Isolation and Hypoglycemic Activity of Aconitans A, B, C and D, Glycans of Aconitum carmichaeli Roots1.

An aqueous methanol/water extract of the Oriental crude drug "bushi", ACONITUM CARMICHAELI roots from Japan, markedly reduced the blood sugar level in mice. Activity-guided fractionation of the extract furnished four glycans, aconitans A, B, C and D. These glycans exhibited prominent hypoglycemic effects in normal and alloxan-produced hyperglycemic mice.     

Isolation and Hypoglycemie Activity of Oryzarans A, B, C, and D: Glycans of Oryza sativa Roots1.

A water extract of the Oriental crude drug "tōkon", the roots of ORYZA SATIVA, noticeably reduced blood sugar concentration in mice. The extract was fractionated by monitoring the activity to yield four glycans, oryzarans A, B, C, and D which remarkably lowered blood sugar level in normal and alloxan-produced diabetic mice.     

Isolation and Hypoglycemic Activity of Lithospermans A, B and C, Glycans of Lithospermum erythrorhizon Roots1.

A water extract of the Oriental crude drug "shikon", LITHOSPERMUM ERYTHRORHIZON roots, remarkably diminished the plasma sugar level in mice. Fractionation of the extract by monitoring the activity yielded three glycans, lithospermans A, B and C. These glycans exerted marked hypoglycemic effects in normal and alloxan-induced hyperglycemic mice.     

Isolation and Hypoglycemic Activity of Atractans A, B and C, Glycans of Atractylodes japonica Rhizomes1.

A water extract of the Oriental crude drug "byaku-jutsu", ATRACTYLODES JAPONICA rhizomes, showed hypoglycemic activity in mice. The extract was fractionated by monitoring the pharmacological activity to obtain three glycans, atractans A, B and C. These constituents exerted significant hypoglycemic actions in normal and alloxan-induced hyperglycemic mice.     

Isolation and Hypoglycemic Activity of Coixans A, B and C, Glycans of Coix lachryma-jobi var. ma-yuen Seeds1.

A water extract of the Oriental crude drug "yokui-nin" (coix seeds), COIX LACHRYMA-JOBI var, MA-YUEN seeds, disclosed a marked hypoglycemic action when administered to mice. Fractionation of the extract, by monitoring the pharmacological activity, led to isolation of three glycans, coixans A, B and C. These components elicited remarkable hypoglycemic effects in normal and hyperglycemic mice treated with alloxan.     

Isolation and Hypoglycemie Activity of Anemarans A, B, C and D, Glycans of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Rhizomes1.

An aqueous methanol/water extract of the Oriental crude drug "chimo", ANEMARRHENA ASPHODELOIDES rhizomes, exhibited a marked hypoglycemie activity on dosing to mice. Fractionation of the extract, by monitoring the pharmacological activity, resulted in isolation of four glycans, anamerans A, B, C and D. These constituents displayed significant hypoglycemie effects in normal and alloxan-produced hyperglycemie mice.     

Isolation and Hypoglycemic Activity of Ganoderans A and B, Glycans of Ganoderma lucidum Fruit Bodies1

A water extract of the Oriental crude drug "reishi", the fruit bodies of GANODERMA LUCIDUM, significantly decreased plasma sugar level in mice. Fractionation of the extract by monitoring the hypoglycemic activity afforded two glycans, ganoderans A and B. These glycans elicited remarkable hypoglycemic actions in normal and alloxan-induced hyperglycemic mice.     

Isolation and Hypoglycemic Activity of Moran A, a Glycoprotein of Morus alba Root Barks1.

An aqueous methanol extract of the Oriental crude drug "sohaku-hi", the root barks of MORUS ALBA, prominently reduced the plasma sugar level in mice. Activity-guided fractionation of the extract furnished a glycoprotein, moran A, which elicited remarkable hypoglycemic effects in normal and alloxan-induced hyperglycemic mice.     

