Effect of isolated fractions of Barleria prionitis root methanolic extract on reproductive function of male rats: preliminary study

Male rats treated with 100 mg/kg for 60 days of isolated fractions of the Barleria prionitis root methanolic extract (Fr. I and Fr. II) showed a significant reduction on spermatogenesis without affecting general body metabolism. Sperm motility as well density in cauda epididymides was reduced significantly. The fertility was decreased by 33.4% in Fr. I and 100% in Fr. II treated rats. The blood parameters were within the normal range. Total protein, glycogen and sialic acid contents of testes were reduced after the plant fractions treatment. Seminal vesicular fructose was decreased significantly after the treatment. The population of various spermatogenic cells such as primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes and round spermatids were declined significantly in Fr. II treatment groups whereas in Fr. I treated animals preleptotene spermatocyte and spermatid number was decreased. There was no significant change in the number of Sertoli cells and spermatogonia in any of the treatment group.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of the hydrosoluble fraction of Euphorbia royleana latex

The hydrosoluble fraction of Euphorbia royleana latex (AER), administered by gavage at doses of 50-200 mg/kg, showed dose-dependent anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects in different acute and chronic test models in rats and mice. It reduced the exudate volume and the migration of leukocytes and showed a poor inhibitory effect on the granuloma formation induced by cotton pellets, while it had a low ulcerogenic score. The oral LD(50) was more than 1500 mg/kg in both rats and mice.     

Anti-nociceptive activity of the aqueous extract of Erythrina velutina leaves

Anti-nociceptive and anti-oedematogenic effects of the aqueous extract from the leaves of Erythrina velutina were tested through experimental models of nociception in mice and paw oedema induced by carrageenin in rats. The extract (300 and 600 mg/kg) did not change the carrageenin-induced paw oedema. In the hot plate test the extract also did not alter the latency time for mice liking the rear paws. Moreover, the extract (600 mg/kg) decreased by 96.5% the paw liking time in the second phase of the formalin test. This effect was antagonized by naloxone (5 mg/kg). In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the extract (300 and 600 mg/kg) reduced the number of writhing by 88.8% and 96.4%, respectively. Our present results demonstrated that the crude extract from the leaves of E. velutina has anti-nociceptive but not anti-oedematogenic properties.     

Central inhibitory activity of the aqueous extract of Crinum giganteum

The aqueous extract of Crinum giganteum given intraperitoneally at doses of 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg in rats prolonged the duration of pentobarbital sleeping time and in mice reduced spontaneous motor activity, decreased the exploratory activity and attenuated amphetamine-induced stereotype behavior. The intraperitoneal and oral preliminary LD(50) in mice were found to be 627 and 1468 mg/kg, respectively. The data obtained suggest that the aqueous extract of C. giganteum contains some biologically active principles with sedative activity.     

CNS pharmacological effects of the total alkaloidal fraction from Albizia inopinata leaves

The total alkaloidal fraction of Albizia inopinata leaves (FLA) was investigated for its central nervous system (CNS) effects. FLA (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced (45%) the locomotor activity in mice. In addition, it inhibited the conditioned avoidance response behavior and induced ptosis in rats. On the other hand, FLA did not exert significant effect on catalepsy, but potentiated the haloperidol-induced catalepsy. No effect was observed on sleep induced by sodium pentobarbital or apomorphine-induced stereotypes.     

Effect of aqueous Euphorbia hirta leaf extract on gastrointestinal motility

The aqueous leaf extract of Euphorbia hirta decreased the gastrointestinal motility in normal rats and decreased the effect of castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice.     

Pharmacological studies on the leaf of Psidium guajava

The methanol extract of the leaves of Psidium guajava was found to inhibit paw oedema induced by carrageenan in rats and pain induced by acetic acid in mice, and exhibited an antipyretic effect. Oral administration of the extract reduced intestinal transit time and prevented castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice. A CNS depressant activity was exhibited by the extract by potentiating the phenobarbitone sleeping time in mice.     

Antiinflammatory activity of Polygala japonica extract

The antiinflammatory activity of the aqueous extract of Polygala japonica (AEPJ) was investigated in mice and rats to find the pharmacological basis for its ethnomedical use. The extract produced a significant inhibition of peritoneal and cutaneous vascular permeability induced by acetic acid and histamine, respectively and ear swelling induced by picryl chloride in mice at the dose of 25.0 mg/kg. Moreover, the extract markedly inhibited footpad edema induced by histamine in rats, and decreased prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) content in carrageenan-induced air-pouch at doses of 12.5 and 6.25 mg/kg respectively.     

