Protective role of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phyllanthus niruri</Emphasis> against nimesulide induced hepatic damage

Present study aimed to evaluate the protective role of the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus niruri (P. niruri) against nimesulide-induced hepatic disoder in mice by determining levels of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum and also by measuring the hepatic content of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismitase (SOD) and catalase (CAT); the free radical scavenger, reduced glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS). Aqueous extract of P. niruri was administered either orally or intraperitoneally in different doses and times as needed for the experiments. Intraperitoneal of the extract (100 mg/kg body weight for seven days) reduced nimesulide (750 mg/kg body weight for 3 days) induced increased levels of GOT (37.0±1.8 units/ml in control group vs. 91.8±2.0 units/ml in nimesulide treated group vs. 35.0±1.0 units/ml in extract treated group), GPT (30.0±2.1 units/ml in control group vs. 88.4±2.9 units/ml in nimesulide treated group vs. 34.1±1.8 units/ml in extract treated group), and ALP (7.86±0.47 KA units/ml in control group vs. 23.80±0.60 KA units/ml in nimesulide treated group vs. 7.30±0.40 KA units/ml, in extract treated group) to almost nomal. In addition, P. niruri restored the nimesulide induced alterations of hepatic SOD (550±20 units/mg total protein in control group vs. 310±13 units/mg total protein in nimesulide treated group vs. 515±10 units/mg total protein in extract treated group), CAT (99.5±2 units/mg total protein in control group vs. 25.0±1.5 units/mg total protein in nimesulide treated group vs. 81.0±0.8 units/mg total protein in extract treated group), GSH (90±3 nmoles/mg total protein in control group vs. 17±4.2 nmoles/mg total protein in nimesulide treated group vs. 81±1 nmoles/mg total protein in extract treated group) and TBARS (measured as MDA, 36.6±3.0 nmoles/g liver tissue in control group vs. 96.3±5.2 nmoles/g liver tissue in nimesulide treated group vs. 41.2±1.7 nmoles/g liver tissue in extract treated group) contents. Dose-dependent studies showed that the herb could protect liver even if the nimesulide-induced injury is severe. Intraperitoneal administration of the extract showed better protective effect than oral administration. Combining all, the data suggest that P. niruri possesses hepatoprotective activity against nimesulide-induced liver toxicity and probably acts via an antioxidant defense mechanism. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the hepatoprotective action of P. niruri against nimesulide induced liver damage.     

Hepatoprotective effect of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hygrophila spinosa</Emphasis> and<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cassia occidentalis</Emphasis> on carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in experimental rats

The present study was undertaken to analyze the levels of some known antioxidant (both enzymic and non enzymic) activities in the rootsof Hygrophila spinosa andCassia occidentalis also to find out the hepatoprotective effect of the same in carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in albino rats. The roots were found to be rich in antioxidants. Liver damage in rats were induced by carbon tetrachloride. To find out the hepatoprotective activity, the aqueous extract of the plant root samples were administrated to rats for 15 days. The serum marker enzymes Aspartate transaminase, Alanine transaminase and Gama Glutamyl were measured in experimental animals. The increased enzyme levels after liver damage with carbon tetrachloride were nearing to normal value when treated with aqueous extract of the root samples. Histopathological observation also proved the hepatoprotectivity of the root samples.     

Evaluation of hypoglycemic and antioxidant effect of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ocimum sanctum</Emphasis>

Ocimum sanctum leaves have been traditionally used in treatment of diabetes mellitus. Dietary supplementation of fresh tulsi leaves in a dose of 2 gm/kg BW for 30 days led to significant lowering of blood glucose levels in test group. Intake ofOcimum sanctum also led to significant increase in levels of superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and total thiols, but marked reduction in peroxiodised lipid levels as compared to untreated control group. The leaves were found to possess both superoxide and hydroxyl free radical scavenging action. The present observations establish the efficacy ofOcimum sanctum leaves in lowering blood glucose levels and antioxidant property appears to be predominantly responsible for hypoglycemic effect.     