Isolation and hypoglycemic activity of trichosans A, B, C, D, and E: glycans of Trichosanthes kirilowii roots

The non-dialyzable portion of the water extract of the Oriental crude drug "karokon", the roots of Trichosanthes kirilowii, was found to reduce the plasma glucose level in mice. Activity-guided fractionation of this non-dialyzable portion led to the isolation of five glycans termed as trichosans A, B, C, D and E, showing hypoglycemic actions in normal mice. The main glycan, trichosan A, also exhibited activity in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic mice.     

Isolation and Hypoglycemic Activity of Dioscorans A, B, C, D, E, and F; Glycans of Dioscorea japonica Rhizophors1.

Aqueous methanol/water extracts of the Oriental crude drug "sanyaku", DIOSCOREA JAPONICA and D. BATATAS rhizophors, notably lowered blood glucose concentration in mice. Activity-guided fractionation of the extract from D. JAPONICA afforded six glycans, dioscorans A, B, C, D, E, and F, which exhibited remarkable hypoglycemic effects in normal and alloxan-induced hyperglycemic mice.     

Antinociceptive, antiinflammatory and antidiabetic effects of Leonotis leonurus (L.) R. BR. [Lamiaceae] leaf aqueous extract in mice and rats

The present study was undertaken to investigate the antinociceptive, antiinflammatory, and antidiabetic properties of the aqueous leaf extract of Leonotis leonurus (L.) R. BR. (Lamiaceae) in mice and rats, to scientifically appraise some of the plant's ethnomedical uses, and its safety and efficacy. The leaf powder of the plant was Soxhlet extracted with distilled water and used. The antinociceptive effect of the plant's extract was evaluated by the "hot-plate" and "acetic acid" test models of pain in mice, while the antiinflammatory and antidiabetic effects of the leaf extract were investigated in rats, using fresh egg albumin-induced paw edema, and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus, respectively. Morphine (MPN, 10 mg/kg i.p.), diclofenac (DIC, 100 mg/kg i.p.), and chlorpropamide (250 mg/kg p.o.) were used, respectively, as reference analgesic, antiinflammatory, and hypoglycemic agents for comparison. L. leonurus leaf aqueous extract (LLE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) produced dose-dependent and significant (p < 0.05-0.001) antinociceptive effects against thermally and chemically induced nociceptive pain stimuli in mice. LLE (50-800 mg/kg i.p.) also significantly (p < 0.05-0.001) inhibited fresh egg albumin-induced paw edema, and caused significant (p < 0.05-0.001) hypoglycemic effects in rats. It is suggested that the analgesic effects of LLE (50-800 mg/kg i.p.) may be peripherally and centrally mediated. The different flavonoids, diterpenoids, polyphenolics, and other chemical constituents of the plant may be involved in the observed antinociceptive, antiinflammatory, and antidiabetic effects of the plant's extract. However, the results of this experimental animal study suggest that the aqueous leaf extract of L. leonurus possesses antinociceptive, antiinflammatory, and hypoglycemic properties, and thus lend pharmacological credence to the suggested folkloric uses of the herb in the management and/or control of painful, arthritic, and other inflammatory conditions, as well as for adult-onset, type-2 diabetes mellitus in some communities of South Africa.     

Anti-obesity activity of Yamabushitake (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hericium erinaceus</Emphasis>) powder in ovariectomized mice,and its potentially active compounds

Hericium erinaceus (H. erinaceus) improves the symptoms of menopause. In this study, using ovariectomized mice as a model of menopause, we investigated the anti-obesity effect of this mushroom in menopause. Mice fed diets containing H. erinaceus powder showed significant decreases in the amounts of fat tissue, plasma levels of total cholesterol, and leptin. To determine the mechanism, groups of mice were respectively fed a diet containing H. erinaceus powder, a diet containing ethanol extract of H. erinaceus, and a diet containing a residue of the extract. As a result, H. erinaceus powder was found to increase fecal lipid levels in excreted matter. Further in vitro investigation showed that ethanol extract inhibited the activity of lipase, and four lipase-inhibitory compounds were isolated from the extract: hericenone C, hericenone D, hericenone F, and hericenone G. In short, we suggest that H. erinaceus has an anti-obesity effect during menopause because it decreases the ability to absorb lipids.     

