Background: Antioxidants have the ability to protect organisms from damage caused by free radical-induced oxidative stress. A lot of research is being carried out worldwide directed toward finding natural antioxidants of plant origin. The antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of Bambusa vulgaris "Vittata" (BVV) leaves is reported along with screening for photochemical constituents of the Indian, wild BVV methanolic leaf extract. Materials and Methods: The antioxidant activity was tested spectrophotometrically, measuring the ability of the plant extract to scavenge a stable DPPH• free radical and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Results: Preliminary studies show the presence of carbohydrates, reducing sugars, flavonoids, steroids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, anthraquinones and glycosides. The antioxidant activity of the investigated extract has a scavenging ability of hydroxyl peroxide radicals (421.74 ± 25.61 mg/ml) and DPPH• radical scavenging activity (around 95%). The high contents of total phenolic compounds (22.69 ± 0.084 mg GAE/g of dry extract) and total flavonoids (159.80 ± 0.047 mg Quercetin/g of dry extract) indicated that these compounds contribute to the antioxidative activity. Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence that the crude methanolic extract of BVV is a potential source of natural antioxidants, and this justified its uses in folkloric medicines.

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Wound, a clinical entity, is as old as mankind and often possesses problems in clinical practice. Naturally, the investigative curiosity to promote healing continues since ages. A lot of research has been envisaged to develop better healing agents and it has been a challenging task to generate them and keep pace with the problems encountered. Several drugs of plant, mineral, and animal origin are described in the Ayurveda for their wound healing properties. Most of these drugs are derived from plants. Some of these plants have been screened scientifically for the evaluation of their wound healing activity in different pharmacological models. Some Ayurvedic medicinal plants, namely Argemone mexicana, Boerhaavia diffusa, Catharanthus roseas, Diospyros cardifolia, Eclipta alba, Ficus religiosa, Hypericum perforatum, Lawsonia inermis, Merremia tridentate, and Swertia chirata, were found to be effective in experimental models. The rapidity of wound healing depends, to a considerable extent, on the contraction that begins a few days after injury and continues for several weeks. In the present review, attempts are made to understand various aspects of wound healing in terms of percentage closure of wound, period of complete epithelialization, tensile strength, histopathology, and weight of granuloma in different wound models.

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Background: Marine natural products has captivated many researchers over the years and there is always a need for sources of diverse and pharmacologically active leads in the area of anticancer drugs. Materials and Methods: The ethyl acetate extract of the fungus Eurotium cristatum (ECE), isolated from the marine sponge Mycale sp., furnished 2-(2', 3-epoxy-1',3'-heptadienyl)-6-hydroxy-5-(3-methyl-2-butenyl) benzaldehyde (1), 1,8-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-3-methyl-9,10-anthracenedione (physcion,2), and the dioxopiperazine alkaloid echinulin (3). The structures of the compounds were established by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectral analysis (1H, 13C, DEPT, COSY, HSQC, and HMBC). The ECE and its metabolites were evaluated for their growth inhibitory activity on the following three human tumor cell lines: breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), non-small lung cancer (NCI-H460), and melanoma (A375-C5). Results: The results showed that the ECE was active in all the three cell lines, with the values of GI50 = 44.3 ± 1.2, 45.5 ± 7.5, and 71.3 ± 2.1 μg/ml for MCF-7, NCI-H460, and A375-C5, respectively. Compound 1 also exhibited moderate growth inhibitory activity against all the three cell lines (GI50 = 58.3 ± 1.2, 46.0 ± 5.5, and 116.7 ± 7.2 μM for MCF-7, NCI-H460, and A375-C5, respectively), whereas compound 3 showed only weak inhibition against MCF-7 (GI50 = 109.7 ± 0.3 μM) and NCI-H460 (GI50 = 96.7 ± 1.5 μM) but was inactive against A375-C5 (GI50 >150 μM). On the contrary, compound 2 was inactive in all the three cell lines at the highest concentration tested (150 μM). Furthermore, ECE was investigated for its effect on the cell cycle in the NCI-H460 cells. Analysis of the cell cycle profile showed that ECE was able to cause a slight cell arrest in the G1 phase, with a corresponding decrease of cells in the S and G2/M phases. Conclusion: The secondary metabolites isolated [Compound 1] from the crude ethyl acetate extract of the culture of the marine fungus E. cristatum were found as the most potent compound regarding cell growth inhibition.

