Salubrious effect of Semecarpus anacardium against lipid peroxidative changes in adjuvant arthritis studied in rats

Oxygen derived free radicals are known to play an important role in the etiology of tissue injury in rheumatoid arthritis. The effect of milk extract of Semecarpus anacardium nuts at the dose level of 150 mg/kg body weight for 14 days on adjuvant arthritis was studied for gaining insight into the intrigue disease in relation to the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defence system. Increased lipid peroxides' levels in both plasma and tissues (liver, kidney and heart) of adjuvant arthritis was significantly decreased by the administration of the drug. The antioxidant defence system studied in tissues of arthritic animals were altered significantly as evidenced by the decreased level of non-enzymatic antioxidants (GSH, vitamin E, vitamin C, NPSH and TSH) and enzymatic antioxidants (catalase and GPx except SOD). Administration of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract brings back the altered antioxidant defence components to near normal levels. These observations suggest that the diseased stat e of adjuvant arthritis may be associated with augmented lipid peroxidation and the administration of the drug may exert its antiarthritic effect by retarding lipid peroxidation and causing a modulation in cellular antioxidant defence system. (Mol Cell Biochem 175: 65–69, 1997)     

Curative effect of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut milk extract against adjuvant arthritis -- with special reference to bone metabolism

Localised bone loss in the form of bone erosions and peri-articular osteopenia constitutes an important criteria for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. In the present study, the effect of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut milk extract (SA) on the metabolism of bone turn over has been studied by analyzing various markers of bone turnover and by histological and radiological analysis of the joints in adjuvant arthritis in rats. Arthritis was induced in rats by injecting Freund's complete adjuvant containing 10mg of heat killed mycobacterium tuberculosis in 1 ml paraffin oil (0.1 ml) into the left hind paw of the rat intradermally. After 14 days of induction, SA (150 mg/kg body weight/day) was administered orally by gastric intubations for 14 days. SA significantly reverted the alterations in the bone turnover observed in arthritic animals by modulating the levels of calcium, phosphorus and the activities of the enzymes names tartrate resistant acid phosphatase, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase. The drug increased the bone weights that were found to be decreased during arthritis. Protective effect of SA was also observed by the decrease in the levels and expression of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) as well as the histopathological and radiological observations. From all these observations it can be concluded that SA possesses strong anti-arthritic property by regulating bone turnover.     

Therapeutic effects of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut milk extract on the changes associated with collagen and glycosaminoglycan metabolism in adjuvant arthritic Wistar rats

The effect of milk extract of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut milk extract (SA) was studied to gain some insight into this intriguing disease with reference to collagen metabolism. Arthritis was induced in rats by injecting Freund's complete adjuvant containing 10mg of heat killed mycobacterium tuberculosis in 1 ml paraffin oil (0.1 ml) into the left hind paw of the rat intradermally. After 14 days of induction, SA (150 mg/kg body weight/day) was administered orally by gastric intubations for 14 days. Decreased levels of collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) components (chondroitin sulphate, heparan sulphate, hyaluronic acid) and increase in the levels of connective tissue degrading lysosomal glycohydrolases such as acid phosphatase, beta-glucuronidase, beta-N-acetyl glucosaminidase and cathepsin-D observed in arthritic animals were reverted back to near normal levels upon treatment with SA. The drug effectively regulated the uriniray markers of collagen metabolism namely hexosamine, hexuronic acid, hydroxyproline and total GAGS. Electron microscopic studies also revealed the protective effect of SA. Hence, it can be suggested that SA very effectively regulate the collagen metabolism that derange during arthritic condition.     

Apoptotic effect of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract on T47D breast cancer cell line

There is an increasing interest in identifying potent cancer-preventive and therapeutic agents against breast cancer. A great number of reports have in recent years dealt with anticancer characteristics of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract (SA). The majority of these studies has been targeted on the protective effect rendered to the living system rather than the preventive effect on cancer cells. SA was tested for its inhibitory effect on human breast cancer cells (T47D). Cytotoxicity analyses suggested that these cells had become apoptotic. SA was discovered to induce rapid Ca(2+) mobilization from intracellular stores of T47D cell line, and its cytotoxicity against T47D was well correlated with altered mitochondrial transmembrane potential. At the molecular level, these changes are accompanied by decrease in bcl(2) and increase in bax, cytochrome c, caspases and PARP cleavage, and ultimately by internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. Taken together, our results provide unprecedented evidence that SA triggers apoptotic signals in T47D cells.     

