Antidiarrheal Activity of the Aqueous Extract of Punica granatum. (Pomegranate) Peels

Abstract

The antidiarrheal effects of the aqueous extract of Punica granatum. L. (Punicaceae) peels were evaluated in rats. Studies were carried out on the isolated rat ileum, gastrointestinal motility in vivo., and on castor oil–induced diarrhea in rats. The results revealed that the extract exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of the spontaneous movement of the isolated rat ileum and attenuated acetylcholine-induced contractions. The extract (100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg) also caused a dose-dependent decrease of gastrointestinal transit and markedly protected rats against castor oil–induced diarrhea enteropooling. The intraperitoneal injection LD₅₀ of the extract was found to be 1321 ± 15 mg/kg in mice. A preliminary phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of Punica granatum. peels gave positive tests for tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The results obtained showed that the aqueous extract of Punica granatum. peels may contain some biologically active principles that may be active against diarrhea, and this may be the basis for its traditional use for gastrointestinal disorders.     

Evaluation of antihypertensive potential of Ficus carica fruit

Context: Ficus carica L. (Moraceae) fruit is said to possess cardiovascular activity and has been used empirically in traditional phytotherapies for the treatment of hypertension and various other cardiovascular diseases.

Objective: This study investigated the antihypertensive and cardioinhibitory activity of the aqueous-methanol extract of F. carica fruit in rats.

Materials and methods: Extract in 250, 500 and 1000?mg/kg doses (p.o.) were administered to normotensive Sprague Dawley rats and blood pressure was measured using non-invasive technique. Hypertension was induced in rats by oral administration of 10% glucose for 3 weeks. Hypotensive effect of extract (1000?mg/kg p.o) was studied in normotensive and glucose-treated hypertensive rats. Langendorff’s isolated heart technique was used to assess the effect of crude extract on force of contraction and heart rate. In addition, antioxidant potential, TPC, TFC were also assessed by DPPH free radical scavenging activity, Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and AlCl₃ assay, respectively. Furthermore, phenolic compounds were analyzed using HPLC-DAD technique.

Results and discussion: The 1000?mg/kg dose decreased blood pressure significantly in normotensive and glucose-treated hypertensive rats. The isolated heart study showed that the extract produced negative inotropic and chronotropic effects but it failed to block the stimulatory effect of both adrenaline and CaCl₂. HPLC studies on the F. carica extract indicated the presence of quercetin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, coumaric acid and chromotropic acid.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that aqueous methanol extract of F. carica fruit exerted hypotensive and antihypertensive effects in glucose-induced hypertensive rats.     

Antidiarrheal Activity of the Fruits of Vitex doniana. in Laboratory Animals

Abstract

The effect of different doses of the aqueous extract of Vitex doniana. Sweet (Verbenaceae) on acetylcholine and histamine-induced contractions on isolated guinea pig ileum was evaluated. The effect of the extract on intestinal peristalsis and castor oil–induced diarrhea in mice was also studied. The results showed that the extract possess a concentration-dependent inhibition of both acetylcholine and histamine-induced contractions. The extract (at doses of 150–650 mg/kg) also inhibited gastric peristalsis in mice fed charcoal meal and significantly protected mice against castor oil–induced diarrhea. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of anthraquinones, flavonoids, saponins, sterols, and tannins. The findings in this study indicate that the aqueous extract of V. doniana. fruits may contain some pharmacologically active components that perhaps will be useful as antidiarrheal agents. The findings have also validated the use of this plant in traditional cure of diarrhea.     

Antispasmodic and bronchorelaxant activities of Salsola imbricata are mediated through dual Ca+2 antagonistic and β-adrenergic agonistic effects

Context: Salsola imbricata Forssk. (Chenopodiaceae) has folkloric repute for the treatment of various gastrointestinal and respiratory ailments.

Objective: The present study investigates spasmolytic and bronchorelaxant effects of S. imbricata.

Materials and methods: The crude aqueous-ethanol extract of the aerial parts of S. imbricata and its fractions, in cumulative concentrations (0.01–10?mg/mL), were tested on contractions of isolated rabbit jejunum and tracheal preparations. Furthermore, concentration response curves (CRCs) of Ca⁺² and carbachol were constructed in the absence and presence of the extract. Standard organ bath methods were used.

