Wound healing and antimicrobial potential of Carissa spinarum Linn. in albino mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Carissa spinarum Linn. (Apocynaceae), popularly known as Jungle karunda, has been traditionally used as wound healing agent.

Aim of the study

To investigate in vivo wound healing and antimicrobial properties of methanolic extract of Carissa spinarum.

Materials and methods

The effect of methanolic extract of Carissa spinarum root extracted by cold maceration was evaluated on burn wound model in mice. The wound healing activity of 1% and 2.5% (w/w) extract was assessed by the rate of wound contraction, period of epithelization and hydroxyproline content. Histological study of the granulation tissue was carried out to know the extent of collagen formation in the wound tissue. The antimicrobial activity of extract was also studied against the bacterial and fungal strain using agar dilution method.

Results

The results showed that Carissa spinarum root extract has significant wound healing activity as evident from the rate of wound contraction and epithelization. Hydroxyproline expressions and histological parameters were also well correlated with the healing pattern observed. Methanolic extract also exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against all the tested microorganisms.

Conclusions

The present study provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of Carissa spinarum in the management of wounds.     

Antidiabetic activity of aqueous fruit extract of Cucumis trigonus Roxb. in streptozotocin-induced-diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Cucumis trigonus Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae) fruit is used in the Indian traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes. Based on a number of reports on the blood glucose level reduction and the other complications of diabetes associated with some Cucurbitaceae plants, the antidiabetic effect of Cucumis trigonus fruit was investigated.

Aim of the study

To investigate the antidiabetic action of the aqueous extract of Cucumis trigonus fruits in the different models of rats.

Materials and methods

The antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract of Cucumis trigonus fruit was evaluated by using normal and streptozotocin-induced-diabetic rats. The acute effect of aqueous extract was evaluated by administering 500 mg/kg p.o. to normoglycemic rats. In the chronic model, the aqueous extract was administered to normal and STZ-induced-diabetic rats at dose of 500 mg/kg p.o. per day for 21 days. Blood glucose levels and body weights were monitored at specific intervals and different biochemical parameters were also carried out.

Results

The statistical data indicated the significant increase in the body weight, liver glycogen and serum insulin level and decrease in the blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin levels, total cholesterol and serum triglycerides. HDL cholesterol level was significantly increased when treated with the extract.

Conclusion

The aqueous fruit extract of Cucumis trigonus has had beneficial effects in reducing the elevated blood glucose level and lipid profile of STZ-induced-diabetic rats.     

Antidiabetic activity of Paspalum scrobiculatum Linn. in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Paspalum scrobiculatum Linn. (Poaceae) is traditionally used to treat diabetes mellitus. The grains of Paspalum scrobiculatum are having potential in the development of drug for diabetes due to their antidiabetic activity.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the antidiabetic activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of grains of Paspalum scrobiculatum Linn. (Poaceae) in alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight), were administered orally to male Wistar albino rats. Alloxan monohydrate was used to induce diabetes mellitus. Total phenolic content was estimated in the extracts. The parameters studied included oral glucose tolerance test, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin and glycated haemoglobin levels, liver glycogen content, serum lipid profile, and changes in body weights.

Results

In oral glucose tolerance test, reduction of fasting blood glucose levels took place from 60 min of extract administration. The extracts produced a dose-dependent fall in fasting blood glucose (FBG). After 15 days of treatment with extracts the maximum reduction in FBG (35.14%) was observed in diabetic rats treated with ethanolic extract 500 mg/kg dose. A significant increase in serum insulin level was observed in the treated rats. Serum lipid levels were reversed towards near normal and a control in the loss of body weight was observed in treated rats as compared to diabetic control. The extract treatment also showed a significant increase in the liver glycogen and a significant decrease in glycated haemoglobin levels. The results demonstrate that Paspalum scrobiculatum possesses significant antidiabetic activity in diabetic rats.

Conclusion

The results suggest that Paspalum scrobiculatum has antidiabetic activity, thereby justifying its traditional claim and augmenting it into the present day systems of medicine.     

Antidiabetic activity of Ficus amplissima Smith. bark extract in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ficus amplissima commonly known as kal-itchchi have a long history of use in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani herbal preparations in Indian traditional system of medicine. It has been used in folklore medicine for the treatment of diabetes.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of methanolic extract of the bark of Ficus amplissima (FAB) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

Oral administration of FAB bark at the doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg was studied in normal, glucose-loaded and STZ—induced diabetic rats.

