Anxiolytic effects of Equisetum arvense Linn. extracts in mice

The petroleum ether (PE), chloroform (CH), ethanol (ETH) and water extracts of E. arvense stems were evaluated for anti-anxiety activity in mice using elevated plus maze model. Ketamine induced hypnosis and actophotometer was used to evaluate sedative effect with various extracts in mice. The results were compared with standard drug diazepam. The ethanolic extract of E. arvense (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly increased the time-spent and the percentage of the open arm entries in the elevated plus-maze model which was comparable to diazepam. Ethanolic extract (100 mg/kg) prolonged the ketamine-induced total sleeping time and decreased the locomotor activity in mice. The results suggest that the ethanolic extract of E. arvense seems to possess anxiolytic effect with lower sedative activity than that of diazepam. The results could be attributed to the flavonoid content of the ethanolic extract.     

Haematopoietic properties of ethanolic extract of Ageratum conyzoides (Goat weed) in Albino rats.

The potential haematological effects associated with the administration of ethanolic leaf extract of Ageratum conyzoides was investigated in rats. 27 rats were randomly divided into four groups. The first group had 6 rats and served as control, the remaining 3 experimental groups and had 7 rats each. These later groups were gavaged with the extract of Ageratum conyzoides in concentrations of 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg respectively for 30 days at a dose of 0.1 ml/body weight. The control group was gavaged with 0.9% sodium chloride at a dose of 0.1 m1/body weight as placebo. The extract at the doses administered was found to increase in a dose-related fashion PCV and Hb ([P < 0.01] for 200 mg/kg and [P < 0.001] for 400 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg), RBC ([P < 0.05] for 400 mg/Kg and 500 mg/kg) and marginal increases that were not significant for 200 mg/kg); MCH and MCV ([P < 0.05] and [P < 0.01] for 400mg/kg and 500mg/kg respectively) 200 mg/kg was not significant. MCHC recorded no significant change. WBC recorded marginal increases that were not significant, similarly, the differential white blood cell recorded marginal increases that were not significant, except lymphocytes that recorded significant increase in group 4 [P < 0.05]. Marginal Decreases in body weight were also observed, these decreases were however not significant. The result of this study thus indicate haematopoietic potentials of the extract and could possibly remedy anaemia.     

Hypolipidemic activity of Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. leaf extract in atherogenic diet induced hyperlipidemic rats

In atherogenic diet induced hyperlipidemic model, the rats receiving treatment with the aqueous extract of the leaves of E. prostrata showed significant reduction in total cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein and elevation in high density lipoprotein cholesterol.The aqueous extract of E. prostrata was found to possess significant hypolipidemic activity. The results also suggest that E. prostrata leaf extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg b.wt. concentrations is an excellent lipid-lowering agent.     

The participation of CCK-8-ergic mechanisms in the regulation of emotional behavior in rodents

Effects of CCK-8 receptor agonists caerulein and pentagastrin and CCK-8 receptor antagonist proglumide on exploratory and locomotor activity of mice and rats were studied. Systemic administration of caerulein (500 ng/kg 1 mcg/kg) decreased significantly the exploratory activity of mice in elevated plus-maze. This anxiogenic-like action of caerulein was attenuated by acute pretreatment with proglumide (1 and 15 mg/kg) but not with diazepam (up to 0.75 mg/kg). Proglumide slightly increased the exploratory activity of rats in plus-maze; on the other hand, caerulein and pentagastrin potently decreased the measures of exploration in this test. Caerulein (10-100 mcg/kg) and proglumide (1 and 15 mg/kg) inhibited 3H-pentagastrin binding in mice brain in in vivo experiments. The data obtained indicate that CCK-8-ergic mechanisms in brain play an important role in the generation of anxiety states in rodents.     

Protective effect of Morus rubra L. leaf extract on diet-induced atherosclerosis in diabetic rats

The antiatherosclerotic effect of aqueous leaves extract of Morus rubra was studied in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats fed with atherosclerotic (Ath) diet [1.5 ml olive oil containing 8 mg (3, 20,000 IU) vitamin D2 and 40 mg cholesterol] for 5 consecutive days. A short-term toxicity assessment was also conducted in healthy rats to examine toxic effects of the extract. Oral administration of extract to diabetic rats (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight per day for a period of 30 days) produced significant (p<0.001) fall in fasting blood glucose (FBG) in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with the extract (400 mg/kg) showed significant (p<0.001) improvement in body weight and serum lipid profile i.e., total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol, when compared with diabetic control. Endothelial dysfunction parameters (sVCAM-1, Fibrinogen, total NO levels and oxidized LDL), apolipoprotein A and apolipoprotein B were significantly (p<0.001) reversed to near normal, following treatment with the extract. Thus, our study shows that aqueous leaf extract of Morus rubra (400 mg/kg) significantly improves the homeostasis of glucose and fat and possesses significant anti-atherosclerotic activity.     

