Effect of Commiphora mukul extract on cardiac dysfunction and ventricular function in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction

In present study, hydroalcoholic extract of C. mukul significantly improved the cardiac function and prevented myocardial ischemic impairment manifested in the form of increased heart rate, decreased arterial pressure, increased left ventricular end diastolic pressure, and altered myocardial contractility indices. C. mukul treatment additionally also produced a significant increase in lactate dehydrogenase levels and prevented decline of protein content in heart. C. mukul preserved the structural integrity of myocardium. Reduced leakage of myocyte enzyme lactate dehydrogenase and maintenance of structural integrity of myocardium along with favorable modulation of cardiac function and improved cardiac performance indicate the salvage of myocardium with C. mukul treatment. Guggulsterones which are considered to be responsible for most of the therapeutic properties of C. mukul may underlie the observed cardioprotective effect of C. mukul against cardiac dysfunction in isoproterenol-induced ischemic rats.     

Antiectoparasitic activity of the gum resin, gum haggar, from the East African plant, Commiphora holtziana

The mechanism of ixodid tick (Acari: Ixodidae) repellency by gum haggar, a resin produced by Commiphora holtziana (Burseraceae), was investigated by evaluating activity against the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus. In an arena bioassay, a hexane extract of the resin of C. holtziana exhibited a repellent effect lasting up to 5 h. The hydrocarbon fraction of the resin extract was shown to account for the repellent activity, and was analysed by coupled gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Major sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were tentatively identified as germacrene-D, δ-elemene and β-bourbonene. The identity and stereochemistry of the former compound was confirmed as the (+)-isomer by peak enhancement using enantioselective GC, whereas the latter 2 compounds, which are most likely degradation products of germacrene-type precursors, were identified through isolation by preparative gas chromatography followed by microprobe-NMR spectroscopy. GC comparison of gum haggar with another resin, C. myrrha, which was inactive in the tick bioassay, showed that the latter contained much lower levels of these hydrocarbons. To assess the suitability of the gum haggar resin as a general acarine repellent, further tests were made on a major acarine pest of European and US animal husbandry systems, the red poultry mite, Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Dermanyssidae). Gum haggar extract, and the isolated hydrocarbon fraction, showed strong repellent effects in an olfactometer assay, and again gum myrrh showed no effect. These findings provide a scientific basis for the observed anti-tick properties of gum haggar, and demonstrate the potential for its development as a general acarine repellent for use in animal husbandry systems.     

CoQ9 potentiates green tea antioxidant activities in Wistar rats

Green tea (Camellia sinensis), and CoQ(9 )when given to Wistar rats produced a partial reversal on reserpine induced oxidative stress and liver damage. Green tea, with its abundant polyphenol (-)Epigallocatechin 3-gallate (ECGC) and other catechins, is known for its antioxidative characteristics influencing lipid metabolism. Ubiquinone, abundant in heart muscle, is also a potent antioxidant with known effects in numerous pathologies. However the combined effect of ECGC and ubiquninone has not been reported. In the present study we found that green tea extract, when given in combination with CoQ(9) to Wistar rats subjected to oxidative stress, showed a statistically significant antioxidative effect. Liver cholesterol level in rats receiving combination treatment was also significantly lower than control or rats receiving green tea extract alone. Reserpine induced liver damage in Wistar rats was also partially reversed by a treatment of green tea extract when combined with CoQ(9). These results may have important clinical implications and may be extrapolated for the treatment of patients suffering from liver damage due to hepatitis B/C or liver cirrhosis.     

Hepatoprotective effect of Hibiscus hispidissimus Griffith, ethanolic extract in paracetamol and CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats

Hibiscus hispidissimus Griff. is used in tribal medicine of Kerala, the southern most state of India, to treat liver diseases. In the present study, the effect of the ethanolic extract of Hibiscus hispidissimus whole plant on paracetamol (PCM)-induced and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in healthy Wistar albino rats was studied. The results showed that significant hepatoprotective effects were obtained against liver damage induced by PCM and CCl4 as evidenced by decreased levels of serum enzymes, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum alkaline phosphatase (SAKP), serum bilirubin (SB) and an almost normal histological architecture of the liver of the treated groups compared to the toxin controls. The extract also showed significant antilipid peroxidant effects in vitro, besides exhibiting significant activity in quenching 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical, indicating its potent antioxidant effects.     

Development, Histochemistry and Ultrastructure of Gum-resin Ducts in Commiphora mukul Engl.

