Topically applied Tetrapleura tetraptera stem bark extract promotes healing of excision and incision wounds in rats

Objective. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the in vivo wound healing effect of water extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera in stem-bark. Method: The healing activity was studied in 40 male rats using excision and incision wounds on normal and dexamethasone-suppressed wound healing. For each model, rats were divided in 4 groups as follows: control, dexamethasone, T. tetraptera and dexamethasone combined with T. tetraptera. Results: Data recorded exhibited a significant effect by the extract in the epithelialization time within 14 and 18 days of the normal and dexamethasone-induced healing delay rats respectively (p<0.05). The extract also significantly increased the wound tensile strength in dexamethasone treated rats. Histological examination of incision wounds of extract-treated group showed many fibroblasts and the same rats presented significant cutaneous tensile strength, suggesting important collagen crosslinkage. Conclusion: This study illustrated an excellent potential of the bark of T. tetraptera therapy on dermal wound healing with a possible mechanism of action related to epithelialization, contraction and tensile strength improvement

Antidiabetic and wound healing effects of smeathxanthone A

Wound healing is a natural and spontaneous phenomenon that takes place in three orderly and timely interactive phases: inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. Normal wound healing cascade begins immediately following injury. Tissue damage and the activation of clotting factors during the vascular phase stimulate the release of inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins and histamine, from cells such as mast cells. The transition from the inflammatory to the proliferative phase, the stage characterized by the filling of the wound with new connective tissues, is orchestrated by macrophages. A decrease in wound size is achieved by a combination of the physiological processes of granulation, contraction, and epithelialization. Reepithelialization phase rebuilds the structure while the remodeling phase involves the final form. Surgery in diabetic patients is associated with slow wound healing process and hence requiring longer hospital stay, higher health care resource utilization, and greater perioperative mortality than nondiabetic subjects. The exact pathogenesis of the poor wound healing process in diabetic patients is not clearly understood, but evidence from studies involving both human and animal models reveal increased rate of infections and several abnormalities in the various phases of wound healing process. With the worldwide diabetes incidence now considered to be increasing in an epidemic proportion, there is a growing need to search for novel drugs to combat diabetes and the associated disorders, such as wound complications. Over 278 natural xanthones belonging to the plant families of Gentianaceae, Guttiferae, Moraceae, Clusiaceae, and Polygalaceae are known to occur. Most xanthones are polyphenols and hence regarded as powerful antioxidants that can offer beneficial health effect either by direct scavenging of reactive oxygen species or by acting as chain-breaking peroxyl radical scavengers. In addition to possessing antioxidant effects, xanthones have also been reported to be hepatoprotective, mutagenic, immunomodulatory, anticomplement, cardioprotective, antitumoral, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, and analgesic agents. Smeathxanthone A is a unique xanthone that combines a polyphenolic skeleton with four free hydroxyl groups and a terpenoid geranyl structural moiety. Although the compound has previously been isolated in our laboratories from Garcinia smeathmanii, it has never been investigated for its potential antidiabetic properties. In the present communication, the blood glucose lowering and wound healing effects of smeathxanthone A in diabetic mice are reported

ANTIHYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC AND ANTIATHEROGENIC POTENTIAL OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF ADANSONIA DIGITATA STEM BARK INDUCED BY HEATED PALM OIL SUPPLEMENTED WITH EGG YOLK IN RAT

