In vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract from Meconopsis quintuplinervia

Aims of the study

Meconopsis quintuplinervia, a medicinal herb endemic to the Tibetan region, is used to treat hepatitis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the ethanolic extract of this herb using different assays.

Materials and methods

The antioxidant capacity of Meconopsis quintuplinervia was investigated using various established in vitro systems. An in vivo study of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced antioxidant activity in mice was also conducted by examining the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH).

Results

The extract showed strong in vitro antioxidant ability. In the in vivo study, CCl₄-induced oxidative stress caused significant decreases in the SOD, CAT, and GSH levels and a significant increase in the MDA level, most of which were significantly reversed (except for SOD in the liver.) by treatment with the extract and standard Vitamin E.

Conclusion

This study clearly indicates that the ethanolic extract of Meconopsis quintuplinervia is a valuable source of natural antioxidants. These findings provide scientific support for the traditional use of this herb as a Tibetan medicine for liver diseases.     

In vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract from Meconopsis integrifolia (Maxim.) Franch

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Meconopsis integrifolia (Maxim.) Franch is a high mountain endemic species used as a traditional Tibetan and Mongolian herb to treat hepatitis, pneumonia, and edema. This study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Meconopsis integrifolia ethanolic extract (MIE) in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and methods

The in vitro antioxidant property of MIE was investigated by employing various established systems. Rats with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury were used to assess the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effect of MIE in vivo. The level or activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TB) in the blood serum and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) in the liver and kidney of the rats were assayed using standard procedures.

Results

MIE exhibited strong antioxidant ability in vitro. In the rats with CCl₄-induced liver injury, the groups treated with MIE and silymarin showed significantly lower levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and TB. MIE demonstrated good antioxidant activities in both the liver and kidney of the rats in vivo.

Conclusions

MIE exhibits excellent hepatoprotective effects and antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo, supporting the traditional use of Meconopsis integrifolia in the treatment of hepatitis.     

Anti-hyperuricemic and nephroprotective effects of Modified Simiao Decoction in hyperuricemic mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Modified Simiao Decoction (MSD), based on clinical experience, has been used for decades and famous for its efficiency in treating hyperuricemic and gouty diseases.

Aim of the study

To investigate the effects of MSD on anti-hyperuricemic and nephroprotective effects are involved in potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mice.

Materials and methods

The effects of MSD were investigated in hyperuricemic mice induced by potassium oxonate. MSD were fed to hyperuricemic mice daily at a dose of 0.45, 0.90, 1.80 g/kg for 10 days, and allopurinol (5 mg/kg) was given as a positive control. Serum and urine levels of uric acid and creatinine, and fractional excretion of uric acid (FEUA) were determined by colorimetric method. Its nephroprotective effects were evaluated by determining a panel of oxidative stress markers after the intervention in hyperuricemic mice. Simultaneously, protein levels of urate transporter 1 (URAT1) and organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) in the kidney were analyzed by Western blotting.

Results

MSD could inhibit XOD activities in serum and liver, decrease levels of serum uric acid, serum creatinine and BUN, and increased levels of urine uric acid, urine creatinine, FEUA dose-dependently through down-regulation of URAT1 and up-regulation of OAT1 protein expressions in the renal tissue of hyperuricemic mice. It also effectively reversed oxonate-induced alterations on renal MDA levels and SOD activities in this model.

Conclusion

MSD processes uricosuric and nephroprotective actions by regulating renal urate transporters and enhancing antioxidant enzymes activities to improve renal dysfunction in hyperuricemic mice.     

Hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extracts of bark of Zanthoxylum armatum DC in CCl4 induced hepatic damage in rats

Aim of the study

Zanthoxylum armatum DC is described as a hepatoprotective in Ayurveda, the Indian system of medicine. However, there is no scientific basis or reports in the modern literature regarding its usefulness as a hepatoprotective agent. The present study was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of bark of Zanthoxylum armatum DC in CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats.

Materials and methods

Ethanolic extracts at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg were administered orally once daily for 7 days. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using various biochemical parameters like alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, serum bilirubin, total protein and serum antioxidant enzymes along with histopathological studies of liver tissue.

Results

The substantially elevated serum enzymatic levels of serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin were significantly restored towards normalization by the extracts. Bark extracts significantly increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione. Phytochemical analysis revealed presence of isoquinoline alkaloid, berberine, as well as flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which have been known for their hepatoprotective activities.

Conclusions

Zanthoxylum armatum DC possesses significant protective effect against hepatotoxicity induced by CCl₄ which may be attributed to the individual or combined action of phytoconstituents present in it.     

