Ch. V. Rao

Gastroprotective activity of Cinnamomum tamala leaves on experimental gastric ulcers in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cinnamomum tamala T. Nees & Eberm (Family Lauraceae) is used traditionally in Indian System of Medicine as carminative, anthelmintic, diuretic, and used in colic, dyspepsia, and diarrhea. AIM OF THE STUDY This study was aimed to evaluate the gastroprotective effects of Cinnamomum tamala leaves. METHODS Cinnamomum tamala leaves extract (CTE; 50,100 and 200mg/kg body weight) was administered orally, twice daily for 5 days for prevention from ethanol (EtOH)-, cold-restraint stress (CRS)- and pylorus ligation (PL)-induced ulcers. Estimation of H(+)K(+)ATPase activity and gastric wall mucous were performed in EtOH-induced ulcer model, antioxidant enzyme activities was carried out in CRS-induced ulcer model, and various gastric secretion parameters like volume of gastric juice, acid output, and pH value were estimated in PL-induced ulcer model. RESULTS A significant reduction in lesion index was observed in ulcer-induced animals treated with CTE at different doses when compared with ulcerated rats in all models. A significant decrease occurred in the level of H(+)K(+)ATPase, volume of gastric juice, and acid output. Simultaneously the level of gastric wall mucus and pH were increased significantly. These showed dose-dependent action of CTE. The antioxidant enzyme levels of LPO and SOD were decreased while administering CTE at different doses, compared with their control values. Contrary to this the level of CAT enzyme showed significant increase. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study showed that Cinnamomum tamala possess significant gastroprotective activity, probably due to its free radical scavenging activity.

Protective effect of (+)-catechin against gastric mucosal injury induced by ischaemia-reperfusion in rats

Ischaemia and reperfusion are known to induce gastric lesions, predominantly due to excessive formation of reactive oxygen metabolites, adhesion of neutrophils to endothelial cells, microvascular dysfunction, gastric acid secretion, endogenous histamine and gastrin release. We have studied the effect of (+)‐catechin on a gastric ulcer model involving damage to gastric injury by ischaemia‐reperfusion (I/R) in rats. (+)‐Catechin 50 mg kg−1 administered orally, once daily for three days after the initiation of I/R injury showed a significant (P < 0.001) anti‐ulcer activity against mucosal damage. However, (+)‐catechin significantly decreased the lipid peroxidation and increased the level of catalase in the I/R condition. Elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase in the I/R group was significantly lowered (P < 0.01) by (+)‐catechin. The amount of H+K+ATPase was significantly decreased (P < 0.001) in (+)‐catechin‐treated as compared with I/R rats. (+)‐Catechin significantly decreased elevated plasma histamine (P < 0.05) and corticosterone (P < 0.05). The results suggested that (+)‐catechin protected gastric mucosa against ischaemia‐reperfusion‐induced gastric ulcers by its antioxidant activity and mucus protection.

Amelioration effects against N-nitrosodiethylamine and CCl 4 - induced hepatocarcinogenesis in Swiss albino rats by whole plant extract of Achyranthes aspera

Objective: The prevalence of oxidative stress may be implicated in the etiology of many pathological conditions. Protective antioxidant action imparted by many plant extracts and plant products make them a promising therapeutic drug for free-radical-induced pathologies. In this study, we assessed the antioxidant potential and suppressive effects of Achyranthes aspera by evaluating the hepatic diagnostic markers on chemical-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Materials and Methods: The in vivo model of hepatocarcinogenesis was studied in Swiss albino rats. Experimental rats were divided into five groups: control, positive control (NDEA and CCl4), A. aspera treated (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w.). At 20 weeks after the administration of NDEA and CCl4, treated rats received A. aspera extract (AAE) at a dose of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg once daily route. At the end of 24 weeks, the liver and relative liver weight and body weight were estimated. Lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were assayed. The hepatic diagnostic markers namely serum glutamic oxaloacetic transminase (AST), serum glutamic pyruvate transminase (ALT), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and bilirubin (BL) were also assayed, and the histopathological studies were investigated in control, positive control, and experimental groups. Results: The extract did not show acute toxicity and the per se effect of the extract showed decrease in LPO, demonstrating antioxidant potential and furthermore no change in the hepatic diagnosis markers was observed. Administration of AAE suppressed hepatic diagnostic and oxidative stress markers as revealed by decrease in NDEA and CCl4 -induced elevated levels of SGPT, SGOT, SALP, GGT, bilirubin, and LPO. There was also a significant elevation in the levels of SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, and GSH as observed after AAE treatment. The liver and relative liver weight were decreased after treatment with AAE in comparison to positive control group. The architecture of hepatic tissue was normalized upon treatment with extract at different dose graded at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. b.w. in comparison to positive control group. Conclusion: These results suggest that A. aspera significantly alleviate hepatic diagnostic and oxidative stress markers which signify its protective effect against NDEA and CCl4-induced two-stage hepatocarcinogenesis.