Analgesic effects of Neurotropin in mice, and a comparison with analgesic effect of other drugs in SART-stressmice]

Analgesic effects of a neuroleptica "Neurotropin" (NSP) were studied in mice while the analgesic effects of other agents were studied in SART-stress mice (specific stress caused by alterating rhythm in temperature) and the results compared with those in normal mice. NSP is an extract containing many conjugated polysaccarides isolated from the skin or tissues of rabbits which had been inoculated with the living cowpox virus. (a) NSP given alone to normal mice resulted in slight analgesic effects as observed with the application of the acetic acid-, phenylquinon-writhing method or the modified Randall-Selitto method. Little effect was seen when the D'Amour-Smith was used. (b) Synergism was evident when NSP and aminopyrine or NSP and morphine were given concomitantly and the acetic acid- or phenylquinon-writhing methods were applied. (c) Analgesic effects of morphine, levomepromazine, imidazole acetic acid and particularly NSP were greater in SART-stress mice than in normal mice. With the D'Amour-Smith method, only NSP had a greater effect in SART-stress mice than in normal mice.     

Hepatoprotective activity of petroleum ether, diethyl ether, and methanol extract of Scoparia dulcis L. against CCl4-induced acute liver injury in mice

Objectives:

The present study was aimed at assessing the hepatoprotective activity of 1:1:1 petroleum ether, diethyl ether, and methanol (PDM) extract of Scoparia dulcis L. against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in mice.

Materials and Methods:

The PDM extract (50, 200, and 800 mg/kg, p.o.) and standard, silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o) were tested for their antihepatotoxic activity against CCl4-induced acute liver injury in mice. The hepatoprotective activity was evaluated by measuring aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total proteins in serum, glycogen, lipid peroxides, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase levels in liver homogenate and by histopathological analysis of the liver tissue. In addition, the extract was also evaluated for its in vitro antioxidant activity using 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging assay.

Results:

The extract at the dose of 800 mg/kg, p.o., significantly prevented CCl4-induced changes in the serum and liver biochemistry (P < 0.05) and changes in liver histopathology. The above results are comparable to standard, silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o.). In the in vitro 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging assay, the extract showed good free radical scavenging potential (IC 50 38.9 ± 1.0 μg/ml).

Conclusions:

The results of the study indicate that the PDM extract of Scoparia dulcis L. possesses potential hepatoprotective activity, which may be attributed to its free radical scavenging potential, due to the terpenoid constituents.     

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Polyphenol Extracts from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ulva linza</Emphasis> (Ulvophyceae,Chlorophyta)

Objective

Ulvoid macroalgal blooms are frequently observed in coastal oceans worldwide. Because of the very high potential for outbreaks of these blooms, many researches have recently become focused on the utilization of natural products extracted from these otherwise commercially worthless seaweeds. The green-tide forming alga, Ulva linza, in particular, is known for its high antioxidative effects, however, the anti-inflammatory effects of its main constituents have not been thoroughly studied.

Methods

To address this knowledge gap, TNBS-induced colitis mice were administered with an ethanol extract from U. linza, which reduced their colitis and allowed us to observe the anti-inflammatory effects.

Results

After reducing colitis, differences between two groups of mice, one which was administered with the U. linza extract and the other without the extract, were observed in comparison to budesonide. These anti-inflammatory effects of the U. linza extract were further confirmed in LPS induced RAW 264.7 cells.

Conclusion

Together, our results demonstrate that polyphenol extracted from U. linza is the component that exhibits the anti-inflammatory effects in TNBS-induced colitis mice, and suggests that it could be used as a potential natural therapeutic agent for the prevention of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

     

Evidences for the involvement of monoaminergic and GABAergic systems in antidepressant-like activity of garlic extract in mice

Objectives:

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of the ethanolic extract of Allium sativum L. (Family: Lilliaceae), commonly known as garlic, on depression in mice.

Materials and Methods:

Ethanolic extract of garlic (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) was administered orally for 14 successive days to young Swiss albino mice of either sex and antidepressant-like activity was evaluated employing tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST). The efficacy of the extract was compared with standard antidepressant drugs like fluoxetine and imipramine. The mechanism of action of the extract was investigated by co-administration of prazosin (α1-adrenoceptor antagonist), sulpiride (selective D2-receptor antagonist), baclofen (GABA_B agonist) and p-CPA (serotonin antagonist) separately with the extract and by studying the effect of the extract on brain MAO-A and MAO-B levels.