Antidiarrhoeal activity of Strychnos potatorum seed extract in rats

The antidiarrhoeal activity of the methanol extract of the dried seeds of Strychnos potatorum (MESP) has been evaluated out in rats using different models (castor oil-induced diarrhoea, effects on gastrointestinal motility and on PGE(2)-induced gastric enteropooling. MESP (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (P<0.001) inhibited the frequency of defaecation and reduced the wetness of faecal droppings in castor oil-induced diarrhoea, decreased the propulsion of charcoal meal through the gastrointestinal tract, and also reduced the PGE(2)-induced enteropooling.     

黄膜处理对毛脉酸模中蒽醌类成分的影响

通过黄色滤光膜对毛脉酸模进行不同时间遮膜处理。采用高效液相色谱法对毛脉酸模根样品中的蒽醌类的含量及产量进行测定,进行了方差分析。实验结果表明黄膜处理15d显著性提高大黄酚苷含量及产量;黄膜处理30d显著性提高大黄素含量及产量;黄膜处理30d显著性提高大黄酚含量及产量;黄膜处理45d显著性提高大黄素甲醚含量及产量。     

Effects of a bio-assay guided fraction from Polygonum cuspidatum root on the viability,acid production and glucosyltranferase of mutans streptococci

Polygonum cuspidatum root has been traditionally used for the treatment of dental diseases in Korea. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of P. cuspidatum root on the development of dental caries, especially its effects against bacterial viability and caries-inducing factors of Strptococcus mutans and Strptococcus sobrinus. Among methanol extract of P. cuspidatum root and its fraction tested, ethyl acetate fraction, composed of polydatin, resveratrol, anthraglycoside B, and emodin, showed inhibitory effects on glycolytic acid production and glucosyltransferase activity of S. mutans and S. sobrinus in addition to antibacterial activities.     

Anti-inflammatory,analgesic and antipyretic properties of Clitoria ternatea root

Clitoria ternatea roots methanol extract when given by oral route to rats was found to inhibit both the rat paw oedema caused by carrageenin and vascular permeability induced by acetic acid in rats. Moreover, the extract exhibited a significant inhibition in yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. In the acetic acid-induced writhing response, the extract markedly reduced the number of writhings at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg (p.o.) in mice.     

Beneficial effects of asiaticoside on cognitive deficits in senescence-accelerated mice

The effect of asiaticoside isolated from Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides (AHS) on the promotion of cognition in senescence-accelerated mice (SAMP) was evaluated. Six-month old male SAMP8 mice were orally administered 20, 40 or 80 mg/kg AHS daily for three months. SAMR1 mice were used as a “normal aging” control. The results showed that treatment with AHS significantly improved learning and memory abilities in behavioral tests. AHS-treated mice showed higher antioxidant enzyme activity and lower lipid oxidation in serum compared with untreated SAMP8 mice. Mechanistically, studies showed that AHS markedly reduced the content and deposition of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) by inhibiting the expression of mRNA for amyloid protein precursor, β-site amyloid cleaving enzyme-1 and cathepsin B and promoting the expression of mRNA for neprilysin and insulin degrading enzyme. In addition, AHS significantly increased the expression of plasticity-related proteins including postsynaptic density-95, phosphor-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor 1, phospho-calcium–calmodulin dependent kinase II, phospho-protein kinase A Catalyticβ subunit, protein kinase Cγ subunit, phospho-CREB and brain derived neurotrophic factor. Furthermore, AHS increased the levels of acetylcholine (Ach), but decreased cholinesterase (AchE) activity. These results demonstrated that AHS administration may prevent spatial learning and memory decline by scavenging free radicals, up-regulating the activity of antioxidant enzymes, decreasing the level of Aβ, ameliorating dysfunction in synaptic plasticity, and reversing abnormal changes in Ach level and AchE activity. Thus, AHS should be developed as a new drug to prevent age-related cognitive deficits.     