Action of Portulaca oleracea against Streptozotocin-Induced Oxidative Stress in Experimental Diabetic Rats

Antidiabetic treatment with an extract of Portulaca oleracea leaves (100mg/kg and 250mg/kg body weight) for three weeks showed a significant reduction in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBRAS) and an increase in glutathione reductase (GSH-R) in both the liver and kidney of STZ diabetic rats. The treatment with P. oleracea significantly altered the glutathione and GSH-R to be comparable with the control group. P. oleracea- and tolbutamide-treated rats showed decreased lipid peroxidation that is associated with increased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase(CAT). The effects of P. oleracea on tissue lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in diabetic animals have not been studied before. The result of this study thus shows that although P. oleracea extract possesses moderate antidiabetic activity, it exhibits potent antioxidant potential in diabetic conditions.

Protective effect of ethyl acetate fraction of Rhododendron arboreum flowers against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in experimental models

Objective: To evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of ethyl acetate fraction of Rhododendron arboreum (Family: Ericaceae) in Wistar rats against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in preventive and curative models. Materials and Methods: Fraction at a dose of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg was administered orally once daily for 14 days in CCl4-treated groups (II, III, IV, V and VI). The serum levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (SALP), γ-glutamyltransferase (γ -GT), and bilirubin were estimated along with activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase, hepatic malondialdehyde formation, and glutathione content. Result and Discussion: The substantially elevated serum enzymatic activities of SGOT, SGPT, SALP, γ-GT, and bilirubin due to CCl4 treatment were restored toward normal in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, the decreased activities of GST and glutathione reductase were also restored toward normal. In addition, ethyl acetate fraction also significantly prevented the elevation of hepatic malondialdehyde formation and depletion of reduced glutathione content in the liver of CCl4-intoxicated rats in a dose-dependent manner. Silymarin used as standard reference also exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity on post-treatment against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The biochemical observations were supplemented with histopathological examination of rat liver sections. The results of this study strongly indicate that ethyl acetate fraction has a potent hepatoprotective action against CCl4-induced hepatic damage in rats.

Pharmacognostic studies of the leaves and stem of Careya arborea Roxb.

OBJECTIVE To study detailed pharmacognostic profile of leaves and stem of Careya arborea (C. arborea) Roxb. (Lecthyidaceae), an important medicinal plant in the Indian system of medicine. METHODS Leaf and stem samples of C. arborea were studied by macroscopical, microscopical, physicochemical, phytochemical, fluorescence analysis of powder of the plant and other methods for standardization recommended by WHO. RESULTS Macroscopically, the leaves are simple, broadly obovate in shape, acuminate apex with crenate, dentate margin, petioles (0.1-1.8 cm) long. Microscopically, the leaf showed the presence of median large size vascular bundle covered with fibrous bundle sheath, arrangement of xylem in cup shape and presence of cortical vascular bundle, patches of sclerenchyma, phloem fibers in groups and brown pigment containing cells in stem are some of the diagnostic features noted from anatomical study. Powder microscopy of leaf revealed the presence of parenchyma cells, xylem with pitted vessels and epidermis with anisocytic stomata. The investigations also included leaf surface data; quantitative leaf microscopy and fluorescence analysis. Physiochemical parameters such as loss on drying, swelling index, extractive values and ash values were also determined and results showed that total ash of the stem bark was about two times higher than leaf and water soluble extractive value of leaf and stem bark was two times higher than alcohol soluble extractive value. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of triterpenoids, saponins, tannins and flavonoids. CONCLUSIONS The results of the study can serve as a valuable source of information and provide suitable standards for identification of this plant material in future investigations and applications.

