Hepatoprotective effects of lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.): a combination of antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities

Aim of the study

Gimjeng and Chakapat lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) were evaluated for hepatoprotective activity on CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Materials and methods

Fruit pulp extracts of the lychees were examined for vitamin C, phenolic contents, anti-lipid peroxidation activity and hepatoprotective effect. Male Wistar albino rats were intraperitoneally injected (ip) with CCl₄ (2 ml/kg), then were orally administered (po) with silymarin (100 mg/kg), and Gimjeng or Chakapat extracts (100 and 500 mg/kg). After ten days, the rats were sacrificed and their livers were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Their serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase, glutamate-oxalate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase activities were analyzed. Apoptotic activity of the livers was assessed quantitatively.

Results

The Gimjeng and Chakapat extracts showed the contents of vitamin C (1.2 ± 0.6 and 4.3 ± 0.1 mg/100 g) and phenolics like trans-cinnamic acid and pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside (9.80 ± 0.21 and 19.56 ± 0.4 mg GAE/g extract, respectively), and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) values (11.64 and 9.09 g/mg trolox), respectively. The Gimjeng as compared to the Chakapat demonstrated a better antioxidant activity as revealed by anti-lipid peroxidation activity with the TEAC values. Administration of CCl₄ in rats elevated the serum GPT, GOT, and ALP level whereas silymarin, Gimjeng and Chakapat extracts prevented these increases significantly. Significant decrease of apoptotic cells together with restoration of morphological changes confirmed the hepatoprotective effect in the CCl₄-induced rats pretreated with the extracts.

Conclusion

Antioxidant properties of the Gimjeng and Chakapat lychees as evidenced by the vitamin C and phenolic compounds, anti-lipid peroxidation and anti-apoptosis could explain the hepatoprotective effects in CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity.     

Hepatoprotection of Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther on CCl₄-induced liver damage and inflammation

Aim of this study

Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther, a vegetable consumed in Taiwan, has been used in folk medicine for protection against liver injury, although its actual efficacy remains uncertain. Therefore, we investigated the protective effects of Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver damage in rats.

Materials and methods

Water extracts of Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther (WGP) were administered for 8 consecutive weeks to male Sprague-Dawley rats. And a dose-dependent manner in preventing liver damage was confirmed. Moreover, the major ingredient of WGP, gallic acid, was also orally administrated in the CCl₄-induced rats. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using various biochemical parameters such as antioxidant enzymes and histopathological studies.

Results

WGP ranging from 50 to 300 mg/kg bw administrations significantly lowered serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, and inhibited malondialdehyde (MDA) generation in CCl₄-treated rats. WGP increased cellular GSH level and antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and catalase. Serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was decreased in the group treated with CCl₄ plus WGP (150 and 300 mg/kg bw). Histopathological examination of livers showed that WGP reduced fatty degeneration, cytoplasmic vacuolization and necrosis in CCl₄-treated rats. In contrary, 10 mg/kg bw of gallic acid was administrated, this dose was related with WGP (300 mg/kg bw), and had significantly decreased the AST and ALT compared to the CCl₄-treated group. Aforesaid results suggested that gallic acid from WGP offered antioxidative activity against CCl₄-induced oxidative liver damage.

Conclusions

Taken together, this study is the first time to suggest that Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther exerts hepatoprotection via promoting antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties against CCl₄-induced oxidative liver damage.     

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides protect mice liver from carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress and necroinflammation

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Lycium barbarum has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine to nourish liver, kidneys and the eyes.

Aim of the study

We investigated the protective mechanisms of Wolfberry, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced acute liver injury.

Materials and methods

Mice were intraperitoneally injected with a 50 μl/kg CCl₄ to induce acute hepatotoxicity (8 h) and were orally fed with LBP 2 h before the CCl₄ injection. There were six experimental groups of mice (n = 7-8 per group), namely: control mice (vehicle only; 1 mg/kg LBP or 10 mg/kg LBP), CCl₄-treated mice and CCl₄ + LBP treated mice (1 mg/kg LBP or 10 mg/kg LBP).