Results: The crude extract relaxed spontaneous, K^+?(80?mM) and carbachol (1?μM)-induced contractions in jejunum preparations with respective EC₅₀ values of 0.40 (0.35–0.46), 0.69 (0.60–0.79) and 0.66 (0.57–0.75) mg/mL. It shifted Ca⁺² CRCs rightward in nonparallel manner. In isolated tracheal preparations, the crude extract caused relaxation of K^+?(80?mM) and carbachol (1?μM)-induced contractions with EC₅₀ values of 0.86 (0.75–0.98) and 0.74 (0.66–0.84) mg/mL, respectively. It displaced carbachol CRCs rightward with suppression of maximal response. In both tissues, pretreatment with propranolol (1?μM) caused rightward shift in inhibitory CRCs of the extract against carbachol-induced contractions. The ethyl acetate fraction was found more potent in relaxing smooth muscle contractions than the parent extract and its aqueous fraction.

Discussion and conclusion: The results suggest that the spasmolytic and bronchorelaxant activities of S. imbricata are related to Ca⁺² antagonistic and β-adrenergic agonistic effects, thus justifying some of the traditional uses of the plant.     

Relaxative effect of core licorice aqueous extract on mouse isolated uterine horns

Abstract

Context: Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most frequent gynecological disorders in young women. Chinese herbal medicine has the advantage in terms of multi-targeting efficacy, lower toxicity, as well as lower cost. Core licorice is the hard and atropurpureus heart part in root and rootstock of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch (Leguminosae), having a therapeutic effect on dysmenorrhea.

Objective: This experiment indicated the spasmolytic effect of core licorice aqueous extract (CLE) on spontaneous rhythmic contractions and spasmogen-provoked contractions of stilbestrol primed, estrogen-dominated, non-pregnant mouse isolated uterine horns and its spasmolytic mechanism.

Materials and methods: We investigated the spasmolytic effect of CLE (0.025–0.1?mg/mL) on spontaneous contractions and potassium chloride (KCl, 40?mM), acetylcholine (ACh, 5?μg/mL), carbachol (CCh, 5?μg/mL), oxytocin (OT, 2 U/L) or bradykinin (5?ng/mL)-provoked contractions of mouse isolated uterine horns. Contractions were recorded by tension force transducers using Biolap 420F software on a PC.

Results: Our present study showed that graded, escalated concentrations of CLE (0.025–0.1?mg/mL) significantly inhibited the amplitude of spontaneous phasic contractions (15.03–55.10%), as well as the contractions produced by KCl (40?mM; 20.16–53.99%), ACh (5?μg/mL; 14.65–48.32%), CCh (5?μg/mL; 38.40–76.70%), OT (2 U/L; 21.53–58.49%) or bradykinin (5?ng/mL; 58.01–79.44%) of the estrogen-dominated isolated mice uterine horn preparations in a concentration-related manner.

Discussion and conclusion: The spasmolytic effect of CLE observed in the present study lends pharmacological support to the traditional use of core licorice in the management, control and treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.     

Inhibitory effect of aqueous extract of different parts of unripe pawpaw (Carica papaya) fruit on Fe2+-induced oxidative stress in rat pancreas in vitro

Abstract

Context: Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) is widespread throughout tropical Africa; it is cultivated for its fruits and it is eaten in various ways.

Objective: This study sought to investigate the inhibitory effect of the aqueous extract of different parts of unripe pawpaw fruit on Fe²⁺-induced lipid peroxidation in rat’s pancreas in vitro.

Materials and methods: The aqueous extract of the unripe pawpaw fruit parts; peel (PG), seed (SG), flesh (FG), flesh with peel (FPG) and a combination of equal amount of all parts (CG) were prepared, the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activities of the extracts were then evaluated using various spectrophotometric methods.

Result: PG had the highest total phenol content (1.24?mg GAE/g), flavonoid content (0.63?mg QUE/g), reducing power (7.07?mg AAE/g) and Fe²⁺ chelating ability while the SG had the highest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging ability. Furthermore, all the extracts caused a significant decrease (p?<?0.05) in the malondialdehyde contents in the pancreas with SG (IC₅₀?=?4.25?mg/mL) having the highest inhibitory effect on Fe²⁺-induced lipid peroxidation.