Results

The three doses caused significant reduction in blood glucose levels in all the models. The effect was more pronounced in 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg than 150 mg/kg. FAB also showed significant increase in serum insulin and body weight. The glycogen content in liver, skeletal muscle, total protein contents were markedly increased and marker enzymes of hepatic function of STZ-induced diabetic rats while there was significant reduction in the levels of serum triglyceride and total cholesterol. FAB also showed significant anti-lipid peroxidative effect in the pancreas of STZ-induced diabetic rats. The anti-diabetic effect of FAB was compared with glibenclamide, a well known hypoglycemic drug. Histological analysis showed the regenerative effect of FAB on the β-cells of diabetic rats.

Conclusion

Results of this experimental study indicated that FAB possessed anti-diabetic and antioxidant activities. Hence it could be used as a natural source of antidiabetic (Type-I) and antioxidant drug.     

Antidiabetic effect of Ficus religiosa extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Aims of study

In Indian traditional system of medicine, Ficus religiosa (Family Moraceae) is prescribed for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. In the present study, the antidiabetic effect of aqueous extract of Ficus religiosa bark (FRAE) was investigated in normal, glucose-loaded hyperglycemic and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

Oral administration of FRAE at the doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg was studied in normal, glucose-loaded and STZ-diabetic rats.

Results

The three doses caused significant reduction in blood glucose levels in all the models. The effect was more pronounced in 50 and 100 mg/kg than 25 mg/kg. FRAE also showed significant increase in serum insulin, body weight and glycogen content in liver and skeletal muscle of STZ-induced diabetic rats while there was significant reduction in the levels of serum triglyceride and total cholesterol. FRAE also showed significant antilipidperoxidative effect in the pancreas of STZ-induced diabetic rats. The antidiabetic effect of Ficus religiosa was compared with glibenclamide, a well-known hypoglycemic drug.

Conclusion

The results indicate that aqueous extract of Ficus religiosa bark possesses significant antidiabetic activity.     

Antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of Annona muricata (Annonaceae), aqueous extract on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The leaves of Annona muricata are used in Cameroon to manage diabetes and its complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic, antioxidant activities and the potential toxicity of aqueous extract of Annona muricata in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Material and methods

Oral administration of Annona muricata aqueous extract (100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg) was studied in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. In long term treatment, 2 weeks after streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, animals received plant extract during 28 consecutive days. For a protective effect, extract was administered 3 days prior to streptozotocin exposure and animals were observed 2 weeks without treatment.

Results

The plant extract was not effective in normal rats. In diabetic rats, single administration of the extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels by 75% and 58.22% respectively at the dose of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg as compared to the initial value. Treatment of normal rats 3 days prior to diabetes induction showed that, Annona muricata extract has no effect within 72 h following STZ injection. However, after 14 days post-treatment, the extract at the dose of 100 mg/kg significantly reduced blood glucose levels as compared with initial value and diabetic control rats. Immunohistochemical staining of pancreatic β-cells of diabetic rats treated with the dose of 100 mg/kg expressed strong staining for β-cell compared to diabetic control. In a long-term study daily administration of Annona muricata aqueous extract for 28 days to diabetic rats, reduced blood glucose levels, serum creatinine, MDA, AST, ALT activity, and nitrite levels LDL-cholesterol. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, SOD, and CAT activity contents were restored.

Conclusion

These different results show that the antidiabetic activity of Annona muricata aqueous extract can be explained by its hypolipidaemic effect, its antioxidant and protective action on pancreatic β-cells, which in turn improve glucose metabolism.     

Antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. leaves extract in streptozotocin-induced type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

In traditional Indian medicine, all parts of Emblica officinalis Gaertn plant including the fruit, seed, leaves, root, bark and flowers are used in various herbal preparations for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, chronic diarrhea, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the hypoglycemic and antioxidants effects of the hydro-methanolic (20:80) extract of leaves of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. (HMELEO) in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Material and methods

The hypoglycemic effect was measured by blood glucose and plasma insulin level. The oxidative stress was measured in liver and kidney by level of antioxidant markers i.e. lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT), and the biochemical parameters, i.e. blood serum levels of creatinine, urea, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminases (SGPT), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminases (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were the salient features observed in diabetic control and treated rats.

Results

Oral administration of the HMELEO at a concentration of 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg b.w. daily for 45 days showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in fasting blood glucose and increase insulin level as compared with the diabetic rats. Also it significantly (P<0.05) reduced all biochemical parameters (serum creatinine, serum urea, SGOT, SGPT and lipid profile). The treatment also resulted in a significant (P<0.05) increase in reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and decrease LPO level in the liver and kidney of diabetic rats.