Results

Pre-treatment with LBP effectively reduced the hepatic necrosis and the serum ALT level induced by CCl₄ intoxication. LBP remarkably inhibited cytochrome P450 2E1 expression and restored the expression levels of antioxidant enzymes. It also decreased the level of nitric oxide metabolism and lipid peroxidation induced by CCl₄. LBP attenuated hepatic inflammation via down-regulation of proinflammatory mediators and chemokines. Furthermore, LBP promoted liver regeneration after CCl₄ treatment. The protective effects of LBP against hepatotoxicity were partly through the down-regulation of nuclear factor kappa-B activity.

Conclusion

LBP is effective in reducing necroinflammation and oxidative stress induced by a chemical toxin, thus it has a great potential use as a food supplement in the prevention of hepatic diseases.     

Studies on the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of polysaccharides from Talinum triangulare

Ethnophamacological relevancy

The whole plant of Talinum triangulare (Family: Portulacaceae) is used in variety of diseases including hepatic ailments in Africa and Taiwan of China.

Aims of the study

The study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of polysaccharides from T. triangulare (TTP).

Materials and methods

The TTP was extracted using boiling water, and removed protein by Sevag method. 40%, 60% and 80% ethanol precipitating TTP (40%, 60%, 80% TTP) were gained by the successive addition of absolute ethanol. The antioxidant activities of 40%, 60%, 80% and crude TTP were evaluated using three different models in vitro, including reducing power, hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anion. To investigate the hepatoprotective potential, mice were treated with crude polysaccharides (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) for 7 days. Liver injures were induced by CCl₄ (0.1% in arachis oil, 10 mg/kg, i.v.) 1 h after the drug administration on day 7. Mice were sacrificed at 24 h after the CCl₄ injection. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum, and glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissues were measured. Histopathological examinations were carried out to supplement the biochemical results.

Results and conclusions

In vitro assays, TTP showed remarkably different degrees of antioxidant activities in dose-dependent manners. The crude TTP demonstrated a relatively strong antioxidant activity, while the 40% TTP showed the strongest antioxidant activity, and the 60% TTP had the weakest antioxidant ability. In vivo assay, pretreatment with TTP had significantly decreased the levels of AST, ALT and MDA against CCl₄ injures, and restored the activities of defense antioxidant substances SOD and GSH towards normalization. These results supported the effect of T. triangulare in fork use with scientific evidence.     

Identification of trans-tiliroside as active principle with anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects from Potentilla chinesis

Aim of the study

The present study was carried out to isolate and identify trans-tiliroside as principal compound with anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects from Potentilla chinesis.

Materials and methods

A bioactive compound, trans-tiliroside was isolated from the ethanol extract of Potentilla chinesis and its administration dose was optimized and patented. The normal, alloxan-induced diabetic mice and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were used to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects of trans-tiliroside from Potentilla chinesis. Biochemical parameters were assayed in blood samples of different groups of alloxan-induced diabetic mice and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Results

The level of fasting serum glucose levels, triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) in alloxan-induced diabetic mice were significantly decrease after daily oral administration of trans-tiliroside in normal and diabetic mice at doses of 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mg/kg/day, for 15 days. Blood glucose level was significant decrease in STZ induced diabetic rats by trans-tiliroside (1.2 and 0.3 mg/kg body weight for 10 weeks). The content of TC, low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and TG levels were decreased and high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) content was increased, so lipid metabolism was improved. Moreover, trans-tiliroside revealed antioxidant activity as shown by increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), decreased level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in diabetic rats. Histological morphology examination showed that the trans-tiliroside restored the damage of pancreas tissues in rats with diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion

Trans-tiliroside, a constituent from Potentilla chinesis, revealed significant anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities.     

Hepatoprotective and in vivo antioxidant effects of Byrsocarpus coccineus Schum. and Thonn. (Connaraceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The leaf decoction of Byrsocarpus coccineus (Connaraceae) is drunk for the treatment of jaundice in West African traditional medicine.

Aim of the study

To investigate the hepatoprotective and in vivo antioxidant effects of Byrsocarpus coccineus in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Materials and methods

Group allotment in this study included vehicle, CCl₄, Byrsocarpus coccineus 1000 mg/kg alone, Byrsocarpus coccineus 200, 400, and 1000 mg/kg + CCl₄ and Livolin^® 20 mg/kg + CCl₄, and treatment was carried out accordingly. On the 7th day, rats were sacrificed and blood was withdrawn by cardiac puncture. The levels and activities of serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant enzymes were then assayed using standard procedures.