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Antioxidants break up the chains formed during the propagation process of the redox system by providing a hydrogen atom of an electron to the free radical and receiving the excess energy possessed by the activated molecule. The important role of dietary antioxidants in maintaining the integrity of living organisms is gaining ever-increasing recognition. New data are constantly gathered to show the role of oxidative stress and the involvement of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species in the pathogenesis of degenerative diseases. These diseases are associated with a disturbance in the necessary balance between the oxidation and the reduction status in blood and tissues, leading to oxidation of lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Such oxidative damage is accompanied by changes in the macromolcular structure and function and by the manifestation of clinical disorders such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Hence, widespread research is being conducted aiming to investigate the possible effects and mechanisms of action of dietary antioxidants in these diseases. Antioxidants may exert their effect on biological systems by different mechanisms, including electron donation (as reducing agents), metal ion chelation (thereby eliminating potential free radicals), sparing of antioxidants (co-antioxidants) or by regulation of gene expression.

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Phytoconstituents, despite having excellent bioactivity in vitro, demonstrate less or no in vivo actions due to their poor lipid solubility or improper molecular size or both, resulting in poor absorption and poor bioavailability. Lipid solubility and molecular size are the major limiting factors for molecules to pass the biological membrane and to be absorbed systematically following oral or topical administration. Some phytoconstituents are destroyed in the gastric environment when taken orally. The term "phyto" means plant, while "some" means cell-like. Therefore, phytosome is a "phytophospholipid complex" resembling a small cell. Phytosomes are produced by a patented process whereby standardized plant extracts or their constituents are bound to phospholipids, mainly phosphatidylcholine, producing a lipid-compatible molecular complex. Phytosomes exhibit a better pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile than conventional herbal extracts. The phytosome technology markedly enhances the bioavailability of phytomedicine and has effectively enhanced the bioavailability of many popular herbal extracts, including Milk thistle, Ginkgo biloba, Grape seed, Green tea, Hawthorn, Ginseng etc., and can be developed for various therapeutic uses or dietary supplements.

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Marine algae are found in abundance along the shore of Goa, and have not been utilized. This is a report of hemagglutinins isolated from these marine algae. Phosphate-buffered saline extracts from six marine algae were tested for their agglutination activity using human blood cells by a slide assay. The extracts from four species revealed hemagglutinating activity against the tested human erythrocytes. However, the results obtained did not indicate specificity toward any particular human blood group. Further, one extract that showed good agglutination was processed for ammonium sulfate precipitation. The precipitated product was assayed for hemagglutination titer and sugar-binding specificity. The hemagglutination activity of the Sargassum cinnerium extract was observed to be specifically inhibited by one of the tested sugars. Because agglutination is a characteristic of "lectins," the results obtained are indicative of these marine algae being a rich source of products/novel substances having biotechnological applications.

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The shade-dried powder of leaves of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng was subjected to successive extraction using the solvents, pet. ether, chloroform, ethanol and water, in the increasing order of polarity. A preliminary phytochemical analysis was carried out for all the extracts. It was found that the leaves revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, proteins, amino acids, flavonoids, quinine, tannins, phenolic compounds and terpenoids. Because the phytoconstituents present in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts were similar, both extracts were selected for further study. The hepatoprotective effects of ethanolic and aqueous extracts were evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄ )-induced hepatotoxicity on Wistar albino rats. CCl₄ significantly (P < 0.01) elevated the serum level of biochemical parameters such as aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphate, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and bilirubin (total and direct). Rats treated with the ethanolic extract showed a prominent restoration (P < 0.01) whereas the aqueous extract showed a mild restoration (P < 0.01) of all the parameters. The ethanolic and aqueous extract-treated groups also showed regeneration of hepatocytes, normalization of fatty changes and necrosis. Thus, from the present study, it may concluded that the leaves of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng posses hepatoprotective activities to support its traditional uses.