Antioxidant effect of methanolic extract of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum nigrum</Emphasis> berries on aspirin induced gastric mucosal injury

The antiulcerogenic effects of the methanolic extract ofSolanum nigrum berries (SBE) on aspirin induced ulceration in rats with respect to antioxidant status in the gastric mucosa have been investigated. Oxygen free radicals are considered to be important factors in the pathogenesis of gastric ulcer. The level of lipid peroxides, which were elevated highly in rats with acute gastric mucosal injury was taken as an index of oxidative stress. The activities of antioxidant defense enzymes were also decreased considerably by oral gastric administration of aspirin. The decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes and increased mucosal injury were altered to near normal status upon pretreatment with (SBE) when compared to the ulcer induced rats. The results indicate that (SBE) may exert its gastroprotective effect by a free radical scavenging action. Our observations suggest that (SBE) may have considerable therapeutic potential in the treatment of gastric diseases.     

Our experience with experimental<Emphasis Type="Italic">Wuchereria bancrofti</Emphasis> infection in Indian langur (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Presbytis entellus</Emphasis>)

Thyroid antibodies are commonly utilized in the assessment and diagnosis of autoimmune thyroid disorders. We compared the measurements of antithyroglobulin and antithyroidperoxidase antibodies by enzyme immunoassay with that of the conventional agglutination method. This fully automated enzyme immunoassay is more specific and cost effective than the agglutination method. Further this is a very quantitative and rapid method producing results in two hours as compared to at least twenty=four hours required by the conventional method. Antithyroidperoxidase antibodies determined by enzyme immunoassay are more specific and sensitive in the diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis than the antithyroglobulin antibodies.     

Assessment of glycemic potential of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Musa paradisiaca</Emphasis> stem juice

The present study reveals the effect of Musa paradisiaca stem juice on blood glucose level (BGL) of normal & diabetic rats. The dose of 500 mg/kg bodyweight produces a significant rise of 28.3% in blood glucose level after 6h of oral administration in normal rats. Whereas, in sub diabetic rats the same dose produces a rise of 16.4% in blood glucose levels within 1h during glucose tolerance test (GTT) and a rise of 16% after 4 h in fasting blood glucose levels of severe diabetic cases. These results were unexpected and important to report as other species of Musa like Musa sapientum has been reported for its hypoglycemic effect.     

Antihyperglycemic and antilipidperoxidative effects of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Tephrosia purpurea</Emphasis> seed extract in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and antilipidperoxidative effects of ethanolic seed extract ofTephrosia purpurea (TpEt) in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Hyperglycemia associated with an altered hexokinase and glucose 6 phosphatase activities, elevated lipid peroxidation, disturbed enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants status were observed in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of “TpEt” at a dose of 300mg/kg bw showed significant antihyperglcemic and antilipidperoxidative effects as well as increased the activities of enzymatic antioxidants and levels of non enzymatic antioxidants. We also noticed that the antihyperglycemic effect of plant drug (TpEt) was comparable to that of the reference drug glibenclamide. Our results clearly indicate that “TpEt” has potent antihyperglycemic and antilipidperoxidative effects in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats and therefore further studies are warranted to isolate and characterize the bioactive antidiabetic principles from “TpEt”.     

Secondary immunization inhibits drug induced apoptosis<Emphasis Type="Italic">in vivo</Emphasis>

Immunization with a proper dose of an antigenic stimulus leads to cell proliferation and antibody response of circulating lymphocytes. We have previously observed that Secondary immunized spleenocytes resist ceramide-mediated apoptosisin vitro. Our present study is aimed at investigating thein vivo effect of immunization on apoptosis. Mice were subjected to either Primary or Secondary dose with Tetanus Toxoid. Unimmunized spleenocytes served as controls. Unimmunized, Primary and Secondary immunized mice were later exposed to chemotherapeutic drugs such as Etoposide/Methotrexate/Vincristine to induce apoptosis. Apoptosis was studied by using the Feulgen reaction on 5μ thin parafin sections of spleen. It was observed that Secondary immunized mice showed a lower percentage of apoptosis as compared to Primary or Unimmunized mice that was subjected to either of the chemotherapeutic drugs. It was thus concluded that Secondary immunization inhibits the process of chemotherapeutic drug induced apoptosis in vivo.     