Results

CCl₄ significantly (P < 0.05) increased the levels of ALT and AST and reduced total protein. In CCl₄ treated animals, Byrsocarpus coccineus (200, 400, and 1000 mg/kg) dose-dependently and significantly decreased ALT, AST and ALP levels with peak effect produced at the highest dose. Conversely, Byrsocarpus coccineus produced significant increases in albumin and total protein levels. The standard drug produced significant effects in respect of ALT (↓), albumin (↑), and total protein (↑). CCl₄ also produced significant (P < 0.05) reductions in the activity of catalase, SOD, peroxidase and GSH, and conversely increased MDA level. Byrsocarpus coccineus produced significant and dose-dependent reversal of CCl₄-diminished activity of the antioxidant enzymes and reduced CCl₄-elevated level of MDA. The standard drug also significantly increased CCl₄-diminished antioxidant enzymes activity and reduced CCl₄-elevated MDA level. In general, the effects of the standard drug were comparable and not significantly different from those of Byrsocarpus coccineus.

Conclusion

The results obtained in this study suggest that the aqueous leaf extract of Byrsocarpus coccineus possesses hepatoprotective and in vivo antioxidant effects. This finding justifies the use of this preparation in West African traditional medicine for the treatment of liver disease.     

In vitro and in vivo antioxidant effects of the ethanolic extract of Swertia chirayita

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Swertia chirayita, a medicinal herb endemic to the Tibetan region, is used as a special remedy for liver disorders. The hepatoprotective activity of its plant extracts has been associated with its antioxidant activity. This paper aims to investigate the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant effects of Swertia chirayita extracts (SCE).

Materials and methods

Antioxidant ability of Swertia chirayita was investigated by employing several established in vitro methods. In vivo antioxidant activity was tested against CCl₄-induced toxicity in mice. The levels and activities of malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH), were then assayed using standard procedures.

Results

SCE exhibited strong antioxidant ability in vitro. The liver and kidney of CCl₄-intoxicated animals exhibited a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in SOD, CAT, and GSH levels. Additionally, these organs exhibited a significant (p < 0.001) increase in MDA level. CCl₄ did not exhibit toxicity on mice treated with SCE and Vitamin E. The effects of Swertia chirayita (three dosages) were comparable to those of Vitamin E, except in MDA level in the liver and GSH level in the kidney (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study suggests that the ethanolic extract of Swertia chirayita possesses in vitro and in vivo antioxidant effects. This supports the traditional use of Swertia chirayita in Tibetan medicine to cure liver diseases.     

Anti-inflammatory effect of a methanolic extract of leaves of Dregea volubilis

Aim of study

The aim of this study was to establish the anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract of Dregea volubilis leaves (MEDV) with its fractions and to delineate the possible mechanism of action for MEDV.

Materials and methods

The anti-inflammatory activities of MEDV along with its petroleum ether and chloroform fractions were evaluated in a carrageenan induced model of acute inflammation. The effect of MEDV on lipopolysaccharide induced production of nitric oxide (NO) in macrophages was also studied.

Results

MEDV (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) significantly reduced carrageenan induced paw edema; chloroform fraction was most potent (66%, p < 0.001). MEDV was non-toxic up to 125 μg/ml in mouse peritoneal macrophages wherein it (0-100 μg/ml) reduced lipopolysaccharide induced NO production.

Conclusion

MEDV possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity. Chloroform fraction of MEDV showed best anti-inflammatory activity.     

Anti-ulcer activity of Cyrtocarpa procera analogous to that of Amphipterygium adstringens, both assayed on the experimental gastric injury in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The bark of Amphipterygium adstringens (Aa) is commonly mixed or adulterated with the bark of Cyrtocarpa procera (Cp) and sold in Mexican markets. Aa is a well known species in Mexico used as decoction to relieve ulcers. Scientific reports reinforcing the anti-ulcer activity of Aa have been previously described, but those describing the anti-ulcer properties of Cp as a substitute for Aa in folk medicine are scarce.

Aim of the study

To investigate anatomical and phytochemical differences between these species, as well as to assess the anti-ulcer effect of Cp extracts in comparison to the Aa extracts.