Results:

Garlic extract (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly decreased immobility time in a dose-dependent manner in both TST and FST, indicating significant antidepressant-like activity. The efficacy of the extract was found to be comparable to fluoxetine (20 mg/kg p.o.) and imipramine (15 mg/kg p.o.) in both TST and FST. The extract did not show any significant effect on the locomotor activity of the mice. Prazosin, sulpiride, baclofen and p-CPA significantly attenuated the extract-induced antidepressant-like effect in TST. Garlic extract (100 mg/kg) administered orally for 14 successive days significantly decreased brain MAO-A and MAO-B levels, as compared to the control group.

Conclusion:

Garlic extract showed significant antidepressant-like activity probably by inhibiting MAO-A and MAO-B levels and through interaction with adrenergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic and GABAergic systems.     

Antioxidant potential of the methanol-methylene chloride extract of Terminalia glaucescens leaves on mice liver in streptozotocin-induced stress

Aim:

The antioxidant effect of the methanol–methylene chloride extract of Terminalia glaucescens (Combretaceae) leaves was investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced oxidative stress.

Methods:

Oxidative stress was induced in mice by a daily dose of STZ (45 mg/kg body weight i.p.) for five days. From day one, before STZ injection, normal and diabetic-test mice received an oral dose of the extract (100 or 300 mg/kg b.w.) daily. Plasma metabolites, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzymes in the liver were assessed and gain in body weight recorded.

Results:

In normal mice the plant extract reduced food and water intake, blood glucose and LDL-C level and body weight gain, did not affect the lipid peroxidation in the liver, while the antioxidant enzyme activities seemed increased. Blood glucose was decreased (P < 0.05) in normal mice treated with 300 mg/kg extract. Diabetic mice pretreated with 100 mg/kg extract as diabetic control mice (DC) showed significant (P < 0.001) body weight loss, polyphagia and polydipsia, high plasma glucose level, decrease in the liver catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities, and increase in lipid peroxidation. The HDL-C level was lowered (P < 0.05) whereas LDL-C increased. In 300 mg/kg extract-pretreated diabetic mice the extract prevented body weight loss, increase of blood glucose level, lipid peroxidation in liver, food and water intake, and lowering of plasma HDL-C level and liver antioxidants; this extract prevented LDL-C level increase.

Conclusion:

These results indicate that T. glaucescens protects against STZ-induced oxidative stress and could thus explain its traditional use for diabetes and obesity treatment or management.     

Antiproliferative and antioxidant activity of Aegle marmelos (Linn.) leaves in Dalton's Lymphoma Ascites transplanted mice

Objective:

The present investigation was performed to evaluate the antiproliferative and antioxidant activity of Aegle marmelos leaves in Dalton''s Lymphoma Ascites (DLA)-bearing mice.

Materials and Methods:

The DLA cells maintained in vivo in Swiss albino mice were used for developing ascitic tumor in mice by intraperitoneal transplantation. The standardized 50% ethanolic extract of A. marmelos leaves (AMEE) was administered intraperitoneally in dose levels 200 and 400 mg/kg, after 24 hours of tumor inoculation in mice for two weeks.

Results:

The AMEE treatment significantly prevented (P<0.001) the increase in body weight due to tumor cell growth and increased the mean survival time of the tumor-bearing mice as compared to the untreated DLA control mice. The treatment of DLA-bearing mice brought down the Alanine Aminotransferase (ALAT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (ASAT), and alkaline phosphatase to normal levels. The extract decreased the levels of hepatic lipid peroxidation and increased the levels of hepatic antioxidants Glutathione, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and catalase. All the changes observed with AMEE treatment were dose dependent.

Conclusion:

The hydroalcoholic extract of A. marmelos exhibits strong antitumor and antioxidant activities in DLA-bearing mice.KEY WORDS: Aegle marmelos, antioxidant activity, antiproliferative activity, Dalton''s Lymphoma Ascites