Evaluation of antipyretic potential of Clitoria ternatea L. extract in rats.

The methanol extract of Clitoria ternatea L. root (MECTR) blue flowered variety (Family: Fabaceae), was evaluated for its anti-pyretic potential on normal body temperature and yeast-induced pyrexia in albino rats. Yeast suspension (10 ml/kg body wt.) increased rectal temperature after 19 hours of subcutaneous injection. The extract, at doses of 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg body wt., p.o., produced significant reduction in normal body temperature and yeast-provoked elevated temperature in a dose-dependent manner. The effect extended up to 5 hours after the drug administration. The anti-pyretic effect of the extract was comparable to that of paracetamol (150 mg/kg body wt., p.o.), a standard anti-pyretic agent.     

Evaluation of anti-pyretic potential of Ficus racemosa bark.

A study was carried out to evaluate the anti-pyretic effect of a methanol extract of stem bark of Ficus racemosa Linn. (MEFR) on normal body temperature and yeast-induced pyrexia in albino rats. A yeast suspension (10 ml/kg body wt.) increased rectal temperature 19 h after subcutaneous injection. The MEFR, at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body wt. p.o., showed significant dose-dependent reduction in normal body temperature and yeast-provoked elevated temperature. The effect extended up to 5 h after drug administration. The anti-pyretic effect of MEFR was comparable to that of paracetamol (150 mg/kg body wt., p.o.), a standard anti-pyretic agent.     

Evaluation of anti-tussive activity of Bergenia ciliata Sternb. rhizome extract in mice.

The methanol extract of the rhizome of Bergenia ciliata Sternb. (Saxifragaceae) has been evaluated for its potential in a cough model induced by sulphur dioxide gas in mice. The extract exhibited significant anti-tussive activity in a dose-dependent manner, as compared with control. The antitussive activity of the extract was comparable to that of codeine phosphate (10 mg/kg body wt.), a standard anti-tussive agent. The extract at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body wt. (p.o.) showed significant inhibition of cough reflex by 28.7, 33.9 and 44.2%, respectively, within 90 min of the experiment.     

Evaluation of anti-pyretic potential of Jussiaea suffruticosa L. extract in rats.

A study was carried out to evaluate the anti-pyretic potential of the methanol extract of the aerial part of Jussiaea suffruticosa Linn. (MEJS) on normal body temperature and yeast-induced pyrexia in albino rats. Yeast suspension (10 ml/kg body wt.) increased rectal temperature after 19 hours of subcutaneous injection. The MEJS, at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body wt. p.o., showed significant reduction in normal body temperature and yeast-provoked elevated temperature in a dose-dependent manner. The effect also extended up to 5 hours after the drug administration. The anti-pyretic effect of MEJS was comparable to that of paracetamol (150 mg/kg body wt, p.o.), a standard anti-pyretic agent.     

Anti-diabetic potential of Barleria lupulina extract in rats.

We have undertaken a study to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic effect of a methanol extract of aerial parts of Barleria lupulina Lindl. (Acanthaceae) in streptozotocin-diabetic rats, based on folkloric reports its use as an anti-diabetic agent. The extract exerted significant (p < 0.05) anti-hyperglycemic efficacy at all levels tested from 4 h after its administration, as compared with the control group, and the effect was also prolonged up to 12 h. The extract at doses of 200 mg kg(-1) body wt. and above exhibited a maximum activity (p < 0.001) at 12 h after administration. The most significant activity (15.35% blood glucose reduction) was observed for the group administered 300 mg kg(-1) body wt. at 12 h after administration, while the standard drug glibenclamide (10 mg/kg(-1) body wt.) showed an 18.80% reduction of blood glucose at the same time interval. Based on our current results, it appears that the methanol extract of aerial parts of Barleria lupulina Lindl. shows a pronounced blood-glucose-lowering potential in streptozotocin hyperglycemic rats, and is thus provided with a pharmacological support of the folklore claims of anti-diabetic activity.     

