Antidiabetic activity of a polyherbal formulation (DRF/AY/5001)

The herbal formulation, DRF/AY/5001, elicits hypoglycemic/antidiabetic effects in both normal and experimentally induced hyperglycemic (epinephrine and alloxan) rats. Further, herbal formulation treatment can significantly alter the pattern of glucose tolerance in normal and diabetic rats. It is possible that the herbal formulation may act through both, pancreatic and extra-pancreatic mechanism(s). The DRF/AY/5001 also elicited a significant antioxidant effect in alloxan diabetic rats as reflected by its ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation and to elevate the enzymatic antioxidants in pancreatic tissue. The histopathological studies during the long-term treatment have shown to ameliorate the alloxan induced histological damage of islets of Langerhans. The inhibitory effects on biochemical and histological parameters induced by herbal formulation at a dose of 600 mg/kg were almost comparable to that of standard drug, glibenclamide (4 mg/kg). The present study demonstrates that herbal formulation exhibits promisisng antidiabetic activity and helps to maintain good glycemic and metabolic control.     

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of SKLJI, a highly purified and injectable herbal extract of Lonicera japonica

The parenteral route has many merits over the oral route, including greater predictability, reproducibility of absorption, and rapid drug action, but injectable phytomedicines are uncommon due to protein precipitating tannin and hemolytic saponin components. In this study, in an effort to develop a safe injectable analgesic phytomedicine, we prepared a tannin and saponin-free Lonicera japonica extract, SKLJI, through fractionation and column purification, and evaluated its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in in vivo experimental models of inflammation and pain. The removal of tannin and saponin resulted in loganin and sweroside-enriched SKLJI and it showed reduced hemolysis and protein precipitation. In efficacy tests, SKLJI inhibited croton oil- and arachidonic acid-induced ear edema, acetic acid-induced writhing, and carrageenan-induced rat hind paw hyperalgesia. Inhibition of cylcooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and 5-lipoxyfenase (5-LO) activities by SKLJI appeared to be the mechanism underlying anti-inflammatory and analgesic efficacy. Loganin and sweroside also showed anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, suggesting that they might be active principles in the efficacy of SKLJI. These results suggest that SKLJI is a viable candidate for a new anti-inflammatory and analgesic phytomedicine that can be administered by the parenteral route.     

Anti-cholestatic activity of HD-03, a herbal formulation in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced experimental cholestasis

In the present study HD-03, a herbal formulation was investigated for its anti-cholestatic activity in TAA-induced cholestasis in anaesthetized guinea pigs. Administration of TAA at a dose of 100 mg/kg body wt significantly reduced the bile flow, bile acid and bile salt excretion. Pretreatment with HD-03 at a dose of 750 mg/kg body wt per orally for 15 days in guinea pigs significantly prevented thioacetamide-induced changes in bile flow, bile acids and bile salts excretion. Thus, HD-03 can serve as a potent choleretic and anti-cholestatic agent.     

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Indian Hypericum perforatum L

A standardised 50% aqueous ethanolic extract of the Indian variety of Hypericum perforatum (IHp) was examined for its putative anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, po. The experimental paradigms used were carrageenan induced pedal edema and cotton pellet induced granuloma for anti-inflammatory activity, whereas the tail flick, hot plate and acetic acid induced writhing methods were used to asses analgesic activity. Indomethacin (20 mg/kg, ip) was used as the standard anti-inflammatory drug. Pentazocine (10 mg/kg, ip) and aspirin (25 mg/kg, ip), both clinically used analgesics, were used as standard analgesics for comparison. IHp extract showed significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity at both dose levels, in all the paradigms used. Additionally, IHp potentiated the anti-inflammatory activity of indomethacin and analgesic activities of pentazocine and aspirin.     

