPH, their scavenging potencies as indicated in IC(50) values, being 230.1 and 183.7 microg/ml, respectively. The n-butanol fraction exhibited a significant decrease in serum transaminase activities elevated by hepatic damage induced by CCl(4)-intoxication in rats. All fractions tested exhibited a lipid peroxidation causing a significant decrease in MDA production in TBA-reactant assay. The n-butanol fraction was the strongest in the increase in the anti-oxidant enzymes such as hepatic cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) activities in CCl(4)-intoxicated rats. These results suggest that the herbs of A. apiacea possess not only the anti-oxidant, but also the activities in CCl(4)-intoxicated rats. Especially, the n-butanol extract was found to cause significant increases in the rat liver cytosolic SOD, catalase, GSH-px activities as well as a significant decrease in the MDA production.     

秃疮花提取物对CCl4诱导的小鼠急性肝细胞微粒体损伤的影响

目的:探讨研究秃疮花提取物(DLE)对CCl4诱导的小鼠急性损伤肝细胞微粒体的影响。方法:小鼠灌胃给予不同剂量的DLE,连续2周。最后一次给药24h后CCl4造成急性肝损伤。制备肝细胞微粒体悬液,检测抗氧化酶SOD、CAT、GSH-Px的活性;测量肝细胞微粒体悬液中的MDA水平;观察NADPH-细胞色素C(P450)还原酶活性及ATPase活性的变化。结果:与模型组相比,不同剂量的DLE给药组肝细胞微粒体悬液中MDA含量显著减少;抗氧化酶SOD、GSH-Px活性显著增加;肝细胞微粒体NAD-PH-细胞色素C(P450)还原酶活性降低,Na+K+-ATPase和Ca2+-ATPase活性显著上升。结论:DLE对CCl4诱导的小鼠肝微粒体损伤具有很好的保护作用。其作用机理与DLE具抗氧化和自由基活性清除有关。     

Aqueous garlic extract attenuates hepatitis and oxidative stress induced by galactosamine/lipoploysaccharide in rats

Injection of D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide (DGaIN/LPS) is useful as an experimental model of acute hepatic damage. Juvenile rats were used for investigation. The hepatoprotective activity of aqueous garlic (Allium sativum) extract (AGE) at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight for 14 days, intraperitoneal (i.p.) prior to the induction of DGalN/LPS, was investigated against DGalN/LPS-induced hepatitis in rats. DGalN/LPS (300 mg/kg body weight/30 microg/kg body weight, i.p.), induced hepatic damage that was manifested by a significant increase in the activities of marker enzymes [alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and gamma glutamyl transferase (gamma GT)], bilirubin, lipid peroxides (LPO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity level in serum. Also, the lipid profile in serum and liver homogenate including total cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids were significantly deteriorated. The antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, SOD; reduced glutathione, GSH; catalase, CAT and glutathione peroxidase, GPX) in liver homogenate were significantly decreased in the DGalN/LPS. Pretreatment of rats with AGE reversed these altered parameters near to normal control values. Results of this study revealed that AGE could afford a significant protection in the alleviation of DGalN/LPS-induced hepatic damage.     

Antioxidant activity of DHC-1--a herbal formulation

DHC-1, a multiherbal formulation, was tested for its antioxidant activity in rats. DHC-1 was investigated at dose levels of 100 mg/kg, p.o. and 200 mg/kg, p.o., once daily, for 30 days in normal rats. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation, membrane bound enzymes like Ca2+ ATPase, Mg2+ ATPase, Na+K+ ATPase, lipids like phospholipid, cholesterol, triglyceride and total proteins were estimated in liver, kidneys and heart. Liver glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G-6-P-D) was also determined. The serum levels of GOT, GPT, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and bilirubin were also estimated. The decrease in the serum enzymes may be due to the membrane stabilising action of DHC-1. The inhibition of lipid peroxidation and enhancement of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) along with reduced GSH by DHC-1 may be attributed to the antioxidant potential of various ingredients present in the formulation. Thus, it can be concluded that DHC-1 exhibits an antioxidant activity and could prove beneficial in the treatment of various disorders associated with the involvement of reactive oxygen species.     