Restoration of energy metabolism in leukemic mice treated by a siddha drug--Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut milk extract

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal disorder characterized by proliferation of hematopoietic cells that possess the BCR-ABL fusion gene resulting in the production of a 210 kDa chimeric tyrosine kinase protein. CML, when left untreated, progresses to a blast phase during which the disease turns aggressive and shows poor response to known treatment regimens. We have studied a Siddha herbal agent, Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut milk extract (SA) for its antileukemic activity and its effect on the changes in energy metabolism in leukemic mice. Leukemia was induced in BALB/c mice by tail vein injection of BCR-ABL(+) 12B1 murine leukemia cell line. This resulted in an aggressive leukemia, similar to CML in blast crisis, myeloid subtype, confirmed by histopathological study and RT-PCR for the p210 mRNA in the peripheral blood, spleen and liver. Leukemia-bearing mice showed a significant increase in lipid peroxides, glycolytic enzymes, a decrease in gluconeogenic enzymes and significant decrease in the activities of TCA cycle and respiratory chain enzymes as compared to control animals. SA treatment was compared with standard drug imatinib mesylate. SA administration to leukemic animals resulted in clearance of the leukemic cells from the bone marrow and internal organs on histopathological examination and this was confirmed by RT-PCR for the p210 mRNA. Treatment with SA significantly reversed the changes seen in the levels of the lipid peroxides, the glycolytic enzymes, the gluconeogenic enzymes and the mitochondrial enzymes. These effects are probably due to the flavonoids, polyphenols and other compounds present in SA which result in total regression of leukemia and correction of the alterations in energy metabolism. Study of animals treated with SA alone did not reveal any adverse effects. On the basis of the observed results, SA can be considered as a readily accessible, promising and novel antileukemic chemotherapeutic agent.     

Hypoxia and its downstream targets in DMBA induced mammary carcinoma: protective role of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract

Tumors are usually exposed to a hypoxic microenvironment due to their irregular growth and abnormal vascular supply. Under hypoxia, gene regulation (selective activation and inactivation of genes) plays an important role in maintenance of tumor. Multiple hypoxic and angiogenic growth factors are expressed for tumor cell survival. In search of novel anticancer drug, Semecarpus anacardium nut extract (SA) was tried against breast cancer. Mammary carcinoma was induced in vivo by 7,12-dimethyl benz(a) anthracene (DMBA) (25mg/kg b.w., p.o.). Tumor development and vascular structures were accelerated by DMBA. Hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1) was coexpressed with its downstream genes in mammary tissue. Cancer rats were then treated with S. anacardium nut extract (SA) (250mg/kg b.w., p.o.). Delay in the tumor growth was paralleled with a drastic reduction in vascularization by SA treatment. Activities of glycolytic enzymes were normalized with decreased expression of glucose transporter-1 and carbonic anhydrase IX by drug treatment. Inhibition of HIF-1, vascular endothelial growth factor and inducible nitric oxide synthase by SA may in part explain its antiangiogenic action. SA also inhibits endothelial cell proliferation by blocking the overexpressed survival cytokines. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that at least some part of the antitumor activity of SA is due to the suppression of hypoxic and angiogenic factors. The mechanism of this inhibition seems to be through an action of SA on expression of HIF-1 and its downstream targets.     

