人参Rb组皂苷对高脂血症大鼠血脂代谢的影响及其抗氧化作用

目的 :观察人参Rb组皂苷 (G-Rb)对实验性高脂血症大鼠血清总胆固醇、脂蛋白 胆固醇代谢的影响及其抗氧化作用。方法 :G-Rb按 50 ,100 ,200mg·kg^-1给大鼠连续灌胃 12d ,测血清总胆固醇、脂蛋白 胆固醇及过氧化脂质 (LPO)含量 ,血浆前列环素 (PGI₂ )和血栓烷A₂ (TXA₂ )水平 ,血清和肝脏超氧化物歧化酶 (SOD)活性及全血黏度 ,并观察肝脏脂肪沉积情况。结果 :G-Rb 100 ,200mg·kg^-1能明显降低甘油三脂 (TG) ,总胆固醇 (TC) ,低密度脂蛋白胆固醇 (LDL-c) ,TXA₂ ,LPO含量及全血黏度 ,并能明显提高实验性高脂血症大鼠高密度脂蛋白胆固醇 (HDL-c) ,PGI₂ 含量及SOD活性 ,亦能使TC/HDL-c及LDL-c/HDL-c比值明显降低 ,PGI₂ /TXA₂ 比值明显升高。病理检查可见肝脏脂肪沉积明显减轻。其作用明显优于洛伐他汀。结论 :G-Rb可能通过调节体内血脂代谢、提高PGI₂ /TXA₂ 比值及纠正自由基代谢紊乱发挥抗动脉硬化作用。     

Cortex Lycii Radicis extracts improve insulin resistance and lipid metabolism in obese‐diabetic rats

Here we evaluate the effects of ethanol and aqueous extracts from Cortex Lycii Radicis (CLR) on insulin resistance and lipid metabolism in obese‐diabetic rats, which were induced by high fat feeding for 3 weeks after injection with streptozotocin (STZ). Diabetic rats treated with ethanol or aqueous extracts of CLR at 15 and 30 g/kg dosage for 7 weeks, had decreased body weights, concentration of serum glucose, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), while the insulin‐sensitivity index (ISI) improved significantly compared with the control group. In addition, high contents of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and low adiponectin level were observed in the control group and levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in CLR groups showed obvious differences with the control group. Histopathologic examination also showed degrees of hepatocyte edema although hepatocyte ballooning degeneration was lessened in all CLR groups. Overall, ethanol extract from CLR seemed to be more effective than aqueous extracts in improving insulin resistance, resulted in elevating insulin sensitivity, adjusting glucose and lipid metabolism, correcting cytokines levels and ameliorating liver function, especially protecting the liver against lipoid degeneration. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Scopoletin Supplementation Ameliorates Steatosis and Inflammation in Diabetic Mice

Scopoletin is a bioactive component in many edible plants and fruits. This study investigated the effects of scopoletin on hepatic steatosis and inflammation in a high‐fat diet fed type 1 diabetic mice by comparison with metformin. Scopoletin (0.01%, w/w) or metformin (0.5%, w/w) was provided with a high‐fat diet to streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice for 11 weeks. Both scopoletin and metformin lowered blood glucose and HbA_1c, serum ALT, TNF‐α and IL‐6 levels, glucose intolerance, and hepatic lipid accumulation compared with the diabetic control group. Scopoletin or metformin down‐regulated hepatic gene expression of triglyceride (Pparg, Plpp2, and Dgat2) and cholesterol (Hmgcr) synthesis as well as inflammation (Tlr4, Myd88, Nfkb1, Tnfa, and Il6), while it up‐regulated Cyp7a1 gene. Hepatic PPARγ and DGAT2 protein levels were also down‐regulated in scopoletin or metformin group compared with the control group. Scopoletin or metformin also inhibited hepatic fatty acid synthase and phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activities. These results suggest that scopoletin protects against diabetes‐induced steatosis and inflammation by inhibiting lipid biosynthesis and TLR4‐MyD88 pathways. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effects of hypoglycemia and weight loss of total lignans from Fructus Arctii in KKAy mice and its mechanisms of the activity