Effect of Bauhinia racemosa stem bark on N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats

The aim of this study is to investigate the antioxidant defense system induced by the methanol extract of Bauhinia racemosa L.(MEBR) against N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in Wister albino rats. The effects of MEBR on surface visible macroscopic (Morphometry) liver lesions (neoplastic nodules) and the levels of serum enzymes, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants were evaluated in NDEA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. In rats treated, with NDEA, significantly elevated levels of serum enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP), bilirubin and decreased levels of protein and uric acid were observed. Significantly elevated amount of malondialdehyde (MDA), the end product of lipidperoxidation, indicated higher levels of lipid peroxidation, which was accompanied by significantly decreased levels of antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Administration of MEBR was able to suppress nodule development/hepatocellular lesion formation in rats. The extract treatment increases in antioxidant levels and dramatic decreases in lipid peroxidation levels. MEBR also produced a protective effect by decreasing the level of serum enzymes, bilirubin and increased the protein and uric acid levels. The results suggest that MEBR exert chemopreventive effects by suppressing nodule development and decreasing lipid peroxidation and enhancing the levels of antioxidants in NDEA carcinogenesis by reducing the formation of free radicals.     

The protein fraction of Phyllanthus niruri plays a protective role against acetaminophen induced hepatic disorder via its antioxidant properties

The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective action of the protein fraction of Phyllanthus niruri against acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity. The partially purified protein fraction of P. niruri was injected intraperitoneally in mice either prior to (preventive) or after the induction of toxicity (curative). Levels of different liver marker enzymes in serum and different antioxidant enzymes, as well as lipid peroxidation in total liver homogenates were measured in normal, control (toxicity induced) and P. niruri protein fraction-treated mice. P. niruri significantly reduced the elevated glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in the sera of toxicity induced mice, compared with the control group. Lipid peroxidation levels were also reduced in mice treated with P. niruri protein fraction compared with the APAP treated control group. Among the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) levels were restored to almost normal levels compared with the control group. P. niruri treatment also enhanced reduced hepatic glutathione (GSH) levels caused by APAP administration. The results demonstrated that the protein fraction of P. niruri protected liver tissues against oxidative stress in mice, probably acting by increasing antioxidative defense.     

Rehmannia glutinosa activates intracellular antioxidant enzyme systems in mouse auditory cells

Steamed roots of Rehmannia glutinosa (R. glutinosa) have been traditionally used in Oriental medicine for the treatment of auditory diseases such as tinnitus and hearing loss. To investigate whether the ethanol extract of steamed roots of R. glutinosa (SRG) increases activity of antioxidant enzymes and the level of glutathione (GSH), we measured activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GR) and GSH level in HEI-OC1 cells after treatment with 5-50 microg/ml of SRG. The SOD and CAT activities were significantly increased in the presence of SRG compared to the control group. Maximal activities of SOD and CAT were observed in these cells exposed to 10 microg/ml of SRG. The GPX activity also increased dramatically in response to the treatment with SRG in a dose-dependent manner. The GR activity was only increased in the presence of 50 microg/ml of SRG compared to the control group. The level of GSH gradually increased in the presence of 5-50 microg/ml of SRG. In the cytotoxicity test, 5-50 microg/ml of SRG did not show any significant cytotoxicity. These results suggest that the traditional use of R. glutinosa for the treatment of auditory diseases may be explained, in part, by activation of intracellular antioxidant enzyme systems. Further studies are necessary to clarify the active constituents of SRG responsible for such biomolecular activities.     