Metabolism of glycosaminoglycans in tissues of adjuvant arthritic rat

The metabolic changes in the connective tissue glycosaminoglycans were studied in tissues of adjuvant induced arthritic rats. Arthritic process was induced in rats with the inoculation of Freund's adjuvant containing heat killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis in paraffin oil. The connective tissue glycosaminoglycans were fractionated into sulfated and non-sulfated glycosaminoglycans by chemical and enzymatic methods. The biosynthesis of sulfated glycosaminoglycans was examined using radioactive labeled (³⁵S)-sulfate incorporation measurements into the sulfated glycosaminoglycans in tissues such as liver, kidney, spleen and skin of arthritic rats. The catabolism of glycosaminoglycans was studied by measuring the activity of various connective tissue degrading lysosomal glycohydrolases in tissues of experimental animals. In addition, the changes in the contents of total glycosaminoglycans, mono-sulfated, highly-sulfated and non-sulfated glycosaminoglycans were quantitatively assessed in diseased tissues. Alterations in the metabolism of connective tissue glycosaminoglycans were demonstrated in tissues of arthritic rats. The uptake of (³⁵S)-sulfate into the tissue was found to be increased in liver, kidney and spleen, while that of skin decreased during the process of arthritis. The total glycosaminoglycan content was significantly elevated in diseased tissues compared to normal. Similarly, mono-sulfated, highly-sulfated and non-sulfated glycosaminoglycans were found to be increased in arthritic tissues. In addition, the activity of various connective tissue degrading lysosomal glycohydrolases such as -glucuronidase, -N-acetylglucosaminidase, cathepsin B, cathepsin L and collagenolytic cathepsin was increased in tissues of arthritic rat. The results presented in this communication indicate that the characteristic alterations were induced in the metabolism of glycosaminoglycans by the dynamic process of adjuvant arthritis.     

蜜环菌提取物对佐剂性关节炎大鼠的治疗作用

本文通过对佐剂性关节炎大鼠原发性和继发性足肿胀度的测量、全身关节炎指数评分、体重及体态变化、免疫脏器指数、炎性踝关节切片的形态以及血清中肿瘤坏死因子α、白细胞介素1β、白细胞介素6、前列腺素E2、一氧化氮和一氧化氮合成酶等指标来考察蜜环菌Armillaria mellea的5个不同提取物对佐剂性关节炎大鼠的影响及作用机理。结果表明,蜜环菌甲醇提取物对原发性和继发性足肿胀有明显的抑制;甲醇组能明显抑制佐剂性关节炎大鼠脾脏和胸腺萎缩,并能抑制血清中肿瘤坏死因子α、白细胞介素1β、白细胞介素6和前列腺素E2的分泌,抑制大鼠踝关节炎细胞的形成。因此蜜环菌提取物中甲醇提取物对佐剂性关节炎大鼠治疗效果最显著。     

Optimization of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for management of arthritis in rats

Studies were undertaken to find out the effects of low frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) in adjuvant induced arthritis (AIA) in rats, a widely used model for screening potential therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). AIA was induced by an intradermal injection of a suspension of heat killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (500 mug/0.1 ml) into the right hind paw of male Wistar rats. This resulted in swelling, loss of body weight, increase in paw volume as well as the activity of lysosomal enzymes viz., acid phosphatase, cathepsin D, and beta-glucuronidase and significant radiological and histological changes. PEMF therapy for arthritis involved optimization of three significant factors, viz., frequency, intensity, and duration; and the waveform used is sinusoidal. The use of factorial design in lieu of conventional method resulted in the development of an ideal combination of these factors. PEMF was applied using a Fransleau-Braunbeck coil system. A magnetic field of 5 Hz x 4 muT x 90 min was found to be optimal in lowering the paw edema volume and decreasing the activity of lysosomal enzymes. Soft tissue swelling was shown to be reduced as evidenced by radiology. Histological studies confirmed reduction in inflammatory cells infiltration, hyperplasia, and hypertrophy of cells lining synovial membrane. PEMF was also shown to have a membrane stabilizing action by significantly inhibiting the rate of release of beta-glucuronidase from lysosomal rich and sub-cellular fractions. The results indicated that PEMF could be developed as a potential therapy in the treatment of arthritis in humans.     

Effect of alcohol drinking and cigarette smoking on neutrophil functions in adults

In recent years, the effects of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption on immune function have been studied, due to a high prevalence of infection or cancer in heavy drinkers, and the combination of smoking and drinking was considered to be a carcinogenic risk. However, the effect of smoking and drinking on systemic immune function has yet to be clearly understood. In this study, we investigated neutrophil functions (reactive oxygen species (ROS) productive activity, phagocytic ability and serum opsonic activity) and their relationship with alcohol consumption or amount of smoking. In total there were 731 male and female adult subjects who participated in the Iwaki Health Promotion Project in 2005. Multiple regression analysis showed a trend of increased ROS production in male subjects and a statistically significant decrease was observed in phagocytic activity caused by smoking in female subjects. In other words, oxidative stress caused by smoking in male subjects may be involved in ROS production from neutrophils. Decreased phagocytic activity of neutrophils caused by smoking suggests that host defense functions were impaired in female subjects. A relationship between neutrophil functions and the amount of alcohol consumption was not observed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

