Studies on neuropharmacological profile of ethanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Moringa oleifera (family Moringaceae), commonly called Horseradish or tree of life, is traditionally used for the treatment of epilepsy and neurologic conditions.

Aim of the study

The objective of this study is to investigate the neurobehavioural and anticonvulsant properties of the ethanol extract from the leaves of Moringa oleifera.

Materials and methods

Neurobehavioural properties were evaluated using the open field, hole board, Y-maze, elevated plus maze (EPM) and pentobarbitone-induced hypnosis. Pentylenetetrazole (leptazol), picrotoxin and strychnine induced convulsion tests were used to investigate the anti-convulsive actions of Moringa oleifera.

Results

The result showed that the extract (250–2000 mg/kg) caused a significant dose-dependent decrease in rearing, grooming, head dips and locomotion (P<0.001). It also enhanced learning and memory and increased anxiogenic effect. In addition, the extract (2000 mg/kg) protected mice against pentylenetetrazol induced convulsion, but has no effect on picrotoxin and strychnine induced convulsion. The effects of the extract in the various models were comparable to those of the standard drugs used except in Y-maze, EPM and picrotoxin and strychnine induced convulsion. The LD₅₀ obtained for the acute toxicity studied using oral route of administration was >6.4 g/kg.

Conclusion

The findings from this study suggest that the ethanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves possesses CNS depressant and anticonvulsant activities possibly mediated through the enhancement of central inhibitory mechanism involving release γ-amino butyric acid (GABA). The results partially justified the traditional use of the extract for the treatment of epilepsy.     

Effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves aqueous extract therapy on hyperglycemic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

In Indian traditional system of medicine, Moringa oleifera Lam. Syn. Moringa pterygosperma Gaerth (Moringaceae) is commonly used as healing herb to treat diabetes.

Aim of the study

The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of M. oleifera leaves aqueous extract therapy on glycemic control, haemoglobin, total protein, urine sugar, urine protein and body weight.

Materials and methods

Variable doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg kg⁻¹ of aqueous extract were administered orally by gavage for evaluating their hypoglycemic and antidiabetic effects on fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and post prandial glucose (PPG) of normal and streptozotocin (STZ) induced sub, mild and severely diabetic rats.

Results

The dose of 200 mg kg⁻¹ decreases blood glucose level (BGL) of normal animals by 26.7 and 29.9% during FBG and OGTT studies respectively. In sub and mild diabetic animals the same dose produced a maximum fall of 31.1 and 32.8% respectively, during OGTT. In case of severely diabetic animals FBG and PPG levels were reduced by 69.2 and 51.2% whereas, total protein, body weight and haemoglobin were increased by 11.3, 10.5 and 10.9% respectively after 21 days of treatment. Significant reduction was found in urine sugar and urine protein levels from +4 and +2 to nil and trace, respectively.

Conclusion

The study validates scientifically the widely claimed use of M. oleifera as an ethnomedicine to treat diabetes mellitus.     

Moringa oleifera with promising neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth promoting potentials

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) by virtue of its high nutritional as well as ethnomedical values has been gaining profound interest both in nutrition and medicinal research. The leaf of this plant is used in ayurvedic medicine to treat paralysis, nervous debility and other nerve disorders. In addition, research evidence also suggests the nootropic as well as neuroprotective roles of Moringa oleifera leaf in animal models. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf in the primary hippocampal neurons regarding its neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties.

Materials and methods

The primary culture of embryonic hippocampal neurons was incubated with the ethanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaf (MOE). After an indicated time, cultures were either stained directly with a lipophilic dye, DiO, or fixed and immunolabeled to visualize the neuronal morphology. Morphometric analyses for neurite maturation and synaptogenesis were performed using Image J software. Neuronal viability was evaluated using trypan blue exclusion and lactate dehydrogenase assays.

Results

MOE promoted neurite outgrowth in a concentration-dependent manner with an optimal concentration of 30 μg/mL. As a very initial effect, MOE significantly promoted the earlier stages of neuronal differentiation. Subsequently, MOE significantly increased the number and length of dendrites, the length of axon, and the number and length of both dendrite and axonal branches, and eventually facilitated synaptogenesis. The β-carotene, one major compound of MOE, promoted neuritogensis, but the increase was not comparable with the effect of MOE. In addition, MOE supported neuronal survival by protecting neurons from naturally occurring cell death in vitro.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that MOE promotes axodendritic maturation as well as provides neuroprotection suggesting a promising pharmacological importance of this nutritionally and ethnomedically important plant for the well-being of nervous system.     