The effect of saffron, Crocus sativus stigma, extract and its constituents, safranal and crocin on sexual behaviors in normal male rats

In this study, the aphrodisiac activities of Crocus sativus stigma aqueous extract and its constituents, safranal and crocin, were evaluated in male rats. The aqueous extract (80, 160 and 320 mg/kg body wt.), crocin (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body wt.), safranal (0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 ml/kg), sildenafil (60 mg/kg body wt., as a positive control) and saline were administered intraperitoneally to male rats. Mounting frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), erection frequency (EF), mount latency (ML), intromission latency (IL) and ejaculation latency (EL) were the factors evaluated during the sexual behavior study. Crocin, at all doses, and the extract, especially at doses 160 and 320 mg/kg body wt., increased MF, IF and EF behaviors and reduced EL, IL and ML parameters. Safranal did not show aphrodisiac effects. The present study reveals an aphrodisiac activity of saffron aqueous extract and its constituent crocin.     

Evaluation of the analgesic activity of extracts of Miconia rubiginosa (Melastomataceae)

The analgesic effects of the hexane, methylene chloride and ethanol extracts of Miconia rubiginosa were evaluated in mice and rats using the acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate tests. The extracts (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body wt.) and indomethacin (5 mg/kg body wt.) produced a significant (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) inhibition of acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing. These same extracts (200 mg/kg body wt.) showed a significant (p < 0.05) antinociceptive effect, lower than that produced by morphine (4 mg/kg body wt.). The fractionation of the methylene chloride extract yielded ursolic and oleanoic acids as the major compounds. Using only gas chromatography, it was possible to identify the following triterpenes in the hexane extract: alpha-amyrin, beta-amyrin, lupeol and beta-sitosterol.     

Antifertility effect of Melia azedarach Linn. (dharek) seed extract in female albino rats

In the present study, the effect of oral administration of Melia azedarach Linn. (dharek) seed extract on fertility index, uterine weight and various histological and biochemical parameters of uterus were studied in the adult cyclic Wistar rats. Average number of embryos and implantation losses in the pregnant animals treated with dharek seed extract was also studied. The extract was prepared using a flash evaporator at 35 degrees C and dissolved in olive oil to prepare doses on per kg body weight basis. The results indicated a reduction in fertility index and average number of embryos in mated rats treated with the dharek extract. Pre-implantation, post-implantation and total prenatal mortalities were increased in rats treated with dharek seed extract during early (D1-D7) and late (D7-D18) stages of gestation period at doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg kg(-1) body wt day(-1). Histological studies showed a significant reduction in myometrial thickness, uterine gland diameter, luminal diameter of uterine glands and luminal epithelial cell height in rats treated with dharek seed extract at 1mg kg(-1) body wt day(-1) for 18 days. Pits and folds in luminal epithelial, mitotic activity in luminal and glandular epithelial cells of uterus were observed to be absent. Biochemically, a significant increase in protein and glycogen contents was observed. Thus, in conclusion, the application of this plant extract in rodent control programme may help to elevate the socioeconomic status of the society.     

Central effects of citral, myrcene and limonene, constituents of essential oil chemotypes from Lippia alba (Mill.) n.e. Brown.

