Biological and pharmacological effects of Delphinium elbursense

Antidepressant, antihypoxic and antioxidant activities of aerial parts of Delphinium elbursense were investigated employing nine various assay systems. Antidepessant activity was examined by using forced swimming test and tail suspension test in mice. The extracts at all tested doses show significant activity as compared to control group. Antihypoxic activity was investigated in two models, haemic and circulatory. The effects were pronounced and dose-dependent in both model of hypoxia. Extracts showed weak antioxidant activity in some models. IC50 for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity was 116.2 ± 5.6 mg ml-1. Extracts showed nitric oxide-scavenging activity between 0.1 and 1.6 mg ml-1 (IC50 = 502.3 ± 18 mg ml-1) and a very weak Fe2+ chelating ability (IC50 = 1.01 ± 0.03 mg ml-1). It also exhibited low antioxidant activity in hemoglobin-induced peroxidation of linoleic acid but was capable of scavenging hydrogen peroxide in a concentration dependent manner. Extract show antihemolytic activity againts hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced hemolysis (558.7 ± 31 mg ml-1). The total phenolic compounds in extract were determined as gallic acid equivalents (52.24 ± 1.7) and total flavonoid contents were calculated as quercetin equivalents (17.26 ± 0.6) from a calibration curve.Keywords: Antidepressant, antihypoxic, Delphinium elbursense, flavonoid contents, forced swimming test, medicinal plants, phenolic contents, tail suspension testAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 9(34), pp. 5542-5549, 23 August, 201

Histopathological Evaluation of Kidney and Heart Tissues after Exposure to Copper Oxide Nanoparticles in Mus musculus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Copper nanoparticles are being extensively used in medical sciences, food supplements and industrial fields. However, their potential toxic effects on human health and the environment remain undetermined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects of copper oxide nanoparticles on kidney and heart tissues of mice. METHODS: In this experimental study, 42 adult female mice, weighing 30±3 g, were randomly divided into control, sham and four experimental groups. The mice in the experimental groups intraperitoneally received copper oxide nanoparticles with doses of 300, 400, 500 and 600 mg/kg. After autopsy, the hearts and kidneys of mice were separated and weighed. For histopathological examinations, heart and kidney tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin.  FINDINGS: Kidney weight in control and sham groups, compared to experimental groups receiving nanoparticle doses of 300, 400, 500 and 600 mg/kg, reduced to 21±0.02, 19±0.02, 20±0.02 and 22±0.01 g, respectively, while no significant changes were observed in the heart weight. Histopathological examination of kidney and heart after the intraperitoneal injection of copper oxide nanoparticles showed signs of cytotoxicity including congestion, necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration, compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study showed that copper oxide nanoparticles cause damage to the kidney and heart in a dose-dependent wa