Discussion and conclusion: This protective effect of the extracts on Fe²⁺-induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas could be attributed to their phenolic compounds and, the possible mechanism may be through their antioxidant activities. However, the effect of combination of different parts of unripe pawpaw fruit in equal amount (w/w) on the inhibition of Fe²-induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas exhibited additive properties.     

Vascular mechanisms underlying the hypotensive effect of Rumex acetosa

Context: Rumex acetosa L. (Polygonaceae) is well known in traditional medicine for its therapeutic efficacy as an antihypertensive.

Objective: The study investigates antihypertensive potential of crude methanol extract (Ra.Cr) and fractions of Rumex acetosa in normotensive and hypertensive rat models and probes the underlying vascular mechanisms.

Materials and methods: Ra.Cr and its fractions were tested in vivo on normotensive and hypertensive Sprague-Dawley rats under anaesthesia for blood pressure lowering effect. In vitro experiments on rat and Oryctolagus cuniculus rabbit aortae were employed to probe the underlying vasorelaxant mechanism.

Results: In normotensive rats under anaesthesia, Ra.Cr caused fall in MAP (40?mmHg) at 50?mg/kg with % fall of 27.88?±?4.55. Among the fractions tested, aqueous fraction was more potent at the dose of 50?mg/kg with % fall of 45.63?±?2.84. In hypertensive rats under similar conditions, extract and fractions showed antihypertensive effect at same doses while aqueous fraction being more potent, exhibited 68.53?±?4.45% fall in MAP (70?mmHg). In isolated rat aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine (PE), Ra.Cr and fractions induced endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, which was partially blocked in presence of l-NAME, indomethacin and atropine. In isolated rabbit aortic rings pre-contracted with PE and K⁺-(80?mM), Ra.Cr induced vasorelaxation and shifted Ca²⁺ concentration–response curves to the right and suppressed PE peak formation, similar to verapamil, in Ca²⁺-free medium.

Discussion and conclusions: The data indicate that l-NAME and atropine-sensitive endothelial-derived NO and COX enzyme inhibitors and Ca²⁺ entry blocking-mediated vasodilator effect of the extract explain its antihypertensive potential.     

Anti-inflammatory,anti-lipid peroxidative,antioxidant and membrane stabilizing activities of hydroalcoholic extract of Terminalia chebula fruits

Abstract

Context: Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. Terminalia chebula Retz. (Combretaceae) fruit is mentioned in Ayurveda as useful in treating arthritic disorders.

Objective: This work was undertaken to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-lipid peroxidative and membrane-stabilizing effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Terminalia chebula fruits and also to establish a possible association between them.

Materials and methods: In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of T. chebula fruit extract at different doses ranged from 50 to 500?mg/kg, p.o. was evaluated against carrageenin-induced inflammation in rats. Human erythrocyte hemolytic assay was used for in vitro anti-inflammatory activity testing with 50 to 500?µg/ml fruit extract. Antioxidant potential of test fruit extract (10 to 100?µg/ml) was evaluated using TBARS and DPPH methods. The fruit extract was standardized for total phenolic content using Folin-Ciocalteu method.

Results: The standardized extract at 250?mg/kg, p.o. dose caused 69.96% reduction in carrageenin-induced rat paw edema and demonstrated 96.72% protective effect on human RBC membrane stability. Besides, T. chebula fruit extract significantly reduced the in vivo formation of TBARS in carrageenin-induced rat liver with IC₅₀ 94.96?mg/kg, p.o. and also in vitro radical scavenging activities in DPPH assay method with IC₅₀ 42.14?µg/ml. The standardized extract contains phenolics 118.5?mg gallic acid equivalent/g of extract.

Discussion and conclusion: These promising findings support the traditional use of T. chebula fruits in the treatment of arthritic disorders and suggest that radical quenching may be one of the mechanisms for its anti-inflammatory activity.     

Combining Sprague–Dawley rat uterus cell membrane chromatography with HPLC/MS to screen active components from Leonurus artemisia

Context: Leonurus artemisia (Lour.) S.Y.Hu (Lamiaceae) (YiMuCao in Chinese) is a traditional Chinese medicine. Leonurus artemisia has been shown to have many pharmacological effects such as increasing uterine contraction amplitude, and tension, but the active components are still unknown.

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine active components of L. Artemisia that are responsible for the biological activity using HPLC and cell membrane-based system.