Citral, myrcene and limonene (100 and 200 mg/kg body wt., i.p.), constituents of essential oils from Lippia alba chemotypes, decreased not only the number of crossings but also numbers for rearing and grooming, as measured by the open-field test in mice. Although muscle relaxation detected by the rota rod test was seen only at the highest doses of citral (200 mg/kg body wt.) and myrcene (100 and 200 mg/kg body wt.), this effect was observed even at the lowest dose of limonene (50 mg/kg body wt.). Also, citral and myrcene (100 and 200 mg/kg body wt.) increased barbiturate sleeping time as compared to control. Limonene was also effective at the highest dose, and although citral did not increase the onset of sleep, it increased the duration of sleep, which is indicative of a potentiation of sleeping time. Citral (100 and 200 mg/kg body wt.) increased 2.3 and 3.5 times, respectively, the barbiturate sleeping time in mice. Similar effects were observed for myrcene and limonene at the highest dose (200 mg/kg body wt.) which increased the sleeping time around 2.6 times. In the elevated-plus maze, no effect was detected with citral up to 25 mg/kg body wt., while at a high dose it decreased by 46% the number of entries in the open arms. A smaller but significant effect was detected with limonene (5 mg/kg body wt.). While myrcene (10 mg/kg body wt.) decreased only by 22% the number of entries in the open arms, this parameter was decreased by 48% at the highest dose. Our study showed that citral, limonene and myrcene presented sedative as well as motor relaxant effects. Although only at the highest dose, they also produced a potentiation of the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time in mice, which was more intense in the presence of citral. In addition, neither of them showed an anxiolytic effect, but rather a slight anxiogenic type of effect at the higher doses.     

Valeriana wallichii root extract improves sleep quality and modulates brain monoamine level in rats

The present study was performed to investigate the effects of Valeriana wallichi (VW) aqueous root extract on sleep-wake profile and level of brain monoamines on Sprague-Dawley rats. Electrodes and transmitters were implanted to record EEG and EMG in freely moving condition and the changes were recorded telemetrically after oral administration of VW in the doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight. Sleep latency was decreased and duration of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep was increased in a dose dependent manner. A significant decrease of sleep latency and duration of wakefulness were observed with VW at doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg. Duration of NREM sleep as well as duration of total sleep was increased significantly after treatment with VW at the doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg. VW also increased EEG slow wave activity during NREM sleep at the doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg. Level of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), serotonin (5-HT) and hydroxy indole acetic acid (HIAA) were measured in frontal cortex and brain stem after VW treatment at the dose of 200mg/kg. NE and 5HT level were decreased significantly in both frontal cortex and brain stem. DA and HIAA level significantly decreased only in cortex. DOPAC level was not changed in any brain region studied. In conclusion it can be said that VW water extract has a sleep quality improving effect which may be dependent upon levels of monoamines in cortex and brainstem.     

Agastache mexicana may produce anxiogenic-like actions in the male rat.

Behavioral effects of a water-soluble extract of Agastache mexicana, a plant with purported anxiolytic actions, were studied in male Wistar rats. In the elevated plus-maze test, various doses of the plant extract (3.0 mg/kg body wt.; 9.0 mg/kg body wt.; 12.0 mg/kg body wt.) administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) decreased the exploration of open arms, showing an anxiogenic-like effect. Agastache mexicana (12 mg/kg body wt.; i.p.) did not change immobility in the forced swimming test (i.e., had no anti-depressant effect) but increased the anti-immobility action of 32.0 mg/kg body wt. (i.p.) of desipramine (i.e., increased the antidepressant-like effect of desipramine). A. mexicana had no effect on exploratory activity in an open field test, indicating that it had no sedative effect at the doses used. It is concluded that effects of the water extract of A. mexicana are more consistent with an anxiogenic-like property than an anxiolytic-like one.     

Effects of Annona squamosa extract on early pregnancy in rats.

Annona squamosa Linn., family Annonaceae, is said to show varied medicinal effects, including insecticide, antiovulatory and abortifacient. The purpose of present study was to investigate if A. squamosa seed aqueous extract, in doses higher than that popularly used to provoke abortion, interferes with reproductive performance, and to correlate the ingestion of this extract with possible alterations in rat embryonic implantation. Doses of 300 mg/kg (Treated Group I, n = 17) and 600 mg/kg (Treated Group II, n = 12) body wt. were administered by gavage, during days 1 to 5 of pregnancy (preimplantation period). The control group (n = 13) received water in the same manner, during the same period for comparison with experimental groups. The animals were euthanized on day 10 of pregnancy. Treatment of dams during the preimplantation period showed no signs of toxicity, and no alteration in the corpora lutea, implantations and embryo in terms of development numbers. The percentage of preimplantation and postimplantation losses in treated groups I and II did not differ from those of control. Treatment with aqueous extract of A. squamosa seeds caused no morphological change in the endometrium. The absence of morphological alterations in uterine epithelial cells in treated groups I and II permitted a viable embryonic implantation, as verified by the number of embryos in development at day 10 of pregnancy. Thus, A. squamosa seed aqueous extract did not interfere with the reproductive performance of pregnant rats.     