Fructus Arctii (great burdock achene) is the dried ripe fruit of Arctium lappa L. (family Asteraceae) and is included in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. It has been reported that the clinical use of Fructus Arctii resulted in a satisfactory hypoglycemic effect in diabetic patients. This study aimed to investigate antidiabetic activity and mechanism of total lignans from Fructus Arctii (TLFA) in KKAy mice, a spontaneous Type 2 diabetic rodent model that exhibits marked obesity. In this study, KKAy mice were gavaged once daily with solvents (0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose), TLFA (250 and 125 mg/kg), or metformin (200 mg/kg) for 11 weeks, and C57BL/6J mice treated with saline solution (0.9%, w/v) were used as normal control. The results indicate that TLFA has dual effects of hypoglycemia and weight loss, and administration of TLFA in KKAy mice could decrease fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and body weight; improve oral glucose tolerance; increase high density lipoprotein cholesterol; and decrease triglycerides and free fatty acid in mice serum. Its efficacy may associate with multiple mechanisms of action such as stimulation of insulin secretion, activation of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase B, and adenosine‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway, decreasing leptin.     

威灵仙提取物对糖尿病肾病大鼠的作用

目的:研究威灵仙提取物对糖尿病肾病大鼠模型的治疗作用。方法:SD大鼠,随机分为正常组,模型组,卡托普利组(10 mg·kg-1),威灵仙提取物高、低剂量组(500,250 mg·kg-1),除正常组外,其余各组大鼠ip链脲佐菌素(STZ)制备成糖尿病大鼠模型,ig给药,1次/d,连续给药12周,观察威灵仙提取物对大鼠肾功能尿素氮(BUN),血清肌酸酐(SCr),肌酸酐清除率(CCr),尿白蛋白,尿白蛋白排泄率(UAER),肾肥大指数指标,空腹血糖(FBG),血脂甘油三酯(TG),总胆固醇(TC)和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C),高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)和氧化指标白细胞介素-6(IL-6),丙二醛(MDA),超氧化物歧化酶(SOD),谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)的影响,以及肾组织病理形态学的变化。结果:与正常组比较,模型组大鼠血清BUN,SCr,CCr,IL-6,尿白蛋白,UAER,肾肥大指数和FBG的水平明显升高,TG,TC和LDL-C的水平明显升高,HDL-C的水平明显降低,肾脏MDA含量明显升高,SOD和GSH-Px的水平明显降低,均具有明显统计学差异(P0.05,P0.01),病理组织显示肾小球基膜和肾小管增厚和膨胀;与模型组比较,威灵仙提取物明显降低糖尿病模型大鼠血清BUN,SCr,CCr,IL-6,尿白蛋白,UAER,肾肥大指数和FBG的水平(P0.05),降低TG,TC和LDL-C的水平(P0.05),升高HDL-C的水平(P0.05),降低肾脏MDA的含量(P0.05),升高SOD和GSH-Px的水平(P0.05),同时显著减轻了糖尿病大鼠肾小球基膜和肾小管增厚和膨胀的程度。结论:威灵仙提取物对糖尿病肾病引起的肾损伤有显著的抑制作用。     

Antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of oleanolic acid from Ligustrum lucidum Ait in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats

The present study evaluated the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of oleanolic acid (OA) from Ligustrum lucidum Ait (LLA) in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats. OA in the alloxan‐induced diabetic rats showed significant hypoglycemic activity by lowering blood glucose (at doses of 60 and 100 mg/kg for 40 days). The levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c) in the OA‐treated diabetic rats were lower, and the high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c) level was higher than in the control diabetic rats. A significant reduction in the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels of diabetic rats following OA treatment was also observed. Furthermore, OA treatment decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) level, but increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐px) activities of the liver and kidney in diabetic rats. These results indicate that OA could protect the liver function avoiding alloxan‐induced damage; OA had hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant efficacy in the diabetic rats. The antioxidant ability of OA might be one of the mechanisms of its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of Croton cajucara Extract on Serum Lipids of Rats Fed A High Fat Diet

The antihyperlipidaemic property of a hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the leaves of Croton cajucara Benth. (Euphorbiaceae) was studied in rats fed a high fat diet. Ten weeks following daily oral administration of plant extract (200 mg/kg), significant reductions in the serum total cholesterol (Tc), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels were observed without much change in serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and triglycerides. The data also showed a significant elevation in the HDL-c/Tc ratio in plant extract treated rats compared with the control group. The atherogenic index was significantly decreased by extract treatment. These beneficial effects and the absence of acute toxicity in C. cajucara extract may be of significance in the treatment of atherosclerosis.     