催乳素对佐剂关节炎大鼠滑膜组织MMP-9表达的影响

目的：探讨催乳素（PRL）对佐剂关节炎（AA）大鼠滑膜组织基质金属蛋白酶-9（MMP-9）表达的影响,为进一步阐明PRL在类风湿性关节炎（RA）发病过程中的作用机制及为RA的治疗提供实验依据。方法：雄性Wistar大鼠32只分为4组（n=10）：①正常对照组（A组）（n=10）;②佐剂关节炎对照组（B组）（n=10）;③高催乳素血症佐剂关节炎组（C组）（n=10）;④低催乳素血症佐剂关节炎组（D组）。放射免疫法测定各组血清PRL含量;明胶酶谱法测定MMP-9的活性;免疫组织化学方法检测各组滑膜组织MMP-9免疫反应变化;Western blot测定各组滑膜组织MMP-9的表达。结果：B组滑膜组织MMP-9的活性及表达明显高于A组,C组MMP-9的活性及表达最高,D组较B组有所减少,但仍高于A组。结论：PRL影响滑膜组织MMP-9分泌是其影响RA发病过程的一种作用机制。     

Therapeutic effects of standardized Vitex negundo seeds extract on complete Freund's adjuvant induced arthritis in rats

The seeds of Vitex negundo L. (Verbenaceae) have been commonly used as a folk remedy for the treatment of rheumatism and joint inflammation in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of the extract of V. negundo seeds (EVNS) using Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis (AA) in rat model. As a result, EVNS, with abundant phenylnaphthalene-type lignans, significantly inhibited the paw edema, decreased the arthritis score and spleen index, and reversed the weight loss of CFA-injected rats. Histopathological studies showed a marked decrease of synovial inflammatory infiltration and synovial lining hyperplasia in the joints of EVNS-treated animals. The remarkable decrement of serum inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) were observed in EVNS-treated rats, whereas, IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, was found to be significantly increased by EVNS. The expressions of COX-2 and 5-LOX in PBMC were also inhibited by administration of EVNS. Our results demonstrated that V. negundo seeds possessed potential therapeutic effect on adjuvant induced arthritis in rats by decreasing the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 and increasing that of IL-10 in serum as well as down-regulating the levels of COX-2 and 5-LOX, and therefore may be an effective cure for the treatment of human rheumatoid arthritis.     

Differential clinical efficacy of anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies in rat adjuvant arthritis is paralleled by differential influence on NF-κB binding activity and TNF-α secretion of T cells

The aim of this study was to analyze the differential effects of three anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) (with distinct epitope specifities) in the treatment of rat adjuvant arthritis (AA) and on T-cell function and signal transduction. Rat AA was preventively treated by intraperitoneal injection of the anti-CD4 mAbs W3/25, OX35, and RIB5/2 (on days -1, 0, 3, and 6, i.e. 1 day before AA induction, on the day of induction [day 0], and thereafter). The effects on T-cell reactivity in vivo (delayed-type hypersensitivity), ex vivo (ConA-induced proliferation), and in vitro (mixed lymphocyte culture) were assessed. The in vitro effects of anti-CD4 preincubation on T-cell receptor (TCR)/CD3-induced cytokine production and signal transduction were also analyzed. While preventive treatment with OX35 and W3/25 significantly ameliorated AA from the onset, treatment with RIB5/2 even accelerated the onset of AA by approximately 2 days (day 10), and ameliorated the arthritis only in the late phase (day 27). Differential clinical effects at the onset of AA were paralleled by a differential influence of the mAbs on T-cell functions, i.e. in comparison with OX35 and W3/25, the 'accelerating' mAb RIB5/2 failed to increase the delayed-type hypersentivity (DTH) to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, increased the in vitro tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α secretion, and more strongly induced NF-κB binding activity after anti-CD4 preincubation and subsequent TCR/CD3-stimulation. Depending on their epitope specificity, different anti-CD4 mAbs differentially influence individual proinflammatory functions of T cells. This fine regulation may explain the differential efficacy in the treatment of AA and may contribute to the understanding of such treatments in other immunopathologies.     