Antinociceptive effects of the essential oil of Alpinia zerumbet on mice.

Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt. et Smith is an aromatic plant that is distributed widely in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. In Brazil, where A. zerumbet is called "colonia", it is used widely in folk medicine for the treatment of various diseases, including hypertension. In the present study, the antinociceptive effects of the orally administered essential oil of A. zerumbet (EOAz) were evaluated in male Swiss mice (20-25 g each). In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, EOAz (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg body wt.; n = 10, n = 13 and n = 15, respectively) was effective at all doses. In the hot-plate test, EOAz significantly increased the latency at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg body wt., but not at 30 mg/kg body wt., at all observation times up to the 180th min (n = 10 for each dose). In the formalin test, EOAz significantly reduced paw licking time in the second phase of the test at 100 mg/kg body wt. (n = 10), but decreased it in both phases at 300 mg/kg body wt. (n = 10). At 30 mg/kg body wt., the effect of EOAz did not differ from control values in either phase of the formalin test (n = 10). Pretreatment with naloxone (5 mg/kgbodywt., i.p.) caused a significant reversal of the analgesic effect of 300 mg/kg body wt. EOAz (n = 8) that was complete for the first phase, but only partial for the second phase of the formalin test. The data show that orally administered OEAz promotes a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect, with a mechanism of action which probably involves the participation of opiate receptors.     

Hypoglycemic activity of a polyphenolic oligomer-rich extract of Cinnamomum parthenoxylon bark in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Cinnamon bark has been reported to be effective in the alleviation of diabetes through its antioxidant and insulin-potentiating activities. The water-soluble polyphenolic oligomers found in cinnamon are thought to be responsible for this biological activity. In this study, the hypoglycemic activity of a polyphenolic oligomer-rich extract from the barks of Cinnamomum parthenoxylon (Jack) Nees was studied in normal, transiently hyperglycemic, and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of the extract at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body wt. caused significant changes in body weight loss and fasting blood glucose levels of normal rats. In STZ-induced diabetic rats, after administration of the extract at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body wt. over 14 days, the blood glucose levels were decreased by 11.1%, 22.5%, and 38.7%, respectively, and the plasma insulin levels were significantly increased over pre-treatment levels. In an oral glucose tolerance test, the extract produced a significant decrease in glycemia 90 min after the glucose pulse. These results suggest that Cinnamomum parthenoxylon polyphenolic oligomer-rich extract could be potentially useful for post-prandial hyperglycemia treatment.     

Zea mays L. extracts modify glomerular function and potassium urinary excretion in conscious rats

