Waseem Rizvi

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Albizzia lebbeck in rats.

Albizzia lebbeck Benth. (Mimosaceae) is a medicinal tree used to treat several inflammatory ailments in the Indian traditional Ayurvedic system of medicine. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous (AE) and ethanolic (EE) extracts of the leaves of A. lebbeck to support the ethnopharmacological claims. The study was carried out using Wistar rats (100–150 g). The AE and EE were prepared using the Soxhlet extraction process. The anti-inflammatory activity of the AE and EE of the leaves of A. lebbeck were studied using carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma models. The AE and EE of the leaves of A. lebbeck at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg p.o. (oral administration) showed a dose-dependent and significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of carrageenan-induced hind paw edema with maximum percentage inhibition (PI) values of 22.34, 30.85, 39.36 and 22.53, 32.98, 42.55, respectively. The AE and EE at doses of 50, 100, 200 mg/kg p.o. significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited granuloma formation with PI values of 19.07, 27.57, 38.55 and 23.93, 32.23, 42.33, respectively. The AE and EE of the leaves of A. lebbeck showed significant (p < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity.

Anti-inflammatory activity of roots of Cichorium intybus due to its inhibitory effect on various cytokines and antioxidant activity

Background: Cichorium intybus L. commonly known as chicory is one of the important medicinal plants commonly used in Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is commonly used for the treatment of diseases involving a khapa and pitta doshas. Traditionally, C. intybus is used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, but there are only few in vitro studies reporting the anti-inflammatory activity of roots of chicory. Objective: Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of roots of chicory and mechanisms involved in it using in vivo models of inflammation. Materials and Methods: Albino Wistar rats of either sex weighing 150-200 g were used. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of roots of chicory were prepared with the help of Soxhlet′s apparatus. The anti-inflammatory activity was studied using carrageenan-induced paw edema method and cotton pellet granuloma method. Levels of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-1 and activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were estimated. Results: Chicory roots demonstrated significant dose-dependent decrease in paw edema in carrageenan-induced paw edema method. Chicory roots diminished the serum TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1 levels. They also significantly attenuated the malonylaldehyde levels and increased the activities of CAT and GPx in paw tissue. Similarly, chicory roots demonstrated a significant decrease in granuloma formation in cotton pellet induced granuloma method. Conclusion: Chicory roots possess anti-inflammatory activity, and this might be due to the inhibition of various cytokines, antioxidant effects, and their free radical scavenging activity.

Central analgesic activity of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Albizia lebbeck: role of the GABAergic and serotonergic pathways.

Abstract Albizia lebbeck Benth. is extensively used in Indian traditional medicine for treating several painful and inflammatory disorders. The possible central analgesic activity and the underlying mechanism of action of the aqueous (AE) and ethanolic extracts (EE) of the leaves of A. lebbeck were investigated in Wistar rats using Eddy’s hot plate and the tail flick tests. In order to investigate the underlying mechanism of action, rats were pretreated with naloxone, bicuculline or methysergide and then were administered a per os (p.o.) dose of AE or EE. AE and EE caused a significant (p<0.05) elevation in the mean basal reaction time in the hot plate method and an increase in the latency time in the tail flick method. In rats pretreated with bicuculline and methysergide, a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the analgesic activity was observed in comparison to AE and EE. Thus, AE and EE exhibited significant central analgesic activity and act possibly via the GABAergic and serotonergic pathways. The flavonoids and saponins found in the leaves could be responsible for the observed effect.

Haemoptysis associated with gatifloxacin in a 27 year old male asthmatic--a case report.

