Effect of Rumex steudelii methanolic root extract on ovarian folliculogenesis and uterine histology in female albino rats

Background

A substantial number of the world population especially that of the developing countries rely on herbal products to control their fertility since ancient times. Rumex steudelii Hochst is one of the traditionally used antifertility plants in Ethiopia. Previous studies showed that the methanolic root extract of the plant had reversible antifertility effect in experimental animals. However, no study had hitherto been done on the antifertility activity of the methanolic root extract of Rumex steudelii on the ovary and uterus of female albino rats.

Objective

To investigate the quantitative aspects of follicular development in the ovaries and uterine histology in cyclic female albino rats to get further information on the possible mechanism of antifertility effect of the methanolic extract of R. steudelii.

Methods

The effect of the extract on uterine histology and ovarian follicular growth was determined after oral administration of the methanolic root extract of Rumex steudelii at 2.2, 2.5, 3.0 g/kg/day doses consecutively for 30 days.

Results

The extract significantly decreasing the number of healthy small antral, Graffian follicles and corpora lutea with concomitant significant increase in the number of atretic follicles of the same stage in dose dependent manner. Treatment at 3.0 g/Kg dose level in addition caused a significant decrease in the number of healthy primary, small preantral and large preantral follicles with concomitant significant increase in the number of atretic primary follicles. The ovarian and uterine wet weights are reduced significantly. The extracts also caused a significant decrease in the epithelial cell height, myometrial and stromal thickness in a dose dependent manner.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that the methanolic extract could cause atrophic changes in the uterus and disruption of ovarian folliculogenesis by inhibiting further development of the recruited ovarian follicles.     

Serum-cholesterol-lowering effect of metronidazole and possible mechanisms of action

Summary In five patients with Crohn's disease long-term therapy with metronidazole (400 mg b.i.d.) was followed by a significant reduction of total serum cholesterol from 179 mg/dl to 156 mg/dl, 134 mg/dl, and 143 mg/dl, after 2–4 months, 6 months, and 9–12 months, respectively. Lipoprotein analysis before and after 3 weeks of administration of metronidazol (400 mg/day) to five normolipemic volunteers revealed that LDL-cholesterol was reduced by 21% (P<0.05), whereas HDL-cholesterol remained unchanged. Biliary secretion of cholesterol and bile acids were reduced by 13% and 20% (P<0.05), respectively, which might suggest a decreased sterol synthesis. The amount and percentage of intestinal cholesterol absorption were decreased by 33% and 22% (P<0.05). Thus, a possible decrease in sterol synthesis and a reduction of cholesterol absorption might be responsible for the serum-cholesterol-lowering effect of metronidazole. However, caution should be taken when considering metronidazole for long-term treatment of patients with hypercholesterolemia due to possible side effects.This project was supported by a grant from Sandoz Stiftung für therapeutische Forschung.The authors thank Mrs. P. Pitters, G. Westphal, H., Ahten und Mr. S. Weiner for their technical assistance     

The in vitro and in vivo anti-metastatic efficacy of oxythiamine and the possible mechanisms of action

This study examined the anti-metastatic effects of oxythiamine (OT) both in cell culture and in vivo. Cell culture results revealed that OT (0–20 μM) significantly inhibited the invasion and migration (IC₅₀ = 8.75 μM) of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells. These effects of OT were accompanied by the inhibition of metalloproteinases-2 and -9 (MMP-2, MMP-9), urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) activities and by the increases in protein expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-1 and -2 (TIMP-1, TIMP-2). We then implanted (s.c.) C57BL/6 mice with LLC cells and supplemented the mice with a low- or a high-dose of OT (250 or 500 mg/kg BW) daily for 5 wk. During the 5-wk period, OT supplementation decreased plasma MMP-2 activity in a dose-dependent manner, and this effect was significant after 4 wk of tumor cell implantation. Tumor metastasis was found to confine to the lungs of mice injected with the tumor cells. High-OT supplementation strongly lowered the number and area of tumors and inhibited protein expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the lungs. In addition, high-OT supplementation markedly decreased the extent of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining in the lungs. By contrast, OT supplementation increased TIMP-1 and -2 protein expression in the lungs. These results demonstrate that OT supplementation attenuates tumor cell metastasis, possibly via inhibition of protein expression of MMPs, extent of PCNA staining and via increase of proteins expression of TIMPs.     