Material and methods

Anatomical micro-technique and physical and spectroscopic data were used to analyze differences between Cp and Aa. Regard to the pharmacological activity, it was assessed by using the ethanol-induced gastric damage model in rats.

Results

Whereas the bark anatomy of Aa was characterized by vertical canals in the periderm and the rare occurrence of fibers in its phloem, a periderm without vertical canals and abundant fibers in the phloem were distinctive features of Cp. Phytochemical analysis allowed the identification of tirucallane, masticadienonic and 3α-hydroxymasticadienonic acids as major components in Aa, while β-amyrin and β-sitosterol were obtained from Cp. Gastric lesions observed in the control group decreased in the presence of 100 mg/kg of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts from the normal or regenerated bark of Cp, thus resembling the anti-ulcer effect of Aa. Nevertheless, major anti-ulcer potency was observed with the most active methanol extract from Cp obtained from normal [the effective dose fifty ED₅₀ = 45.54 mg/kg] or regenerated (ED₅₀ = 36.68 mg/kg) bark in comparison to Aa (ED₅₀ = 115.64 mg/kg).

Conclusion

Chemical and anatomical differences were found between these species, but since the anti-ulcer activity of Cp is similar to that shown by Aa our results reinforce the use of both species for the relief of gastric ulcer in folk medicine.     

Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effect of Witheringia solanacea in normal and alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats

Aim of the study

Witheringia solanacea is a small shrub that belongs to the Solanaceae family. The plant is used as an antidiabetic in Costa Rican herbal medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activity of the aqueous extract of W. solanacea leaves in rodent models.

Materials and methods

A crude extract of W. solanacea leaves was prepared in boiling water and the aqueous filtrate was lyophilized. A single oral dose of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg of the extract was evaluated for hypoglycemic activity in a glucose tolerance test in normal rats and for antihyperglycemic activity in alloxan-induced (140 mg/kg) diabetic rats. The blood glucose level was determined at different times by the glucose oxidase method.

Results

Dosage of 500 and 1000 mg/kg of the extract significantly decreased (p < 0.05) blood glucose levels in the glucose tolerance test in normal rats after 1 h, there was no significant difference observed at 250 mg/kg. Dose of 500 mg/kg of the extract significantly reduced (p < 0.05) blood glucose levels in alloxan induced hyperglycemic rats at 4 and 5 h.

Conclusions

In the present study, the hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic potential of the W. solanacea was demonstrated in rats. These results give support to the traditional use of W. solanacea as antidiabetic herbal medicine.     

Mouririelliptica: Validation of gastroprotective,healing and anti-Helicobacter pylori effects

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Mouriri elliptica Martius (Melastomataceae) is species reputed in folk medicine to heal gastric ulcer and gastritis.

Aim of the study

Methanolic extract (ME) and ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) from leaves of Mouriri elliptica were evaluated for their gastroprotective, healing, immunological, toxicological and anti-Helicobacter pylori activities.

Material and methods

The gastroprotective action of ME and EAF was evaluated in rodent experimental models and to elucidate mechanisms of action, the antisecretory action, involvements of NO, SH, PGE₂, anti-Helicobacter pylori action of ME was evaluated. We also used immunohistochemical (PCNA and COX-2) and immunomodulatory (murine peritoneal macrophages) assays to evaluate Mouriri elliptica effects.

Results

ME present gastroprotective action without antisecretory effect. Otherwise, ME showed anti-Helicobacter pylori action (MIC = 0.025 μg/mL) and was able to inhibit NO production by macrophages. This species also accelerate the healing of ulcerated gastric mucosa by stimulating proliferation factors (PCNA), COX-2 and maintained basal PGE₂ level independent action of NSAID in gastric mucosa. The phytochemical investigation showed that this species possesses phenolic acid derivatives, acylglycoflavonoids and condensed tannins which probably influenced their pharmacological action.

Conclusion

All these results suggest the efficacy and safety of Mouriri elliptica in combating and healing gastric ulcer.     

Sedative and anticonvulsant activities of methanol extract of Dorstenia arifolia in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Dorstenia arifolia is a plant that has been used in the folk medicine to produce hypnotic, sedative and ansiolitic effects but the pharmacological properties have not yet been studied. In addition, the smoke of its rhizome is reputed to induce lethargic sensation.