Materials and methods: The whole L. artemisia ethanol extract and its eight fractions were screened using Sprague–Dawley rat uterus cell membrane chromatography (CMC) combined with the HPLC/MS system. Oxytocin was used to investigate the activity of CMC column. The effect of active components screened from L. artemisia was studied by tension measurement of isolated rat uterine strips in vitro at a dose of 10^?7–10^?4?mol/L with oxytocin as a control.

Results: The acetone extract showed obvious activity when compared with the eight extracts of L. artemisia. From the acetone extract, in the negative ionization mode, the active compound was identified as genkwanin, with a molecular weight of 283. In vitro pharmacological experiments proved that genkwanin promoted uterine contractions at a dose from 10^?7 to 10^?4?mol/L. The EC₅₀ value was 4.86?±?4.21?μmol/L for genkwanin and 4.30?±?3.65?μmol/L for oxytocin on the contractile amplitude of uterine strips isolated from rats.

Discussion and conclusion: Genkwanin was identified as the active compound in L. artemisia by this method. In vitro pharmacological experiments proved that genkwanin promoted uterine contractions. Genkwanin may be used to uterine inertia and may have an effect on postpartum hemorrhage.     

Antitussive and expectorant activities of Potentilla anserina

Context The root of Potentilla anserina L. (Rosaceae) is an herbal medicine that has been used as an antitussive and expectorant drug for thousands of years in Chinese folk medicine.

Objective: This study estimated the antitussive and expectorant effects of P. anserina extract to validate its traditional use.

Materials and methods The antitussive and expectorant activities of the ethanol extract, aqueous extract, and polysaccharides from P. anserina were evaluated using classical animal models.

Results The results showed that in three antitussive tests, the aqueous extract and polysaccharides at high and low doses significantly inhibited the frequency of cough induced by ammonia and sulfur dioxide in mice and by citric acid in guinea pigs, and increased the latent period of cough in guinea pigs. Similarly, the aqueous extract and polysaccharides also showed significant expectorant activity compared with the control in phenol red secretion experiments. Polysaccharides at dose of 600?mg/kg enhanced tracheal phenol red output by 121.1%, the ammonium chloride (positive control) at dose of 1000?mg/kg by 117.4%. However, the ethanol extract at a high dose (600?mg/kg) has antitussive activity only in the sulfur dioxide induced coughing test. Moreover, the polysaccharides at the same dose showed better bioactivity than the aqueous extract in all tests.

Discussion and conclusion The results of the present study provide evidence that P. anserina can be used as an antitussive and expectorant herbal medicine and that polysaccharides may be the main active ingredients of P. anserina responsible for its bioactivities.     

Zea mays,Stigma maydis prevents and extenuates acetaminophen-perturbed oxidative onslaughts in rat hepatocytes

Context: Zea mays L. (Poaceae) Stigma maydis is an underutilized product of corn cultivation finding therapeutic applications in oxidative stress-related disorders.

Objectives: This study investigated its aqueous extract against acetaminophen (APAP)-perturbed oxidative insults in rat hepatocytes.

Materials and methods: Hepatotoxic rats were orally pre- and post-treated with the extract (at 200 and 400?mg/kg body weight) and vitamin C (200?mg/kg body weight), respectively, for 14 days. Liver function, antioxidative and histological analyses were thereafter evaluated.

Results: The APAP-induced marked (p?<?0.05) increases in the activities of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase and the concentrations of bilirubin, oxidized glutathione, protein carbonyls, malondialdehyde, conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides and fragmented DNA were dose-dependently extenuated in the extract-treated animals. The extract also significantly (p?<?0.05) improved the reduced activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase as well as total protein, albumin and glutathione concentrations in the hepatotoxic rats. These improvements may be attributed to the bioactive constituents as revealed by the gas chromatography–mass spectrometric chromatogram of the extract. The observed effects compared favourably with vitamin C and are informative of hepatoprotective and antioxidative attributes of the extract and were further supported by the histological analysis.

Conclusion: The data from the present findings suggest that Stigma maydis aqueous extract is capable of preventing and ameliorating APAP-mediated oxidative hepatic damage via enhancement of antioxidant defence systems.     