Two possible mechanisms of action of thyroxine on swelling of mitochondria

The effect of thyroxine on various types of swelling of the mitochondria (calcium-, detergent-, valinomycin-, and peroxide-induced) was studied. Under conditions favoring swelling of the mitochondria through phospholipase activation (a low concentration of Mg²⁺ ions, the presence of Ca²⁺ ions in the incubation medium) thyroxine causes swelling of the organelles to develop faster. When the phospholipase mechanism of swelling of the mitochondria is inhibited (high concentrations of Mg²⁺ ions), thyroxine considerably inhibits the development of swelling of the mitochondria induced by lipid peroxidation, by virtue of its antioxidant action.Department of Biophysics and Molecular Pharmacology and Radiology, Medico-Biological Faculty, N. I. Pirogov Second Moscow Medical Institute. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR V. N. Orekhovich.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 83, No. 6, pp. 680–683, June, 1977.     

Evaluation of immunomodulatory activity of methanolic extract of Piper betel

Abstract Many of the disorders today are based on the imbalances of immunological processes. This necessitates the search for newer and safer immunomodulators. Thus, the objective of the present study was to explore the immunomodulatory activity of the methanolic extract of Piper betel L. (MPb) (Family: Piperaceae). The MPb consists of mixture of phenols, flavonoids, tannins and polysaccharides. Both in vitro as well as in vivo evaluation was carried out. The effects of MPb on lymphocyte proliferation, interferon-γ receptors and the production of nitric oxide were measured in vitro . Further, the extract at different dose levels was studied in vivo for the humoral and cellular immune responses on mice immunized with sheep red blood cells. P. betel significantly suppressed phytohaemagglutinin stimulated peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The decrease in antibody titre and increased suppression of inflammation suggests possible immunosuppressive effect of extract on cellular and humoral response in mice. Thus, the MPb could be explored extensively as a therapeutic agent to treat various immune disorders including autoimmune disorders.     

Study on the anti-inflammatory action of Berberis vulgaris root extract,alkaloid fractions and pure alkaloids

Extracts obtained from the roots of Berberidaceae species have been used in Eastern and Bulgarian folk medicine in rheumatic and other chronic inflammatory disorders. The investigations of the chemical composition and immunological properties show that their activity is mainly due to the alkaloid constituents. In the present study the anti-inflammatory properties of total ethanol extract (TEE), three alkaloid fractions, a major alkaloid berberine and oxyacanthine isolated from Berberis vulgaris roots were compared. All these were applied in acute inflammation (carrageenan- and zymosan-induced paw oedema), as the TEE showed the highest reducing effect. Their ability to alter in vivo and in vitro complement activity was determined. Also, the TEE was most effective in a chronic inflammatory model of adjuvant arthritis. The protoberberine fractions Bv2, Bv3 and berberine suppressed a delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction. Fraction Bv1 and berberine diminished antibody response against SRBC in vivo. The in vitro treatment of splenocytes with berberine showed that the anti-SRBC antibody synthesis was influenced in a different manner depending on the time course of its application. Oxyacanthine was less effective than berberine in the tests used.     

Immunomodulatory effects of the methanolic extract from Pouteria campechiana leaves in macrophage functions

The present study aimed to examine the immunomodulatory properties of the methanolic (MeOH) extract from Pouteria. campechiana leaves in peritoneal macrophages of Balb/c mice. Peritoneal macrophages isolated from mice and Vero cells were treated with the MeOH extract from leaves. Cell viability of the macrophages and Vero cells were evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide method. The phagocytic activity, as nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) production were evaluated on peritoneal macrophages. Results showed that the MeOH extract from leaves was able to stimulate the phagocytic activity and increase NO, H₂O₂ and cytokines production. The viability assays do not show cytotoxic effect on cell viability and cause a significative proliferative effect in the macrophages of a concentration-dependent manner. These results conclude that the MeOH extract from P. campechiana leaves possessed a stronger immunostimulatory effect in a concentration-dependent manner without affect the cell viability.     

Acute toxicity effects of the methanolic extract of Fagara zanthoxyloides (Lam.) root-bark

Background

Fagara zanthoxyloides is a well known medicinal plant in Uganda. It is used extensively in malaria and other infections. However nothing is known about its toxicity.

Objective

The objective of the study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of the methanolic extract of the root-bark of F. zanthoxyloides, in mice.

Methods

Methanolic extract of the root-bark of the plant was administered orally to mice at various dose levels to determine the acute toxic effects and the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) in mice.

Results

The LD50 of the methanolic extract was found to be 5.0 g/Kg body weight within 95 % confidence limits. The mice showed signs of cerebral irritation before dying. Histopathological examinations of the viscera showed congestion and focal necrosis of the liver and renal tubules.

Conclusion

It was concluded that the extract of F. zanthoxyloides is safe, however the cerebral mechanism that lead to the death of the mice need to be investigated further.     