Aims of the study

The present study investigated possible activities of the methanol extract (ME) of Dorstenia arifolia rhizome on the central nervous system (CNS).

Materials and methods

ME was tested for sedative, hypnotic and anticonsulsant effects using locomotor activity evaluation, pentobarbital-induced sleeping time and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced convulsion, respectively.

Results

Intraperitoneal administration of ME (10 and 50 mg/kg) significantly decreased locomotor activity from 205.2 ± 25.6 movements/min (DMSO) to 112.1 ± 18.4 (P < 0.05) and 114.9 ± 16.9 (P < 0.05), respectively. Flumazenil (10 mg/kg), an antagonist of GABA_A receptor, prevented the ME-induced sedation. Treatment with ME (50 mg/kg) significantly increased the duration of pentobarbital-induced sleeping time from 41.0 ± 2.3 to 57.9 ± 2.9 min (P < 0.05). The latencies to seizures after intraperitoneal injection of PTZ was recorded and compared between groups. ME promoted a significant protection of PTZ-induced seizures and mortality in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that ME of Dorstenia arifolia rizhome has pronounced central effects, and that the sedative and anticonvulsant activities may be related to a facilitation of the GABAergic transmission.     

Preclinical evaluation of Trichilia catigua extracts on the central nervous system of mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Trichilia catigua preparations have been popularly used in Brazil as a tonic for the treatment of fatigue, stress, impotence, and deficiency of memory. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible antidepressant, anxiolytic, motor and cognitive effects of the crude extract (CE) or ethyl-acetate fraction (EAF) of Trichilia catigua. Analyses of the total phenolics and total tannins content, as well as the in vitro antioxidant activity of CE and EAF were also performed.

Materials and methods

CE (200-800 mg/kg) and EAF (100-400 mg/kg) were orally administered to mice and 1 h later the behavioral tests were performed. The free radical scavenging activity was measured by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) method.

Results

Single administration of CE (200-400 mg/kg) or EAF (100-400 mg/kg) did not change the behavior of the animals submitted to the elevated plus maze or their locomotor activity in the open field test. An antidepressant-like effect was detected with EAF (400 mg/kg) after acute administration. Both CE (800 mg/kg) and EAF (200 and 400 mg/kg), improve memory in mice as measured by an increased latency in the step-down inhibitory avoidance test. The EAF presented higher total phenolics and total tannins as compared to CE as well as it exhibited the best antioxidant activity.

Conclusions

The present results showed an in vitro antioxidant activity for EAF and suggested that it may be useful for cognitive improvement. It is possible that both functional and chemical activities are related.     

Pharmacological evaluation of Ipomoea asarifolia (Desr.) against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ipomoeaasarifolia (Desr.) Roem. and Schult. is used traditionally in some parts of Africa for the treatment of a variety of diseases. This study attempts to validate its hepatoprotective activity by evaluating the prophylactic and curative properties of the methanolic extract of Ipomoea asarifolia (IA) leaves.

Materials and Methods

Liver damage was induced by administering 0.5 ml/kg of an equal mixture of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in olive oil intraperitoneally on alternate days, for 5 days and the plant extract was given orally daily, for 7 days at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg.

Results

Pre-treatment with the extract significantly (P<0.05) decreased CCl₄-induced elevation in serum levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, triglycerides, bilirubin and cholesterol, better than the standard drug silymarin at 100 mg/kg. In the curative study, IA significantly (P<0.05) reversed CCl₄-induced liver damage, comparable to silymarin. Hepatoprotective potential was further supported by decrease in pentobarbitone sleeping time and improved hepatic tissue histopathology.

Conclusion

These results indicate that I. asarifolia leaves have potent hepatoprotective activity against CCl₄-induced hepatic damage in rats.     

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties of Thespesia populnea Soland ex. Correa seed extracts and its fractions in animal models

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Thespesia populnea Sol. ex Correa (Malvaceae) is commonly known as “Indian tulip tree”. The plant has been used as an astringent, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and hepatoprotective in Indian system of traditional medicine.