Production of Th1- and Th2-dependent cytokines induced by the Chinese medicine herb, Rhodiola algida, on human peripheral blood monocytes

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Rhodiola algida, an herb ingredient used in Chinese medicine, has been clinically proven to be effective in enhancing human immune responses.

Aim of study

This study attempted to identify the potential immunomodulatory effect of Rhodiola algida extract in human immune system in vitro, and to examine its underlying molecular effects.

Materials and methods

Firstly, the bioactive marker compound salidroside was used for standardization of Rhodiola algida extract by reversed-phase HPLC. Secondly, the regulation of human immune responses was investigated in human peripheral blood monocytes. A series of cytokines known to play important roles in the human immune responses were examined.

Results

The current study provided quantitative assay for the marker compound, salidroside, in the Rhodiola algida extract for ensuring the quality consistency of Rhodiola algida used in the following experiments. Biological assay indicated that Rhodiola algida stimulates human peripheral blood lymphocytes and its underlying immunomodulatory effects probably through its regulation of IL-2 in Th1 cells and IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 in Th2 cells.

Conclusion

The findings may enable us to further explain the pharmacological properties in Chinese medicine and make Rhodiola algida a very promising immunomodulating agent.     

Antiurolithic effect of Bergenia ligulata rhizome: An explanation of the underlying mechanisms

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Bergenia ligulata is widely used plant in South Asia, mainly India and Pakistan, as a traditional medicine for treatment of urolithiasis.

Aim of the study

To rationalize the Bergenia ligulata use in kidney stones and to explain the underlying mechanisms.

Materials and methods

The crude aqueous-methanolic extract of Bergenia ligulata rhizome (BLR) was studied using in vitro and in vivo methods.

Results

BLR inhibited calcium oxalate (CaC₂O₄) crystal aggregation as well as crystal formation in the metastable solutions and exhibited antioxidant effect against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical and lipid peroxidation in the in vitro. BLR caused diuresis in rats accompanied by a saluretic effect. In an animal model of urolithiasis, developed in male Wistar rats by adding 0.75% ethylene glycol (EG) in drinking water, BLR (5–10 mg/kg) prevented CaC₂O₄ crystal deposition in the renal tubules. The lithogenic treatment caused polyuria, weight loss, impairment of renal function and oxidative stress, manifested as increased malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl contents, depleted reduced glutathione and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities of the kidneys, which were prevented by BLR. Unlike the untreated animals, EG intake did not cause excessive hyperoxaluria and hypocalciuria in BLR treated groups and there was a significant increase in the urinary Mg²⁺, instead of a slight decrease.

Conclusions

These data indicate the antiurolithic activity in Bergenia ligulata mediated possibly through CaC₂O₄ crystal inhibition, diuretic, hypermagneseuric and antioxidant effects and this study rationalizes its medicinal use in urolithiasis.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Phaseolus trilobus,Ait on bile duct ligation induced liver fibrosis in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Phaseolus trilobus Ait (Fabaceae) is extensively used by tribal people of Nandurbar district (Maharashtra, India) in the treatment of Jaundice and other liver disorders.

Aim

of the present study was to assess the medicinal claim of Phaseolus trilobus as hepatoprotective and antioxidant.

Material and methods

The hepatoprotective activity of methanol and aqueous extract of Phaseolus trilobus was evaluated by bile duct ligation induced liver fibrosis and antioxidant activity was evaluated using in vitro and in vivo antioxidant models viz anti-lipid peroxidation assay, super oxide radical scavenging assay and glutathione estimation in liver. Liver function tests were carried out to detect hepatoprotective activity, which was further supported by histopathological examination.

Results

Methanol and aqueous extracts of Phaseolus trilobus reduced elevated level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bilirubin and hydroxyproline significantly (p < 0.01) in bile duct ligated Wistar rats, proving hepatoprotective activity comparable with Silymarin. Both the extracts were found to reduce the elevated levels of serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and elevate superoxide scavenging radical activity proving antioxidant activity comparable with ascorbic acid. The reduced level of glutathione was found to be elevated in liver proving antioxidant activity comparable with Silymarin.

Conclusion

Phaseolus trilobus posses hepatoprotective property and is effective in oxidative stress induced cholestatic hepatic injury.     

Antidiarrheal and antioxidant activities of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) decoction extract in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Matricaria recutita L. (Chamomile) has been widely used in the Tunisian traditional medicine for the treatment of digestive system disorders. The present work aims to investigate the protective effects of chamomile decoction extract (CDE) against castor oil-induced diarrhea and oxidative stress in rats.