Toxicological evaluation of the aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The rapid increase in consumption of herbal remedies worldwide has been stimulated by several factors, including the notion that all herbal products are safe and effective. However, over the past decade, several news-catching episodes in developed communities indicated adverse effects, sometimes life-threatening, allegedly arising as a consequence to taking herbal products or traditional medicines from various ethnic groups. Despite the popular use of Moringa oleifera for treating various disorders, there is limited or no scientific data available regarding safety aspects of this remedy, nor are there any documented toxicological studies that can be used to ascertain the safety index of its herbal preparation. Therefore, this present study aimed to carry out extensive toxicological evaluation of the aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera.

Materials and Methods

In an acute toxicity test, male Wistar albino mice were orally administered an aqueous extract up to 6400 mg/kg and intraperitoneally up to 2000 mg/kg. A sub-chronic toxicity test was performed by daily administration with the extract at 250, 500 and 1500 mg/kg orally for 60 days. Control rats received distilled water. Sperm quality was analyzed, haematological and biochemical (liver enzymes, urea and creatinine) parameters were determined and a histopathological examination was carried out.

Results

The LD₅₀ was estimated to be 1585 mg/kg. The extract did not elicit any significant difference (P ≥ 0.05) in sperm quality, haematological and biochemical parameters in the treated rats compared to the control. Moreover, there was no significant difference in weight gain of the control and treated animals although there was a dose-dependent reduction in food consumption of the animals treated with 250 to 1500 mg/kg extract.

Conclusions

Results obtained in this study suggest that the aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera is relatively safe when administered orally.     

The effect of total extract of Securigera securidaca L. seeds on serum lipid profiles,antioxidant status,and vascular function in hypercholesterolemic rats

Aim of the study

Seeds of Securigera securidaca are used for the treatment of disorders such as hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and epilepsy in Iranian folk medicine. The possible hypolipidemic and antioxidative effects of hydroalcoholic extract of S. securidaca seeds as well as the effect of the extract on vascular reactivity were investigated in hypercholesterolemic rats.

Materials and methods

High-fat fed wistar rats received orally different doses of the extract for 20 days. At the end of the experiment vein blood and liver were collected to measure the lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidative enzyme activities. The thoracic aorta was excised and used for isolated vessel preparation and histological study.

Results

The extract produced significant reductions (p < 0.05) in the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride with concomitant reduction in lipid deposition in the liver. The extract also suppressed markedly (p < 0.001) the hypercholesterolemia-induced elevation of malondialdehyde levels both in serum and liver. In hypercholesterolemic rats the endothelium-dependent vasodilatation was improved significantly (p < 0.05) by 100 mg/kg/day of the extract. However, in histological study no atherosclerotic lesion was observed.

Conclusion

These results suggest that S. securidaca seed in addition to decrease lipid levels and peroxidation, is able to improve vascular endothelium-dependent relaxation in hypercholesterolemia.     

Genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. root extract in cultured lymphocytes

Aim of the study

The genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of the ethanolic extract of Hemidesmus indicus roots were evaluated in cultured human lymphocytes using cisplatin as the positive mutagen.

Materials and methods

Cytogenetic damage and cytotoxicity were determined in cells exposed to different doses of the extract, ranging from 2 to 32 μg/ml of culture medium, either alone or together with cisplatin.

Results

There was a significant reduction in cisplatin-induced frequencies of sister chromatid exchanges, chromosome aberrations and micronucleated binucleate cells at the lower concentrations of 4 and 8 μg/ml (P < 0.05). However, the extract by itself reduced the proliferative rate index, mitotic index and cytokinesis-block proliferative index (P < 0.05). Further, a significant increase in the percentage of chromosome aberrations was noticed at the higher concentrations.

Conclusion

Hemidesmus indicus root extract possesses significant genoprotective effect at the lower concentrations although it is cytotoxic and probably genotoxic at higher doses.     

Inhibitory effects of Duchesnea chrysantha extract on ovalbumin-induced lung inflammation in a mouse model of asthma

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Duchesnea chrysantha (D. chrysantha) is a herb with anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing properties.