The beneficial effects on blood pressure,dyslipidemia and oxidative stress of Sambucus nigra extract associated with renin inhibitors

Context: The health effects of Sambucus nigra L. (Caprifoliaceae) could be due to polyphenols whose modes of action differ from the traditional one proposed for exogenous antioxidants.

Objective: The study emphasizes the effects of the association between the renin inhibitor and the polyphenolic extract on biochemical parameters and systolic (TAS) and diastolic (TAD) blood pressure within an L NAME-induced experimental model of arterial hypertension (AHT).

Materials and methods: The polyphenols are extracted with ethanol from isolated and purified vegetable material represented by the mature fruit of the S. nigra with a dosage of 0.046?g/kg body weight (PS), every 2 days, for 8 weeks. The dose represents 1/20 of LD₅₀. The Wistar white rat blood pressure values were recorded using a CODA? system, which uses a non-invasive blood pressure measuring method.

Results and discussion: The total antioxidant capacity levels were significantly decreased (p?<?0.001) in AHT group as compared to the rats in the AHT?+?PS group. A combination of a renin inhibitor (Aliskiren) and polyphenolic extract generated a superior antioxidant effect compared to administering the two separately. Both TAS and TAD in rats with drug-induced hypertension were reduced by polyphenolic extract. The homogeneous values of TAS record a significant decrease (p?<?0.001) of the average values in AHT?+?PS group or AHT?+?Aliskiren group.

Conclusion: The combination of two different classes of substances, namely, renin inhibitors and natural polyphenol extracts, reduces arterial pressure and also might reduce the side effects of the major classes of antihypertensive agents and improve the quality of live.     

Possible effects of Phillyrea latifolia on weight loss in rats fed a high-energy diet

Context Phillyrea latifolia L. (Oleaceae), commonly found in the Mediterranean region in Turkey, is used as medicinal teas for weight loss and hyperglycaemia in folk medicine.

Objective The study investigated the possible effects of P. latifolia leaves aqueous extract’s on weight loss and biochemical–histological changes in the rats fed a high-energy diet (HED), also isolated and determined the main phenolic compounds.

Materials and methods Twenty-four male Wistar albino rats were divided into four equal groups such as the HED group fed a HED, the PLE group given only the extract of P. latifolia leaves (220?mg/kg), the HED?+?PLE group administrated with the extract of leaves (220?mg/kg) after being fed with HED and a control group fed with standard pellet diet.

Results PLE administration caused a remarkable decrement of body weight in the HED?+?PLE group (p?<?0.05). PLE showed an improved effect on structural integrity and decreased leukocyte infiltration in liver and small intestinal tissues. The blood glucose (117.3?mmol/L), leptin (5.6?ng/mL), total cholesterol (61.8?mg/dL) and LDL (9.3?mmol/L) levels were significantly increased in the HED group. PLE administration in the HED group decreased these levels. The levels of HDL (26.8?mmol/L) in the HED?+?PLE group were higher than both control and HED groups. Chemical composition was investigated and luteolin 7-O-glucoside and chlorogenic acid were determined for the first time in Turkish sample from the EtOAc extract of leaves.

Discussion and conclusion Phillyrea latifolia leaves may have beneficial effects on obesity related cellular problems and may become a good source of antidiabetic medication.     

Curative treatment with extracts of Bombax ceiba fruit reduces risk of calcium oxalate urolithiasis in rats

Context: Drawbacks of presently available treatments for urolithiasis necessitate finding the treatment of hyperoxaluria specifically aimed at reduction in oxalate excretion. Interestingly, many Indian tribes use Bombax ceiba L. (Bombacaceae) fruits as a traditional medicine for the treatment of urinary stones.

Objective: The present study investigated the efficacy of B. ceiba fruit extracts as curative agents in experimentally induced calcium oxalate urolithiatic rats.

Materials and methods: Calcium oxalate lithiasis was induced in rats by oral administration of 0.75% ethylene glycol for 14 consecutive days. Treatments with aqueous and ethanol extract of B. ceiba fruit (400?mg/kg body weight) was performed in the same manner for further 14 consecutive days. Cystone (750?mg/kg body weight) was used as reference antiurolithiatic drug. The urinary excretion and kidney deposition of offending salt components, and serum biochemical parameters were investigated.

