Screening of some plant extracts against some skin diseases caused by oxidative stress and microorganisms

Eleven plants were selected to evaluate their antioxidant and antimicrobial potentiality against some skin diseases caused by some bacteria and fungi. The dry powder was extracted in methanol by cold percolation method. Free radical scavenging activities like diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide anion (O2-) scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical (·OH) scavenging activity, reducing capacity assessment and total phenol content were measured. Antimicrobial activity was done against 8 microorganisms by agar well diffusion method. All the plants exhibited a strong correlation between antioxidant activity and total phenol content. Euphorbia hirta exhibited best antioxidant activity. The plant extracts showed more activity against Gram positive bacteria and fungi. The best antimicrobial activity was shown by Euphorbia tirucalli. The study supports the folkloric use of E. hirta and E. tirucalli against some skin diseases caused by oxidative stress or by microorganisms

Antiurolithiatic activity of trans-cinnamic acid against ethylene glycol induced renal calculi in rats

Urolithiasis is a complex process characterized by supersaturation and retention of salts within the kidney and also a debilitating problem worldwide. Here, we have investigated antiurolithiatic effect of trans-cinnamic acid (t-CA) against ethylene glycol (EG) induced urolithiasis in rats. Urolithiasis was induced in Wistar albino rats using 0.75% v/v EG in drinking water for 28 days. t-CA was administered @200 and 400 mg/kg along with EG for 28 days. Biochemical, urine and histopathological analysis were performed to observe the calcium oxalate (CaC2O4) deposits and renal tissue damage. The EG group showed significant rise in urine oxalate, calcium, phosphate, and renal tissues oxalates, as compared to normal group. Serum creatinine and uric acid levels were also increased significantly in EG-treated group. Histopathological studies showed marked renal tissue damage and the presence of CaC2O4 crystals. Further, treatment of t-CA significantly ameliorated oxalate, calcium, magnesium, phosphate (urine) and creatinine, uric acid (serum) in EG-induced urolithiasis after 28 days. Moreover, t-CA-treated groups showed reversal of renal tissue damage and reduced level of CaC2O4. Interestingly, t-CA @400 mg/kg, was more effective in preventing the urolithiasis and regeneration of renal tissues in rats