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic amides

The synthesis of some new aryl acetic acids and amides and a pharmacochemical study and quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) on them are described. The compounds were screened for their biological activity using the carrageenin induced rat paw oedema model and a significant inhibition of oedema occurred (44.1-80.1%) at a concentration of 0.01 mmol/1 kg. The analgesic activity, based on the inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing in rats was also found to be significant. The compounds were found to interact with the stable free radical 1,1-diphenylhydrazyl DPPH and with DMSO (for hydroxyl radicals). The compounds were screened for radical scavenging activity with the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system for O2-* and for inhibition of soybean lipoxygenase (LOX). The results are discussed in terms of the structural and physicochemical characteristics of the compounds.     

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of Linum usitatissimum L. (flaxseed/linseed) fixed oil

The fixed oil of L. usitatissimum (flaxseed/linseed) inhibited PGE2-, leukotriene-, histamine- and bradykinin-induced inflammation. The oil also inhibited arachidonic acid-induced inflammation, suggesting its capacity to inhibit both cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonate metabolism. In tail immersion model, the oil raised the pain threshold to a lesser extent than morphine but showed excellent peripherally acting, analgesic activity comparable to aspirin, against acetic acid-induced writhing in mouse. In typhoid paratyphoid A/B vaccine-induced pyrexia, the oil showed antipyretic activity comparable to aspirin. The oil contains 57.38% alpha-linolenic acid. Dual inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism, antihistaminic and antibradykinin activities of the oil could account for the biological activity and the active principle could be alpha-linolenic acid an omega-3 (18:3, n-3) fatty acid.     

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and molecular mechanisms of JCICM-6, a purified extract derived from an anti-arthritic Chinese herbal formula

The anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects and the molecular mechanisms of JCICM-6, a purified extract derived from an anti-arthritic Chinese herbal formula composed of Caulis Sinomenii, Aconiti laterralis Preparata, Rhizoma Curcumae longae, Radix Paeoniae albae, and Cortex Moutan, were examined for the first time. JCICM-6 was prepared using pharmaceutical extraction technology, purified by Amberlite XAD-7HP polymeric resin. Pharmacologically, in carrageenan-induced edema and carrageenan-evoked thermal hyperalgesia in paws of rats, the oral administration of JCICM-6 at dosages of 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 g/kg demonstrated significant inhibition with a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistic studies showed that JCICM-6 effectively decreased the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines of IL-6 and IL-1β and expression of COX-2 and iNOS proteins, and simultaneously elevated the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 in the carrageenan-injected rat paw tissues and exudates. The positive reference drug, indomethacin at a dosage of 10 mg/kg, demonstrated inhibitory potency in both rat models, but it could not augment the production of IL-4, indicating JCICM-6 and indomethacin might possess different pharmacological properties and molecular mechanisms although both have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in rats. These results suggest that JCICM-6 would be a valuable candidate for further investigation as a new anti-arthritic drug.     

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Ophthacare brand, an herbal eye drops.

In the present study, the herbal preparation of Ophthacare brand eye drops was investigated for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, using in vivo and in vitro experimental models. Ophthacare brand eye drops exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in turpentine liniment-induced ocular inflammation in rabbits. The preparation dose-dependently inhibited ferric chloride-induced lipid peroxidation in vitro and also showed significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and antifungal activity against Candida albicans. All these findings suggest that Ophthacare brand eye drops can be used in the treatment of various ophthalmic disorders.     

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of Physalis minima Linn

In our present investigation, the crude methanol extract and chloroform fraction of the whole plant of Physalis minima Linn (Solanaceae) was investigated for anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities in NMRI mice and Wistar rats of either sex at 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Various established in-vivo model's were used during the study. Both crude extract and chloroform fraction showed marked anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities as compared to a control at tested doses. The antipyretic potential of the crude extract and chloroform were insignificant in the Brewer's yeast fever model. Therefore, the whole plant of Physalis minima Linn could be considered as a potential candidate for bioactivity-guided isolation of natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents.     

Anti-inflammatory,analgesic and antipyretic activities of Physalis minima Linn

In our present investigation, the crude methanol extract and chloroform fraction of the whole plant of Physalis minima Linn (Solanaceae) was investigated for anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities in NMRI mice and Wistar rats of either sex at 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Various established in-vivo model's were used during the study. Both crude extract and chloroform fraction showed marked anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities as compared to a control at tested doses. The antipyretic potential of the crude extract and chloroform were insignificant in the Brewer's yeast fever model. Therefore, the whole plant of Physalis minima Linn could be considered as a potential candidate for bioactivity-guided isolation of natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents.     