Gum-resin ducts are present in the primary and secondary phloemof Commiphora mukul Engl. The important gum-resin, known commerciallyas ‘guggul’, is secreted and collected in ductswhich develop schizogenously. The duct initials have dense cytoplasm,large nuclei, increased cytoplasmic RNA and proteins. The lumenof newly-formed ducts widens accompanied by anticlinal divisionsand subsequent tangential elongation of epithelial cells. Histochemicaltests reveal that the epithelial cells have apparently largeamounts of proteins, cytoplasmic RNA, and DNA in the nucleus.Lipid globules are also present in these cells. Epithelial cellwalls in contact with the duct are thin and of a loose fibrillarmesh. Microtubules, randomly oriented in the epithelial cellsare always parallel and adjacent to the wall. The cytoplasmis rich in ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, plastidsand vacuoles containing osmiophilic substances. At the peripheralregion of the duct, electron-transparent bodies containing densely-stainedmaterial are present close to the tangential wall.     

Phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract of Capparis spinosa

Caper plant (Capparis spinosa) extracts have been associated with diverse biological activities including anti-oxidant properties. In this work, we characterized the hydro-ethanolic extract obtained from C. spinosa leaves [hydroethanolic extract of C. spinosa (HECS)] by analyzing the content in anti-oxidant compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins. Further, we evaluated HECS antioxidant activities in vitro using bleaching of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and ABTS test as well as by pretreatment of HeLa cells exposed to Fe²⁺ or H₂O₂. Our findings indicate that HECS contains high amount of total phenolic compounds and high levels of flavonoids and anthocyanins. Furthermore, HECS exhibited antioxidant activity in both chemical and biological tests. Specially, pretreatment of HeLa cells with different concentrations of the extract conferred protection against lipid peroxidation and modulated activities of two antioxidant enzymes, SOD and catalase. These results revealed HECS antioxidant effects and suggest that C. spinosa leaves are a potential source of natural antioxidant molecules with possible applications in industry and medicine.     

Antihypertensive effects of Dorstenia psilurus extract in fructose-fed hyperinsulinemic, hypertensive rats.

We examined the effect of methanol/methylene chloride extract of Dorstenia psilurus given by gastric intubation on systolic blood pressure, plasma glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglycerides and creatinine in rats with fructose-induced hypertension. Male Wistar rats in groups of 6 animals each were fed fructose-rich diets or standard chow for 3 weeks and treated with 100 mg/kg/day or 200 mg/kg/day of plant extract or vehicle for 3 subsequent weeks. Systolic blood pressure was measured every three days using the indirect tail cuff method. Systolic blood pressure was higher in fructose-fed rats (142+/-2 mm Hg, p < 0.01) compared with the controls (112+/-2 mm Hg), and was lower in Dorstenia psilurus-treated groups (127+/-2 and 119+/-1 mm Hg for the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively) compared with the fructose-fed rats. Plasma insulin, cholesterol and triglycerides were higher on the fructose-rich diet compared with the controls. Plasma insulin and cholesterol were lower in the Dorstenia psilurus-treated groups. These results suggest that, Dorstenia psilurus treatment could prevent and reverse high blood pressure induced by a diet rich in fructose probably by improvement of plasma insulin levels. The plant extract might prove useful in the treatment and/or prevention of hypertension.     

Antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effect of hydroethanolic extract of Butea monosperma bark in diabetic mice

The antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidative properties of hydroethanolic extract of Butea monosperma bark were investigated in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Alloxan administration resulted in higher blood glucose level and reduced hepatic glycogen content as compared to normal animals. Besides, serum lipid profile parameters such as total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol were also found to be significantly elevated, whereas the level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was markedly reduced in diabetic animals. Oxidative damage in the tissues of diabetic mice was evidenced by a marked increase in the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), distinct decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) content and declined activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). The daily treatment of diabetic animals with crude extract of B. monosperma bark (300 mg kg(-1)) for 45 days significantly lowered blood glucose level and elevated hepatic glycogen content, bringing the values close to those observed in normal control and glibenclamide-treated diabetic mice. Furthermore, the level of various lipid profile parameters was also reversed towards normal. TBARS and GSH also restored towards normal and the declined activity of antioxidant enzymes in diabetic animals was also normalized in crude extract administered mice, thus indicating the antioxidant efficacy of the drug in diabetes-induced oxidative damage. Significant antihyperglycemic and antioxidant potential of the crude extract of B. monosperma bark indicated that it may find use in the management of diabetes and resultant oxidative stress.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of Suaeda maritima (L.) dumort ethanolic extract on concanavalin-A induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of Suaeda maritima (L.) Dumort on concanavalin-A induced stress in Wistar albino rats have been reported. Rats were administered with ethanolic extract of Suaeda maritimna at the concentration of 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg of body wt. for 9 days and concanavalin-A was administrated (iv) 12 mg/kg on 9th day. Rats in concanavalin-A administered group showed elevated levels of AST, ALT, ALP and bilurubin. Pretreatment of rats with ethanolic extract (300 mg/kg) significantly reduced these serum parameters compared to concavalin-A administered group. Histopathological examination of liver sections showed that, normal liver architecture was disturbed by hepatotoxin intoxication. The extract treated group and silymarin treated group retained the normal cell architecture, although less visible changes were observed. Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of triterpenioids and may be responsible for the hepatoprotective activity. The LD50 was calculated as 3 g/kg of the body weight. IC50 values of hydroxyl (52.21+/-1.32 microg/ml) and nitric oxide radicals (09.14+/-0.94 microg/ml) scavenging results showed comparable activity with vitamin-C. Results of this study may be useful for the development of herbal medicine from Suaeda maritima for the treatment of hepatitis.     

Age-related changes in antioxidant enzyme activities in the small intestine and liver from Wistar rats.

The present study was designed to determine age-related changes in intestinal and hepatic antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and lipid peroxidation in male Wistar rats (n = 8) aged 2 wk, 2.5 mon, 5 mon, 10 mon, and 23 mon. In the small intestine, cytosolic SOD, GSH-PX activities and lipid peroxidation were not affected by age, but intestinal GST activity was noticeably enhanced as age increased. In particular, intestinal GST activity in 23 mon old rats was 3 times as strong as that in 2 wk old rats. In the liver, the activity of hepatic cytosolic SOD was not affected by age, whereas GSH-PX and GST activities in rats aged 10 mon and 23 mon were much stronger than those in rats aged 2 wk, 2.5 mon, and 5 mon. The increased lipid peroxidation in 2.5 mon and 5 mon old rats was observed when compared with that of other groups. It is therefore concluded from the results presented here that age greatly increases GST activity in the small intestinal mucosae and increasing GSH-PX, GST activities and lipid peroxidation in the liver from male Wistar rats.     

Comparative effect of Ocimum sanctum, Commiphora mukul, folic acid and ramipril on lipid peroxidation in experimentally-induced hyperlipidemia

Treatment with C. mukul and O. sanctum, showed a significant decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride levels respectively. O. sanctum also significantly increased serum HDL-cholesterol compared to control. Serum MDA levels were significantly reduced in all the treated groups compared to control suggesting that each of the drugs under study were effective in their free radical scavenging action. Erythrocyte SOD activity was increased in all the treatment groups with C. mukul showing the maximum effect followed by O. sanctum, folic acid and ramipril. The erythrocyte CAT activity was significantly increased in all the drug treated groups with maximum increase seen in O. sanctum and ramipril treated groups, whereas lesser effects were observed with C. mukul and folic acid groups. Thus, the indigenous drugs, C. mukul and O. sanctum had beneficial effect on hypercholesterolemic rabbit model, both in terms of lipid profile as well as antioxidant potential. Ocimum sanctum was found to be the most promising of all the drugs. Moreover, it could be hypothesized that these plant products along with folic acid and ramipril can be explored for synergistic effect for treatment for hypercholesterolemic conditions.     

Effects of chronic caloric restriction on kidney and heart redox status and antioxidant enzyme activities in Wistar rats

Caloric restriction (CR) has been associated with health benefits and these effects have been attributed, in part, to modulation of oxidative status by CR; however, data are still controversial. Here, we investigate the effects of seventeen weeks of chronic CR on parameters of oxidative damage/modification of proteins and on antioxidant enzyme activities in cardiac and kidney tissues. Our results demonstrate that CR induced an increase in protein carbonylation in the heart without changing the content of sulfhydryl groups or the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase (CAT). Moreover, CR caused an increase in CAT activity in kidney, without changing other parameters. Protein carbonylation has been associated with oxidative damage and functional impairment; however, we cannot exclude the possibility that, under our conditions, this alteration indicates a different functional meaning in the heart tissue. In addition, we reinforce the idea that CR can increase CAT activity in the kidney. [BMB Reports 2012; 45(11): 671-676]     

Mobile phone usage and male infertility in Wistar rats

A significant decrease in protein kinase C and total sperm count along with increased apoptosis were observed in male Wistar rats exposed to mobile phone frequencies (2 h/day x 35 days at 0.9 W/kg specific absorption rate). The results suggest that a reduction in protein kinase activity may be related to overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under microwave field exposure. Decrease in sperm count and an increase in apoptosis may be causative factor due to mobile radiation exposure leading to infertility.     