Aim of the study

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the lungs, and the hallmarks of the disease are increased inflammatory cell infiltration into the airways and poor respiratory function. Although there is the possibility that D. chrysantha may have an inhibitory effect on lung inflammation, the effects of D. chrysantha on asthma have not been fully investigated. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of D. chrysantha extract (Dc extract) on lung inflammation in a murine model of ovalbumin-induced asthma.

Materials and methods

Dc extract was obtained from dried and powdered whole plants of D. chrysantha using 80% ethanol. BALB/c mice induced by ovalbumin sensitization and nebulization were used as a mouse model of asthma. RT-PCR and ELISA were performed to measure mRNA and protein expression of cytokines. We examined the effects of Dc extract on leukocyte infiltration and mucus secretion using periodic acid-Schiff staining as well as hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Results

Dc extract significantly inhibited leukocytosis and eosinophilia in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid (p < 0.01). Dc extract significantly reduced the elevated infiltration of inflammatory cells (p < 0.05) and inhibited the increased mucus secretion, despite the absence of significant value. Although Dc extract weakly inhibited the mRNA expression of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and eotaxin, it strongly inhibited the protein expression of IL-5 (p < 0.05) and eotaxin (p < 0.01) in BAL fluid. Ovalbumin-specific IgE levels in the serum and BAL fluid were blocked by Dc extract (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

These results suggest the possibility that Dc extract can exert suppressive effects on asthma and may provide evidence that Dc extract is a useful agent for the treatment of allergic airway disease.     

Fertility inducing effect of aerial parts of Coccinia cordifolia L. in female rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The aerial parts of Coccinia cordifolia L. are used to treat female infertility in West Bengal state of India.

Aim of the study

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the fertility inducing effect of aerial parts of Coccinia cordifolia L. in female rats.

Materials and methods

The effect of aqueous extract of Coccinia cordifolia L. on hyperprolactinemia induced infertility, endometriosis induced infertility and androgen-induced infertility was studied. The effect on serum estrogen level, serum progesterone level and reproductive tract was also evaluated in normal healthy female rats. The extract was administered orally at two different doses of 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg.

Results

In hyperprolactinemia induced infertility model, the numbers of uterine implants were almost 10 times more in the extract treated groups as compared to control. The high dose of extract also produced a significant increase in serum estrogen levels (p < 0.01) and number of corpus luteum (p < 0.05) in healthy female rats. The extract at both doses was effective in reducing the weight of endometrial implants by 70–80%, but failed to induce fertility in rats with endometriosis. The extract was ineffective in inducing fertility in androgen-induced infertility model.

Conclusions

The aqueous extract of Coccinia cordifolia L. induces fertility in hyperprolactinemia induced infertility model in female rats.     

In vivo anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Piper sarmentosum

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Piper sarmentosum (Piperaceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used by the Malays to treat headaches, toothaches, coughs, asthma and fever.

Aim of the study

In order to establish the pharmacological properties of the leaf of this plant, studies were performed on anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities.

Materials and methods

The aqueous extract of Piper sarmentosum (AEPS) was prepared in the doses of 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg. Anti-nociceptive activity of AEPS was evaluated by abdominal constriction and hot-plate tests. AEPS was also pre-challenged with 5 mg/kg naloxone to determine the involvement of opioid receptors. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw edema assay.

Results

Subcutaneous administration of AEPS exhibited anti-nociceptive activity (P < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner in the abdominal constriction and hot-plate tests. Pre-treatment with naloxone completely (P < 0.05) diminished the extract anti-nociceptive activity in both tests. The AEPS, at all doses used, exerted significant (P < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions

The AEPS exhibits opioid-mediated anti-nociceptive activity at the peripheral and central levels, as well as anti-inflammatory activity, which confirmed the traditional uses of the plant in the treatment of pain- and inflammatory-related ailments.     

Studies on the analgesic,anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of Parquetina nigrescens leaf extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Parquetina nigrescens is a shrub that is commonly used in different parts of West Africa for the treatment of several ailments which includes pain, fever and inflammatory conditions.

Aim of the study

The present study was designed to investigate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of the aqueous extract of Parquetina nigrescens leaves in rats.

Materials and methods

Five groups were used for each study, groups 1 and 5 served as control (saline) and reference (indomethacine) respectively, while groups 2–4 received the extract (50–200 mg/kg) orally. Formalin paw licking and hot plate latency tests were used for analgesic studies. Carrageenan oedema, cotton pellet granuloma and formaldehyde arthritis models were used to quantify the anti-inflammatory activities while the brewer’s yeast was used for inducing pyrexia.