Effects of Portulaca oleracea L. seeds in treatment of type-2 diabetes mellitus patients as adjunctive and alternative therapy

Ethnpharmacological relevance: To investigate antidiabetic activity of purslane seeds on type-2 diabetic subjects and to provide scientific basis for the clinical use of Portulaca oleracea (PO).

Materials and methods

A thirty subject with type-2 diabetes divided into two groups, to receive 5 g of PO seeds twice daily while in the second group, their participants receive 1500 mg of metformin/day. All participants were requested to report the effects of treatments on diabetic manifestations, their weights, body mass index (BMI), adverse effects, fasting and post-prandial blood glucose during treatment schedule. Blood samples from participants before and after treatment were taken for serum separation, which are used for measurement of serum lipids, liver enzymes, total and direct bilirubin, albumin, and insulin.

Results

It showed a significant decrease in serum levels of triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol (T_C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL_C), liver alanine-, aspartate- and gamma glutamyl transaminase (ALT, AST, and GGT), total and direct bilirubin, fasting and post-prandial blood glucose, insulin, body weight and BMI while a significant increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL_C) and albumin but non-significant change of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in PO seeds treated subjects. Metformin (M) group has the same results of PO group except in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL_C), LDL_C, and ALP levels had a different pattern.

Conclusions

PO seeds could be effective and safe as adjuvant therapy for Type-2 diabetic subjects. These results demonstrated that PO seeds possessed notable hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic and insulin resistance reducer effects; possibly due to its contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides.     

Beneficial effects of swertiamarin on dyslipidaemia in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats

Dyslipidaemia is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease in diabetes mellitus. Lipid changes associated with diabetes mellitus are attributed to increases in free fatty acid flux, secondary to insulin resistance. In the present study, we have investigated the beneficial effects of swertiamarin on dyslipidaemic conditions associated with type 2 diabetes in streptozotocin‐induced type 2 diabetic rats. Swertiamarin (50 mg/kg, i.p.) administered once a day for 6 weeks resulted in significant (p < 0.001) reductions in serum triglycerides, cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein levels in diabetic animals as compared with diabetic control animals. Serum fasting glucose was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased, moreover, the insulin sensitivity index was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in swertiamarin treated animals. Overall the data suggest that swertiamarin has beneficial effects on diabetic associated complications such as dyslipidaemia. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

斜生褐孔菌菌质对链脲佐菌素诱导的2型糖尿病大鼠的影响

目的 研究人工发酵的斜生褐孔菌菌质对链脲佐菌素(STZ)致2型糖尿病大鼠的影响,并与野生斜生褐孔菌菌核进行比较.方法 高糖、高脂饲料饲养SD大鼠6周,单次ip给予STZ 35 mg/kg制备2型糖尿病模型.将模型大鼠随机分成模型组、斜生褐孔菌菌质(菌质)1 g/kg组、野生斜生褐孔菌菌核(菌核)1 g/kg组和盐酸二甲双胍(0.2 g/kg)阳性对照组.连续ig给药10周后,检测各组大鼠体质量以及空腹血糖、胰岛素、糖化血红蛋白(HbA1c)、血清游离脂肪酸(FFA)、总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、高密度脂蛋白-胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白-胆固醇(LDL-C)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)等水平,并进行口服葡萄糖耐量实验(OGTT).结果 给药10周后,与模型组比较,菌质组和菌核组大鼠的体质量明显增加(P＜0.05),血糖明显降低(P＜0.05),血清FFA、TC、TG和MDA水平下降(P＜0.05),SOD、GSH-Px水平升高(P＜0.05);菌质组与菌核组的上述指标无显著差异.结论 斜生褐孔菌菌质能缓解STZ致2型糖尿病大鼠症状,具有降低血糖、调节血脂、改善氧化应激的作用,且作用强度与野生斜生褐孔菌菌核相当.     