Gatifloxacin is a 8-methoxyfluoroquinolone antimicrobial with an extended spectrum of antimicrobial activity. It was approved for use in the United States in 1999 and was introduced in India in October 2001. The drug is approved for use in the treatment of various respiratory infections including bronchitis, urinary tract infections and gonorrhoea [1]. We report a case of haemoptysis associated with gatifloxacin. A 27 year old male patient, known to have bronchial asthma which was well controlled, attended the Respiratory and Chest Diseases outpatient department with the complaint of frank blood in the sputum. He had had a cough and mucopurulent sputum for the last 10 days. On the fourth day of cough he took gatifloxacin 400 mg (Gatikind, Mankind India) once daily (self medication being a doctor) for 5 days. The symptoms of cough and sputum improved but he had a bout of frank haemoptysis on the fifth day of the treatment for which he presented to the physician. The drug was stopped and thereafter, no episode of haemoptyis occurred. There was no history of violent coughing or any concomitant medication. On examination bilateral breath sounds were present and no added sounds were heard. Spirometry was performed and FEV1 was found to be more than 80% of the predicted value. The chest X-ray showed no significant finding. Bleeding and clotting times were in the normal range. Complete blood count was not available. The diagnosis of bronchitis was made as the patient had symptoms consistent with upper respiratory tract infection and normal chest radiograph [2]. There was no history of gatifloxacin intake in the past. The patient provided written informed consent for publication of this report. The case was reported to the zonal centre under the national pharmacovigilance programme. Although bronchitis is a common cause of haemoptysis [2], in this case the event surfaced when the symptoms of bronchitis were improving. The temporal relationship between the administration of gatifloxacin with the occurrence of the event, and no further episode of haemoptysis on stopping the drug, also supports that the event could be due to gatifloxacin. There are reports suggesting occurrence of haemorrhage with gatifloxacin [3] and increased risk of bleeding with the concomitant use of warfarin and gatifloxacin [4, 5]. The strength of association was examined using the Naranjos Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale, in which a score of +4 was obtained suggesting a ‘possible’ link. The Naranjos algorithm defines adverse reactions as definite (score > 9), probable (score between 5 and 8), possible (1–4) and doubtful (<1) [6]. There could be several possible explanations for gatifloxacin associated haemoptysis. Infection in bronchitis causes superficial mucosal inflammation and oedema which can lead to the rupture of the superficial blood vessels. Gatifloxacin is widely distributed throughout the body into many body tissues and fluids. Rapid distribution of gatifloxacin into tissues also results in high concentrations of gatifloxacin in the respiratory system including the bronchial mucosa [3]. This could probably increase the inflammation of the mucosal cells. This effect coupled with the drugs characteristic to interfere with the coagulation cascade [4, 5] may explain haemoptysis associated with gatifloxacin in patients of bronchitis. This hypothesis needs to be further tested. In conclusion, gatifloxacin has been approved for use in bronchitis because of its enhanced activity against the respiratory pathogens and high concentration in the respiratory tract [3, 7]. However, in the view of this patient (a doctor) and in the light of previously reported cases of haemorrhage, its use in bronchitis needs to be monitored carefully.

Cinnamaldehyde and eugenol attenuates collagen induced arthritis via reduction of free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines

BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease which leads to bone and cartilage erosion. Oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines plays crucial role in the pathophysiology of RA. Cinnamaldehyde and eugenol have a long history of medical use in various inflammatory disorders. PURPOSE The drugs available for the treatment of RA are associated with various side effects. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-arthritic effects of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol in rat model of arthritis. METHODS Type II collagen was intradermally injected to rats for the induction of arthritis. Cinnamaldehyde (10 and 20 mg/kg/day) and eugenol (10 and 20 mg/kg/day) were given orally for 15 days, starting from day 21 to 35. Dexamethasone treated rats served as positive control. Histological, radiological and scanning electron microscopic analysis were done to monitor the effect of compounds on collagen induced arthritis (CIA). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, nitric oxide and antioxidant status were also determined. The markers of biomolecular oxidation (protein, lipid and DNA) and activities of enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and glutathione reductase) were also evaluated in the joint homogenate and plasma of rats. For detecting inflammation, levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 were monitored by ELISA. RESULTS Our results showed anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol in arthritic rats. Scanning electron microscopy, histopathological and radiological findings also confirmed the anti-arthritic effects of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol. Both the compounds were effective in bringing significant decrease in the levels of ROS, nitric oxide, markers of biomolecular oxidation and increase in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 were also ameliorated by cinnamaldehyde and eugenol treatment. Between the two phytochemicals used, eugenol was found to be more effective than cinnamaldehyde in reducing the severity of arthritis. CONCLUSION Cinnamaldehyde and eugenol were effective in ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammation in arthritic rats. These findings indicate that cinnamaldehdye and eugenol have a great potential to be used as an adjunct in the management of RA.

Protective effect of syringaldehyde on biomolecular oxidation, inflammation and histopathological alterations in isoproterenol induced cardiotoxicity in rats

BACKGROUND Ischemic injury during myocardial infarction (MI) is responsible for increased deaths among patients with cardiovascular disorders. Recently, research has been directed for finding treatment using natural compounds. This study was performed to investigate the effects of syrigaldehyde (SYD), a phytochemical against isoproterenol (ISO) induced cardiotoxicity model. METHODS For induction of MI, rats were intoxicated with two doses of ISO and were treated with SYD at three different concentrations (12.5, 25 & 50 mg/kg) both prior and simultaneous to ISO administration. RESULTS ISO group revealed amplified activity of marker enzymes (CKMB, LDH, AST, ALT), increased oxidation of proteins and lipid molecules. Moreover, augmentation in pro-inflammatory markers was also found. The same group also displayed marked changes in histopathology and erythrocyte (RBCs) morphology. SYD treated groups showed diminished levels of serum markers enzymes, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl (PC) with increment in antioxidant defense in cardiac tissues of ISO administered rats. Our findings also revealed the modulatory effect of SYD on membrane bound ATPases, showing that SYD significantly improved the ISO induced changes in membrane fluidity. Furthermore, decline in infarct size, alleviation of structural RBC damage and improved myocardial histopathological outcome were observed in treated groups. In addition, mitigation of biochemical and histopathological changes by SYD was found to be dependent on its concentration. CONCLUSION SYD had cardioprotective efficacy owing to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Our results support incorporation of SYD in regular diet for prevention of MI.