Diuretic and antilithiasic activities of ethanolic extract from Piper amalago (Piperaceae)

ObjectivePiper amalago is used in Brazilian folk medicine as diuretic and for the treatment of urinary calculus disease, although no scientific data have been described to support these effects. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the diuretic effects and antilithiatic activity of the ethanolic extract of P. amalago (EEPam).Materials and methodsEthanolic extracts of P. amalago (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) were orally administered in male Wistar rats (n = 5) and urinary excretion was measured at intervals of up to 24 h after administration. The antilithiasic effect of EEPam on calcium oxalate urolithiasis crystallization was examined in a turbidimetric model.ResultsThe oral administration of all doses of EEPam significantly increased urine output after 24 h when compared to control group. Moreover, the application of EEPam, induced an inhibitory effect on calcium oxalate crystallization.ConclusionsAccording to results, P. amalago extracts showed diuretic and natriuretic activity and antilithiasic effects.     

Spilanthes acmella ethanolic flower extract: LC-MS alkylamide profiling and its effects on sexual behavior in male rats

According to Indian Systems of Medicine, Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murr. (Family - Asteraceae), is considered effective in the treatment of sexual deficiencies especially due to ageing. In the present study, characterization of ethanolic extracts of the Spilanthes acmella flower and its effect on general mating pattern, penile erection and serum hormone levels of normal male Wistar albino rats were investigated and compared with sildenafil citrate. In vitro nitric oxide release was also investigated in human corpus cavernosum cell line. As N-alkylamides are a promising group, their profiling was performed using a gradient reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS) method on an embedded polar column. MS¹ and MS² fragmentation data were used for identification purposes. For assessment of sexual behavior, animals were divided into five groups of eight male rats. The extracts (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg body weight/day) and sildenafil citrate (5 mg/kg body weight/day) (positive control) were administered orally for 28 days. The behavioral and sexual parameters were observed at days 0, 15, 28 and after a lapse of 7 and 14 days of discontinuance of drug treatment. Five N-isobutylamides, one 2-methylbutylamide and one 2-phenylethylamide were identified. The orally administered extract had a dose dependent positive effect on mounting frequency, intromission frequency and ejaculation frequency and the most significant effects (p < 0.05) were observed at 150 mg/kg treatment, even after a lapse of 7 and 14 days of discontinuance of drug treatment. A dose dependent effect was also observed on the FSH, LH and testosterone serum levels. With 150 mg/kg of ethanolic extract the values for FSH, LH and testosterone were 3.10 ± 0.25 mlU/ml, 6.87 ± 0.18 mlU/ml and 3.72 ± 0.12 ng/ml, respectively. In vitro nitric oxide release was 21.7 ± 2.9 μM, which was significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Sildenafil citrate exhibited also a significant effect on NO release, but no effect on hormone levels of rats was observed. The aphrodisiac potential of an ethanolic Spilanthes acmella extract was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. N-Alkylamides might attribute to the improved sexual potential. Study lends support to the traditional utilization of S. acmella as a sexual stimulating agent.     

Cardioprotective properties of Artemisia herba alba nanoparticles against heart attack in rats: A study of the antioxidant and hypolipidemic activities