柿树寄生总提取物对链脲佐菌素致小鼠糖尿病的保护作用及机制的影响

目的:观察柿树寄生总提取物对链脲佐菌素(STZ)所致小鼠糖尿病的影响。方法:制备柿树寄生总提取物;小鼠尾静脉注射STZ(120 mg·kg-1)建立糖尿病小鼠模型。糖尿病小鼠随机分为5组:柿树寄生总提取物高、中、低剂量(10,5,2.5 g·kg-1)组,模型组,二甲双胍组;另设10只正常小鼠作为空白组。各组小鼠均以连续给药14 d后,分别测定各小鼠空腹血糖(FBG),肝组织和血清中丙二醛(MDA)水平及超氧化物歧化酶(SOD),谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活力值,以及血脂代谢情况;并通过HE染色观察胰腺组织的病理学变化。结果:与模型组比较,柿树寄生总提取物对STZ所致糖尿病小鼠有明显降低血糖的作用,明显提高肝组织和血清的SOD,GSH-Px活力,降低MDA含量(P0.05);降低血清总胆固醇(TC),甘油三酯(TG),低密度脂蛋白(LDLC)水平和提高高密度脂蛋白(HDLC)含量(P0.05);改善胰腺组织病理学变化。结论:柿树寄生总提取物能明显降低STZ致小鼠糖尿病模型的血糖水平,增强机体的抗氧化能力以及改善血脂代谢异常情况。     

Effects of Supplementation with Curcuminoids on Dyslipidemia in Obese Patients: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Dyslipidemia is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is also a common feature of obesity. Curcumin is a bioactive phytochemical with well‐known antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. The present study investigated the hypolipidemic activity of curcumin in obese individuals. Participants (n = 30) were treated with curcuminoids (1 g/day), or placebo in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, together with anthropometric parameters and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein were measured before and after each treatment period. Anthropometric parameters including weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, arm circumference, and body fat remained statistically unchanged by the end of trial (p > 0.05). As for the lipid profile parameters, serum triglycerides were significantly reduced following curcumin supplementation (p = 0.009). However, curcuminoids were not found to affect serum levels of total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (p > 0.05). In summary, the findings of the present study indicated that curcuminoid supplementation (1 g/day for 30 days) leads to a significant reduction in serum triglycerides concentrations but do not have a significant influence on other lipid profile parameters as well as body mass index and body fat. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of Supplementation with Heracleum persicum Fruit Extract on Serum Lipids in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography: A Pilot Trial

Heracleum persicum Desf. Ex Fischer (Apiaceae) is a native medicinal plant in the Iranian traditional medicine and also a safe and common dietary spice. The present pilot study aimed to investigate the impact of supplementation with H. persicum fruits on serum lipid concentrations in a group of patients with minimal coronary artery disease. Subjects who were diagnosed with <50% luminal narrowing in any of the major coronary arteries in coronary angiography were recruited for this trial and were randomized to receive either H. persicum hydroalcoholic fruit extract (n = 15; 300 mg/day) or placebo (n = 12) for a period of 6 months. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured at baseline and at the end of study. No significant difference in concentrations of total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was observed between H. persicum extract and placebo groups (p > 0.05). However, serum triglycerides levels were reduced after H. persicum extract supplementation in a borderline significant manner (p = 0.063). Short‐term supplementation with H. persicum fruit extract might be used as an adjunctive treatment for patients with hypertriglyceridemia. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Anti‐Diabetic Properties of Rice‐Based Herbal Porridges in Diabetic Wistar Rats

