POTENT AND EFFICACIOUS DIURETIC ACTIVITY WITH POTASSIUM SPARING EFFECT OF TERMINALIA BELERICA FRUIT PULP AQUEOUS EXTRACT IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS

ABSTRACTObjective: Diuretics are commonly used in edematous conditions, but they carry a high risk of adverse effects which varies from electrolyte imbalanceto fatal hypokalemia which is a matter of concern. Many herbal drugs possess diuretic effect used as folklore medicine for various ailments found tobe safer. Hence, our present study aim to evaluate potency and efficacy of Terminalia belerica fruit pulp aqueous extract (TBFPAE) in Wistar albinorats as a diuretic.Methods: Wistar albino rats weighing 200â€250 g of either sex were divided into five groups containing six animals each. Sodium chloride solution(0.9%) was given to all the animals as a priming dose. Group I received normal saline (20 ml/kg, orally) which served as control, Group II servedas standard and received frusemide (10 mg/kg, orally), whereas Groups III, IV, and V received TBFPAE in the dose of 9, 18, and 36 mg/kg orally,respectively, and were placed individually in metabolic cage. The urine volume and electrolyte concentrations of Na+, K in the urine weredetermined at the end of 5th hr.Results: Our study revealed that TBFPAE possesses diuretic effect with a significant potassiumâ€sparing effect comparable to frusemide in the doseof 9, 18, and 36 mg/kg in Wistar albino rats.Conclusion: TBFPAE possesses diuretic effect with a significant potassiumâ€sparing effect comparable to frusemide in the dose of 9, 18, and 36 mg/kgin Wistar albino rats comparable to frusemide.Keywords: Aqueous extract, Diuretic activity, Fruit pulp, Potassiumâ€sparing effect, Terminalia belerica.+, and Clâˆ

Attenuation of anxiety on acute administration of aqueous extract of Terminalia belerica fruit pulp in Swiss albino mice

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the attenuation of anxiety on acute administration of aqueous extract of Terminalia belerica fruit pulp (AETBFP) by using elevated plus maze test and dark and light arena models.Methods: Thirty Swiss albino mice were divided into five groups, Group I received vehicle (1% Gum acacia suspension, 3ml/kg, orally), Group II received standard drug Diazepam (1mg/kg, orally) and Group III, IV and V received AETBFP 9, 18 and 36 mg/kg, orally respectively. In elevated plus maze test, the mouse was placed on the central platform facing towards open arm. The percentage of time spent and frequency of entries and number of rears in open arm was counted for a period of 5 min. In dark and light arena, the time spent, number of entries and number of rears in light arena was counted for a period of 5 min. The mean±SEM values were calculated for each group. The data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnet’s multiple comparison tests; p< 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: Significant (p<0.05) reduction in anxiety was noted in experimental animals when given at a dose of AETBFP (36mg/kg), where number of entries and duration of stay in open arm and light arena increased in elevated plus maze and light and dark arena respectively when compared with control animals.Conclusions: Our study reveals that AETBFP at a dose of 36mg/kg has significant attenuation of anxiety in Swiss albino mice

Evaluation of hypolipidemic effect of Tinospora cordifolia in cholesterol diet induced hyperlipidemia in rats

Background: There is always a need for developing novel drugs with higher efficacy and fewer side effects. Though statins are generally well-tolerated drugs for hyperlipidemia with high efficacy they are not free from adverse effects. Herbal drugs are well known for their cost-effectiveness and minimal side effects. Tinospora cordifolia (T. cordifolia) is one such plant with known hypolipidemic activity and wide availability in India. Hence this study is an attempt to verify and evaluate the extent of efficacy of T. cordifolia as a hypolipidemic agent. The objective of the study is to compare the hypolipidemic activity of aqueous root extract of T. cordifolia with that of Rosuvastatin in cholesterol diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rats.Methods: Hyperlipidemia was induced in male albino rats of wistar strain in the first 30 days of feeding period and continued in the next 30 days of treatment period. Aqueous root extract of T. cordifolia (2.5 and 5g/kg, per oral) was administered as test drug in the treatment period. Rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg,      per oral) was used as the standard drug. Serum lipid profile, atherogenic index and body weights were estimated for all rats on the day before the start of the feeding period and on day 0, 15 and 30 of the treatment period. The results were analyzed statistically using student’s unpaired and paired t-test wherever applicable.Results: Serum lipid levels showed significant reduction (p <0.001) in TC,TG, LDL-C and VLDL-C with significant elevation (p <0.001) of HDL-C in both the rosuvastatin and test groups, but the percentage reduction in lipid levels, percentage elevation of HDL-C and percentage protection from atherosclerosis was higher in rosuvastatin group than in test groups.Conclusions: T.cordifolia has a definite hypolipidemic potential. Although its effectiveness is lesser than rosuvastatin its beneficial role as hypolipidemic agent may be tested in clinical studies