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Background: Croton gibsonianus Nimm. Grah is a shrub belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae and grows in the under-story of the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. The present study was performed to investigate the antibacterial, antifungal and free radical scavenging potentials of the methanol extract of C. gibsonianus leaves. Materials and Methods: The powdered leaf material was subjected to soxhlet extraction using methanol. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the methanolic extract were determined by the agar well diffusion method. The free radical scavenging activity was performed using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Results: The extract was found to cause marked inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa followed by Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Among fungi, Aspergillus niger was inhibited to a greater extent, followed by Chrysosporium indicum, Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum. The inhibition of test fungi was dose-dependent. The radical scavenging activity was found to be concentration dependent and the IC ₅₀ value for the extract was found to be 43.78 μg/ml. A phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of saponins, tannins, glycosides and terpenoids. Conclusion: The methanolic extract of C. gibsonianus leaves could be used in the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections and damage caused by free radicals. The presence of various phytochemicals might be responsible for these activities of the extract. Further studies on isolation of constituents from the extract and their biological activities are under investigation.

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Background: Strychnos henningsii Gilg is widely used in South African traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. However, no safety studies have been conducted on its toxicological profile. Materials and Methods: The effect of the oral administration of the aqueous bark extract of this plant at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg was investigated on the hematological and biochemical parameters in Wistar rats for 28 days. Results: Treatment with the plant extract did not significantly (P > 0.05) alter the levels of hemoglobin, red blood cell, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, large unstained cell and organs body weight ratio of the kidneys, livers, lungs and hearts. Also, the levels of eosinophils, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, glucose, sodium as well as calcium were not significantly different from the control. Meanwhile, the concentrations of platelets, monocytes, basophils and white blood cells significantly decreased while those of the mean corpuscular hemoglobin, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases were increased. Moreover, the levels of conjugated bilirubin and mean corpuscular volume were effectively increased at specific doses. The levels of cholesterol and triglycerides as well as chlorine were remarkably decreased at the highest dose. Conclusion: The results obtained from this study suggest that sub-acute administration of S. henningsii extract may not be completely safe as oral remedy due to the impairment observed in the normal functioning of white blood cells.

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For the evaluation of the hair growth promoting activity of Musa paradisiaca unripe fruit extract, the study was aimed to investigate the hair growth promoting activity of M. paradisiaca unripe fruit extract. Objective: We examined the effect of M. paradisiaca unripe fruit extract for the hair growth promoting activity, which has been traditionally used for treating hair loss. Materials and Methods: The mice were divided into four groups the extract and minoxidil were applied over the shaved skin surface on to the backs of mice and monitored for 30 days. Results: The extract of M. paradisiaca unripe fruit when tested for the hair growth activity was assed by studying hair length and microscopic study of follicles in vehicle control, 2% minoxidil treated and extract treated animals. Conclusion: The findings suggest that extract of M. paradisiaca unripe fruit has potential as a hair growth promoter.