Conclusion

The results clearly suggest that the hydro methanolic extract of leaves of Emblica officials Gaertn. treated group may effectively normalize the impaired antioxidant status in streptozotocin induced diabetes at dose dependent manner than the glibenclamide-treated groups. The extract exerted rapid protective effects against lipid peroxidation by scavenging of free radicals and reducing the risk of diabetic complications.     

Antidiabetic activity of alcoholic stem extract of Nervilia plicata in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Nervilia plicata (Orchidaceae) has long been used in the antidiabetic medicinal preparations of traditional healers of Wayanad (Kerala), but recuperative potential of the plant was remained undefined. We demonstrated the regenerative potential of the plant extract on kidney affected by type 2 diabetes besides lowering blood glucose.

Aim of the study

The aim of the current study was to investigate the recuperative and regenerative potential of alcoholic stem extract of Nervilia plicata on streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic models.

Materials and methods

Non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) was induced in overnight fasted rats by intramuscular injection (IMI) of 60 mg/kg STZ and 120 mg/kg of nicotinamide after 5 min interval. Blood glucose was assessed by a glucometer, serum urea and creatinine levels were determined by diacetylmonooxime method and Jaffe reaction respectively. Kidney sections were taken and stained with Masson's tri-dye and Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) and examined for structural changes. Also lipid peroxidation product (LPP) levels were determined as thio barbituric acid reactive substance levels (TBARS) method.

Results

On administration of 5 mg/kg of plant extract, blood glucose levels of the NIDDM rats showed 62.00 and 76.29% decrease in the blood glucose levels on day 0 and day 30 respectively. Damages caused to the kidney tissue were negligible or not seen. Serum urea and creatinine levels showed 61.49 and 70.96% decrease on day 30. LPP levels of kidney and pancreas showed 70.58 and 77.41% decrease respectively.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate significant antidiabetic and regenerative potential of the Nervilia plicata, justifying the use of plant in the indigenous system of medicine. Isolation and characterisation of the compound(s) playing pivotal role in the cure would open new vistas in the therapy of type 2 diabetes.     

Antimalaria activity of ethanolic extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit

The in vivo antiplasmodial activity of the ethanol fruit extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera used as spice and in the treatment of various ailment in Niger Delta region of Nigeria was evaluated in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Tetrapleura tetraptera (300-900 mg/kg day) exhibited significant (P < 0.05) blood schizonticidal activity both in 4-day early infection test and in established infection with a considerable mean survival time comparable to that of the standard drug, chloroquine, 5 mg/kg day. The fruit extract possesses significant (P < 0.05) antiplasmodial activity with may have contributed to the immune status of the Nigerians against malaria in addition to its nutritive value.     

Evaluation of antihyperglycemic activity of Cocos nucifera Linn. on streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The plant Cocos nucifera Linn. (Arecaceae) is commonly known as coconut. Traditionally the juice of the young spadix when fresh is used in diarrhea and diabetes.The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of antidiabetic activity and effect on lipid profile as well as cardioprotective effect of hydro-methanol extract of Cocos nucifera (HECN) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

After 72 h of STZ (50 mg/kg, b.w. i.p.) administration, animals showing plasma sugar level more than 250 mg/dl were considered as diabetic rat. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were measured on 0th (after 72 h of STZ), 5th, 10th, and 15th day. On the 15th day all the animals were sacrificed and the serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant enzyme status were measured.

Results

HECN treated animals showed a significant reduction in FBG level as compared with diabetic control group. Serum enzyme level (SGOT, SGPT, SALP), lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme level such as CAT, GSH, SOD and cholesterol and triglycerides in the HECN treated groups were restored towards normal level as compared to diabetic control groups and the values were comparable with the standard groups (glibenclamide).

Conclusion

Improvement in the FBG and the restoration of all other biomarker as well as enzymes indicates that HECN has very good antidiabetic activity with very low side effects and provides a scientific rationale for the use as an antidiabetic agent.     