Effect of aqueous leaf extract of Irvingia gabonensis on gastrointestinal tract in rodents

Effect of the aqueous leaf extract of I. gabonensis on the gastrointestinal tract was investigated on isolated rabbit jejunum, guinea pig ileum, gastrointestinal motility, castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice and castor oil-induced fluid accumulation in rats. The results showed that the extract exhibited a concentration-dependent relaxation of spontaneous pendular movement of isolated rabbit jejunum and guinea pig ileum, and attenuated both acetylcholine-induced contraction of rabbit jejunum and histamine-induced contraction of guinea pig ileum. The extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) also caused a significant dose-dependent decrease of gastrointestinal motility in mice (40.12, 39.45 and 37.45%), intestinal fluid accumulation in rats (71.43, 81.63 and 83.27%), and remarkably protected mice against castor oil-induced diarrhoea [58.33, 75 and 91.67% (Di Carlo score)] respectively. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the aqueous leaf extract of I. gabonensis revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, phenols and phlobatanins.     

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of Alstonia macrophylla Wall ex A. DC. leaf extract.

Methanolic extract of dried leaves of Alstonia macrophylla Wall ex A. DC. and its fractions were investigated for its anti-inflammatory activity. The extract at a concentration of 200 mg kg(-1) and 400 mg kg(-1), p.o. and its fractions at 25 mg kg(-1) and 50 mg kg(-1), p.o. showed the significant dose dependent antiinflammatory activity in carrageenan and dextran-induced rats hind paw edema (acute models) as well as in cotton pellet-induced granuloma (chronic model) in rats. Anti-inflammatory activity of the tested extract and its fractions was comparable with that of the standard drug Indomethacin (10 mg kg(-1)).     

In vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective activity of Cissampelos pareira against carbon-tetrachloride induced hepatic damage

Administration of hydroalcoholic extract of Cissampelos pareira roots (CPRE) and standard drug silymarin in rats showed significant hepatoprotective action against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity. Elevated serum marker enzymes of AST, ALT, ALP and serum bilirubin were significantly reduced to near normal level in CPRE treated rats. Lipid peroxidation level was decreased significantly in CPRE 100, 200, 400 mg/kg doses treatment groups. In case of antioxidant enzymes SOD, catalase levels were increased significantly after CPRE 200, 400 mg/kg doses, similarly it increased the enzyme levels of GST, GPx, and GSH. CPRE 200, 400 mg/kg decreased cholesterol level, and increased triglyceride level. In vitro hepatoprotective activity of the extract was evaluated at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 microg/ml concentration against CCl4 (1%) induced toxicity in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. HepG2 cells showed significant dose dependent increase in percentage viability at the doses 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 microg/ml of CPRE compared to CCl4 exposed HepG2 cells. Results of this study strongly demonstrate Cissampelos pariera having good hepatoprotective potential.     

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.     

山葵树叶提取物在力竭运动大鼠中的抗疲劳机制研究

山葵树叶中含有丰富的矿物质和维生素,体外研究证实山葵树叶提取物具有较好的体外抗氧化活性。然而,山葵树叶提取物在体内的抗氧化和抗疲劳作用尚不明确。本研究分别按照100 mg/kg·bw、200 mg/kg·bw和500 mg/kg·bw的剂量对SD大鼠灌胃山葵树叶提取液4周。研究显示,山葵树叶提取物可以剂量依赖性方式提高大鼠的力竭游泳时间(p<0.05)。山葵树叶提取物可显著降低力竭游泳大鼠血清Lac和BUN水平并升高NEFA水平。山葵树叶提取物可提高大鼠的肝糖原和肌糖原含量。山葵树叶提取物可提高大鼠血清和组织SOD、GSH-Px和CAT水平并降低MDA水平。山葵树叶提取物可上调大鼠肝组织中ORM1、CCR5的m RNA和蛋白水平。本研究表明山葵树叶提取物可有效提高力竭游泳大鼠的抗疲劳能力。山葵树叶提取物的抗疲劳作用与减少乳酸堆积、增加脂肪动员、减少糖原分解、提高抗氧化活性有关。此外,山葵树叶提取物的抗疲劳作用与上调ORM1和CCR5的表达有关。     

Effects of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Extract on Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats

Background:Hyperglycemia and accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) play a significant role in the development of diabetic nephropathy. Andrographis paniculata (AP) is a plant with high flavonoid content with the potential to suppress oxidative stress activity in cells and tissue. This study was aimed to investigate the role of Andrographis paniculata extract (APE) in protecting kidney damage due to the formation of AGEs in the renal glomerulus in diabetic rats.Methods:A total of 30 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups as follows: normal control group, streptozocin (STZ) induced diabetic group, STZ-induced diabetic group with AP extract (100 mg/kg BW), STZ-induced diabetic rats with AP extract (200 mg/kg BW), and STZ-induced diabetic rats with APE (400 mg/ kg BW). Blood glucose levels were measured before treatment and after treatment. Serum and urine parameters were determined. Antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxide levels were determined in the kidney along with histopathological examination.Results:The finding of this study showed that treatment APE at the dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg ameliorated kidney hypertrophy index. SOD, catalase, and GSH activities significantly decreased in the kidney of STZ-diabetic rats compared to the normal control rats. Treatment with APE significantly decreased malondialdehyde level at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg BW.Conclusion:This study revealed evidence for improving diabetic retinopathy in male rats treated with Andrographis paniculata extract. APE significantly decreased oxidative stress activities in kidney of diabetic rats.Key Words: Andrographis, Diabetic Nephropathies, Streptozocin, Rats, Oxidative Stress     

The efficacy of some newer broad spectrum anthelmintics against third-stage larvae of Ancylostoma caninum in the mouse

The efficacy of eight anthelmintics against Ancylostoma caninum larvae in the skeletal muscles of mice was evaluated. Levamisole (5 X 40 mg/kg), thiabendazole (5 X 400 mg/kg), oxfendazole (5 X 100 mg/kg), albendazole (5 X 100 mg/kg), flubendazole (5 X 200 mg/kg), benacil (5 X 200 mg/kg) and phenacizole (5 X 200 mg/kg) showed marked larvicidal activity (98 to 99%). Sch 18099 did not show larvicidal activity even at 5 X 400 mg/kg.     

Evaluation of psychopharmacological effects of Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn. extract

The methanolic extract of Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn. (MECP) leaves was evaluated for its psychopharmacological activities in several experimental models using Swiss albino mice and Wistar albino rats. The MECP was found to cause significant reduction in spontaneous activity, and decreases in exploratory behavioral profiles by the Y-maze and head dip test. It also showed reduction in muscle relaxant activity by rotarod, 30° inclined screen and traction tests, as well as significantly potentiated the phenobarbitone sodium-induced sleeping time in the doses examined (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body wt.). All the results were compared with respective controls for the evaluation of significance.     

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.     

Sedative actions of Ternstroemia sylvatica in the male rat.

Ternstroemia sylvatica is a plant reputed popularly to possess a anxiolytic properties but has not yet been systematically tested for such activity. The behavioral actions of T. sylvatica were examined using the open field test, the elevated plus-maze test, and the forced swim test in male rats. T. sylvatica (7.1 mg/kg and 14.2 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced ambulatory behavior in the open field test and cancelled the anti-immobility actions produced by desipramine (32 mg/kg, i.p.) in the forced swim test, as did diazepam. In the elevated plus-maze test, T. sylvatica (7.1 mg/kg, i.p.) failed to show anxiolytic actions. It is concluded that Ternstroemia sylvatica produces sedative effects rather than the attributed anxiolytic actions.     

EFFECTS OF CHRONIC TREATMENT WITH AMINO-OXYACETIC ACID OR SODIUM n-DIPROPYLACETATE ON BRAIN GABA LEVELS AND THE DEVELOPMENT AND REGRESSION OF COBALT EPILEPTIC FOCI IN RATS

Abstract– Acute treatment of cobalt-induced epilepsy in rats with amino-oxyacetic acid (20-60 mg/kg intraperitoneally) resulted in a short period (30-90 min) of epileptic spike suppression. In contrast sodium n -dipropylacetate (100-400 mg/kg intraperitoneally) had no effect on spike frequencies. Chronic treatment of cobalt epileptic rats with amino-oxyacetic acid (2.5-10 mg/kg intraperitoneally daily) or sodium n -dipropylacetate (200-400 mg/kg intraperitoneally daily) elevated brain GABA concentrations significantly and reduced brain glutamate decarboxylase activity relative to control saline-injected cobalt epileptic rats. Brain γ-aminobutyrate aminotransferase activity was significantly reduced by chronic treatment with amino-oxyacetic acid, whereas chronic sodium n -dipropylacetate had no effect on brain γ-aminobutyrate aminotransferase activity although elevating brain GABA. Amino-oxyacetic acid (2.5-10 mg/kg intraperitoneally per day) reduced the frequency of epileptic spikes in the secondary foci of cobalt epileptic rats. The anticonvulsant action of amino-oxyacetic acid was most marked at 5 mg/kg intraperitoneally where a secondary focus failed to develop in treated cobalt epileptic rats. However, there was no simple relationship between the elevation of brain GABA and the anticonvulsant action of amino-oxyacetic acid. Thus focal GABA was higher in rats given intraperitoneal amino-oxyacetic acid (10 mg/kg) but the anticonvulsant action of amino-oxyacetic acid was less marked at this dose. Sodium n -dipropylacetate (200-400 mg/kg intraperitoneally per day) had no long-term anticonvulsant action in this model of epilepsy. It is concluded that the anticonvulsant action of sodium n -dipropylacetate, and probably that of amino-oxyacetic acid, is not likely to be mediated through a mechanism involving elevation of brain GABA.     