Recently, pharmaceutical scientists' interest has increased to find novel pharmaceutical natural substances with potent antioxidant capacity and very low side effects to be used safely in preventive medicine. One of the most common types of diseases with a large spread globally is cardiovascular diseases, which cause a high rate of deaths annually. The present study evaluated the use of Artemisia herba alba leaves’ extract (AHALE) and AHALE zinc oxide nanoparticles (AHALE–ZnONPs) against isoproterenol (ISO) inducing myocardial infarction (MI) in male rats. Several groups of Wistar male rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD) were pretreated with several doses of AHALE or AHALE–ZnONPs for one month followed by exposure to ISO for two days. After treatment, samples of the rats’ heart tissues and blood were collected for several molecular biological and biochemical analyses. Heart enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation compounds, lipid markers, activities, ROS generation, apoptosis, DNA damage and expression of lipid metabolism genes were analyzed in rats pretreated with AHALE or AHALE–ZnONPs followed by exposure to ISO. The results showed an increase in the levels of AST, ALT, LDH, CK, CK-MB, and cTnT (heart markers), elevation in TG, TC, and LDL levels (lipid profile markers), levels of TBARS and LOOH (lipid peroxidation products), ROS generation, DNA damage, apoptosis, and upregulation of PPAR-α, ADD1, FASN, and ACC genes in animals exposed to ISO in comparison with the control animals. Moreover, a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities, including GPx, GRx, and GST, was observed in animals exposed to ISO in comparison with control rats. In male rats pretreated with AHALE or AHALE–ZnONPs followed by exposure to ISO, the oxidative stress induced by ISO was prevented. The results suggest that Artemisia extract could be considered for use as one of the natural compounds for prevention of atherosclerosis and heart diseases due to its high antioxidant and hypolipidemic activities. The reduced oxidative stress of Artemisia extract may be a result of the existence of flavonoids and phenolic substances.     

Impact of feeding ethanolic extract of root bark of Cananga odorata (Lam) on reproductive functions in male rats

The 50% ethanolic extract of the root bark of C. odorata administered orally at the dose of 1g/kg body weight/day for 60 days resulted in decreased epididymal sperm motility and sperm count in male albino rats. Morphological abnormalities were also observed in the sperms. The testicular glycogen, the activities of 3beta hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, malic enzyme, sorbitol dehydrogenase in seminal vesicle, fructose in seminal plasma and serum testosterone were significantly decreased in treated group. While testicular cholesterol level, the concentration of the fecal bile acids, urinary excretion of 17 ketosteroids, the activities of 17beta hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase, epididymal lactate dehydrogenase and that of testicular HMG CoA reductase were increased in treated group when compared to control. The results suggest that the ethanolic extract of C. odorata possesses the spermatotoxic effects in male albino rats.     

Differential regulation of insulin resistance and hypertension by sex hormones in fructose-fed male rats

Differences in gender are in part responsible for the development of insulin resistance (IR) and associated hypertension. Currently, it is unclear whether these differences are dictated by gender itself or by the relative changes in plasma estrogen and/or testosterone. We investigated the interrelationships between testosterone and estrogen in the progression of IR and hypertension in vivo in intact and gonadectomized fructose-fed male rats. Treatment with estrogen significantly reduced the testosterone levels in both normal chow-fed and fructose-fed rats. Interestingly, fructose feeding induced a relative increase in estradiol levels, which did not affect IR in both intact and gonadectomized fructose-fed rats. However, increasing the estrogen levels improved insulin sensitivity in both intact and gonadectomized fructose-fed rats. In intact males, fructose feeding increased the blood pressure (140 +/- 2 mmHg), which was prevented by estrogen treatment. However, the blood pressure in the fructose-fed estrogen rats (125 +/- 1 mmHg) was significantly higher than that of normal chow-fed (113 +/- 1 mmHg) and fructose-fed gonadectomized rats. Estrogen treatment did not affect the blood pressure in gonadectomized fructose-fed rats (105 +/- 2 mmHg). These data suggest the existence of a threshold value for estrogen below which insulin sensitivity is unaffected. The development of hypertension in this model is dictated solely by the presence or absence of testosterone. In summary, the development of IR and hypertension is governed not by gender per se but by the interactions of specific sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone.     

The effect of ovarian hormones on antioxidant enzyme activities in the brain of male rats

The brain is widely responsive to gonadal hormones. The functional significance of ovarian hormones in the brain is evident from biochemical studies indicating that estradiol or progesterone treatment of testectomized rats produces changes of antioxidant enzyme activities. The effect of estradiol benzoate (EB) and progesterone (P) in the control of antioxidant (AO) enzyme activities was studied in the brain of adult male Wistar rats. The activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR) were measured in appropriate subcellular fractions, prepared from brains of animals belonging to various experimental groups. These groups were designed with the intention to follow changes in enzyme activities 2 h or 24 h after systemic administration of 5 microg EB or 2 mg P to testectomized (TX) animals. The obtained results show that both EB and P increase CAT activity, whereas EB decreases GSH-Px, GST and GR activities. These findings clearly show the modulatory role of EB and P in the control of enzymes responsible for the protection of rat nerve cells against oxidative damage caused by free oxygen radicals.