Antidiabetic activity of Vatairea macrocarpa extract in rats

In the present paper the anti-diabetic effects of stem-bark extract (ethanol 70%) of Vatairea macrocarpa, a traditional diabetes mellitus treatment widely used in Brazil, are reported. The extract was administered orally at a dose of 250 or 500 mg/kg, for 22 days, to normal and streptozotocin-diabetic rats. In extract treated (500 mg/kg) diabetic rats serum and urinary glucose, urinary urea, food and fluid intake were decreased, while body weight gain was increased, all of which indicate an improvement in diabetic state (p<0.05). No effects of the extract were observed in non-diabetic rats. In extract treated (500 mg/kg) diabetic group HOMA-R (homeostasis model for assessment of insulin resistance) was lower at the end of 22 days, as compared to diabetic non treated control group. Insulin was the reference substance used in the experiments. In an oral glucose tolerance test, the time to reach maximal glycemia was greater in diabetic 500 mg/kg treated group than in control group. These anti-diabetic effects could be related to an improved insulin resistance, although a possible effect on pancreatic B-cell function cannot be excluded. Thus, our data of sub-chronic experiments suggest that long-term use of V. macrocarpa stem-bark extract may be helpful in treating diabetic conditions.     

Antidiabetic and antioxidant effect of various fractions of Phyllanthus simplex in alloxan diabetic rats

Aim of the study

To evaluate the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of various fractions of Phyllanthus simplex on alloxan induced diabetes in rats.

Materials and methods

Hypoglycemic effect of Phyllanthus simplex fractions was evaluated in normal and diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg). Normal and diabetic rats were divided into different groups (six rats each group) and orally administered with petroleum ether (P.E.) (200 and 400 mg/kg), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) (100 and 200 mg/kg), methanol (125 and 250 mg/kg), water fraction (150 and 300 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) for 21 days. Blood samples were collected from overnight fasted normal rats on day 21, from overnight fasted diabetic rats at 7, 14 and 21 days of treatment and analyzed for blood glucose level. On day 22 blood samples were collected from diabetic rats to estimate biochemical parameters, rats were sacrificed by single stunning and tissues were excised to measure their antioxidant and glycogen status.

Results

In the normoglycemic rats, MeOH (125 and 250 mg/kg) and aqueous fractions (150 and 300 mg/kg) showed a significant (P < 0.05) hypoglycemic effect on day 21. In diabetic control rats, MeOH (125 and 250 mg/kg) and aqueous fractions (150 and 300 mg/kg) showed significant antihyperglycemic effect (P < 0.001). The active fractions (MeOH and aqueous) of Phyllanthus simplex also increased the body weight of diabetic rats significantly compared to the control group. The active fractions were able to normalize the marked alterations in antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant parameters levels in liver and kidney. Treatment with the active fractions also normalized the diabetic induced hyperlipidemia and liver glycogen.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of fractions of Phyllanthus simplex and suggests that the plant may have therapeutic value in diabetes and related complications.     

Antidiabetic effect of alcoholic extract of Caralluma sinaica L. on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rabbits

People of Asir region of Saudi Arabia chew Caralluma sinaica (CS) to lower glucose level. To establish its utility in diabetes mellitus we have under taken this study. The effect of CS on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic model as well as effect on oral glucose tolerance test were studied. The extract was shown to have positive test for possessing following chemical constituents like phenolic alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, coumarins, steroids and tannins. Administration of CS in different doses (50, 100, 150 and 200mg/kg, p.o.) to normal animals caused significant (P<0.01) decrease in glucose level. Prior administration of either CS (100mg/kg, p.o.) or glibenclamide (GB) (5mg/kg, p.o.) blocked the rise of glucose caused by the streptozotocin. Antidiabetic activity of CS was compared with clinically available drug GB. Administration of CS (100mg/kg, p.o.) to diabetic rabbits for 30 days has been shown to decrease plasma glucose level to almost normal level (P<0.001). Liver and kidney weight expressed as percentage of body weight significantly (P<0.05; P<0.01) increased in diabetic rabbits versus normal control (CNT). CS significantly (P<0.05) reversed the increasing weight of liver caused by STZ but not GB. STZ induced lowering of glycogen content of liver and muscle was reversed by both CS and GB. STZ induced a significant (P<0.001) increase in renal glycogen content this was almost normalized by CS (P<0.001) whereas GB significantly decreased (P<0.002) glycogen content. In oral glucose tolerance test administration of glucose increased plasma glucose level significantly in the diabetic control over the 2-h period. Compared to diabetic control plasma glucose levels in rabbits given CS or GB were significantly lower at all the time points that blood was sampled after oral glucose load. Comparing with the GB treatment blood glucose lowering effect was more pronounced for diabetic rabbits given CS. All these effects could explain the basis for use of this plant extract to manage diabetes mellitus.     

Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of Carissa carandas in constipation and diarrhea

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Carissa carandas Linn. commonly known as “Karaunda” (Apocynaceae) is a popular medicinal herb widely distributed in different parts of Pakistan. In addition to other medicinal uses, Carissa carandas is popular in indigenous system of medicine for its medicinal use in gut motility disorders like, constipation and diarrhea.

Objective

This study was planned to provide pharmacological basis to the medicinal use of Carissa carandas in constipation and diarrhea.

Materials and methods

The crude extract of the leaves of Carissa carandas (Cc.Cr) was prepared in methanol and its fractionation was carried out with ethylacetate, petroleum ether and n-butanol. In-vivo studies were conducted on mice, while isolated rabbit jejunum and guinea-pig ileum preparations were used for the in-vitro experiments. The spasmogenic and spasmolytic responses of gut tissues were recorded using isotonic transducers coupled with PowerLab data acquisition system.

Results

The HPLC fingerprints of Cc.Cr, its petroleum (Cc.Pef), ethylacetate (Cc.Eaf) and n-butanol (Cc.Baf) fractions showed the presence of oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. Oral administration of Cc.Cr to mice increased fecal output at lower doses (30 and 50 mg/kg), while it showed protection against castor oil-induced diarrhea at higher doses (300 and 600 mg/kg). In isolated guinea-pig ileum and rabbit jejunum, Cc.Cr and Cc.Baf exhibited stimulatory effect at 0.003–3 mg/ml, which was partially sensitive to atropine or pyrillamine or partially/fully sensitive to atropine+pyrillamine, followed by relaxation at higher tested concentrations, being more potent in rabbit tissues. The ethylacetate fraction (0.1–5 mg/ml) exhibited fully atropine-sensitive contractions in both guinea-pig and rabbit tissues, being more potent in guinea-pig while more efficacious in rabbit tissues. However, the petroleum fraction (0.003–1.0 mg/ml) showed only spasmolytic activity in spontaneously contracting rabbit tissues, similar to nifedipine. In guinea-tissue, Cc.Pef did not cause any stimulant effect. When studied against high K⁺ (80 mM)-induced contraction, the crude extract and its fractions caused a dose-dependent inhibition, with the following order of potency: Cc.Pef>Cc.Eaf>Cc.Cr≥Cc.Baf, similar to nifedipine indicating Ca⁺⁺ channel antagonist like activity, which was further confirmed when the plant extract displaced Ca⁺⁺ curves to the right with suppression of maximum effect similar to that of nifedipine.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the crude extract of Carissa carandas possesses a gut-stimulatory effect mediated primarily through the activation of muscarinic and histaminergic receptors while its spasmolytic effect was mediated possibly through Ca⁺⁺ antagonist pathway. Thus, this study provides a clear evidence for the dual effectiveness of Carissa carandas in constipation and diarrhea, thus validating its medicinal use.     

Analgesic effects and anti-inflammatory properties of the crude methanolic extract of Schwenckia americana Linn (Solanaceae)

Aim of the study

To evaluate analgesic effect and anti-inflammatory properties of Schwenckia americana (Solanaceae), a medicinal plant used for treating rheumatic pains and swelling in North-western Nigeria.

Materials and methods

Three doses (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) of the crude methanolic extract of Schwenkia americana were evaluated for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities using acetic acid induced writhing test, formalin induced nociception, and formalin induced hind paw oedema in rats.

Results

All doses (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) of the extract tested were effective. The extract at the tested doses produced a percentage inhibition of the acetic acid induced abdominal constriction of (53.3, 58.0 and 86.7%), respectively. A percentage inhibition of the formalin induced nociception of 44.00, 56.04, and 56.04% (early phase) and 33.00, 36.63 and 59.71% (late phase) was also produced. The inhibition of oedema formation increased with increasing dosage from 25 to 100 mg/kg. The crude extract produced a statistically significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity comparable to the effect of standard drug (10 mg/kg Piroxicam).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of crude methanolic extract of Schwenkia americana thus justifying its traditional usage.     

Evaluation of diuretic activity of Amaranthus spinosus Linn. aqueous extract in Wistar rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Traditional Siddha medicine literature claims that the Amaranthus spinosus Linn. (family: Amaranthaceae) whole plant possesses diuretic property.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the diuretic potential of Amaranthus spinosus aqueous extract (ASAE) in rats.

Material and methods

Different concentrations of ASAE (200, 500, 1000, 1500 mg/kg), thiazide (10 mg/kg) and vehicle were orally administered to rats (n = 6 animals per group) and their urine output was collected after 24 h. Volume, pH, Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl⁻ concentrations of urine were estimated.