The present study aims to investigate anti‐hyperglycaemic, anti‐hyperlipidaemic and toxic effects of long‐term consumption of selected green leafy porridges in a streptozotocin‐induced diabetic Wistar rat model. Porridges made with Asparagus racemosus Willd. (AR), Hemidesmus indicus (L) R. Br. W. T. Aiton (HI), Scoparia dulcis L. (SD) and coconut milk porridge (CM) were incorporated into diets of diabetic Wistar rats. Diabetic control (DM) and normal control groups (NC) were provided with standard rat diet. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA_1c, C reactive protein (CRP), total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), liver enzymes and creatinine were measured. Feed and water intake among diabetic groups were significantly high when compared with those of NC (p < 0.05). All rats in SD (mean = 39 ± 19 g) and NC (mean = 114 ± 7 g) groups gained weight, whereas most rats in other diabetic groups lost weight. Among the diabetic groups, SD group had the lowest mean FBG, FBG increment percentage (45%) and HbA_1c (5.8 ± 2.1). FBG increment percentage and HbA_1c of SD group were not significantly different to those of NC (38%; 4.7 ± 0.7) (p > 0.05). Among the diabetic groups, lowest TC (119 ± 20.6 mg/dL) and highest HDL‐C (33 ± 6.3 mg/dL) were also detected in SD group. Alanine transaminase and creatinine were not significantly different (p > 0.05) among diabetic groups but significant when compared with those of NC. When compared with those of NC, aspartate transaminase levels were significantly (p < 0.05) high in SD, CM and DM groups. Body weight : liver weight and body weight : pancreas weight ratios and CRP were not significantly different among all groups. The study proved that SD porridge reduced weight loss, elicited hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic properties, and caused no toxicity in diabetes‐induced Wistar rats. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Murraya paniculata (L.) (Orange Jasmine): Potential Nutraceuticals with Ameliorative Effect in Alloxan‐Induced Diabetic Rats

Orange jasmine, Murraya paniculata (Rutaceae), is a plant from India widely used in folk medicine as antinociceptive, antiinflammatory, and antioxidant. Although oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin are the mainstays of treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM), there is a significant demand for new natural products to reduce the development of diabetic complications. Alloxan‐induced diabetic rats were treated for 60 days with a hydroalcoholic extract of M. paniculata (MPE), at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. MPE decreased glycemia and also cholesterol and triglyceride levels, starting 1 week after treatments, as compared with the same group before treatments. Glucose values were reduced toward normality after 1 week of treatment. MPE hypoglycemic effects were potentiated by glibenclamide and metformin. MPE also decreased fructosamine and glycated hemoglobin values. MPE reduced diabetes‐induced morphological alterations of the kidney, pancreas, and liver. MPE acts similarly to glibenclamide and metformin, and its glucose‐lowering action is partly a consequence of ATP‐sensitive K⁺ channel inhibition. MPE may be a potential therapeutic alternative for the treatment of diabetes and its complications. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antidyslipidemic Activity of Hot‐water Extracts from Leaves of Cinnamomum osmophloeum Kaneh

The antidyslipidemic activity of hot‐water extracts of Cinnamomum osmophloeum leaves (COE) were evaluated on hamsters fed a high‐fat diet. Oral administration of COE to hyperlipidemic hamsters reduced the total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL‐C) levels. Compared with hyperlipidemic hamsters, the plasma TC and TG levels of hamsters fed with COE at a dosage of 100 mg/kg body weight for 5 and 10 weeks were significantly reduced to 12.63% and 34.25%, and 33.88% and 36.88%, respectively. Plasma LDL‐C was also reduced to 27.77% after 10 weeks feeding with the same regimen. Standard diagnostic tests indicated that the extracts did not cause damage to hamster liver or kidneys. Based on these results, it is concluded that COE possesses antidyslipidemic activity. The composition of COE was characterized. Two main compounds, kaempferol 3‐O‐β‐d ‐apiofuranosyl‐(1 → 2)‐α‐l ‐arabinofuranosyl‐7‐O‐α‐l ‐rhamnopyranoside (1) and kaempferitrin (2) were identified in the hot‐water extracts. Their contents were 7.56% and 9.95%, respectively. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of fenugreek consumption on serum lipid profile: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Various studies have shown that Trigonella foenum‐graecum (fenugreek) supplementation has lipid‐lowering activity. This meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of fenugreek supplementation on human serum lipid profile. Data sources were PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Coherence library which were searched systematically from January 2000 up to December 2019. Inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trial (RCT) study design, at least one of lipid profile components (triglyceride [TG], total cholesterol [TC], low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol) levels measured before fenugreek use and one of the lipid components level reported as result. The pooled weighted mean difference (MD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated and pooled using a random‐effect model. Only articles published in English were considered. Fifteen RCTs involving 281 cases consumed fenugreek and 255 control cases in controlled group (11 articles) and 136 cases in uncontrolled group (4 articles) were analyzed in our study. Pooled data of indicated a significant impact of fenugreek supplementation on lowering TC (?1.13 [?1.88, ?0.37]; p = .003), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) (?1.26 [?2.09, ?0.43]; p = .003), and TG (?1.07 [?1.82, ?0.33]; p = 0.005) and increasing the high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) level (0.70 [0.07, 1.34]; p = .03) compared with the control group. There were no significant differences in TC, TG, and LDL between pre‐ and post‐fenugreek studies in the noncontrolled studies however, the result of combination of four studies without control group showed a significant increase in mean HDL (0.81 [0.33,1.29]; p‐value = .001). The results of subgroup analysis showed that the fenugreek reduced the TG and LDL and increases HDL levels in diabetic subjects more effectively. Fenugreek supplementation significantly improved lipid profile (LDL, TG, TC, and HDL). It could be considered as an effective lipid‐lowering medicinal plant. Further high‐quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the plant.     