Diuretic and uricosuric properties have traditionally been attributed to corn silk, stigma/style of Zea mays L. Although the diuretic effect was confirmed, studies of the plant's effects on renal function or solute excretion were lacking. Thus, we studied the effects of corn silk aqueous extract on the urinary excretion of water, Na+, K+, and uric acid. Glomerular and proximal tubular function and Na+ tubular handling were also studied. Conscious, unrestrained adult male rats were housed in individual metabolic cages (IMC) with continuous urine collection for 5 and 3 h, following two protocols. The effects of 25, 50, 200, 350, and 500 mg/kg body wt. corn silk extract on urine volume plus Na+ and K+ excretions were studied in water-loaded conscious rats (2.5 ml/100 g body wt.) in the IMC for 5 h (Protocol 1). Kaliuresis was observed with doses of 350 (100.42 +/- 22.32-120.28 +/- 19.70 microEq/5 h/100 g body wt.; n = 13) and 500 mg/kg body wt. (94.97+/- 29.30-134.32 +/- 39.98 microEq/5h/100 g body wt.; n = 12; p<0.01), and the latter dose resulted in diuresis as well (1.98 +/- 0.44-2.41 +/- 0.41 ml/5 h/100 g body wt.; n = 12; p<0.05). The effects of a 500 mg/kg body wt. dose of corn silk extract on urine volume, Na+, K+ and uric acid excretions, and glomerular and proximal tubular function, were measured respectively by creatinine (Cler) and Li+ (ClLi) clearances and Na+ tubular handling, in water-loaded rats (5 ml/100 g body wt.) in the IMC for 3 h (Protocol 2). Clcr (294.6 +/- 73.2, n = 12, to 241.7 +/- 48.0 microl/ min/100 g body wt.; n = 13; p<0.05) and the Na+ filtered load (41.9 +/- 10.3, n = 12, to 34.3 +/- .8, n = 13, p<0.05) decreased and ClLi and Na+ excretion were unchanged, while K+ excretion (0.1044 +/- 0.0458, n=12, to 0.2289 +/- 0.0583 microEq/min/100 body wt.; n = 13; p<0.001) increased. For Na+ tubular handling, the fractional proximal tubular reabsorption (91.5 +/- 3.5, n = 12, to 87.5 +/- 3.4%; n = 13; p<0.01) decreased, and both fractional distal reabsorptions--I and II--increased (96.5 +/- 1.5, n = 12, to 97.8 +/- 0.9%; n = 13; p<0.01; and 8.2 +/- 3.5, n = 12, to 12.2 +/- 3.4%, n = 13, p<0.01, respectively). To summarize, in water-loaded conscious rats (2.5 ml/100 body wt.), corn silk aqueous extract is diuretic at a dose of 500 mg/kg body wt. and kaliuretic at doses of 350 and 500 mg/kg body wt. In water-loaded conscious rats (5.0 ml/100 g body wt.), corn silk aqueous extract is kaliuretic at a dose of 500 mg/kg body wt., but glomerular filtration and filtered load decrease without affecting proximal tubular function, Na+, or uric acid excretion.     

Evaluation of antipyretic activity of leaf extracts of Mallotus peltatus (Geist) Muell. arg. var acuminatus: a folk medicine.

A study was carried out to evaluate the anti-pyretic potential of the methanol extract of Mallotus peltatus (Geist) Muell. Arg. var acuminatus leaf, a folk medicine of Onge tribes of Bay Islands, on normal body temperature and yeast-induced pyrexia in Wister albino rats. The leaf extract at oral doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg kg(-1), p.o., showed significant reduction in normal body temperature and yeast-provoked elevated temperature in a dose-dependent manner and the anti-pyretic effect was comparable to that of standard anti-pyretic agent paracetamol (150 mg kg(-1), p.o.). The effect also extended up to 5 hours after the drug administration.     

Effect of Cassia auriculata Linn. Root extract on cisplatin and gentamicin-induced renal injury

The ethanol extract of the roots of Cassia auriculata was studied for its nephroprotective activity in cisplatin- and gentamicin-induced renal injury in male albino rats. In the cisplatin model, the extract at doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg body wt. reduced elevated blood urea and serum creatinine and normalized the histopathological changes in the curative regimen. In the gentamicin model, the ethanol extract at a dose of 600 mg/kg body wt. reduced blood urea and serum creatinine effectively in both the curative and the preventive regimen. The extract had a marked nitric oxide free-radical-scavenging effect. The findings suggest that the probable mechanism of nephroprotection by C. auriculata against cisplatin- and gentamicin-induced renal injury could be due to its antioxidant and free-radical-scavenging property.     