Results

ASAE produced increase in Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻ excretion, caused alkalinization of urine, showed strong saluretic activity and carbonic anhydrase inhibition activity. These effects were observed predominantly at 500 mg/kg dose and there was no dose–response relationship.

Conclusion

Our study strongly suggests that the Amaranthus spinosus is acting as a thiazide like diuretic with carbonic anhydrase inhibitory activity which restates the claim as diuretic herb in Siddha medicine.     

In vivo antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of Helichrysum plicatum ssp. plicatum capitulums in streptozotocin-induced-diabetic rats

Helichrysum species (Asteraceae) are widely found in Anatolia. Decoction prepared from the capitulums of Helichrysum plicatum ssp. plicatum is used to alleviate the symptoms of diabetes mellitus in folk medicine. In the present study, the hypoglycaemic and antioxidant potential of Helichrysum plicatum ssp. plicatum was evaluated by using in vivo methods in normal and streptozotocin-induced-diabetic rats. After the oral administration of water and ethanolic extracts at doses of 500mg/kg body weight prepared from the capitulums of plant, blood glucose levels were monitored at specific intervals. Tolbutamide was used as a reference drug at a dose of 100mg/kg. The experimental data indicated that water and ethanol extracts of capitulums demonstrate significant antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activity in streptozotocin-induced rats which confirmed the folkloric utilization. In order to assess the role of polyphenolic components in the relevant activity, phenolic and flavonoid contents of each extract were also determined in terms of total phenols: 113.5+/-8.6mg (gallic acid equivalent/1g extract) and total flavanoids 50.5+/-1.9mg (quercetin equivalent/1g extract) for ethanol extract, total phenols: 75.9+/-3.7, flavonoids: 31.5+/-2.3 for water extract using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent.     

Pharmacological characterization of the diuretic effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn (Malvaceae) extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) populary known in Mexico as “Jamaica”, “flor de Jamaica”, has widely used in Mexican Traditional Medicine as antihypertensive and diuretic, although the latter activity has been reported the present work show evidence about the diuretic, natriuretic and potassium-sparing effects.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the diuretic activity of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract on in vivo and in situ models.

Materials and methods

The Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract was administrated in increasing doses and evaluated the diuresis produced and disposal of electrolytes. Moreover, in isolated kidney was determined the renal filtration rate with plant extract, furosemide and amiloride.

Results

The yield of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extraction was 28.3% and the chemical standardization from 1 g of extract was: 56.5 mg delphinidin-3-O-sambubioside, 20.8 mg/g cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside, 3.2 mg/g quercetin, 2.1 mg/g rutin and 2.7 mg/g chlorogenic acid. The diuretic and natriuretic effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract showed a dose-dependent behavior. The pharmacological constants of natriuretic effect was ED50 = 86 mg/kg and Emax = 0.9 mEq/100 g/5 h. In the model of kidney in situ was observed that renal filtration increased 48% with the aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa and an additive effect when was perfuse with furosemide.

Conclusion

The compound presents in Hibiscus sabdariffa as quercetin had effect on the vascular endothelium causing oxide nitric release, increasing renal vasorelaxation by increasing kidney filtration. Therefore, the diuretic effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa may be mediated by nitric oxide release.     

Hypoglycemic activity and antioxidant potential of some medicinal plants traditionally used in Turkey for diabetes

Cydonia oblonga Mill. (Rosaceae) leaves, Helianthus tuberosus L. (Asteraceae) tubers, and Allium porrum L. (Liliaceae) bulbs are used as a folk remedy for the treatment of diabetes and they are also consumed as food in Turkey. In the present study, the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of the ethanol extracts of these plants were studied in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 5 days. All extracts were administrated orally to rats at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. Blood glucose level was measured according to glucose oxidase method. In order to determine antioxidant activity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in liver, kidney, and heart tissues were measured by using spectrophotometric methods. Oral administration of Cydonia oblonga (500 mg/kg) and Allium porrum (500 mg/kg) extracts for 5 days in diabetic rats caused a decrease in blood glucose levels by 33.8% and 18.0%, respectively. Moreover, Allium porrum and Cydonia oblonga extracts induced significant alleviation on only heart tissue TBARS levels (44.6 and 45.7%), Helianthus tuberosus and Allium porrum extracts showed an inhibitory effect on kidney tissue TBARS levels (24.5 and 14.8%). None of the extracts restored GSH levels in kidney, liver, and heart tissues of diabetic rats.     

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.