Antidiabetic potential of Lantana aculeata root extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

The present study investigates the antidiabetic potential of dried mature roots of Lantana aculeata, a weed belonging to verbenaceae family on biochemical profile in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The effects of an ethanolic extract of the dried mature roots of Lantana aculeata on serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, plasma insulin and liver glycogen were examined in control and experimental groups. Lantana aculeata root extract reduced the serum glucose concentration at 24, 48 and 72 hours. To verify the activity sub-chronically, the extract administered orally in the doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg to diabetic rats for 30 days, that significantly reduced the level of glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides with an increase in insulin and glycogen concentration to near normal levels in a dose-dependent manner. The results indicate that roots of Lantana aculeata possess antidiabetic potential in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The activity might be due to high concentration of oleanolic acid present in the roots.Keywords: Antidiabetic activity, Lantana aculeata roots, Oleanolic aci

Free radical scavenging activity of Lantana aculeata root extract in hyperlipidemic rats.

Abstract: Lantana aculeata is a common weed that grows abundantly in many parts of India. The aerial part of the plant is reported to be toxic while the roots were found to be non-toxic when tested in albino rats. The alcoholic extract of the roots showed a significant hypolipidemic activity in normal rats. Hence the roots were studied for their free radical scavenging potential in hyperlipidemic animals by administering the alcoholic extract (LAR) in doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg for 30 days. The levels of LPO, non-enzymatic antioxidant (TRG) and enzymatic antioxidants viz. SOD, CAT and GPx that showed changes in diseased condition were reverted back to near normal values by LAR extract treatment of plasma, liver and heart tissues. The presence of flavonoids besides oleanolic acid in large amounts might have caused the observed effect

Effect of 2,6 dibromophenol; 2,4,6 tribromophenol and the extract of <i>Ptychodera flava</i> (Eshscholtz) [Hemichordate: Enteropneusta] on the eggs of sand crab <i>Emerita asiatica</i> (Milne Edwards)

79-83Laboratory experiments were performed to study the effect of natural extract of Ptychodera flava and authentic compounds (2,6 dibromophenol and 2,4,6 tribomophenol) on respiratory rate of various developmental stages of the eggs of the sand crab Emerita asiatica. Fresh extract stimulated increased respiratory rate in Stage I eggs, while aged extract had an inhibitory effect causing decreased respiratory rate. Comparitive studies using authentic compounds indicate the likely occurrence of 2,6 dibromophenol and 2,4,6 tribromophenol in the natural extract. The compound 2,4,6 tribromophenol also enhances the respiratory rate in Stage I eggs, while 2,6 dibromophenol generally depresses the respiratory rate of eggs at all the three stages. The functional significance of the extract in altering the community structure and organisation in the habitat of P. flava is discussed

Variations in the inorganic ions and trace metals in the body parts of the Indian hemichordate Ptychodera flava [Hemichordata: Enteropneusta]

218-220Concentrations of trace metals and inorganic ions in proboscis and collar, branchiogenital, hepatic and anal parts of Ptychodera flava were investigated. Concentration levels of Fe, Cu and Mn were higher in the body parts of mature worms in comparison to juveniles. In general, maximum accumulation of trace metals and inorganic ions was observed in the branchio-genital region of mature worms, while Fe and Mg levels were higher in the anal part of juveniles