Results

The results of the analgesic study show that the extract produced significant (p < 0.05) analgesia in the hot plate and in the formalin tests. In the anti-inflammatory study, Parquetina nigrescens produced significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of the various types of inflammation. The extract also inhibited the pyrexia induced by brewer’s yeast.

Conclusion

The result justifies the traditional uses of Parquetina nigrescens for the treatment of fever, inflammatory and painful conditions.     

Anxiolytic-like effect of Sonchus oleraceus L. in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Sonchus oleraceus L. has been used as a general tonic in Brazilian folk medicine. Nevertheless, available scientific information regarding this species is scarce; there are no reports related to its possible effect on the central nervous system.

Aim of the study

This study was conducted to establish the anxiolytic effect of extracts from the aerial parts of Sonchus oleraceus.

Materials and methods

This study evaluated the effect of hydroethanolic and dichloromethane extracts of Sonchus oleraceus in mice submitted to the elevated plus-maze and open-field tests. Clonazepam was used as the standard drug.

Results

In the elevated plus-maze test, the Sonchus oleraceus extracts increased the percentage of open arm entries (P < 0.05) and time spent in the open-arm portions of the maze (P < 0.05). The extracts induce an anti-thigmotactic effect, evidenced by increased locomotor activity into the central part of the open field set-up (P < 0.05). The extracts administered at 30–300 mg/kg, p.o. had a similar anxiolytic effect to clonazepam (0.5 mg/kg, p.o.).

Conclusion

These data indicate that Sonchus oleraceus extract exerts an anxiolytic-like effect on mice.     

Analgesic and antimalarial activities of crude leaf extract and fractions of Acalypha wilkensiana

Aim of the study

Antiplasmodial and analgesic activities of leaf extract and fractions of Acalypha wilkensiana were evaluated to ascertain the folkloric claim of its antimalarial and analgesic activities.

Materials and methods

The crude leaf extract (220–659 mg/kg) and fractions (chloroform and aqueous; 440 mg/kg) of Acalypha wilkensiana were investigated for antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei infections in mice and for analgesic activity against chemical and heat-induced pains. The antiplasmodial activity during early and established infections as well as prophylactic activity were investigated. Chloroquine (5 mg/kg) and pyrimethamine (1.2 mg/kg) were used as positive controls. Thin films made from tail blood of each mouse were used to assess the level of parasitaemia of the mice. Analgesic activity of the crude extract was also evaluated against acetic acid, formalin and heat-induced pains.

Results

The extract and its fractions dose-dependently reduced parasitaemia induced by chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei infection in prophylactic, suppressive and curative models in mice. These reductions were statistically significant (p < 0.001). They also improved the mean survival time (MST) from 16 to 22 days relative to control (p < 0.01–0.001). The activities of extract/fractions were incomparable to that of the standard drugs used (chloroquine and pyrimethamine). On chemically and thermally induced pains, the extract inhibited acetic acid and formalin-induced inflammation as well as hot plate-induced pain in mice. These inhibitions were statistically significant (p < 0.001) and in a dose-dependent fashion.

Conclusion

The antiparasitaemic and analgesic effects may in part be mediated through the chemical constituents of the plant.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of roots of Ecbolium viride (Forsk) Merrill

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Traditionally the aqueous extracts of dried roots of the plant Ecbolium viride are used for menorrhagia, rheumatism and jaundice.

Aim of the study

The aim was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of Ecbolium viride extract in an in vivo model.

Materials and methods

The ethyl acetate fraction of Ecbolium viride root extract was prepared and administered orally to rats. The anti-inflammatory activity of Ecbolium viride was determined by carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma models.

Results

Oral administration of Ecbolium viride extract reduced inflammation significantly (P < 0.01) in both the carageenan paw edema and the cotton pellet granuloma models.

Conclusions

The results of the study supported the traditional use of Ecbolium viride in the treatment for inflammatory disease.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of Markhamia tomentosa (Benth.) K. Schum. Ex Engl. ethanolic leaf extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The leaves of Markhamia tomentosa (Benth.) K. Schum (Bignoniaceae) are used traditionally for the treatment of oedema and rheumatoid arthritis in Nigeria.

Aim of the study

The aim of the work was to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic leaf extract of Markhamia tomentosa.