Antiatherogenic effect of Caps HT2, a herbal Ayurvedic medicine formulation

The antiatherogenic effect of a herbal formulation, Caps HT2, was evaluated as antioxidant, anticoagulant, platelet antiaggregatory, lipoprotein lipase releasing, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidaemic activity in rats. The formulation contained the methanolic extracts of selected parts of plants, Commiphora mukul, Allium sativum, Plumbago indica, Semecarpus anacardium, Hemidesmus indicus, Terminalia arjuna, Tinospora cordifolia, Withania somnifera and Ocimum sanctum. The formulation, Caps HT2 was found to scavenge superoxide and hydroxyl radicals; the IC50 required being 55.0 and 610.0 microg/ml respectively. The lipid peroxidation was found inhibited (50%) by 48.5 microg/ml of Caps HT2. The intravenous administration of the formulation (5 mg/kg) delayed the plasma recalcification time in rabbits and enhanced the release of lipoprotein lipase enzyme significantly (p < 0.001). The formulation also inhibited ADP induced platelet aggregation in vitro, which was comparable to commercial heparin. The anti-inflammatory action of the formulation was significant (p < 0.001) with acute and chronic inflammations induced by carrageenan and formalin respectively in rats. The hypolipidaemic effect of Caps HT2 was significant (p < 0.001) with the administration of the formulation, in diet-induced hyperlipidaemia of rats for a period of 30 days. Oral administration of the formulation, Caps HT2 (100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg) significantly raised HDL cholesterol levels. The atherogenic index and the reduction in body weight were significant indicating the effectiveness against hyperlipidaemia and obesity. All these results revealed the therapeutic potential of Caps HT2 against vascular intimal damage and atherogenesis leading to various types of cardiovascular problems.     

Anti- and pro-oxidative properties of PADMA 28, a Tibetan herbal formulation

There is growing public interest in traditional medicine. PADMA 28, a multicompound herbal preparation derived from Tibetan medicine, has proven efficacy in some clinical trials and tests at the cellular level. We report here on studies of PADMA 28 at the molecular level. Extracts of PADMA 28 contain both reducing and metal ion-chelating substances. In this way, PADMA 28 acts as a powerful antioxidant or prooxidant, depending on its concentration and the reaction under study.     

枸杞多糖的抗炎镇痛作用研究

为研究枸杞多糖的抗炎镇痛效应及其潜在分子机制,采用小鼠热板实验、小鼠福尔马林炎症疼痛模型和原代培养的背根神经节神经元细胞对疼痛指标和炎症相关分子进行了检测。实验结果显示枸杞多糖能显著缓解后足注射福尔马林引起的动物II相痛表现(P <0. 05),减少动物两后足重量差值(P <0. 001)和血液(P <0. 001)、脊髓(P <0. 05)组织中白细胞介素6的含量,而对小鼠热板潜伏期无明显影响;枸杞多糖降低原代培养的DRG细胞膜上TRPV1介导的钙信号(P <0. 05)。结果证明枸杞多糖具有良好的抗炎镇痛作用,其镇痛机制可能与降低炎症因子白细胞介素6表达及其引起的TRPV1活性增加有关。     

Anti-inflammatory activity of tea (Camellia sinensis) root extract

Pharmacological studies were carried out with methanol-water (1:1) extract of dried tea (Camellia sinensis) root extract (TRE). TRE was found to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities at 1/10th of its LD50 dose of 100 mg/kg i.p. It was found that TRE inhibited the arachidonic acid-induced paw oedema in rats which indicated that TRE produced the anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting both the cyclooxygenase and lypooxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism. TRE also enhanced peritoneal cell count and the number of macrophages in normal mice. It is plausible that the saponins present in TRE may be responsible for these activities of TRE.     

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.     