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Background: The Western ghats, the range of hills running along India's west coast, are well known for their rich and unique assemblage of flora and fauna. The present study was performed to evaluate the insecticidal potential of Actinomycetes isolated from the soils of the Western ghats of Agumbe, Karnataka. Methods: For isolation, the serially diluted soil sample was plated on Starch casein agar and incubated aerobically. The actinomycete isolates were identified by various parameters such as colony morphology, spore arrangement, staining, and biochemical reactions. The isolates were grown in Starch casein broth for seven days, the culture broth was extracted with butanol solvent and concentrated to get crude extract. Insecticidal activity of different concentrations of butanol extract of the isolates was determined against the second instar larvae of Aedes aegypti. The larvicidal effect, in terms of mortality of larvae, of the extracts was determined by counting the number of dead larvae after 24 hours. Results: Two actinomycete isolates were recovered from the soil sample and were identified as the species of Streptomyces on the basis of phenotypic, microscopic, biochemical, and staining characteristics. The colonies of the Streptomyces isolate 1 were creamish-white with yellow pigmentation and the spore arrangement was straight, whereas colonies of the Streptomyces isolate 2 were light grey with dark green pigmentation. The spore arrangement in isolate 2 was of the open loop type. Both the isolates were Gram-positive, non-acid fast, and caused hydrolysis of starch and casein. The insecticidal activity of different concentrations, namely 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/ml, of butanol extract of the Streptomyces isolates was tested against the second instar larvae of Aedes aegypti. The insecticidal potential of butanol extracts, in terms of larval mortality, was found to be dose dependent. Among the isolates, isolate 2 showed a marked insecticidal activity than isolate 1. At a concentration of 5 mg/ml, both the isolates caused 100% mortality of the larvae. At concentrations of 1 and 2.5 mg/ml, isolate 2 exhibited a stronger larvicidal activity than isolate 1. Conclusion: The insecticidal efficacy of the Streptomyces species might be due to the presence of active constituents in the extract. Isolation and characterization of active constituents from the butanol extract possessing insecticidal potential are to be investigated.

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Background: Fragaria vesca has been used in the past for the treatment of rheumatism and gout. Material and Methods: Ethanolic extracts of fruits and the whole plant of F. vesca were prepared by the percolation method and oral toxicity testing was performed as per Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. The antiinflammatory activity against acute inflammation was checked by the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema test, the granuloma pouch method for the subacute inflammation, and Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis model for chronic inflammation in albino rats. The fruit extract was used at a dose of 500 mg/kg and the whole plant extract was also used at 500 mg/kg. Aspirin (100 mg/kg) was taken as standard. Results: The fruit extract, whole plant extract, and aspirin, all showed significant anti-inflammatory activities against acute,subacute, and chronic inflammation as compared to the control (P < 0.01) although the fruit extract showed a better activity than the whole plant extract (P < 0.05). Conclusion: F. vesca showed a significant activity against acute, sub acute, and chronic inflammation. Anti-inflammatory activities of all the drugs in a decreasing order were as follows: aspirin > fruit extract, 500 mg/kg > whole plant extract, 500 mg/kg.

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Background: The objective of the study was to analyze the anticancer property of Moringa oleifera on HeLa cells and also to analyze its safety on human peripheral lymphocytes. Materials and Methods: Using ethnomedical data approach, the Indian medicinal plant (M. oleifera) that is used in traditional medicine for cancer and non-cancerous diseases was collected. The crude extracts were prepared by alcoholic and aqueous extraction methods using standard protocols. The antiproliferative effects of the aqueous and alcoholic extracts were evaluated in vitro by employing MTT assay, viability test by trypan blue dye exclusion and apoptosis of the cancer cells were confirmed by DNA fragmentation analysis, ethidium bromide- acridine orange (EB/AO) staining. Results: The aqueous extract of M. oleifera showed good cytotoxicity which was concentration dependent. It was contradictory incase of methanolic and hexane extracts, the cell viability was found to increase as the concentration of extract increased. It states that not only the concentration of extract is having an effect on cell viability, even the methods and solvents of extraction are important in exerting their effects on cell lines. At the same time, the extracts showed proliferative effects on the normal human lymphocytes. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of M. oleifera exhibited cytotoxic effects on Hela cells and least cytotoxicity on lymphocytes. For plants that are used as anticancer herbal drugs, our results indicated a correlation between the reported use of these plants and their cytotoxic activity on cancer cells.