Effects of Ilex latifolia and Camellia sinensis on Cholesterol and Circulating Immune Complexes in Rats Fed with a High‐Cholesterol Diet

Hypercholesterolaemia is one of the risk factors for atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular disease. Here, we investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Ilex latifolia or green tea (Camellia sinensis) on the levels of plasma total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and circulating immune complexes in Sprague Dawley rats fed with a high‐cholesterol diet. We demonstrated that daily administration by gavage of I. latifolia or C. sinensis at doses of 1.0 or 2.0 g/kg body weight for 30 days resulted in a significant decrease in plasma total cholesterol levels and circulating immune complexes and an increase in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in rats fed with a high‐cholesterol diet compared with levels in the high‐cholesterol diet control group. C. sinensis was more effective than I. latifolia. I. latifolia and C. sinensis could be used as food supplements to protect against the development of hypercholesterolaemia. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

扶肾降浊法对肾功能衰竭大鼠常规指标的影响

[目的]观察扶肾降浊法对慢性肾功能衰竭大鼠的治疗作用。[方法]采用5/6肾切除所致的慢性肾功能衰竭动物模型,对大鼠的尿蛋白变化、血清肌酐、尿素氮、血浆心钠素(ANP)、醛固酮(ALD)、血清胆固醇、甘油三酯、血清白蛋白、总蛋白、钙磷代谢情况、血红蛋白、血清T3、T4、血压等进行了观察。[结果]扶肾降浊法能明显降低尿蛋白定量(P<0.01),降低肌酐、尿素氮水平(P<0.01),改善肾功能,降低血浆ANP、ALD水平,降低血脂(P<0.01),改善CRF大鼠低蛋白血症(P<0.01),调节钙磷代谢失调(P<0.01),纠正CRF大鼠贫血状况(P<0.05),降低血清T3、T4水平(P<0.01),降低血压(P<0.01)。[结论]扶肾降浊法对慢性肾功能衰竭具有显著的临床疗效。     

Biochemical and Haematological Evaluation of Repeated Dose Exposure of Male Wistar Rats to an Ethanolic Extract of Artemisia annua

Artemisia annua is widely used for the treatment of malaria and other disorders. In a previous study, the artemisinin concentration in the dry leaves of A. annua grown under humid tropical conditions was determined to be 1.098% using reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. In the current study, biochemical and haematological evaluations of ethanolic leaf extracts derived from such plants (EAA) were carried out in 20 male Wistar rats. Rats were divided into four study groups of saline‐treated (control) and test groups exposed orally to graded doses of EAA for 28 days. The results showed that the liver function and haematological indices, and testosterone levels were not adversely affected. High density lipoprotein ‐cholesterol was reduced at 100 mg/kg of EAA, atherogenic index as well as low density lipoprotein ‐cholesterol was raised, and glucose concentration was reduced significantly at the 100 and 200 mg/kg of EAA (p < 0.05). In addition to serving as a possible antidiabetic agent, EAA may not predispose users to hepatotoxicity, haematotoxicity and testicular toxicity. However, due to the possible risk of atherosclerosis, we advise that the plant extract should be taken with caution in people with atherosclerotic condition. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.