Effects of 6 months of endurance training on neutrophil functions to produce reactive oxygen species and mental states in male long‐distance runners

To clarify changes of neutrophil functions, mental conditions and relationships among them, 19 male elite long‐distance runners participated in this study for 6 months. Examinations, with informed consent, were carried out once a month. According to the results of physical characteristics, it was thought that training intensity was reduced after the main race, Hakone‐Ekiden. Neutrophil functions were estimated by indices of reactive oxygen species production, determined by luminol‐ and lucigenin‐dependent chemiluminescence (LmCL and LgCL, respectively) and cytochrome c reduction methods. The peak times (PT) in LmCL and LgCL (LgPT) were most prolonged in January and December, respectively. The peak heights (PH) in LmCL (LmPH) were enhanced in February. Decreased levels of negative categories in the profile of mood state (POMS) questionnaire and the total mood state (TMS) of POMS were observed in February without significance. Correlation analysis using measured values revealed significant negative correlation between LmPH and negative categories in POMS; however, these correlations were possibly a mere appearance, caused by personal differences. After eliminating personal differences, LgPT correlated positively to depression (p < 0.05), anger (p < 0.05), fatigue (p < 0.01) and TMS (p < 0.05). These results suggest that the mean time from the recognition of foreign matter to the maximum production of superoxide from neutrophils is prolonged in the mentally suppressed conditions found under continuous physical training. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Nitroxides prevent exacerbation of indomethacin-induced gastric damage in adjuvant arthritis rats

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the drugs of choice in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) because of their rapid analgesic effect. However, they induce severe gastric damage in RA patients and animals by a process mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Nitroxides (nitroxyl radicals) are widely used as imaging agents and antioxidants to explore the role of ROS generation in the pathogenesis of disease. In this study, the effectiveness of the newly synthesized nitroxides 8-aza-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxaspiro[4.5]undecan-8-oxyl (compound 1) and 4-oxo-2,2,6,6-tetraethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (compound 2) in the prevention of gastric ulcers in adjuvant arthritis rats treated with indomethacin was evaluated by monitoring the reaction of reactive oxygen species in gastric tissue with Overhauser-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (OMRI). Pretreatment with all tested nitroxides suppressed the ulcers induced by indomethacin treatment in arthritic rats. OMRI using compounds 1 and 2 as well as 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPOL) demonstrated a redox imbalance in the stomach of these rats. Lipid peroxide and interleukin (IL)-1β levels in the gastric mucosa were significantly suppressed by compound 1 and TEMPOL, whereas CINC/gro, a member of the IL-8 family, was significantly suppressed by compound 1 only. These results suggest that the preventive effects of nitroxides on gastric ulcers may operate by different mechanisms.     

Restorative and synergistic efficacy of Kalpaamruthaa, a modified Siddha preparation, on an altered antioxidant status in adjuvant induced arthritic rat model

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent and debilitating disease that affects the joints. Infiltration of blood-derived cells in the affected joints upon activation generate reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, resulting in an oxidative stress. One approach to counteract this oxidative stress is the use of antioxidants as therapeutic agents. OBJECTIVES: Kalpaamruthaa (KA), a modified indigenous Siddha preparation constituting Semecarpus anacardium nut milk extract (SA), Emblica officinalis (EO) and honey was evaluated for its synergistic antioxidant potential in adjuvant induced arthritic rats than sole SA treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Levels/activities of reactive oxygen species (ROS)/reactive nitrogen species (RNS), myeloperoxidase, lipid peroxide and enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants were determined in control, arthritis induced, SA and KA treated (150 mg/kg b.wt.) animals. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The levels/activities of ROS/RNS, myeloperoxidase and lipid peroxide were increased significantly (p<0.05) and the activities of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants were in turn decreased in arthritic rats, whereas these changes were reverted to near normal levels upon SA and KA treatment. KA showed an enhanced antioxidant potential than sole treatment of SA in adjuvant induced arthritic rats. KA via enhancing the antioxidant status in adjuvant induced arthritic rats than sole SA treatment proves to be an important therapeutic modality in the management of RA and thereby instituting the role of oxidative stress in the clinical manifestation of the disease RA. The profound antioxidant efficacy of KA than SA alone might be due to the synergistic action of the polyphenols such as flavonoids, tannins and other compounds such as vitamin C and hydroxycinnamates present in KA.     