Results: Oral administration of ethylene glycol resulted in hyperoxaluria and increased renal excretion of calcium and phosphate. However, supplementation with aqueous and ethanol extracts of B. ceiba fruit significantly (p?<?0.05) reduced the elevated urinary oxalate, showing a regulatory action on endogenous oxalate synthesis. The increased deposition of stone forming constituents in kidneys of calculogenic rats was also significantly lowered with curative treatment of aqueous and ethanol extract.

Discussion and conclusion: The results indicate that the fruit of B. ceiba is endowed with lithontriptic activity warranting further development for curative treatment of urolithiasis.     

Gut modulatory and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of Gaultheria trichophylla

Context: Gaultheria trichophylla Royle (Ericaceae) and related species have been used in the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea, pain and inflammation.

Objective: The present investigation explores G. trichophylla for its potential activity in hyperactive gut disorders.

Materials and methods: Antidiarrheal activity was evaluated on castor oil induced diarrhoea in mice with reference to standard drug verapamil. Gut modulatory activity was performed on isolated jejunum tissue preparations on spontaneous and high potassium induced contractions. Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity was performed with an in vitro study. Extract was tested for toxicity in mice.

Results: In the in vivo studies, the methanol extract of G. trichophylla and verapamil significantly (p?<?0.05, 0.01, 0.001) inhibited the frequency of defecation as well as wetting of faeces when compared with the negative control. The methanol (Gt. MeOH) extract of G. trichophylla caused a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on spontaneous contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum preparations and exhibited a partial inhibitory effect against high K^+?(80?mM) induced precontractions. Gt. MeOH shifted the Ca^2+?concentration–response curves (CRCs) to the right, suggesting calcium channel blocking like constituents. In an in vitro assay Gt. MeOH inhibited BChE enzyme with an IC₅₀ values of 35.52?±?1.17?μg/mL. The extract showed no toxicity in mice at the dose of 3?g/kg.

Discussion and conclusion: This study provides evidence that G. trichophylla possesses combinations of inhibitory and stimulatory effects mediated through possible cholinergic and less potent calcium blocking constituents, respectively. The latter may be responsible for the antidiarrheal effect.     

Urtica dioica attenuates ovalbumin-induced inflammation and lipid peroxidation of lung tissues in rat asthma model

Context: To find bioactive medicinal herbs exerting anti-asthmatic activity, we investigated the effect of an aqueous extract of Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae) leaves (UD), the closest extract to the Algerian traditional use.

Objective: In this study, we investigated the in vivo anti-asthmatic and antioxidant activities of nettle extract.

Materials and methods: Adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group I: negative control; group II: Ovalbumin sensitized/challenged rats (positive control); group III: received UD extract (1.5?g/kg/day) orally along the experimental protocol; group IV: received UD extract (1.5?g/kg/day) orally along the experimental protocol and sensitized/challenged with ovalbumin. After 25?days, blood and tissue samples were collected for haematological and histopathological analysis, respectively. The oxidative stress parameters were evaluated in the lungs, liver and erythrocytes. Then, correlations between markers of airway inflammation and markers of oxidative stress were explored.

Results: UD extract significantly (p?p?50 value.

Conclusions: The results confirmed that UD administration might be responsible for the protective effects of this extract against airway inflammation.     

The Alkaloids of Datura quercifolia H.B.K

Abstract

In vitro methods were used to determine the effects of petroleum ether extract of Croton penduliflorus seed oil (PEE-CP) on the guinea pig ileum and rat uterus. Increasing the dose of PEE-CP produced increasing contractile responses in both the guinea pig ileum and rat uterus. Atropine and adrenaline blocked the action of PEE-CP in a dose-dependent manner. Mepyra-mine and hexamethonium partially blocked the responses of the guinea pig ileum and rat uterus to PEE-CP. Some contractions induced by PEE-CP in the guinea pig ileum, which survived te-trodotoxin treatment, were enhanced by neostigmine. PEE-CP appears to produce its effect through cholinergic, histaminergic and β-adrenergic mechanisms.     

Nitraria retusa fruit prevents penconazole-induced kidney injury in adult rats through modulation of oxidative stress and histopathological changes

Context: Nitraria retusa (Forssk.) Asch. (Nitrariaceae) is a medicinal plant which produces edible fruits whose antioxidant activity has been demonstrated.