Objective: Poor control of hypercholesterolemia which mediated by overproduction of reactive oxygen species and endothelial dysfunction leads to atherosclerosis. The present study aimed to investigate the antihypercholesterolemic and anti-atherogenic effects of Adansonia digitata (AD) in heated palm oil/cholesterol supplemented with egg yolk in rat. Methods: Quantitative phytochemical screening of aqueous extract of A. digitata was carried out to identify the phytoconstituents. In vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential was evaluated. The antihypercholesterolemic and anti-atherosclerosis activity of A. digitata was evaluated by inducing hypercholesterolemia in rats with heated palm oil/cholesterol diet supplemented with egg yolk for 10 w. At the end of the induction period, animals were divided into 5 groups of 8 rats each after 6 w of induction: Group I (normocholesterolemic rat, NCR), Group II (hypercholesterolemia rat, HCR), Group III (Atorvastatin 2 mg/kg), Groups IV (AD. 100 mg/kg) and V (AD. 200 mg/kg). Hemodynamic parameters, lipid profile, atherogenic indices and oxidative stress markers were evaluated. Results: Adansonia digitata significantly reduced the systolic arterial blood pressure (SBP), diastolic arterial blood pressure (DBP), pulsatile pressure (PP) and heart rate compared to the hypercholesterolemic group. Plant extract reveal important flavonoids and phenolic contents and has significant in vivo antioxidant efficacy. The higher dose (200 mg/kg) of the extract significantly reduced in the level of total cholesterol by 27.29 %, triglycerides by 27.60 % and the LDL-c by 36.04 % meanwhile the HDL-c increased by 277.47 % when compared to 5HPOC treated group. Atorvastatin (2 mg/kg) administered in addition to 5HPOC significantly improved in lipid profile as compared to untreated rats. Furthermore, the histopathological examination of aorta of 5HPOC-treated rats indicated that the aqueous extract of A. digitata significantly attenuated atherosclerosis lesions. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of A. digitata possessed antihypercholesterolemic and anti-atherogenic effects via modulation overproduction of reactive oxygen species and endothelial dysfunction

The proliferative and chronotropic effects of Brillantaisia nitens Lindau (Acanthaceae) extracts on pluripotent stem cells and their cardiomyocytes derivatives

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Brillantaisia nitens Lindau (Acanthaceae) leaves are commonly used in traditional medicine in Africa for the treatment of many disorders including heart diseases and malaria. In this study, we therefore evaluated the effect of the methylene chloride/methanol leaf extract of Brillantaisia nitens on the proliferation of mouse pluripotent stem cells and their cardiomyocyte derivatives. Materials and methods: In this study, we combined two emerging technologies, pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and modern electrophysiology systems (impedance-based real-time) to assess the cytotoxicity of Brillantaisia nitens extract (BNE). Undifferentiated pluripotent cells and cardiomyocytes were exposed to different concentrations of BNE. Cell viability and contraction were monitored by impedance using the xCELLigence system for short-and long-term treatment whereas the excitability of single cardiomyocytes was captured by patch clamp technique after BNE acute exposure. Results: Brillantaisia nitens extract inhibited the proliferation and increased cytotoxicity of embryonic stem cells in a concentration-dependent manner. With the increase in concentration of BNE, beating rate and the contractile amplitude of cardiomyocytes changed significantly. Spontaneous rhythmic activity of cardiomyocytes was completely suppressed after 48 and 24 h exposures to relatively low (4.16 mg/ml) and high (8.32 mg/ml) concentrations of BNE, respectively. Moreover, acute application of 4.16 mg/ml of BNE led to a significant alteration of action potential (AP) parameters such as beating frequency, amplitude and AP duration at 90% of repolarization. Conclusion: Brillantaisia nitens extract inhibits the proliferative capacity of pluripotent stem cells and reduces electrical activity of cardiomyocytes, confirming its depressant action on the heart. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

HEALING EFFECT ON CHRONIC GASTRIC ULCERS AND SHORT-TERM TOXICITY PROFILE OF THE LEAF METHANOL EXTRACT OF OCIMUM SUAVE WILD (LAMIACEAE) IN RATS

The gastric cytoprotective actions of the extract of Ocimum suave wild (lamiaceae) have previously been demonstrated. We have investigated here the healing effect of the leaf methanol extract of Ocimum suave against chronic gastric ulcers induced in experimental rats. Chronic gastric ulcers were induced using acetic acid and the induced ulcers treated over a period of two weeks using daily oral doses (125 – 500 mg/kg) of the extract. Possible toxic effects of the extract given in the short term were also investigated. The extract reduced ulcer indices from 50.40 in the 4-day controls to 11.8, 5.8, and 3.6, respectively, for the rats receiving 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg of the extract. The highest dose of the extract (500 mg/kg) showed a highly significant (P < 0.001) reduction of ulceration with a corresponding healing rate of 81.25 per cent. Treatment with the plant extract was also associated with a significant increase in mucus production up to 57 per cent (P < 0.01) for the 500 mg/kg dose. A similar increase in mucus production was not observed with ranitidine although it generated a healing rate of 66 per cent. No apparent toxicity signs were observed through food and fluid intakes, vital organ weights, animal behaviour, stool texture, red and white blood cell counts and histopathological evaluation. The results of the present study show that in addition to the previously demonstrated cytoprotective antiulcer actions of the leaf methanol extract of O. suave, the extract also possesses potent healing effects against chronic gastric ulcers. Enhanced mucus production appears to play a significant role in the mode of action of the extrac