Antihyperglycemic effect of water extract of dry fruits of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Terminalia chebula</Emphasis> in experimental diabetes mellitus

Water extract of dry fruits ofTerminalia chebula (Hindi-Harda, Telugu-Karakkaya) at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight improved the glucose tolerance as indicated by 44% of reduction in the peak blood glucose at 2^nd hour in glucose tolerance test in diabetic (streptozotocin induced) rats. Treatment of diabetic rats with an initial fasting blood glucose of 253±9.4 mg/dl daily once with the water extract (200 mg/kg) for two weeks brought down the fasting blood glucose to 123±8.4 mg/dl which is only slightly above the normal value. These results indicate that water extract of Terminalia chebula improves glucose tolerance and brings down fasting blood glucose in diabetic rats.     

Effect of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vitex negundo</Emphasis> leaf extract on the free radicals scavengers in complete Freund's adjuvant induced arthritic rats

The effect of the oral administration ofVitex negundo leaf extract on the levels of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants were studied in the adjuvant induced arthritic (AIA) rats The levels of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, GPx, G6PD, GSH and Vit-C were estimated in various groups of the experimental rats. It was observed that the antioxidant enzyme levels in the AIA were significantly low when compared to normal rats. A significant decrease in enzymic antioxidant—SOD, CAT, GPx, G6PD and non-enzymic antioxidant—GSH, Vit-C were observed in the liver of AIA rats compared to the normal rats. These results suggest that the leaf extract ofVitex negundo possesses antioxidant activity.     

Investigations on protein adsorption on<Emphasis Type="Italic">in-vivo</Emphasis> sensor membrane surfaces

Summary  In order to understand the mechanism of fauling of electrode surfaces ofin vivo electrochemical sensors used for monitoring whole blood, the investigations on protein adsorption on the membrane surfaces were undertaken. Using an oxygen sensor, the protein adsorption studies were carried out on two different polymeric surfaces-teflon (PTFE) and polyurethane (PU)-using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry. Investigations reveal that even a single protein like albumin or fibrinogen tend to adhere to the sensor membrane surface and influences the electrochemical characteristics of the sensor. The influence is more significant, in the case of PTFE membrane.     

Potential Effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacopa monnieri</Emphasis> on Nitrobenzene Induced Liver Damage in Rats

The study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri in acute experimental liver injury induced by Nitrobenzene in rats. The extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight was administered orally once every day for 10 days. The increased serum marker enzymes, Aspartate transaminase, Alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were restored towards normalization significantly by the extract. Significant increase in SOD, CAT and GPx was observed in extract treated liver injured experimental rats. Histopathological examination of the liver tissues supported the hepatoprotection. It is concluded that the ethanolic extract of Bacopa monieri plant possess good hepatoprotective activity.     

Effect of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Coccinia indica</Emphasis> (L.) and<Emphasis Type="Italic">Abroma augusta</Emphasis> (L.) on glycemia,lipid profile and on indicators of end-organ damage in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

InAyurvedic system of medicine in India, not only extracts of one plant or the other but also a combination of plant extracts are used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The present paper reports the combined effect ofAbroma augusta andCoccinia indica known to be useful for the treatment of diabetes in Ayurveda on the fasting blood sugar, glucose tolerance and lipid profile of Streptozotocin (STZ) induced albino rats. 300mg of water extract of the mixture of dried powdered roots ofA. augusta and leaves ofC. indica in equal proportions was given once daily for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks of treatment of Streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats, the fasting blood sugar came down to almost normal value and improvement in glucose tolerance and serum lipid profile were also observed.     