Activity of Cassia auriculata leaf extract in rats with alcoholic liver injury

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Cassia auriculata leaf extract on tissue lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in experimental hepatotoxicity. Administering ethanol to rats for 60 days resulted in significantly elevated levels of serum total bilirubin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as compared with those of the experimental control rats. Significantly elevated levels of tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxides and lowered activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were also observed on alcohol treatment as compared with those of experimental control rats. Concentration of serum non-enzymic antioxidants such as vitamin E and vitamin C were also significantly lowered on alcohol supplementation. Treatment with Cassia auriculata leaf extract at a dose of 250 mg kg(-1) body weight and 500 mg kg(-1) body weight to rats administered alcohol, lowered the levels of TBARS and hydroperoxides and elevated the activities of SOD and CAT and the levels of reduced GSH in the liver, brain, kidney and intestine significantly compared to unsupplemented alcohol treated rats. Cassia auriculata leaf extract treatment restored the serum vitamin E, and vitamin C levels also to near those of the experimental control animals. Our data indicate that supplementation with Cassia auriculata leaf extract can offer protection against free radical mediated oxidative stress in experimental hepatotoxicity. In addition, histopathological studies of the liver and brain confirmed the beneficial role of Cassia auriculata leaf extract.     

Propolis protects CYP 2E1 enzymatic activity and oxidative stress induced by carbon tetrachloride

Induction of CYP 2E1 by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is one of the central pathways by which CCl₄ generates oxidative stress in hepatocytes. Experimental liver injury was induced in rats by CCl₄ to determine toxicological actions on CYP 2E1 by microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes. In this report, ethanolic extract of propolis at a dose of 200 mg/kg (po) was used after 24 h of toxicant administration to validate its protective potential. Intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ (1.5 ml/kg) induced hepatotoxicity after 24 h of its administration that was associated with elevated malonyldialdehyde (index of lipid peroxidation), lactate dehydrogenase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase release (index of a cytotoxic effect). Hepatic microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes of CYP 2E1 showed sharp depletion as assessed by estimating aniline hydroxylase and amidopyrine N-demethylase activity after CCl₄ exposure. Toxic effect of CCl₄ was evident on CYP 2E1 activity by increased hexobarbitone induced sleep time and bromosulphalein retention. Propolis extract showed significant improvement in the activity of both enzymes and suppressed toxicant induced increase in sleep time and bromosulphalein retention. Choleretic activity of liver did not show any sign of toxicity after propolis treatment at a dose of 200 mg/kg (id). Histopathological evaluation of the liver revealed that propolis reduced the incidence of liver lesions including hepatocyte swelling and lymphocytic infiltrations induced by CCl₄. Electron microscopic observations also showed improvement in ultrastructure of liver and substantiated recovery in biochemical parameters. Protective activity of propolis at 200 mg/kg dose was statistically compared with positive control silymarin (50 mg/kg, po), a known hepatoprotective drug seems to be better in preventing hepatic CYP 2E1 activity deviated by CCl₄. These results lead us to speculate that propolis may play hepatoprotective role via improved CYP 2E1 activity and reduced oxidative stress in living system.     

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.     

牛樟芝提取物调控Nrf2/HO-1通路对酒精性肝损伤的保护作用

研究不同剂量（100、200和400mg/kg）的牛樟芝水提物（WE）、醇提后水提取物（WEE）和醇提物（EE）对酒精诱导的ICR小鼠急性肝损伤的保护作用和对Nrf2/HO-1抗氧化信号通路的影响。研究结果表明：与模型组比较,400mg/kg的WE和WEE均能显著抑制血清ALT和AST水平的升高,200mg/kg的WE和WEE分别显著降低血清ALT和AST含量。各剂量的WE、WEE和EE均能显著降低肝脏MDA含量,200和400mg/kg的WE和不同剂量的WEE均可明显提高肝脏的SOD和CAT活力。H&E染色结果表明WE、WEE和EE对酒精诱导的肝损伤均有一定的改善作用,EE处理组的效果相对较差。免疫组化染色结果表明各剂量的WE、WEE和EE均能促进Nrf2的核转位,诱导HO-1的表达,提高肝脏的抗氧化能力,对酒精诱导的急性肝损伤具有明显的保护作用。提示牛樟芝能通过调节Nrf2/HO-1抗氧化信号通路发挥解酒保肝功效。