Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Trewia polycarpa roots

The alcoholic extract of Trewia polycarpa roots, when administered orally to rats at doses of 50-400 mg/kg, exhibited a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity in both acute and chronic models. It also showed a significant antinociceptive action mice in the dose range of 25-200 mg/kg. The extract did not reveal any toxicity in rats up to a dose of 3.2 g/kg (p.o.). It showed the presence of terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, quinones and glycosides on phytochemical screening.     

Antidiabetic and antihyperlipemic effects of Clemeo felina

Petroleum ether and benzene extracts of Clemeo felina, given orally at doses of 300 mg kg(-1) day(-1) for 30 days, were found to be antidiabetic and antihyperlipemic on alloxan diabetic rats. Moreover, a significant decrease in the activities of serum enzymes like alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and HMGCoA reductase activity in the liver was observed. However, treatment of rats with the extracts as well as standard antidiabetic drugs increased liver hexakinase activity and serum LDH activity.     

Antidiarrhoeal activity of Cyperus rotundus

The methanol extract of Cyperus rotundus rhizome, given orally at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w., showed significant antidiarrhoeal activity in castor oil induced diarrhoea in mice. Among the fractions, tested at 250 mg/kg, the petroleum ether fraction (PEF) and residual methanol fraction (RMF) were found to retain the activity, the latter being more active as compared to the control. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) did not show any antidiarrhoeal activity.     

Hepatoprotective activity of Beta vulgaris against CCl4-induced hepatic injury in rats

Ethanolic extract of Beta vulgaris roots given orally at doses of 1000, 2000 and 4000 mg/kg exhibited significant dose-dependent hepatoprotective activity against carbontetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Hepatotoxicity and its prevention were assessed by serum markers viz. cholesterol, triglyceride, alanine amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase.     

Hepatoprotective activity of Vitex negundo leaf extract against anti-tubercular drugs induced hepatotoxicity

Hepatoprotective (HP) activity of Vitex negundo (VN) leaf ethanolic extract was investigated against hepatotoxicity (HT) produced by administering a combination of three anti-tubercular drugs isoniazid (INH)-7.5 mg/kg, rifampin (RMP)-10 mg/kg and pyrazinamide (PZA)-35 mg/kg for 35 35 days by oral route in rats. V. negundo leaf ethanolic extract was administered in three graded doses of 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg orally, 45 min prior to anti-tubercular challenge for 35 days. HP effect of V. negundo leaf ethanolic extract was evident in the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg as there was a significant decrease in TB, AST, ALT and ALP levels in comparison to control. Histology of the liver section of the animals treated with the V. negundo leaf ethanolic extract in the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg further confirms the HP activity.     

Reproductive and developmental toxicity evaluation of a purified Arabinogalactan-Protein (AGP) composition in Wistar rats

A purified Arabinogalactan-Protein composition (LL-4218) was prepared from the leaves of Argemone mexicana to treat psoriasis. The effect of (LL-4218) was evaluated on reproductive (male and female fertility) and developmental toxicity in rats. LL-4218 was administered orally at the doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg kg^− 1. The results showed that LL-4218 did not produce any significant dose related changes in reproductive and developmental toxicity studies. Therefore, it is concluded that LL-4218 did not produce any significant toxic effect on reproduction and developmental parameters of rats and NOAEL for reproductive and developmental toxicity studies in rats was 1000 mg kg^− 1.     

Haematological evaluation of ethanolic extract of Allium ascalonicum in male albino rats

The haematological effect of ethanolic extract of Allium ascalonicum was evaluated in male albino rats during a 21 day administration at the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w, orally. Parameters evaluated include the serum lipids, red and white cell indices. The results showed that the extract administered decreased most of the parameters relating to red cell and increased most of those parameters relating to white cells. It also decreased the total cholesterol (TCH), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) with no significant effect on the triglyceride levels.     

Flavonoids from Punica granatum--potential antiperoxidative agents

Fractions rich in flavonoids obtained from the fruits of Punica granatum extract, orally administered to rats at dose of 10 mg kg(-1) day(-1), showed potential antiperoxidative effect. Concentrations of malondialdehyde, hydroperoxides and conjugated dienes were significantly decreased in liver while the activities of the enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase showed significant elevation. Concentrations of glutathione in the tissues were also increased.     

Antidiabetic potential of Barleria lupulina extract in rats

The methanol extract of aerial parts of Barleria lupulina orally tested at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg exerted significant antihyperglycemic effect in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia in rats [correction].     

Analgesic activity of Amorphophallus campanulatus tuber

The methanol extract of Amorphophallus campanulatus tuber, given orally at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, showed significant analgesic activity in mice.     

Analgesic activity of Peperomia pellucida aerial parts in mice

The methanol extract of Peperomia pellucida aerial parts, given orally at doses ranging from 70 to 210 mg/kg, showed a significant analgesic activity on acetic acid-induced writhing in mice.     