Research Paper - HEALING EFFECT ON CHRONIC GASTRIC ULCERS AND SHORT-TERM TOXICITY PROFILE OF THE LEAF METHANOL EXTRACT OF OCIMUM SUAVE WILD (LAMIACEAE) IN RATS

The gastric cytoprotective actions of the extract of Ocimum suave wild (lamiaceae) have previously been demonstrated. We have investigated here the healing effect of the leaf methanol extract of Ocimum suave against chronic gastric ulcers induced in experimental rats. Chronic gastric ulcers were induced using acetic acid and the induced ulcers treated over a period of two weeks using daily oral doses (125 - 500 mg/kg) of the extract. Possible toxic effects of the extract given in the short term were also investigated. The extract reduced ulcer indices from 50.40 in the 4-day controls to 11.8, 5.8, and 3.6, respectively, for the rats receiving 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg of the extract. The highest dose of the extract (500 mg/kg) showed a highly significant (P < 0.001) reduction of ulceration with a corresponding healing rate of 81.25 per cent. Treatment with the plant extract was also associated with a significant increase in mucus production up to 57 per cent (P < 0.01) for the 500 mg/kg dose. A similar increase in mucus production was not observed with ranitidine although it generated a healing rate of 66 per cent. No apparent toxicity signs were observed through food and fluid intakes, vital organ weights, animal behaviour, stool texture, red and white blood cell counts and histopathological evaluation. The results of the present study show that in addition to the previously demonstrated cytoprotective antiulcer actions of the leaf methanol extract of O. suave, the extract also possesses potent healing effects against chronic gastric ulcers. Enhanced mucus production appears to play a significant role in the mode of action of the extrac

In vivo and in vitro anti-natriuretic activity of twigs fraction from Dorstenia picta: a possible mechanism.

The present study examine the in vivo effects of Dorstenia Picta (D. picta) on urinary volume and sodium excretion in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, and determine a possible mechanism by which the extract increased sodium transport in A6 cells monolayers. Administration of the plant extract at the dose of 150 mg/kg during two weeks decreased urinary volume and sodium excretion. In vitro study showed that, apical application of the plant extract at the dose of 100 µg/mL does not significantly increase sodium transport, whereas basolateral administration provoked a significant (P<0.05) increase of sodium transport in a concentration-dependent manner. The plant extract increases the sodium transport by 69.93% versus 55.41% for insulin and 78.44% for adenosine after 30 min. Preincubation of A6 cells monolayers with inhibitor of all adenosine receptors completely suppressed adenosine and plant extract stimulated sodium transport. Interesting is that, the A1 inhibitor receptor (DPCPX), at 100 nM completely abolished the effect of plant extract. The plant extract increased sodium transport by increase PI3-kinase activity and this effect is strongly inhibited by LY-294002. These data also suggest that, the twigs methanol fraction from Dorstenia picta increase sodium transport via PI 3-kinase pathway and requires A1 adenosine receptor.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Sclerocarya birrea (Anacardiaceae) stem-bark extract corrects glycaemia in diabetic rats and acts on beta-cells by enhancing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion

Sclerocarya birrea is a plant widely used as traditional medication for the treatment of diabetes in sub-Saharan regions. However, the mechanism of action is unknown and only hypoglycaemic effects of S. birrea extract (SBE) in diabetic rats have been reported to date. Here, we tested aqueous extracts of S. birrea on insulin-secreting INS-1E cells and isolated rat islets. Following 24 h of treatment at 5 microg/ml, the extract markedly potentiated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Neither basal insulin release nor non-nutrient stimulation was affected. The potentiation of the secretory response at stimulatory glucose appeared after 12 h of treatment. No acute effects were observed and, at the effective concentration, SBE was safe regarding cell integrity and differentiation. The mechanism of action of the SBE was related to glucose metabolism as both ATP generation and glucose oxidation were enhanced following the 24-h treatment. In streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, SBE administration corrected glycaemia and restored plasma insulin levels after 2 weeks of treatment. These data show direct action of S. birrea on insulin-secreting cells and favour further delineation for use of the plant in the management of diabetes

P2 Investigation of the phytochemical composition and anti-inflammatory properties of Afzelia africana leaves

Introduction: Afzelia africana is a large tree that is widespread in West Africa. Its bark is used in traditional medicine to treat rheumatism, edema, and pain. In our previous researches, we studied the phytochemical characteristics of the aqueous extract of trunk bark, which showed a high content of phenolic compounds and particularly flavonoids, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. This extract has been formulated as a topical hydrogel, and preclinical animal studies on the chronic and acute inflammation model have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity comparable to that of diclofenac with an inhibition rate of 85.31%. With the aim of industrial production of improved traditional medicine, while preserving biodiversity, we investigated whether the leaves of A. africana could advantageously replace the trunk back. The objectives were to first study the phytochemically composition of the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of the leaves in comparison to that of the trunk bark, and then to evaluate its anti-inflammatory activity in an animal model. Methodology: The main families of secondary metabolites were investigated in the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts. The polyphenol and flavonoid contents were determined by spectrophotometric assay, and the results were expressed as gallic acid equivalents and quercetin equivalents, respectively. Anti- inflammatory activity was determined using an acute ear inflammation model induced by topical application of xylene in mice. Mice were divided into four groups. In the negative control group, mice were not treated; betamethasone was used as a positive control; aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts were administered at a dose of 20 mg per ear. Doses were administered topically to mice. The contralateral ear served as a control. All animals were sacrificed 0.5, 1, and 4 hours after xylene, and then two ears were cut along the pinna. The pinna was harvested and weighed. The inhibition rate was calculated in the different groups. Structural changes in the inner ear wall after xylene application were evaluated by histology on sections of the animals' ears. Results: The results showed that, the aqueous leaf extract of A. Africana has a similar secondary metabolite composition to the trunk bark extract, containing tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, coumarins, and quinones. The aqueous and hydroethanolic leaf extracts contained similar levels of total polyphenols, with 196.44 ± 4.22 and 214.58 ± 1.78 mg/g in gallic acid equivalents, respectively. The hydroethanolic leaf extract contained significantly higher levels of flavonoids than the aqueous leaf extract, with 59.16 ± 0.22 mg/g in   quercetin equivalents compared to 32.23 ± 4.22 mg/g. In addition, the flavonoid content of the aqueous leaf extract was comparable to that of the trunk bark, with 25.8 mg/g ± 0.26. Treatment with the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of A. Africana leaves significantly inhibited ear edema 0.5, 1, and 4 hours after xylene application, with inhibition percentages of 44.49% and 12.39% after 0.5 hour, 80.26% and 80.67% after 1 hour, and 63.97% and 49.44% after 4 hours respectively. These inhibition percentages were comparable to those of animals treated with betamethasone, which had inhibition percentages of 56.38%, 75.30%, and 76.39% after 0.5, 1, and 4 hours, respectively. Conclusion: The trunk bark of A. Africana is used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory diseases and pain. Its topical application inspired us to study the phytochemical composition and anti-inflammatory activity of the trunk bark. Although it demonstrated an interesting anti-inflammatory potential, in order to protect this precious resource, we investigated the potential of the leaves. The phytochemical study showed that, as for the trunk bark, the leaves have a high content of active metabolites, particularly polyphenols, which are known for their anti-inflammatory potential. The anti-inflammatory activity of the leaf extracts has been demonstrated, making the leaves a good candidate for the development of improved traditional medicines