Effect of AC II, a herbal formulation on radiation-induced immunosuppression in mice

A single dose of 6 Gy irradiation significantly reduced the total WBC count while in herbal formulation (AC II) treated groups it was found to be significantly increased. Similarly bone marrow cellularity and alpha-esterase positive cells, which were lowered by radiation, were partly restored in AC II treated groups. The data indicate that AC II can overcome the immunosuppression produced by irradiation.     

Efficacy and tolerability of a novel herbal formulation for weight management

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of an herbal blend.

Design and Methods:

A randomized, double‐blind, clinical trial in 60 subjects with body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40 kg/m². Participants were randomized into two groups receiving either 400 mg herbal capsules or 400 mg placebo capsules twice daily. The herbal blend comprises of extracts from Sphaeranthus indicus and Garcinia mangostana. Participants received a standard diet (2,000 kcal per day) and walked 30 min 5 days per week.

Results:

After 8 weeks, significant net reductions in body weight (3.74 kg; P < 0.0001), BMI (1.61 kg/m²; P < 0.0001), and waist circumference (5.44 cm; P < 0.05) were observed in the herbal group compared with placebo. Additionally, a significant increase in serum adiponectin concentration was found in the herbal group versus placebo (P = 0.001). Adverse events were mild and were equally distributed between the two groups. In vitro studies in the 3T3‐L1 adipocyte cell line showed that the herbal extract markedly downregulated the expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma, adipocyte‐differentiation related protein, and cluster of differentiation 36 but increased adiponectin expression. The herbal extract also reduced the expression and the recruitment of perilipin onto the membrane of lipid droplets.

Conclusion:

Supplementation with the herbal blend resulted in a greater degree of weight loss than placebo over 8 weeks.     

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of ononitol monohydrate isolated from Cassia tora L. in animal models

Ononitol monohydrate (OM) was isolated from Cassia tora L. leaves. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of OM have been examined in male Wistar rats and mice. The efficacy of OM against inflammation was studied by using carrageenan-induced paw oedema, croton oil-induced ear oedema, acetic acid-induced vascular permeability, cotton pellet-induced granuloma and adjuvant-induced arthritis. The analgesic activity of OM was assessed using the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction response, formalin-induced paw licking response and the hot-plate test. In acute type inflammation models, maximum inhibitions of 50.69 and 61.06% (P < .05) were noted with 20 mg/kg of OM in carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema and croton oil-induced ear oedema, respectively. Treatment of OM (20 mg/kg) meaningfully (P < .05) reduced the granuloma tissue formation by cotton pellet study at a rate of 36.25%. OM (20 mg/kg) inhibited 53.64% of paw thickness in adjuvant-induced arthritis model. OM has also been produced significant (P < .05) analgesic activity in acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction response, formalin-induced paw licking response and in hot-plate test suggesting its peripheral and central analgesic potential. The outcomes of the present study proposed that OM influenced on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities.     

In vitro antimicrobial activity of a novel propolis formulation (Actichelated propolis)

AIMS: This study compared in vitro activities of Actichelated propolis (a multicomposite material obtained with mechano-chemichal activation) and of a hydroalcoholic extract of propolis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), determined by means of microdilution broth method, against five strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, Enterococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, showed a greater potency of Actichelated propolis (MIC range: 0.016-4 mg flavonoids ml(-1)) in respect to the hydroalcoholic extract (MIC range: 0.08-21.4 mg flavonoids ml(-1)). Concentrations of Actichelated propolis active against adenovirus, influenza virus, parainfluenza virus and herpes virus type 1 were at least 10 times lower than those of the hydroalcoholic extract. Preincubation of Strep. pyogenes and H. influenzae with subinhibitory concentrations of Actichelated propolis (1/4 and 1/8 x MIC) significantly reduced the number of bacteria that adhered to human buccal cells. CONCLUSIONS: Actichelated propolis has proven to possess antibacterial and antiviral activity higher than a hydroalcoholic extract, being also able to interfere on bacterial adhesion to human oral cells. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This new formulation of propolis showing better antimicrobial and physical characteristics could improve the application of propolis in respiratory tract infections.