Effects of protein deficiency on selective elicitation of lysosomal enzymes in rat peritoneal macrophages

Young albino rats were fedad libitum 4, 8 or 20 % (control) protein diet for 1–4 weeks. Total activities of some of the lysosomal enzymes, namely, acid phosphatase, aryl sulphatase, Β-glucuronidase and cathepsin D, were determined in resident and protease-peptone elicited peritoneal macrophages. Total cell number, protein content and the lysosomal enzyme activities were increased significantly in protease-peptone elicited macrophages; though at a lower rate in 4 % protein-fed group compared to control ones. However, the rate of induction of the tested hydrolases was selective and their response to the stimulant varied widely. Similarly, response of each enzyme to low protein diet also varied. Thus, at 4 weeks, cathepsin D and Β-glucuronidase activities, expressed per total number of elicited macrophages were reduced by 45 and 60 %, respectively, in 4 % protein-fed animals. These results indicate that the metabolic events related to lysosomal function in macrophages, are affected by dietary restriction of proteins     

Vascular endothelial dysfunction associated with elevated serum homocysteine levels in rat adjuvant arthritis: effect of vitamin E administration

We aimed to study the alterations in serum homocysteine levels and endothelium-dependent and -independent vascular relaxant responses in adjuvant-induced arthritis of the rat and to determine the effects of vitamin E administration on these changes. Arthritis was induced by a single intradermal injection of Freund's complete adjuvant into the paw. 26 days after the induction of arthritis, serum homocysteine levels and relaxant responses to acetylcholine and sodiumnitroprusside in thoracic aortas were evaluated. The relaxant responses to acetylcholine were decreased in aortas from arthritic rats, whereas the responses to sodiumnitroprusside were not significantly different when compared to the aortas from control rats. A significant increase was observed in serum homocysteine levels of the arthritic rats in comparison to those of controls. Vitamin E administration (100 mg/kg/day, i.m. for 26 days) to arthritic rats resulted in a significant increase in endothelium-dependent aortic responses to acetylcholine and a significant decrease in serum homocysteine levels with respect to the non-treated arthritic rats. However, in healthy rats, vitamin E treatment significantly decreased the acetylcholine-induced relaxant responses. We conclude that adjuvant-induced arthritis in the rat is associated with increased serum homocysteine levels and this is accompanied by a reduction in endothelium-dependent vascular responses in the thoracic aortas. Vitamin E treatment leads to normalization of the increased serum homocysteine levels and improves the endothelium-dependent relaxant responses in this experimental model.     

Effect of Cassia fistula Linn. leaf extract on diethylnitrosamine induced hepatic injury in rats

The hepatoprotective and antioxidant effect of Cassia fistula Linn. leaf extract on liver injury induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) was investigated. Wistar rats weighing 200+/-10g were administered a single dose of DEN (200mg/kg b.w., i.p.) and left for 30 days. For hepatoprotective studies, ethanolic leaf extract (ELE) of C. fistula Linn. (500mg/kg b.w., p.o.) was administered daily for 30 days. AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, gamma-GT and bilirubin were estimated in serum and liver tissue. Lipid peroxidation (LPO), SOD and CAT were also estimated in liver tissue as markers of oxidative stress. DEN induced hepatotoxicity in all the treated animals were evident by elevated serum ALT, AST, ALP and bilirubin levels and a simultaneous fall in their levels in the liver tissue after 30 days. Induction of oxidative stress in the liver was evidenced by increased LPO and fall in the activities of SOD and CAT. ELE administration for 30 days prevented the DEN induced hepatic injury and oxidative stress. In conclusion, it was observed that ELE of C. fistula Linn. protects the liver against DEN induced hepatic injury in rats.     

Free radical scavenging activity of Cleome gynandra L. leaves on adjuvant induced arthritis in rats

The generation of free radicals has been implicated in the causation of several diseases of known and unknown etiologies such as, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, cancer, etc., and compounds that can scavenge free radicals have great potential in ameliorating these disease processes. The present study was aimed to investigate the possible anti-oxidant potential of Cleome gynandra leaf extract at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight for 30 days on adjuvant induced arthritis in experimental rats. Oral administration of C. gynandra leaf extract significantly increased the levels of lipid peroxides and activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase and decreased the levels of reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity in arthritis induced rats. The free radical scavenging activity of the plant was further evidenced by histological observations made on the limb tissue. The presence of biologically active ingredients and vital trace elements in the leaves readily account for free radical scavenging property of C. gynandra. (Mol Cell Biochem 276: 71–80, 2005)