Effect of methanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens seed on the immune response of mice

The effect of the methanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens seed was evaluated in mice with regards to delayed hypersensitivity reaction (DTR), primary and secondary antibody response and in vivo inflammatory leucocyte mobilization. The extract at 250 and 500?mg/kg produced significant (p?<?0.05) inhibition of DTR in mice by 33.33% and 28.89%, respectively. The extract caused elevation of secondary SRBCs-specific antibody titre with antibody response being significantly (p?<?0.05) increased at 250 and 500?mg/kg when compared with control. The extract at 250 and 500?mg/kg increased leucocyte mobilization significantly (p?<?0.05) when compared with the control and levamisole-treated groups. At 100?mg/kg, the mobilization did not differ with the levamisole-treated group but was significantly (p?<?0.05) higher than the control. The leucocyte mobilization was more of neutrophils than lymphocytes. The ability of the extract to inhibit the DTR, increase secondary antibody response and in vivo leucocyte mobilization was an indication that the extract probably influenced immune response in mice.     

Comparative assessment of the anti-Limnatis nilotica activities of Zingiber officinale methanolic extract with levamisole

The aim of this study was the evaluation of a methanolic extract of ginger compared with levamisole on Limnatis nilotica. In September 2010, 30 leeches from the southern area of Ilamprovince were prepared, and the effects of the methanolic extract of Zingiber officinale with levamisole were evaluated. The results of this study showed that methanolic extract of Z. officinale (600 mg/ml) could kill leeches at an average time of 33.3?±?11.4 min. The average time for death with levamisole (100 mg/ml) was 10.7?±?1.9 min. It was determined that both had an intensity of 4+, and distilled water used as negative control showed no effect on death and paralysis of L. nilotica. The present study has shown that Z. officinale has anti-leech effects and may be used in the treatment of infestation with L. nilotica in the future.     

In vivo hypoglycemic effect of methanolic fruit extract of Momordica charantia L

Background

Momordica charantia L. is a medicinal plant commonly used in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Objectives

We investigated the blood glucose lowering effect of the methanolic fruit extract of the Ugandan variety of M. charantia L. in alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats.

Methods

500g of M. charantia powder were macerated in methanol and the extract administered to two groups of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The first group received 125mg/kg, the second 375mg/kg and a third group 7mg/kg of metformin. A fourth group received 1ml normal saline. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were measured at 0.5,1,2,3,5,8 and 12 hours and compared using one-way ANOVA.

Results

There was an initial rise in FBG for 1 hour after administration of extracts followed by steep reductions. Significant reduction in FBG occurred at 2 hours for 125mg/kg of extract (−3.2%, 313±25.9 to 303±25.0mg/dL, p = 0.049), 375mg/kg of extract (−3.9%, 356±19.7 to 342±20.3mg/dL, p = 0.001), and metformin (−2.6%, 344±21.7 to 335±21.1mg/dL, p = 0.003) when compared to normal saline. The maximum percentage reduction in FBG by both extracts occurred between 3 and 12 hours post dose.

Conclusions

The methanolic fruit extract of M. charantia exhibits dose dependent hypoglycaemic activity in vivo.     

The mechanisms of action of reproductive toxicants

Successful human reproduction is a complex process which requires normal function of 2 individuals. Reproductive toxicants can impair reproduction by acting in the male, female or both. Reproductive toxicants can produce their adverse effects by several direct and indirect mechanisms. The mechanisms by which reproductive toxicants impair reproduction are reviewed.     

Subacute toxicity study of the methanolic seed extract of Buchholzia coriacea (Capparaceae) in rats

The methanol extract of Buchholzia coriacea seed has shown some anti-trypanosomal activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei. The acute toxicity test of this extract showed no signs of toxicity. This present study was designed to assess its sub-acute toxicity in rats. Rats of both sexes were dosed daily with 125, 250 and 500?mg/kg body weight of the extract by oral gavage for 28?days. Dosing with the extract showed no significant effect on body weights. The temperatures of extract-treated rats were significantly (p?<?0.05) higher during the first and last weeks of the experiment. There were also significant reductions (p?<?0.05) of red and white blood cell counts, packed cell volumes and haemoglobin concentrations in the extract-treated animals. Blood biochemistry revealed no significant changes. On necropsy, pale mucous membranes, bile stains on spleen, congestion of the lungs and caudal lobes of the liver were evident in the extract-treated rats. There were significant (p?<?0.05) reductions in relative liver weights of the extract-treated male rats. Twenty-eight days dosing of rats with the methanol extract of B. coriacea seed caused signs of toxicity at the tested doses.