Materials and methods

The extract was screened using the carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats, xylene-induced oedema in mice and the formalin-induced oedema in mice at 50, 100, 200 mg/kg doses p.o respectively. The mechanism by which the extract mediated the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the histamine-induced rat paw oedema and serotonin-induced rat paw oedema at the highest dose (200 mg/kg).

Results

The results showed that the extract produced a significant dose-dependent inhibition in carrageenan-induced, xylene-induced and the formalin tests. The extract exerted a significant inhibition of 54.55% (P<0.0001) and 42.11% (P<0.01) at 90 min in the histamine-induced and serotonin-induced rat paw oedema models respectively.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the ethanolic leaf extract of Markhamia tomentosa possesses anti-inflammatory activity possibly mediated by histamine. The results justify the use of the plant in the preparation of ethno medicines used in the treatment of ailments associated with inflammation.     

Antibacterial and antifungal activity of Flindersine isolated from the traditional medicinal plant, Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam.

Aim of the study

The leaves and root of Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. (Rutaceae) are widely used as a folk medicine in India. Hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and water extracts of Toddalia asiatica leaves and isolated compound Flindersine were tested against bacteria and fungi.

Materials and methods

Antibacterial and antifungal activities were tested against bacteria and fungi using disc-diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). The compound was confirmed using X-ray crystallography technique.

Results

Antibacterial and antifungal activities were observed in ethyl acetate extract. One active principle Flindersine (2,6-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-5H-pyrano [3,2-c] quinoline-5-one-9cl) was isolated from the ethyl acetate extract. The MIC values of the compound against bacteria Bacillus subtilis (31.25 μg/ml), Staphylococcus aureus (62.5 μg/ml), Staphylococcus epidermidis (62.5 μg/ml), Enterococcus faecalis (31.25 μg/ml), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (250 μg/ml), Acinetobacter baumannii (125 μg/ml) and fungi Trichophyton rubrum 57 (62.5 μg/ml), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (62.5 μg/ml), Trichophyton simii (62.5 μg/ml), Epidermophyton floccosum (62.5 μg/ml), Magnaporthe grisea (250 μg/ml) and Candida albicans (250 μg/ml) were determined.

Conclusions

Ethyl acetate extract showed promising antibacterial and antifungal activity and isolated compound Flindersine showed moderate activity against bacteria and fungi.     

Effect of Tectona grandis Linn. on dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The bark of Tectona grandis Linn. is traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes.

Aim

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of ethanolic extract of bark of Tectona grandis Linn. (TG) in dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance in mice.

Materials and methods

Mice were treated with prestandardised dose of dexamethasone for 22 days and effect of TG at the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. on plasma blood glucose level, serum triglyceride level, glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, levels of hepatic antioxidant enzymes (GSH, SOD, catalase and LPO), and body weight were observed.

Results

TG showed significant decrease in plasma glucose and serum triglyceride levels (p < 0.01) at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. and also stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. The levels of antioxidant enzymes GSH, SOD, and catalase were significantly increased (p < 0.01) and there was significant decrease (p < 0.01) in level of LPO.

Conclusion

Hence it can be concluded that Tectona grandis may prove to be effective in the treatment of Type-II Diabetes mellitus owing to its ability to decrease insulin resistance.     

Evaluation of the anti-stress and anticonvulsant activities of leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia in mice

Aim of the study

The extract of the leaves of Alchornea cordifolia (AC) is extensively used in ethnomedicine for ulcers, rheumatic pains, febrile convulsions and for enhancing physical performance. In this study, the anti-stress and anticonvulsant activities of the aqueous leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia were investigated in mice.

Materials and methods

The anti-stress activity was assessed based on the ability of the extract to alter the duration of immobility, in the forced swim endurance test, whilst a picrotoxin-treated animal, was employed as the model for convulsive seizures.

Results

The extract (100–400 mg/kg) given orally was found to significantly (p < 0.05) reduce the duration of immobility, which suggest an anti-stress/anti-fatigue property. However, AC when tested at doses between 100 and 400 mg/kg did not prevent convulsions induced by picrotoxin in mice. The acute toxicity study carried out in mice revealed that the extract was well tolerated by the animals, as no death was observed at oral doses of 500–4000 mg/kg.

Conclusions

The results of this preliminary study provide evidence, which may support the use of Alchornea cordifolia against stress or fatigue in ethnomedicine.     

Effect of Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb. leaves extract on blood glucose and plasma lipid levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Aim of the study

To investigate the hypoglycemic effects of Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb. leaves (VBTL) extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

Materials and methods

After administration of VBTL extract for 4 weeks, the body weight, organ weight, blood glucose (BG), insulin and plasma lipid levels of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were measured.