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Background: Spinacia oleracea is widely used as food and in the treatment of urinary calculi, as a laxative, in difficult breathing, inflammation of the liver, and jaundice. However, no studies have been done on its anti-inflammatory activity. Materials and Methods: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic aqueous fraction (MAF and water extract (WE) of Spinacia oleracea leaf in an acute inflammation model. was administered in rat hind paw, in chronic inflammation model, cotton pellet-induced granuloma was performed. Results: The water extract of Spinacia oleracea and its methanolic aqueous fraction at 600 mg/kg dose showed significant (P < 0.001) inhibition of inflammation in both acute and chronic anti-inflammatory models. The potency of the extracts was compared with the standard diclofenac sodium (5 mg/kg). The methanolic aqueous fraction and water extract showed a dose-dependent increase and decrease in catalase content. The highest protein content was found in the water extract.

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Viola odorata of family Violaceae was extensively utilized by the tradipractitioners for its various ethnopharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate, experimentally, the analgesic effect of n-hexane, butanolic, methanolic, and aqueous extracts of the aerial part of V. odorata at a dose level of 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o. The analgesic activity of the aqueous (P < 0.01) and methanolic (P < 0.05) extract of V. odorata at a dose level of 400 mg/kg, p.o., showed a significant effect in the peripheral and central models of pain (tail immersion and hot plate method) while n-hexane and butanolic extracts did not show any significant effect (P > 0.05).This indicates that only aqueous and methanolic extracts possess an analgesic effect possible due to the presence of analgesic phytochemicals present in them.

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Background: Medicinal plants can exert their hypoglycemic effect by several mechanisms such as modulation of glucose diffusion, inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, manipulation of glucose transporters etc. Therefore, the present study was planned to evaluate the in vitro hypoglycemic effects of some common medicines used in the management of type 2 diabetes in India. Materials and Methods: The present study evaluated the effect Gymnema sylvestre (GS), Tinospora cordifolia (TC), Eugenia jambolana (JB) and Aegle Marmelos (AM) on the movement of glucose in the intestinal lumen using suitable in vitro techniques. Results: All the samples effectively adsorbed glucose and retarded its diffusion across the dialysis membrane. The glucose adsorption capacities of all the samples were higher than that of wheat bran (WB) and acarbose (ACB). WB exhibited significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) glucose diffusion rate at all time compared to other samples. The maximal glucose diffusion retardation index (GDRI) was exhibited by AM followed by JB and TC. All of these mechanisms might create a concerted function in lowering the rate of glucose absorption and as a result decrease postprandial blood glucose concentration. Conclusion: It is concluded that the mechanism of hypoglycemic action varies greatly from one medicinal plant to other and hence, there is a need for in-depth research to establish the mode of action of each medicinal plant for their effective utilization as therapeutic agents.

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In recent times, focus on plant research has increased all over the world and a large body of evidence has collected to show the immense potential of medicinal plants used in various traditional systems. More than 13,000 plants have been studied in recent years. Coffee is the most frequently consumed functional food around the globe. The average consumption per capita in the United States is approximately 4.4 kg annually at a cost of $164.71 per individual. These statistics provide compelling motivation to investigate the consequences of such large-scale consumption of this beverage. Coffee also has a rich medical history. The therapeutic benefits of coffee are now supported by a rapidly growing and significant level of scientific validation. Coffee is a medium-sized tree of the Rubiacea family, living up to 25 years, and grows to a height of 6-15 m. Traditionally, different parts of the coffee plants are used for influenza, anemia, edema, asthenia and rage, hepatitis and liver troubles, externally for nervous shock, as a stimulant for sleepiness and drunkenness, as an antitussive in flu and lung ailment, as a cardiotonic and a neurotonic and for asthmas. The present review on Coffea arabica aims to compile data generated through the research activity using modern scientific approaches and innovative scientific tools in recent years and potential clinical applications of the functional food that is humbly known as the coffee bean. The data in the present review have been organized in various sections according to pharmacological activities. One section in the present review deserves special mention, i.e. on diabetes, as the World Health Organization stated diabetes as a basic health indicator. The number of patients with this ailment continues to increase at the rate of about 1 million new patients per year.