Materials and methods

Thespesia populnea seeds were successively extracted by soxhlet extraction using petroleum ether (40-60 °C) (TPO) and ethanol (TPE). Unsaponifiable matter (TPOUM) and fatty acids were separated from seed oil. A GC-MS analysis of fatty acid methyl esters was carried out. Ethanolic extract was fractionated using CHCl₃, EtOAc, n-BuOH and H₂O. Acute arthritis was induced by sub-plantar injection of carrageenan into the left hind paw of rats. The paw volume was measured using plethysmometer. Analgesic activity was assessed by heat induced pains (tail immersion model) and antipyretic activity assessed using brewers yeast-induced pyrexia model.

Results

Oral administration of TPO and TPE at 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. and tested fractions at 200 mg/kg significantly reduced carrageenan induced paw edema and brewers yeast-induced pyrexia. In tail immersion method also extracts and fractions showed significant analgesic activity. Amongst all fractions EtOAc showed most significant results. TPOUM showed significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. GC-MS analyses showed the presence of fourteen fatty acids, predominant fatty acids were palmitic and stearic acid.

Conclusion

These results highlighted anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects of Thespesia populnea seeds.     

Carthamus red from Carthamus tinctorius L. exerts antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats via the Nrf2 pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Carthamus red isolated from safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L., a Chinese traditional medicine) is evaluated for antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity.

Materials and methods

Carthamus red was isolated from a Na₂CO₃ extract of safflower and its analysis was carried out by HPLC/MS. Acute toxicity study was determined and the antioxidant activity was investigated using various established in vitro systems. An in vivo study against CCl₄-induced liver injury was also conducted and compared with that of silymarin, a known hepatoprotective drug.

Results

Carthamus red did not show any toxicity and mortality up to 2000 mg/kg dose, and it showed strong antioxidant ability in vitro. In the in vivo study, carthamus red treatment lowered the serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP and total protein in liver damage rat models. Meanwhile, Nrf2, GSTα and NQO1 expressions were up-regulated at the protein level by carthamus red intervention. Additionally, the activities of antioxidant enzymes and level of GSH were elevated by carthamus red intervention, while the content of TBARS, which is an oxidative stress marker, was lessened. HE stain analysis showed that the condition of liver damage was mitigated.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that carthamus red may serve as a candidate with strong a hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant activity in liver damage.     

Hepatoprotective activity of the edible snail (Bellamia bengalensis) flesh extract in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

In the folk-traditional medicine, snails were used to purify blood, boost immune system, prevent conjunctivitis and to treat liver problems.

Objectives

To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of the edible snail (Bellamia bengalensis) flesh extract in male Wistar rats treated with carbon tetrachloride as an hepatotoxicant.

Materials and methods

Live adult Bellamia bengalensis was collected commercially from the Kolkata market. Aqueous flesh extract (BBE) was prepared in 0.9% saline and expressed in terms of wet weight basis. The aqueous flesh extract was administered orally (1, 2 g kg⁻¹ day⁻¹) to male rats for 12 days. Liv52 was used as positive control. 24 h after administration of extract, the rats were given a single oral dose of CCl₄ (1.25 ml kg⁻¹), except vehicle control rats. After 24 h of CCl₄ administration, all the animals were sacrificed to collect the blood and liver tissue.

Results

BBE (1 and 2 g kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, p.o. × 12 days) significantly prevented CCl₄ induced elevation of SGOT, SGPT, γGT, ACP, ALP, bilirubin, LDH and CCl₄ induced decrease in total protein, triglyceride level in male Wistar rats. BBE treated rat liver anti-oxidant parameters (LPO, SOD, GSH, CAT, GPx) were significantly antagonized for the pro-oxidant effect of CCl₄. Histopathological studies also supported the protective effect of BBE.

Conclusion

This study validated the folk and traditional use of snail in liver disorder through CCl₄-induced rat experimental model.     

Fraxinus rhynchophylla ethanol extract attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats via down-regulating the expressions of uPA,MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1

Aim of the study

To investigate the effect of Fraxinus rhynchophylla ethanol extract (FR_EtOH) on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in rats.