Results

Body weights of diabetic mice treated with VBTL extract were partly recovered. The BG levels of AEG (diabetic mice treated with VBTL aqueous extract) were reduced to 91.52 and 85.82% at week 2 and week 4, respectively (P < 0.05), while those of EEG (diabetic mice treated with VBTL ethanolic extract) were reduced slightly (P > 0.05). The insulin levels of AEG and EEG were obviously higher (P < 0.05) than those of MC (diabetic mice in model control group). Comparing with MC, AEG and EEG had significantly lower (P < 0.05) TC or TG levels and similar HDL-cholesterol or LDL-cholesterol levels. In comparison with non-diabetic control mice, AEG had similar plasma lipid levels except higher LDL-cholesterol level, while EEG had higher TC, TG and LDL-cholesterol levels and lower HDL-cholesterol levels.

Conclusions

Both aqueous and ethanolic extract of VBTL possess a potential hypoglycemic effect in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.     

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential of Chloranthus erectus (Buch.-Ham.) Verd. leaf extract in rats

Aim of the study

Chloranthus erectus (Buch.-Ham.) Verdcourt (Chloranthaceae) is a shrub native to tropical and temperate zone of Eastern Himalaya of India and South-East Asia and have traditionally been used as a folklore medicine to treat localised swelling, joint pain, skin inflammation, fever and bodyache. In this study, an attempt has been made to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory activity of methanol extract obtained from Chloranthus erectus leaves (MECEL) in acute, sub-acute and chronic mouse models.

Materials and methods

Inflammation in the hind paw of Wistar albino rat was induced by carrageenan, histamine and serotonin, and tissue granuloma pouch was induced by cotton pellet method. Anti-inflammatory drug—phenylbutazone was used as standard drug for comparison.

Results

In acute carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema, oral administration of MECEL at 200 mg/kg produced significant inhibition of edema by 38.34% (p < 0.01) while the histamine- and serotonin-induced sub-acute model, the inhibition of paw edema reached 52.54% (p < 0.001) and 25.5% (p < 0.01), respectively. In a 7-day study, MECEL at 20 and 50 mg/kg produced significant suppression of cotton pellet-induced tissue granuloma formation in rats.

Conclusions

This preliminary study revealed that the methanol extract of Chloranthus erectus exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in the tested models, and may provide the scientific rationale for its popular folk medicine as anti-inflammatory agent.     

Beneficial effects of Aesculus hippocastanum L. seed extract on the body's own antioxidant defense system on subacute administration

Aim of the study

Seeds of Aesculus hippocastanum L. have long been used in European phytotherapy to treat inflammatory and vascular problems. In Turkish folk medicine, tea prepared from the crushed seeds was used to pass kidney stone and against stomach ache, while a fraction of seed was swallowed to alleviate hemorroids symptoms.In order to evaluate the in vivo effects of escin mixture from Aesculus hippocastanum seed on the blood and tissue antioxidant defense systems in standard pellet diet (SPD) and in high-fat diet (HFD) consumed male mice.

Materials and methods

Escin mixture was obtained from the ethanol extract of seeds. Escin mixture was administered orally to male mice fed either standard pellet diet (SPD) or high-fat diet (HFD) at 100 mg/kg doses daily for 5 weeks and the tissue (liver, kidney and heart) and blood samples were collected at the end of experimental period. The effect of escin mixture on the plasma antioxidant activity; blood and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels; erythrocyte and tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity (CAT) in SPD and HFD consumed animals were experimentally studied.

Results

Escin mixture prohibited the adverse effects of oxidative stress and showed a protective effect on the liver architecture both in SPD and HFD consumed male mice. Escin mixture prohibited the adverse effects of oxidative stress and showed a protective effect on the liver architecture both in SPD and HFD consumed male mice. Combined administration of high-fat diet with escin mixture decreased blood (p < 0.01), liver (p < 0.01), kidney (p < 0.05), and heart (p < 0.05) of MDA, liver SOD (p < 0.01) and CAT (p < 0.05) levels and increased blood (p < 0.01) and liver GSH (p < 0.001) levels in mice.

Conclusion

The present results indicate that Aesculus hippocastanum increase the antioxidative defense system of the body and prevent HFD-induced lipid peroxidation in male mice.