Hepatoprotective effect of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus niruri on nimesulide-induced oxidative stress in vivo

Nimesulide (NIM), an atypical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is also used as analgesic. In the present study, we evaluated its effect on the prooxidant-antioxidant system of liver and the hepatoprotective potential of aqueous extract of the herb Phyllanthus niruri (PN) on NIM-induced oxidative stress in vivo using a murine model, by determining the activities of hepatic anti-oxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (expressed as malonaldialdehyde, MDA). Aqueous extract of PN at a dose of 50 or 100 mg/kg body wt was administered either intraperitoneally or orally for 7 days, before NIM administration at a dose of 8 mg/kg body wt twice daily for 7 days in mice. Animals were sacrificed 24 h after administration of final dose of NIM. In another set of experiments, both aqueous extract of PN (at a dose of 50 or 100 mg/kg body wt) and NIM (8 mg/kg body wt) were administered simultaneously for 7 days. Animals were sacrificed 24 h after administration of final dose of the extract and NIM, liver tissues were collected, and the activities of SOD and CAT and levels of GSH and lipid peroxidation end-product (as MDA), were determined from the livers of all the experimental animals. Appropriate NIM control was maintained for all sets of experiments. NIM administration (8 mg/kg body wt) for 7 days caused significant depletion of the levels of SOD, CAT and reduced GSH, along with the increased levels of lipid peroxidation. Intraperitoneal administration of the extract at a dose of 50 mg/kg body wt for 7 days,. prior to NIM treatment, significantly restored most of the NIM-induced changes and the effect was comparable to that obtained by administering 100 mg/kg body wt of the extract orally. Thus, results suggested that intraperitoneal administration of the extract could protect liver from NIM-induced hepatic damage more effectively than oral administration. Antioxidant property of the aqueous extract of PN was also compared with that of a known potent antioxidant, vitamin E. The PN extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg body wt along with NIM was more effective in suppressing the oxidative damage than the PN extract at a dose of 50 mg/kg body wt. Results suggested that beneficial effect of the aqueous extract of PN, probably through its antioxidant property, might control the NIM-induced oxidative stress in the liver.     

Immunomodulatory effects of alcbholic and hydroalcoholic extracts of Moringa olifera Lam leaves

Effects of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of the alcoholic and hydro-alcoholic extract of leaves of M. olifera were studied on various immune paradigms like delayed type hypersensitivity reaction using SRBC as an antigen, determination of antibody titer, neutrophil adhesion test as an indicator for neutrophil index, total leucocyte count in cyclophosphamide induced immunosuppressed animals and carbon clearance assay as a measure of phagocytic activity. Hydro-alcoholic extract of M. olifera substantially enhanced cellular immune response, humoral immune response, neutrophil index and phagoctic activity in doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. The ethanolic extract (200 mg/kg body weight) was efficient in improving immune response. The results suggest that M. olifera has a significant role to play as an immune stimulator.     

Pharmacological assay of Cordia verbenacea V: oral and topical anti-inflammatory activity, analgesic effect and fetus toxicity of a crude leaf extract

Cordia verbenacea D.C. (Borraginaceae) is a perennial bush plant that grows widely along the southeastern coast of Brazil. Its leaves have been used in folk medicine for their anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory and cicatrizing activities. We have already described the anti-inflammatory properties of C. verbenacea and its low toxicity in different acute animal models. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity in sub-chronic animal models of a crude leaf lyophilized extract when administered by oral route or topically applied, and concomitantly, its analgesic potency and toxicity to the fetus. Topical administration of the extract inhibited nystatin-induced edema proportionally to the doses used, and this effect at a dose of 4.56 mg/kg body wt. was similar to that observed with 6.0 mg/kg body wt. of naproxen. In miconazole-induced edema, the leaf extract at a dose of 1.24 mg/kg body wt., orally administered, has a very similar effect as compared to nimezulide (2.5 mg/kg body wt.) and dexamethasone (0.2 mg/kg body wt.). At an oral dose of 2.48 mg/kg body wt. the extract showed a very low analgesic effect, and total absence of fetus toxicity at doses of less than 7.44 mg/kg body wt.