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Aim: To evaluate the nutraceutical properties of Aloe vera gel (AVG). Materials and Methods: The body weight, hematological parameters and antioxidant parameters of AVG were evaluated. Male healthy albino rats (140-200 g) were allotted to different treatment groups. The control group was treated with 0.9% normal saline, which was used as the vehicle. Different groups were treated orally with the gel of Aloe vera in doses of 4, 6, and 8 mg/kg, respectively. At the end of 10, 20, and 30 days, blood samples were obtained for the determination of hematological parameters [hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), and white blood cell count (WBC)], antioxidant activity and body weight. Results: A significant increase in body weight was found after administration of freeze-dried AVG (13.46%) as compared with the control group (9.09%) after 30 days. The percent increase in RBC count, WBC count, and hemoglobin content after 10, 20, and 30 days was 23.86, 44.29, and 56%, respectively, 18.0, 22.16, and 22.94%, respectively, and 28.54, 34.76, and 36%, respectively. Group II B having a dose of 6 mg/kg showed 42.49 ± 0.92% inhibition of superoxide ion and 35.95 ± 0.97% inhibition of hydrogen peroxide. Conclusion: AVG showed a significant increase in body weight and hematological parameters and antioxidant properties, which confirms its nutraceutical property.

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The role of oxidative stress as a major cause of tissue injury has been suggested and it has been demonstrated that changes in the oxidant and antioxidant mechanisms contribute largely to hepatic necrosis in these situations. However, the increased intake of foods rich in antioxidants could help minimize this damage. The aim of this present work was to evaluate the effect of coffee beverage on lipid peroxidation and markers of liver function in rats with cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride. Our results demonstrated that CCl ₄ is effective in the induction of liver cirrhosis and the compounds presents in coffee drink are able to decrease the hepatic lipid peroxidation induced by carbon tetrachloride, making a significant hepatoprotective effect in accordance with the liver function tests.

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Background: There are fairly extensive data on the trado-medical, phytochemistry, biological and pharmacological activity of Morinda lucida. Yet, there is dearth of information on the safety/toxicity of the root extract. Materials and Methods: The present study investigated the toxicological effect of the ethanolic root extract of the plant at 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight on haematology, kidney and liver function parameters in Wistar rats for 21 days. Results: The extract did not exhibit any significant (P < 0.05) effect on red blood cells (RBCs), hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell width coefficient of variation (RDW-CV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, sodium, potassium and calcium at all doses tested. The extract caused a significant reduction in the serum levels of white blood cells, platelets, alkaline phosphate (ALP), cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). At lower doses, the extract increased the aspertate aminotransferase (AST), but at higher doses the parameter was significantly reduced. Similarly, the extract at all doses led to significant increase in the body and absolute organ weights of the animals but no effect on the liver, kidney, heart and lungs body-weight ratios. Conclusion: Although, the extract produced some alterations in the parameters investigated, it is unlikely to be haematotoxic, hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic if consumed repeatedly at the doses investigated in this study.

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Background: The roots of Carissa carandas Linn. (Apocynaceae) and Pergularia daemia (Forsk.) Chiov. (Asclepiadaceae) were used by the tribes of Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, for the treatment of various liver disorders. Materials and Methods: In the present study, the ethyl acetate fraction of the ethanol extract from roots of C. carandas (CCF) and P. daemia (PDF) were studied against carbon tetrachloride-, paracetamol-, and ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Results: Significant hepatoprotective effects were obtained against liver damage induced by all the three toxins, as evident from changed biochemical parameters like serum transaminases (SGOT and SGPT), alkaline phosphate (ALP), total bilirubin, total protein, and total cholesterol. Parallel to these changes, the ethyl acetate fraction prevented toxin-induced oxidative stress by significantly maintaining the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and a normal architecture of the liver, compared to toxin controls. Conclusion: The results indicate that CCF and PDF could be useful in preventing chemically induced acute liver injury.