基于谷胱甘肽/谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶4轴探讨雷公藤甲素引起肝细胞铁死亡的作用机制

目的 观察雷公藤甲素对铁代谢和脂质过氧化的影响,探讨雷公藤甲素引起肝细胞铁死亡的可能机制。方法 利用雷公藤甲素处理人正常肝细胞HL7702和C57BL/6J小鼠,或利用铁死亡抑制剂（ferrostatin-1,Fer-1）和雷公藤甲素共同处理HL7702细胞,CCK-8法检测细胞存活率;普鲁士蓝染色观察铁沉积;试剂盒检测铁离子、谷胱甘肽（glutathione,GSH）、丙二醛（malondialdehyde,MDA）含量以及超氧化物歧化酶（superoxide dismutase,SOD）、丙氨酸氨基转移酶（alanine aminotransferase,ALT）、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶（aspartate aminotransferase,AST）活性;qRT-PCR或Western blotting检测转铁蛋白受体1（transferrin receptor 1,TFR1）、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶4（glutathione peroxidase 4,GPX4）、前列腺素内过氧化物合成酶2（prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2,PTGS2）、长链脂酰辅酶A合成酶4（acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4,ACSL4）的表达。结果 雷公藤甲素显著降低细胞存活率（P＜0.05）,引起铁沉积,升高血清中ALT、AST活性（P＜0.05）,增加HL7702细胞和小鼠肝组织中铁离子、MDA含量（P＜0.05）,降低GSH含量、SOD活性和GPX4表达（P＜0.05）,上调TFR1、PTGS2及ACSL4表达（P＜0.05）。Fer-1显著上调细胞存活率和GPX4表达量（P＜0.05）,显著下调铁离子含量、TFR1、PTGS2及ACSL4表达（P＜0.05）。结论 雷公藤甲素可能通过GSH/GPX4轴引起铁代谢异常和脂质过氧化,诱导肝细胞铁死亡。     

珠子参对小鼠局灶性脑缺血损伤的保护作用

目的:珠子参醇提物对小鼠局灶性脑缺血损伤的保护作用。方法:珠子参醇提物低、高剂量组(2.5,5.0g/kg)灌胃给药7d后制作大鼠大脑中动脉闭塞(middle cerebral artery occlusion,MCAO)模型,缺血24小时后,观察进行神经症状评分、斜板试验,取大脑并用2,3,5-三苯基四氮唑染色后测定梗塞梗死面积和用失重法计算脑组织含水量;进行脑组织形态学学的检查和制作脑匀浆测超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、Na+-K+-ATP、Ca2+-Mg2+-ATP活性和乳酸(LD)、丙二醛(MDA)含量,光学显微镜观察小鼠脑病理变化,实时定量PCR技术检测SOD/GPX/CAT反应系统SOD1～SOD3、CAT和GPX1基因表达水平。结果:珠子参醇提物(2.5,5.0g/kg)能显著提高MCAO模型小鼠成活率,明显改善缺血小鼠的神经症状,降低脑梗死面积和脑含水量,改善脑组织病理变化;并能明显增加SOD、GSH-PX、CAT、Na+-K+-ATP、Ca2+-Mg2+-ATP酶活性,降低LDH活性和LD、MDA含量;并且脑组织SOD/GPX/CAT反应系统基因的表达水平明显上调,尤其是珠子参醇提物5.0g/kg剂量组。结论:珠子参醇提物(2.5,5.0g/kg)预处理对小鼠局灶性脑缺血损伤具有明显的保护作用,其机制可能是通过上调SOD/GPX/CAT反应系统的基因表达,从而减轻脑缺血诱导的氧化应激对脑的损伤。     

Hepatoprotective effect of the aqueous extract of Flemingia macrophylla on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats through anti-oxidative activities

This study investigated the protective effect of the aqueous extract of Flemingia macrophylla (AFM) against hepatic injury induced by CCl(4). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were detected as biomarkers in the blood to indicate hepatic injury. Product of lipid peroxidation (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents were evaluated for oxidative stress in hepatic injury. Moreover, histopathological observation was assayed for the degree of hepatic injury. After oral administration of AFM, 0.5 g/kg and 1.0 g/kg doses significantly decreased ALT and AST, attenuated the histopathology of hepatic injury, ameliorated oxidative stress in hepatic tissue, and increased the activities of CAT, SOD and GSH-Px. The hepatoprotective effect of daidzein and genistein were consistent to that of AFM. This study demonstrated for the first time that AFM has hepatoprotective effect on acute liver injuries induced by CCl(4), and the results suggested that the effect of AFM against CCl(4)-induced liver damage was related to antioxidant properties.     