Methods

The antidiarrheal activity was evaluated using castor oil-induced diarrhea method. In this respect, rats were divided into six groups: Control, Castor oil, Castor oil+Loperamide (LOP) and Castor oil+various doses of CDE. Animals were per orally (p.o.) pre-treated with CDE during 1 h and intoxicated for 2 or 4 h by acute oral administration of castor oil.

Results

Our results showed that CDE produced a significant dose-dependent protection against castor oil-induced diarrhea and intestinal fluid accumulation. On the other hand, we showed that diarrhea was accompagned by an oxidative stress status assessed by an increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) level and depletion of antioxidant enzyme activities as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Castor oil also increased gastric and intestinal mucosa hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and free iron levels. Importantly, we showed that chamomile pre-treatment abrogated all these biochemical alterations.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that chamomile extract had a potent antidiarrheal and antioxidant properties in rats confirming their use in traditional medicine.     

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.     

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of Fagonia schweinfurthii (Hadidi) Hadidi extract in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in HepG2 cell line and rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The whole plant of Fagonia schweinfurthii (Hadidi) Hadidi (Family: Zygophyllaceae) is used in variety of diseases including hepatic ailments in deserts and dry areas of India.

Aim of the study

To evaluate antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract from Fagonia schweinfurthii (Hadidi) Hadidi (FSEE) in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatotoxicity in HepG2 cell line and rats.

Materials and methods

In vitro antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH, ABTS radicals and hydrogen peroxide methods. In vitro cytotoxicity and hepatoprotective potential of FSEE were evaluated using HepG2 cells. Based on the cytotoxicity assay, FSEE (50, 100, 200 µg/ml) was assessed for hepatoprotective potential against CCl₄ induced toxicity in HepG2 cell line by monitoring cell viability, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione level (GSH). Further, in vivo hepatoprotective activity of FSEE was evaluated against CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar albino rats. Rats were pre-treated with FSEE (200 mg, 400 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ p.o.) for 7 days followed by a single dose of CCl₄ (1.0 ml/kg, i.p.) on 8th day. Silymarin was used as positive control. After 24 h of CCl₄ administration, various biochemical parameters like aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB) and total protein (TP) levels were estimated in serum. The antioxidant parameters like superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT) activity, glutathione (GSH) content and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the liver homogenate were determined. Histopathological changes in the liver of different groups were also studied.

Results

The FSEE possessed strong antioxidant activity in vitro. The results indicated that CCl₄ treatment caused a significant decrease in cell viability. The CCl₄-induced changes in the HepG2 cells were significantly ameliorated by treatment of the FSEE. FSEE significantly prevented CCl₄ induced elevation of AST, ALT, ALP, TB, and CCl₄ induced decrease in total protein in rats. FSEE treated rat liver anti-oxidant parameters (SOD, CAT, MDA and GSH,) were significantly antagonized for the pro-oxidant effect of CCl₄. Histopathological studies also supported the protective effect of FSEE.

Conclusion

The results of this study revealed that FSEE has significant hepatoprotective activity. This effect may be due to the ability of the extract to inhibit lipid peroxidation and increase in the anti-oxidant enzymatic activity.     

Cholesterol-reducer,antioxidant and liver protective effects of Thymbra spicata L. var. spicata

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Thymbra spicata is a member of the Lamiaceae family; leaves of this plant have recently gained much popularity as a remedy to combat hypercholesterolaemia.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the antihypercholesterolaemic, antioxidant and anti-steatohepatitic activities of the diethyl ether (DEE), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and remaining aqueous (RA) extracts from Thymbra spicata var. spicata in mice.

Materials and methods

In this study, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate and remaining aqueous extracts of Thymbra spicata L. var. spicata P.H.Davis (Lamiaceae) were evaluated for the effects on the plasma total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG) and glucose; blood malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH); erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity (CAT) in mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD).

Results

The HFD induced an increase in plasma TC, TG, LDL, MDA concentrations compared to control group. However, administration of DEE with HFD reduced TC, LDL, TG and MDA concentrations, while increased HDL concentration, as well as GSH, SOD and CAT activities compared to HFD. The other extract from the plant was RA, which also showed a similar activity profile with DEE except CAT. On the other hand, administration of EtOAc extract with HFD decreased plasma TC, TG and MDA, while GSH concentration was increased. Histopathologically, best liver conditions were observed in DEE and lesser in RA extracts. Based on the results obtained in this investigation it is suggested that the DEE and partially RA extracts of Thymbra spicata var. spicata displayed significant antihypercholesterolaemic, antioxidant and anti-steatohepatitic activities. HPLC analysis of the DEE extract of Thymbra spicata var. spicata revealed the presence of carvacrol (44.13%).