Objective: The current study elucidates the potential protective effect of N. retusa fruit aqueous extract against nephrotoxicity induced by penconazole, a triazole fungicide, in the kidney of adult rats.

Materials and methods: Adult Wistar rats were exposed either to penconazole (67?mg/kg body weight), or to N. retusa extract (300?mg/kg body weight) or to their combination. Penconazole was administered by intra-peritoneal injection every 2 days from day 7 until day 15, the sacrifice day, while N. retusa extract was administered daily by gavage during 15 days. Oxidative stress parameters, kidney biomarkers and histopathological examination were determined.

Results: Nitraria retusa extract administration to penconazole treated rats decreased kidney levels of malondialdehyde (?10%), hydrogen peroxide (?12%), protein carbonyls (PCOs, ?11%) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP, ?16%); antioxidant enzyme activities: catalase (?13%), superoxide dismutase (?8%) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx, ?14%), and the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants: non-protein thiols (?9%), glutathione (?7%) and metallothionein (?12%). Furthermore, this plant extract prevented kidney biomarker changes by reducing plasma levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid and LDH and increasing those of ALP and GGT. Histopathological alterations induced by penconazole (glomeruli fragmentation, Bowman’s space enlargement, tubular epithelial cells necrosis and infiltration of inflammatory leucocytes) were attenuated following N. retusa administration.

Discussion and conclusion: Our results indicated that N. retusa fruit extract had protective effects against penconazole-induced kidney injury, which could be attributed to its phenolic compounds.     

Healing effect of Dillenia indica fruit extracts standardized to betulinic acid on ultraviolet radiation-induced psoriasis-like wounds in rats

Context: Dillenia indica Linn. (Dilleniaceae) is traditionally used to treat skin inflammation.

Objective: This study evaluated the healing effect of Dillenia indica fruit extracts on induced psoriasis-like wounds in Wistar rats.

Materials and methods: Extracts were standardized to betulinic acid, including an aqueous ethanolic extract (AEE), ethyl acetate extract (EAE) and petroleum ether extract. Effects against lipid peroxidation were assessed in vitro. Wounds were created at rat tails (n?=?12). Topical treatments were applied once daily for 7 days (1?mL of AEE or EAE at 5 or 50?mg/mL). Maximal dose was defined by the extract solubility. A 10-fold lower dose was also tested. Positive and negative controls were treated with clobetasol (0.5?mg/mL) or excipient. Half of each group was euthanized for histology. The remaining animals were observed for 20 days for wound measurements.

Results: Yields of AEE and EAE were 4.3 and 0.7%, respectively. Betulinic acid concentrations in AEE and EAE were 4.6 and 107.6?mg/g. Extracts neutralized lipid peroxidation in vitro at 0.02?μg/mL, accelerating healing at 50?mg/mL. Complete healing in mice treated with AEE occurred 16 days after wound induction. This time was 14 and 12 days in mice treated with EAE and clobetasol. Compared to orthokeratosis, parakeratosis was reduced by AEE (25%), EAE (45%) and clobetasol (55%). EAE caused superior protection against biomolecules oxidation of skin compared to AEE.

Discussion and conclusion: EAE exhibited activity closer to that of clobetasol. Betulinic acid may be an active constituent, which should be assessed in future studies.     

Radioprotective Property of Emblica officinalis. Fruit Ethanol Extract

Abstract

The radioprotective activity of Emblica officinalis. Gaertn. (Euphorbiaceae) ethanol extract (EOE) has been studied using rat liver mitochondria and pBR 322 plasmid DNA as two model in vitro. systems. EOE could effectively prevent γ-ray–induced lipid peroxidation as assessed by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substrates, lipid hydroperoxide, and conjugated diene. It also protected mitochondrial SOD against γ-ray–induced damage. Likewise, it prevented radiation-induced DNA strand breaks in a concentration-dependent manner. The radioprotective activity of EOE could be attributed to its hydroxyl and superoxide radicals scavenging property along with its lymphoproliferative activity. The radical scavenging capacity of EOE could be attributed to its constituent phenolics. The in vitro. radioprotective activity of EOE was significantly better compared with the in vivo. results reported earlier by others with the aqueous extract or fruit pulp of E. officinalis.. The higher concentrations of the more bioavailable phenolics such as gallic acid and ellagic acid in EOE compared with the other preparations might possibly account for the results.