Hepatoprotective activity of fractions of Fumeria parviflora in Anti tubercular drug induced toxicity in rats

The study was conducted to screen the heptoprotective activity of fractions of Fumaria parviflora (F. parviflora) and underlying mechanisms by using in vivo model of hepatotoxicity. Albino rats of either sex weighing 200 - 250 g were taken. Methanol and ethyl acetate fractions were used as the test compounds in the study. The hepatotoxicity was induced by administration of antitubercular drugs (Isoniazid 7.5 mg/kg, Rifampicin 10 mg/kg and Pyrazinamide 35 mg/kg body weight of rat). Both the drugs (300 & 500 mg/kg) and inducing agent were given for 35 days per orum. The rats were sacrificed, the blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis (Liver function test, Antioxidant activity [Catalase, GSH, MDA] and Cytokines [TNF- Alfa, IL-1, IL-6]. The liver tissue was also taken for histopathological examination. Both fraction showed significant hepatoprotection (p<0.01) against antitubercular drugs. The Methanol fraction showed hepatoprotection only at a dose of 500 mg/kg while ethyl acetate fraction was effective at both the doses. The percentage hepatoprotection (42.4%) as a function of ALT was seen highest for Ethyl acetate fraction at a dose of 500 mg/kg. There was an increase in the levels of Catalase and GSH in all test groups as compared to the negative control while a significant decrease was observed in MDA levels. Similarly, the levels of cytokines TNF- Alfa, IL-1, IL-6, were significantly lower as compared to negative control. The findings were correlated by histopathological examination. The present study shows that the methanol and ethyl acetate fractions of F. parviflora possess potential hepatoprotective activity which may be due to its free radical scavenging action.

Histamine Aspects in Acid Peptic Diseases and Cell Proliferation

Histamine is a naturally occurring imidazole derivative. In human, histamine is present in nearly all tissues of the body. Four different histamine receptors subtypes have been cloned and designated as H1 to H4 receptors. H1 and H2 receptors have wide distribution in comparison to H3 and H4 receptors. H1 antihistamines (H1 receptor blockers) are among the most widely used drugs. H2 receptor activation is a strong stimulant for gastric acid secretion. Hence, histamine H2 receptors (H2R) antagonist has been used for the treatment of peptic ulcer and other gastric hypersecretory states such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The H3 receptors have also been cloned and their receptor ligands are in early clinical phase trials for obesity and other disorders like memory, learning deficit and epilepsy. The most recently discovered H4 receptor antagonists are being investigated for their use in inflammatory conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid diseases. Histamine is also involved in other functions, such as the cell proliferation and differentiation. Therefore its role is also defined in embryogenesis, organogenesis and tumorigenesis. In this chapter, we review H2 receptor antagonist, their present status in acid-peptic diseases and the emerging role of histamine in cell proliferation and differentiation with special reference to tumorigenesis.

Evaluation of antifilarial activity of Berberis aristata roots

The effect of aqueous and alcoholic extract of roots of Berberis aristata was studied on the spontaneous movements of the whole worm (w.w) preparation and nerve muscle (n.m) complex of cattle filarial parasite Setaria cervi and on the survival of microfilariae. Only aqueous extract could inhibit the spontaneous movements of S. cervi, characterized by initial stimulation followed by reversible paralysis. The concentration required to produce similar effect on n.m complex was less as compared to the w.w. The lethal concentration 50 and lethal concentration 90 for aqueous extract were 48 ng/ml and 65 ng/ml.

Antifilarial activity of Nigella sativa on Setaria cervi-an in vitro study

The effect of aqueous and alcoholic extract of seeds of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) was studied on the spontaneous movements of the whole worm (w.w) preparation and nerve muscle (n.m) complex of Setaria cervi (S. cervi). Both the extracts caused inhibition of spontaneous movements of the w.w and n.m complex characterized by initial stimulation followed by irreversible paralysis, with the exception that aqueous extract produced a partially reversible paralysis of w.w preparation. Lesser concentration of both the extracts was required to inhibit the movements of n.m complex than the w.w. Suggesting a cuticular permeability barrier. The lethal concentration and lethal concentration were 30 and 55 ng/ml for aqueous and 45 and 60 ng/ml for alcoholic extracts respectively.