Conclusion

The observed cholesterol-reducer, antioxidant and liver protective effects of the DEE and partially of RA extracts of Thymbra spicata which contain mainly carvacrol indicates that these extracts possess some potential medicinal value and explain their ethnomedical use.     

Rheum australe D. Don: a review of its botany, ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Rheum australe D. Don (Polygonaceae) has been commonly used in traditional medicine for a wide range of ailments related to the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, respiratory and skeletal systems as well as to infectious diseases.

Aim of the review

To provide the up-to-date information that is available on the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Rheum australe. Additionally, to highlight the possible uses of this species to treat different diseases and to provide a basis for future research.

Materials and methods

The present review covers the literature available from 1980 to 2011. The information was collected from scientific journals, books, theses and reports via a library and electronic search (Google Scholar, Web of Science and ScienceDirect).

Results

Ethnomedical uses of Rheum australe have been recorded from China, India, Nepal and Pakistan for 57 different types of ailments. The phytochemical studies have shown the presence of many secondary metabolites belonging to anthraquinones, stilbenes, anthrones, oxantrone ethers and esters, chromones, flavonoids, carbohydrate, lignans, phenols and sterols. Crude extracts and isolated compounds from Rheum australe show a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities, such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, hepatoprotective and immune-enhancing activities, as well as a usefulness for improving renal function.

Conclusion

Rheum australe has been widely used source of medicine for years without any adverse effects. Many studies have provided evidence for various traditional uses. However, there is a need for additional studies of the isolated compounds to validate the traditional uses in human models. The present review on the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and toxicity has provided preliminary information for further studies and commercial exploitations of the plant.     

Hepatoprotective action of Orthosiphon diffusus (Benth.) methanol active fraction through antioxidant mechanisms: An in vivo and in vitro evaluation

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Preparations of Orthosiphon diffusus (Benth.) have been used by folk medicinal practitioners in the Western Ghats of India for treating inflammation, hepatitis and jaundice for many years and their effectiveness is widely acclaimed among the tribal communities.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the mechanisms behind the antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of Orthosiphon diffusus methanol active fraction (MAF) using in vivo (rat) and in vitro (cell culture) models.

Materials and methods

Neutralization of CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity by MAF was evaluated in rats. Towards this, serum levels of hepatic injury markers (lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase), antioxidant enzymes in the liver homogenates, and histological examination were performed. In in vitro studies, mechanisms of neutralization of H₂O₂-induced toxicity by MAF using MTT, Comet assay and up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes at genetic level (RT-PCR) was performed in HepG2 cells.

Results

Rats pre-treated with Orthosiphon diffusus MAF demonstrated significantly reduced levels of serum LDH (1.3-fold, p<0.05) and ALP (1.6-fold, p<0.05). Similarly, multiple dose MAF administration demonstrated significantly enhanced levels (p<0.05) of antioxidant enzymes in the liver homogenates. Histological analysis revealed complete neutralization of CCl₄-induced liver injury by the extract. The in vitro studies demonstrated that, pre-treatment of MAF effectively prevented H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress, genotoxicity and significantly enhanced (~6-fold, p<0.01) expression of genes for antioxidant enzymes.

Conclusions

Orthosiphon diffusus MAF demonstrated significant hepatoprotection against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity by antioxidant mechanisms comparable to silymarin. H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress was completely neutralized by MAF through enhanced expression of genes for antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, this study validates the use of Orthosiphon diffusus by folk medicinal practitioners in India. Further, MAF of Orthosiphon diffusus can serve as a strong candidate for the development of herbal hepatoprotective agents.     

Effect of Rhizoma Polygonati on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-acetate-induced ear edema in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Rhizoma Polygonati is originated from the dried rhizomes of Polygonatum sibircum Red. It has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Aim of the study

The present study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extract of Rhizoma Polygonati (ERP) in a mouse model of inflammation induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-acetate (TPA).

Materials and methods

The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by measuring the ear thickness and activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO). The anti-inflammatory mechanism was explored by determining the protein and mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6.

Results

The results showed that ERP significantly decreased the ear thickness and MPO activity in mouse model of inflammation induced by TPA. In addition, ERP also remarkably inhibited the protein and mRNA levels of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.

Conclusions

These results indicate that ERP has potential anti-inflammatory effect on TPA-induced inflammatory in mice, and the anti-inflammatory effect may be mediated, at least in part, by inhibiting the mRNA expression of a panel of inflammatory mediators including iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.     