Bilberry extract protect restraint stress-induced liver damage through attenuating mitochondrial dysfunction

The aim of the present study is to investigate the protective effect of bilberry extract on liver damage in restraint stressed mice. A remarkable increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels was observed in stressed mice. Treatment with bilberry extract restored ALT and ROS to normal levels, and enhanced mitochondrial complex II activity that was lowered in restraint stressed mice. The mitochondrial electron transfer chain (ETC)-related gene expression was measured by RT-PCR, and a significant up-regulation of complex II mRNA was observed for SDHA, B, C and D mRNA in bilberry extract-treated group compared with that in stressed group. Bilberry extract administration also profoundly elevated the Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity and mitochondria membrane potential (?Ψ_m), which was reduced in the stressed group. Bilberry extract exhibited protective effect by scavenging free radicals and attenuating mitochondrial dysfunction in the liver of restraint stressed mice. It may be used as a promising therapeutic agent in preventing and delaying the life-related disease.     

Antidiarrhoeal activity of Rhus javanica ripen fruit extract in albino mice

The antidiarrhoeal effects of the methanolic extract of Rhus javanica ripen fruits (MERJ) were investigated by employing four experimental models of diarrhoea in Swiss albino mice. MERJ treated mice, showed significant reduction in the faecal output and protected them from castor oil-induced diarrhoea. The extract also reduced the intestinal fluid secretion induced by MgSO4 and gastrointestinal motility after charcoal meal administration in the albino mice. No mortality and visible signs of general weakness was observed in the mice following the test extract administration up to 2000 mg/kg dose.     

Aqueous extract of Anemarrhena rhizome increases cell proliferation and neuropeptide Y expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

In this study, the effects of the aqueous extract of Anemarrhena rhizome on cell proliferation and neuropeptide Y expression in the dentate gyrus of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were investigated via immunohistochemistry for 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and neuropeptide Y. The results showed that the treatment with 50 to 200 mug/kg/day for 7 days of the aqueous extract of Anemarrhena rhizome increased new cell formation and neuropeptide Y expression in the dentate gyrus of diabetic rats reduced by the treatment with streptozotocin in rat.     

Effects of isopulegol on pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions in mice: Possible involvement of GABAergic system and antioxidant activity

The present study investigated the effects of isopulegol, a monoterpene alcohol, in PTZ-induced convulsions and verified possible involved mechanisms. Saline, isopulegol or diazepam were intraperitonealy injected 30 min before PTZ. The latency for development of convulsions and mortality, as well as the mortality protection percentage was recorded. For investigating the involvement of GABAergic system, flumazenil was utilized. The activity of antioxidant enzyme catalase as well as the levels of reduced glutathione and lipid peroxidation were measured in brain hippocampus. Similarly to diazepam, isopulegol significantly prolonged the latency for convulsions and mortality of mice. All animals were protected against mortality at higher dose of isopulegol. Flumazenil pretreatment decreased the prolongation of seizure latency induced by both diazepam and isopulegol, although it was not able to reverse the latency and protection percent for mortality. Isopulegol also significantly prevented PTZ-induced increase in lipid peroxidation, preserved catalase activity in normal levels, and prevented the PTZ-induced loss of GSH in hippocampus of mice. These results suggest that the anticonvulsant and bioprotective effects of isopulegol against PTZ-induced convulsions are possibly related to positive modulation of benzodiazepine-sensitive GABA_A receptors and to antioxidant properties.     

桦褐孔菌提取物降血脂研究

采用高脂高胆固醇诱导SD大鼠高脂血症实验模型,分析桦褐孔菌醇提物（IOE）对大鼠体重、脏器及饲喂IOE后大鼠血脂水平和动脉硬化指数。结果表明：IOE可以显著降低高脂血症大鼠血清中甘油三酯、总胆固醇的含量;IOE可以显著提高高脂血症大鼠血清中的高密度脂蛋白胆固醇的水平,降低低密度脂蛋白胆固醇的水平;IOE可以提高高脂血症大鼠的ApoA水平,降低ApoB水平;饲喂IOE后,可明显改善大鼠血脂代谢,对阻止动脉硬化的形成和恶化具有重要作用。     

A postmenopause-like model of ovariectomized Wistar rats to identify active principles of Erythrina lysistemon (Fabaceae)

To determine whether the two major compounds of Erythrina lysistemon are active principles accounting for Erythrina estrogenic effects, we used a postmenopause-like model of ovariectomized Wistar rats to evaluate their effects on some menopausal problems. Ovariectomized rats were orally treated either with compound 1 or compound 2 at 1 and 10 mg/kg BW for 28 days. Estradiol valerate served as the reference substance. As results, compounds 1 and 2 displayed estrogen-like effects on the uterus and the vagina, and reduced atherogenic risks by decreasing the two assessed atherogenic parameters, the total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio and the atherogenic index of plasma.