Antinociceptive activity of Clausena excavata leaves

The ethanolic extract of Clausena excavata leaves, given orally at doses of 125.25 and 500 mg/kg body weight, showed significant antinociceptive activity on acetic acid induced writhing in mice.     

Antiobesity and lipid lowering effects of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng leaves extracts and mahanimbine on high fat diet induced obese rats

The dichloromethane (MKD) and ethyl acetate (MKE) extracts of Murraya koenigii leaves significantly reduced the body weight gain, plasma total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels significantly when given orally at a dose of 300 mg/kg/day to the high fat diet (HFD) induced obese rats for 2 weeks. The observed antiobesity and antihyperlipidemic activities of these extract are correlated with the carbazole alkaloids present in them. Mahanimbine (1) when given orally (30 mg/kg/day) also significantly lowered the body weight gain as well as plasma TC and TG levels. These findings demonstrate the excellent pharmacological potential of mahanimbine to prevent obesity.     

Bioactivity guided isolation of antipsychotic constituents from the leaves of Rauwolfia tetraphylla L

This study was undertaken to ascertain the antipsychotic properties of Rauwolfia tetraphylla L. leaves and to isolate and characterize the antipsychotic constituents. Among the MeOH extract and some alkaloidal fractions at different pHs, the alkaloidal CHCl(3) fraction at pH-9 (2C) showed the highest antipsychotic activity against dopaminergic (DA-D(2)) and serotonergic (5-HT(2A)) receptors in-vitro and amphetamine induced hyperactive mouse model in-vivo. The activity guided isolation of CHCl(3) fraction (2C) afforded six indole alkaloids: 10-methoxytetrahydroalstonine (1), isoreserpiline (2), an isomeric mixture of 11-demethoxyreserpiline (3) and 10-demethoxyreserpiline (4), α-yohimbine (5) and reserpiline (6). Given orally, alkaloids 3-6 showed significant antipsychotic activity in a dose dependent manner. None of the extract, alkaloidal fractions or alkaloids showed any extra pyramidal symptoms at the tested doses. It was also observed that MeOH extract was behaving similar to other clinically used novel atypical antipsychotics in having 5-HT(2A) occupancy greater than the DA-D(2) receptor at the tested doses. Further toxicity and safety evaluation studies of MeOH extracts of R. tetraphylla leaves at different doses (10, 100, 300 and 2000 mg/kg) on female Swiss albino mice showed that MeOH extract is non toxic. The isolated alkaloids, 3-6 could serve as a promising lead structure for drug development of treating psychotic conditions in human.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Leonurus sibiricus

The methanolic extract of Leonurus sibiricus aerial parts injected intraperitoneally at dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg showed a significant analgesic effect in acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. Moreover, when given orally to rats at dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg, it showed a significant anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenin induced rat paw edema in rats.     

Experimental evaluation of Pentas lanceolata flowers for wound healing activity in rats

The ethanolic extract of the flowers of Pentas lanceolata given by oral route to rats at dose of 150 mg kg(-1) day(-1) for 10 days, was studied for its effect on wound healing, using excision wound mode. Significant increase in granulation tissue weight, tensile strength, hydroxyproline and glycosaminoglycan content was observed. Moderate increase in protein content was seen. There was significant reduction in the wound area measurement of the test group as compared to that of controls. The efficacious prohealing action may be due to increased collagen deposition as well as better alignment and maturation.     

Antidiabetic properties of aqueous barks extract of Parinari excelsa in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

The aqueous extract of the Parinari excelsa barks at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg/day for 7 days has a significant antihyperglycemic effect on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. At the same dose the acute oral administration of aqueous extract of the P. excelsa barks (100 and 300 mg/kg) induced a significant decrease of blood glucose on glucose-loaded normoglycaemic rats. Our results seem to confirm the rational bases for its use in traditional medicine.     

Oestrogenicity and effect on hepatic metabolism of the aqueous extract of the leaf mixture of Aloe buettneri,Dicliptera verticillata,Hibiscus macranthus and Justicia insularis

The aqueous extract of the leaf mixtures of Aloe buettneri, Dicliptera verticillata, Hibiscus macranthus and Justicia insularis given by oral route to immature female rats, at doses of 13, 49 and 94 mg/kg per day for 15 days induced a significant increase in ovarian and uteri weight as well as serum and ovarian oestradiol. Moreover, a significant decrease in liver of aminopyrine N-demethylase activity was noticed in treated animals.     

Anti-ulcerogenic activity of the aerial parts of Lithraea molleoides

The hydro-alcoholic extract of the aerial parts of Lithraea molleoides, given orally at a dose of 1000 mg/kg, showed significant anti-ulcerogenic activity on ulcer induced by indomethacin and absolute alcohol in rats.     

Hypolipemic effect of water extracts of Picrorrhiza kurroa in high fat diet treated mouse

A hypolipemic effect of the water extract of Picrorrhiza kurroa (PR) was observed in a high fat diet feeding hyperlipemic mouse at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, orally, once a day for 12 weeks. Liver weight, serum aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were significantly reduced by the treatment. On the contrary, serum HDL level seems not affected by P. kurroa water extract.