Effects of flaxseed<Emphasis Type="Italic">(Linum usitatissimum) chutney</Emphasis> on gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and micronuclei profile in azoxymethane treated rats

Antioxidant property of flaxseed chutney was evident by decreasing lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and predictor enzyme γ-glutamyl transpeptidase profile and micronuclei formation in azoxymethane treated rats. After 10 weeks, rats fed with either fiber-free basal diet or Antioxidant diet exhibited over sevenfold increase in γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity and nearly fourfold increase in micronuclei load in comparison to controls (p<0.001). A significant reduction in both γ-glutamyl transpeptidase level (52%) and micronuclei formation (47%) was observed in fiber-free basal diet/Antioxidant diet/flaxseed chutney diet fed rats. Relative to rats fed fiber-free basal diet, the profile of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and micronuclei load was not significantly altered.     

Preliminary studies on the hypoglycemic effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Peganum harmala</Emphasis> L. Seeds ethanol extract on normal and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Peganum harmala L. (Zygophyllaceae) is a traditional medicine used for the treatment of variety of human ailments, including antidepression, hallucination, antileishmaniasis etc. We report for first time the hypoglycemic activity of the ethanolic extract of this plant at two dose levels of 150 and 250mg/kg bw in sucrose challenged normal as well as in rats with streptozotocin induced diabetes. The oral administration of ethanolic extract causes maximum fall of blood glucose level to 22.9% (p<0.05) and 29.4% (p<0.01) respectively with the two doses in normal and 30.3% (p<0.01) and 48.4% (p<0.001) in diabetic rats. The standard drug metformin treated group showed 28.0% (p<0.01) and 45.5% (p<0.001) respectively in normal and diabetic rats. The above results show that the ethanolic extract of P. harmala is as effective as metformin in reducing the blood glucose levels of normoglycemic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.     

Curative effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cynodon dactylon</Emphasis> against STZ induced hepatic injury in diabetic rats

The aim of the study was to ascertain the role of ethanolic extract of Cynodon dactylon against hepatic complications in streptozotocin (STZ) induced type 2 diabetic models. Effect of the pre identified most effective dose of 500 mg/kg body weight was studied on hepatic injury caused by chemically induced diabetes by 55 mg/kg body weight i.p. injection of STZ in male Wistar rats. The dose of 500mg/kg body weight given once daily for 14 days reduced the levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine and urine sugar significantly (P<0.05) with increase in total protein, haemoglobin and body weight was increased. High LD₅₀ validates its high margin of safety.     

Ethanolic leaves extract of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trianthema portulacastrum</Emphasis> L. ameliorates aflatoxin B<Subscript>1</Subscript> induced hepatic damage in rats

Aflatoxins are potent hepatotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic agents. Reactive oxygen species and consequent peroxidative damage caused by aflatoxin are considered to be the main mechanisms leading to hepatotoxicity. The present investigation aims at assessing the hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic leaves extract of Trianthema portulacastrum on aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁)-induced hepatotoxicity in a rat model. The hepatoprotection of T. portulacastrum is compared with silymarin, a well known standard hepatoprotectant. Lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases were found to be significantly increased in the serum and decreased in the liver of AFB₁ administered (1 mg/kg bw, orally) rats, suggesting hepatic damage. Marked increase in the lipid peroxide levels and a concomitant decrease in the enzymic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glutathione-S-transferase) and nonenzymic (reduced glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E) antioxidants in the hepatic tissue were observed in AFB1 administered rats. Pretreatment with T. portulacastrum (100 mg/kg/p.o) and silymarin (100 mg/kg /p.o) for 7 days reverted the condition to near normal. The results of this study indicate that the ethanolic leaves extract of T. portulacastrum is a potent hepatoprotectant as silymarin.