Antidiabetic activity of Croton klozchianus in rats and direct stimulation of insulin secretion in-vitro

Croton klozchianus is a relatively uninvestigated species with no pharmacological or phytochemical reports available, although it has been used clinically by Ayurvedic physicians to treat diabetes. We have investigated this use by studying the insulin secretion and antidiabetic activity of C. klozchianus. Treatment of diabetic rats with aerial parts of C. klozchianus extract (CK, 100 and 300 mg kg−1 body weight) for three weeks showed significant reduction in blood glucose (45.8% after 14 days for 300 mg kg−1). C. klozchianus extract caused a significant concentration‐dependent increase in insulin secretion (8‐fold at 2 mg mL−1 for cells challenged with 20 mm glucose) from MIN6 cells grown as monolayers and as pseudoislets, indicating that the antidiabetic activity may have been as a result of increased insulin secretion. It also had a role on the lipid profile of the rats by causing reduction in cholesterol and triglycerides and increasing high density lipoprotein significantly. The results obtained gave some scientific support to the traditional use of the plant as a treatment for diabetes.

Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of leaf extract of Achyranthes aspera Linn. (prickly chaff flower).

Aim: The present study was undertaken to establish the potential role of Achyranthes aspera Linn for cure of skin diseases. Study Design: The plant is traditionally used by various tribes for curing a wide range of diseases. A 50% ethanolic extract of the leaves was subjected to phytochemical studies and further investigated for in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Place and Duration of Study: CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, between December 2012 and November 2013. Methodology: In vitro antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, β-Carotene-linoleic acid assay and reducing power assay. Antibacterial activity was studied by agar well diffusion method. Results: The total phenol and flavonoid content was estimated to be 3.363% and 6.36% respectively. The HPTLC analysis showed the presence of oleanolic acid, lupeol and βsitosterol. The free radical scavenging activity of the extract was concentration dependent Original Research Article European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 4(6): 695-708, 2014 696 and IC50 was observed at a concentration of 62.24μg/ml for DPPH free radical scavenging activity and 68.32μg/ml for hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. The extract showed significant total antioxidant activity and reducing power. Antibacterial activity was studied by well diffusion method and the MIC was recorded at 0.75 mg/ml for S. aureus, 0.8 mg/ml for M. luteus, 2.75 mg/ml for E. coli and 0.8 mg/ml for P. aeruginosa. Conclusion: The results obtained from current study demonstrate that the leaf extract of Achyranthes aspera L possess significant antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Presence of various classes of phytocompounds e.g. Phenols, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids etc. contribute highly to its medicinal values, thus indicating its potential for cure of skin diseases.

Antiulcer activity of hydroalchol extract of Momordica dioica roxb. fruit

The present study was carried out to evaluate antiulcer activity of hydroalcohol extract of Momordica dioica Roxb. fruit. Momordica dioica Roxb. fruit extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) was administered orally, twice daily for 5 days for prevention from ethanol, cold-restraint stress and pylorus ligation-induced ulcers. Estimation of H+-K+ ATPase activity and gastric wall mucous were performed in ethanol-induced ulcer model, antioxidant enzyme activities was carried out in cold-restraint stress-induced ulcer model, and various gastric secretion parameters like volume of gastric juice, acid output, and pH value were estimated in pylorus ligation-induced ulcer model. A significant reduction in lesion index was observed in ulcer-induced animals pre treated with extract at different doses when compared with ulcerated rats in all models. A significant decrease occurred in the level of H+-K+ ATPase, volume of gastric juice, and acid output. Gastric wall mucus and pH were increased significantly. These showed dose-dependent action of extract. LPO and antioxidant enzyme levels of SOD were decreased, but CAT enzyme showed significant increase. Thus the results indicate that the Momordica dioica extract possess antiulcerogenic effect, that attributable to augmentation of gastric defense mechanisms.

Honey enhances the anti-quorum sensing activity and anti-biofilm potential of curcumin

Both turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn) and honey have been popularly used for treating microbial infections in Asian countries, but their combined effect on bacterial virulence has not been tested thus far. Therefore, in this investigation, the potential of curcumin (50 μg mL−1) plus 1% of honey (ChC) in reducing QS-mediated production of virulence factors and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 was studied. Treatment with ChC displayed a significant reduction in the secretion of AHLs, pyocyanin, pyoverdin, pyochelin, LasA protease, LasB elastase, and hemolysin without affecting bacterium growth. The data obtained from β-galactosidase activity revealed that ChC reduced the activity of QS-related genes, namely lasI, lasR, rhlI, and rhlR. The ChC showed strong anti-biofilm activity, inhibiting biofilm formation and also eradicating it. It was also proven that the anti-biofilm activity is associated with the inhibition of rhamnolipid and alginate, as well as the swimming, and swarming motility of PAO1 as a result of ChC treatment. Eventually, it was also documented that ChC enhanced the susceptibility of PAO1 to conventional antibiotics. The results clearly indicated that the combination of curcumin and honey is a good candidate for the development of a new antibacterial agent acting not as a cidal but as an anti-virulence agent.