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Costus afer Ker Gawl. hexane leaf fraction in arthritic rat models

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Costus afer Ker Gawl is an indigenous tropical African medicinal plant used as therapy in the treatment of inflammatory ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis. This study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the hexane fraction of C. afer leaves (CAHLF).

Materials and methods

The anti-inflammatory effect of varying doses of CAHLF on carrageenan, arachidonic acid, and formaldehyde induced arthritis in male albino rats? models were investigated in order to study the acute inflammatory phase. Complete Freund?s Adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis model was used to study the chronic inflammatory phase. Two known anti-inflammatory drugs, Diclofenac sodium (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug [NSAID]) and prednisolone (glucocorticoid [steroidal drug]) were used as standards for comparison. Various biochemical indices viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB), total protein (TP), globulin and albumin levels were assayed using spectrophotometric methods.

Results

Control animals in which arthritis have been induced using carrageenan, arachidonic acid, formaldehyde or CFA showed significant increases (P<0.05) in paw edema when compared with normal animals. Treatment of the arthritis induced rats with CAHLF significantly (P<0.05) suppressed the edema. in vivo antioxidant study showed that CAHLF treated animals had a significantly (P<0.05) elevated GSH level, SOD, CAT and GST activities while MDA levels were significantly (P<0.05) reduced in the plasma, liver, kidney and brain. CAHLF treated rats had a significantly (P<0.05) reduced plasma AST, ALT and ALP. Plasma TP, globulin, TB levels were reduced while albumin levels were elevated in CAHLF treated animals.

Conclusions

CAHLF possesses substantial anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities against inflammatory diseases especially arthritis. It could be considered as a choice candidate in pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory drug development.     

Action mechanism of Zuo Gui Yin Decoction's promotion on estradiol production in rats during the peri-menopausal period

Aim of the study

Although Zuo Gui Yin Decoction has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat menopausal symptoms, the underlying mechanism(s) by which these effects are induced remains to be defined. The aim of this study was to investigate the action mechanism of Zuo Gui Yin Decoction on estradiol production in the rat ovary during peri-menopause.

Materials and methods

The peri-menopausal animal model was established by natural aging. Peri-menopausal rats were treated by intragastric administration (ig) with low (13.78 g kg⁻¹), middle (20.67 g kg⁻¹) or high (31 g kg⁻¹) dose of Zuo Gui Yin Decoction per day for 8 weeks. At the 8th weekend, the rats were sacrificed for sampling. Estradiol (E₂) levels in rats’ serum were evaluated by radioimmunoassay (RIA). RT-PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were used to determine mRNA and protein expression of relevant genes.

Results

Medium- and high-dose of Zuo Gui Yin Decoction could significantly increase serum estradiol concentration, ovarian CYP19 mRNA levels, and P450_arom protein expression in rats during peri-menopause. Zuo Gui Yin Decoction at three different dosages all could promote FSHR expression and the effect of low-dose was the greatest. Zuo Gui Yin Decoction could elevate LRH-1 and ER_α expression in a dose dependent manner.

Conclusions

Taken collectively, these findings suggest that Zuo Gui Yin Decoction could promote estradiol production in rat serum during peri-menopausal period through ovarian ER_α → LRH-1 → CYP19 pathway as well as the ovarian classical FSHR → CYP19 mechanism.     

The protective effects of Acanthopanax senticosus Harms aqueous extracts against oxidative stress: Role of Nrf2 and antioxidant enzymes

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr.et Maxim.) Harms, classified into the family of Araliaceae, is used in a variety of diseases in traditional Chinese system of medicine including hypertension, ischemic heart disease and hepatitis.

Materials and methods

Different doses (75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) of aqueous extracts of Acanthopanax senticosus Harms were evaluated for the antioxidant activity against oxidative stress in mice induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) through observating histopathology of the liver and detecting antioxidant enzyme activity, concentration of antioxidant, and related gene and protein expression.

Results

Acanthopanax senticosus Harms aqueous extracts (ASE) attenuated the morphological injury of liver induced by t-BHP and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the ratio of GSH/GSSG in serum and liver homogenates. Medium and high doses of ASE also elevated the gene expression of NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), but not CuZnSOD, MnSOD, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and GCLC. Protein expression results showed that Nrf2 and the antioxidant enzymes were all increased significantly by medium and high doses of ASE.

Conclusion

The present results indicated that ASE protect against oxidative stress which may be generated via the induction of Nrf2 and related antioxidant enzymes.     

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.