Materials and methods

Rat hepatic fibrosis was induced by oral administration of CCl₄. Sixty SD rats were divided randomly into 6 groups: control, CCl₄ group, silymarin group and three FR_EtOH-treated groups. Except for the rats in control group, all rats were administered orally with CCl₄ (20%, 0.2 mL/100 g body weight) twice a week for 8 weeks. Rats in FR_EtOH groups were treated daily with FR_EtOH (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg, p.o.) throughout the whole experimental period. Liver function parameters (such as activities of serum GOT and GPT levels), activities of liver anti-oxidant enzymes (such as catalase, SOD, GPx) and expressions of uPA, tPA, MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1, -2, -3, -4 in the liver fibrosis pathway were detected.

Results

The results showed that FR_EtOH (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg BW) significantly reduced the elevated activities of sGOT and sGPT caused by CCl₄. FR_EtOH (0.1 and 0.5 g/kg BW) and significantly increased the activities of GSH-Px. The histopathological study showed that FR_EtOH (0.1 and 0.5 g/kg BW) reduced the incidence of liver lesions, including hepatic cells cloudy swelling, lymphocytes infiltration, cytoplasm vacuolization hepatic necrosis and fibrous connective tissue proliferated induced by CCl₄ in rats. In our study it was showed that CCl₄-treated group significantly increased the protein levels of uPA, MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1. FR_EtOH (0.1 and 0.5 g/kg BW) could inhibit the protein levels of uPA, MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1. Finally, the amount of esculetin in the FR_EtOH was 33.54 mg/g extract.

Conclusions

Oral administration of FR_EtOH significantly reduces CCl₄-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats, probably by exerting a protective effect against hepatocellular fibrosis by its free radical scavenging ability. FR_EtOH down-regulated the expressions of uPA, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis in rats.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. in rats

Aim of the study

Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. (Family: Cucurbitaceae) is one of the medicinal plants that is often used in Sri Lankan traditional systems of medicine. One of its uses is the treatment of inflammatory conditions. However, validity of the anti-inflammatory activity has not been scientifically investigated so far. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of Trichosanthes cucumerina hot water extract (HWE) and its fractions.

Materials and methods

The anti-inflammatory activity of Trichosanthes cucumerina was evaluated by use of the carrageenan-induced paw oedema model in Wistar rats. In addition, the mechanism/s by which Trichosanthes cucumerina is mediated the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by determining its effects on (a) membrane stabilizing activity and (b) nitric oxide inhibitory activity.

Results

Apart from the lowest dose of the HWE, other tested doses (500, 750, 1000 mg/kg) produced a significant (P ≤ 0.05) inhibition of the inflammation, most pronounced at 5 h after the injection of carrageenan. The anti-inflammatory effect induced by 750 mg/kg, was comparable to that of the reference drug, indomethacin at 4 and 5 h. Inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production and membrane stabilization activities are probable mechanisms by which Trichosanthes cucumerina mediates its anti-inflammatory actions. Among the tested fractions, methanol fraction (MEF) and aqueous fraction (AQF) at a dose of 75 mg/kg exhibited marked inhibition against carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema. The anti-inflammatory effect induced by MEF, was comparable to that of the reference drug, indomethacin and as well as to the 750 mg/kg of HWE at 4 and 5 h.

Conclusions

(a) These findings rationalize the traditional usage of this plant as an anti-inflammatory agent and (b) membrane stabilizing properties and NO inhibitory activity are possible mechanisms through which Trichosanthes cucumerina mediates its anti-inflammatory action.     

Effects of Scutellariae radix and Aloe vera gel extracts on immunoglobulin E and cytokine levels in atopic dermatitis NC/Nga mice

Aim of the study

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Scutellariae radix (SR) and Aloe vera gel (AV), alone or in combination, on levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and inflammatory cytokines in spontaneous atopic dermatitis(AD)-like skin lesions.

Materials and methods

After spontaneous AD-like skin lesion was developed by adaptation to conventional conditions, mice were randomly assigned to control, SR (50 mg/kg, p.o.), AV (0.8 mg/kg, p.o.) and SRAV (50 mg of SR and 0.8 mg of AV/kg, p.o.) groups, and were treated for 6 weeks.

Results

SR and SRAV suppressed IL-5 levels compared with control, but had no effects on IgE levels (P < 0.05). AV increased IgE levels, but decreased both IL-5 and IL-10 compared with control (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results suggest that SR and AV modulate immunological responses in AD, mainly through influencing IL-5 or IL-10 levels.