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Background: Aflatoxins are potent hepatotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic agents. This hepatotoxicity is thought to be mediated by their ability to generate reactive oxygen species and cause peroxidative damage. Considering the antioxidant properties of Tinospora cordifolia, this study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Tinospora cordifolia root extract in terms of altered biochemical, hematological, serological and histopathological parameters. Methods: Sixty male swiss albino mice were taken for post exposure therapy. Results: Aflatoxin exposure elicited a significant escalation in the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and depletion in reduced glutathione, protein, ascorbic acid and antioxidant enzymes, namely, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase activities. Chronic aflatoxin ingestion showed a significant decline in total erythrocyte count, lymphocyte count, hemoglobin, hematocrit values while total leukocyte count, platelet count and neutrophil count significantly increased in the aflatoxin-treated group. The activities of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphate augmented significantly in the serum of aflatoxin-exposed mice suggesting hepatic damage. Aflatoxin administration decreased the content of high density lipoprotein while increased the content of cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein significantly. Pathological examination of the liver tissue also supported the biochemical findings. However, post-exposure administration of Tinospora cordifolia root extract to the aflatoxin-treated group attenuated the deranged parameters to some extent. Conclusion: This study indicated that Tinospora cordifolia can be a protective regimen for aflatoxin toxicity.

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Introduction: The present study is aimed at evaluating the anti-proliferative and apoptotic potential of Costus pictus D. Don on fibrosarcoma HT-1080 cell line, and also evaluating its safety to normal human lymphocytes. Materials and Methods: Dried leaves of C. pictus plant were used for aqueous and alcohol extraction. Different concentrations of these were evaluated for their cytotoxicity by trypan blue dye exclusion method and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on the cancer cell line (fibrosarcoma HT-1080) and a normal cell line (human peripheral lymphocytes). The apoptotic potential was analyzed by DNA fragmentation analysis of the treated cells. Results: The ethanol extract of C. pictus was found to be anti-proliferative and cytotoxic at lower concentrations and induced cell death in HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells. The ethanol extract at the same concentrations had no cytotoxicity on normal lymphocytes. Compared to ethanol extracts, aqueous and methanol extracts were less effective. Conclusion: The present investigation, for the first time, reveals the anticancer potential of ethanol extract of C. pictus on HT-1080 cells. It is very likely that the result can be extrapolated to animal or human system. The extract can be used for further purification of the active component for future applications.

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Background: Among the Yoruba herbalists (South-west Nigeria), hot water infusion of the whole plant of Ipomoea batatas continues to be highly valued in the local management of diabetes because of its effectiveness in the control of blood glucose. Therefore, the present study investigates the blood glucose lowering effect of graded oral doses of the extract in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats as a way of validating its folkloric use in the local management of diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day of the aqueous whole plant extract of Ipomoea batatas (IB) were administered to normal and STZ-induced hyperglycemic rats as single, daily oral treatment for 14 days and their effects on the fasting blood glucose (FBG) was evaluated. In addition, the acute oral toxicity and preliminary phytochemical studies of IB were also conducted. Results: These showed that oral administration of IB for 14 days caused significant dose related reductions (P<0.05, P<0.001) in FBG of both normal and STZ-induced hyperglycemic rats. Oral treatment with 400 mg/kg/day IB also significantly attenuated (P<0.05) body weight gain in the treated rats. The oral LD ₅₀ for IB was estimated to be 12 g/kg while the phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponin, anthraquinones and reducing sugars in the extract. Conclusions: The data generated in this study validate the folkloric use of the hot infusion of the whole plant of IB in the local management of diabetes.

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