Shengmai San reduces hepatic lipids and lipid peroxidation in rats fed on a high-cholesterol diet

Shengmai San (SMS), which is comprised of the medicinal herbs of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, Schisandra chinensis Baill., and Ophiopogon japonicus Ker-Gawl (2:1:2)., is a traditional Chinese medicine being used for treating coronary heart disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of SMS on the plasma and liver lipids, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant systems in liver and heart of cholesterol-fed rats. Rats were fed on a high-cholesterol (0.5%) diet (control group), high-cholesterol diet containing 2% SMS (2% SMS group) and 4% SMS (4% SMS group) for four weeks. The oxidative stress marker (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) and antioxidant defense systems including glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in rat liver and heart were evaluated. Results showed that rats fed with SMS-containing diet had reduced the H(2)O(2)-induced erythrocytes susceptibility to hemolysis, and 4% SMS feeding rats had higher plasma GSH concentration compared to the animals fed with the control diet. However, SMS had no effect on plasma lipids (total cholesterol, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and TBARS concentration. On the other hand, rats fed with the 4% SMS diet reduced the hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride contents. Fecal bile acid excretion was significantly increased in rats fed with the SMS-containing diet. Higher hepatic GSH and lower TBARS concentrations were observed in rats fed with the 4% SMS diet compared with the rats fed with the control diet. No significant difference in activities of GSH-Px, GST and SOD was found in liver and heart after the SMS treatment. Results from this study indicate that the SMS may reduce hepatic lipids and lipid peroxidation in rats.     

没食子酸十二烷醇酯对大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的：研究没食子酸十二烷醇酯对脑缺血再灌注所致脂质过氧化损伤的保护作用。方法：采用结扎双侧颈总动脉及迷走神经方法,造成大鼠脑缺血90min,随后再灌注45min。结果：没食子酸十二烷醇酯能不同程度地降低脑缺血再灌注大鼠脑组织含水量和MDA含量,提高SOD、CAT和GSP－Px活必,保护Na^ -K^ -ATP酶活性。结论：没食子酸十二烷醇酯可通过保护脑组织抗氧化酶的活性,抑制脂质过氧化反应,减轻自由基对脑组织的损害,对缺血再灌注脑组织产生保护作用。     

Achyranthes aspera elevates thyroid hormone levels and decreases hepatic lipid peroxidation in male rats

A study was made to evaluate the role of Achyranthes aspera on the changes in serum thyroid hormone concentrations and glucose levels in male rats. An attempt was also made to establish the relationship between hepatic lipid peroxidation and extract induced changes in thyroid hormone concentration, if any. Adult male Wistar rats were orally administered with the aqueous leaf extract of Achyranthes aspera at a dose of 200 mg/kg b. wt./day for 7 days. The effects of the extract on body weight, hepatic protein content, lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and on serum triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and glucose levels were evaluated. The extract exhibited significant prothyroidic activity as it enhanced the levels of both the thyroid hormones along with an increase in serum glucose concentration, body weight and hepatic protein content. On the other hand, it decreased hepatic LPO without altering the activities of the two antioxidant enzymes, SOD and CAT significantly, suggesting a direct free radical scavenging activity of the extract. It appears that the Achyranthes aspera leaf extract is both prothyroidic and antiperoxidative in nature.     

The effect of Anethum graveolens L. (dill) on corticosteroid induced diabetes mellitus: involvement of thyroid hormones

An investigation was made to evaluate the role of Anethum graveolens L. (dill) leaf extract in the regulation of corticosteroid-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in female rats. In dexamethasone-treated animals (1 mg/kg for 22 days) an increase in serum concentration of insulin and glucose and in hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) was observed. However, there was a decrease in serum concentration of thyroid hormones and in the endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in liver. In animals treated with an equivalent amount of dexamethasone for a similar period (22 days) when received the leaf extract (100 mg/kg b.wt/d.) for last 15 days a decrease in the concentration of both serum glucose and insulin was observed, indicating the potential of the plant extract in the regulation of corticosteroid-induced diabetes. Dexamethasone-induced alterations in the levels of thyroid hormones as well as in hepatic LPO, SOD, CAT and GSH were also reversed by the plant extract.