Evaluation of hypolipidemic effect of Tinospora cordifolia in cholesterol diet induced hyperlipidemia in rats

Background: There is always a need for developing novel drugs with higher efficacy and fewer side effects. Though statins are generally well-tolerated drugs for hyperlipidemia with high efficacy they are not free from adverse effects. Herbal drugs are well known for their cost-effectiveness and minimal side effects. Tinospora cordifolia (T. cordifolia) is one such plant with known hypolipidemic activity and wide availability in India. Hence this study is an attempt to verify and evaluate the extent of efficacy of T. cordifolia as a hypolipidemic agent. The objective of the study is to compare the hypolipidemic activity of aqueous root extract of T. cordifolia with that of Rosuvastatin in cholesterol diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rats.Methods: Hyperlipidemia was induced in male albino rats of wistar strain in the first 30 days of feeding period and continued in the next 30 days of treatment period. Aqueous root extract of T. cordifolia (2.5 and 5g/kg, per oral) was administered as test drug in the treatment period. Rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg,      per oral) was used as the standard drug. Serum lipid profile, atherogenic index and body weights were estimated for all rats on the day before the start of the feeding period and on day 0, 15 and 30 of the treatment period. The results were analyzed statistically using student’s unpaired and paired t-test wherever applicable.Results: Serum lipid levels showed significant reduction (p <0.001) in TC,TG, LDL-C and VLDL-C with significant elevation (p <0.001) of HDL-C in both the rosuvastatin and test groups, but the percentage reduction in lipid levels, percentage elevation of HDL-C and percentage protection from atherosclerosis was higher in rosuvastatin group than in test groups.Conclusions: T.cordifolia has a definite hypolipidemic potential. Although its effectiveness is lesser than rosuvastatin its beneficial role as hypolipidemic agent may be tested in clinical studies

A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF FLUOROQUINOLONES IN EXPERIMENTAL SEIZURES ON WISTAR RATS: AN ACUTE STUDY

Objective: To compare the convulsive profile of three different Fluoroquinolones namely Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin and Ofloxacin using Maximal Electro Shock (MES) as an experimental seizure model.Methods: Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups with 6 animals each. Group I was administered Gum acacia 1 % solution (control), Group II with Standard drug, Sodium Valproate and Group III-VII received 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg of Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin and Ofloxacin each respectively. After 45 min of administration of drugs, animals were subjected to MES.Results: Ciprofloxacin prolonged various phases of MES, Ciprofloxacin 50 mg/kg group increased Tonic Hindlimb Extensor (THE) duration by 91% compared to the control group which was statistically significant. Levofloxacin group exhibited pro convulsive activity which was not significant. Ofloxacin 50 mg/kg group exhibited 80% reduction in the duration of tonic hind limb extensor phase and early recovery phase compared to control group (4.2±1.09 s and 169.33±5.3 s) respectively, proven statistically significant. Ofloxacin group exhibited anticonvulsant like activity.Conclusion: Fluoroquinolones are the popular class of antimicrobials used in a variety of infections. However, conflicting experimental evidence regarding central neurotoxicity especially seizures, complicate their use and required further investigation. Our results suggest that older generation Fluoroquinolones like Ciprofloxacin exhibits significant dose-dependent pro convulsive activity. Hence, their use must be judiciously restricted in patients with predisposing epileptogenic factors. Levofloxacin had no significant pro convulsant activity. Ofloxacin on higher dose appears to be protective exhibiting an anticonvulsant like activity. Hence, if need be, newer generation Fluoroquinolones should be preferred.Â

Prophylactic combined supplementation of choline and docosahexaenoic acid attenuates vascular cognitive impairment and preserves hippocampal cell viability in rat model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion ischemic brain injury

Background: Stroke is the second cause of mortality in the world and third leading cause of disability in surviving victims. Cerebral ischemic cascade involves multiple pathways that can result in motor and cognitive deficits. The current treatment strategy focuses mainly on motor recovery, and the management of post-stroke cognitive impairment is largely neglected. Similarly, very few studies have explored the prophylactic combined synergetic treatment strategies that have the potential to target multiple pathways in the ischemic cascade to alleviate vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) in the event of an ischemic stroke. Choline and docosahexaenoic acid (Cho-DHA) are both essential neuronal membrane phospholipid precursors, known to be important in enhancing cognitive functions. The objective of present study was to explore the prophylactic efficacy of combined Cho-DHA supplementation (Cho-DHA suppl.) in attenuating VCI in a rodent model of ischemic brain injury.Methods: An 10-months-old male Wistar rats were subdivided into four groups (n=8/group); normal control (NC), bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) induced ischemic brain injury group, sham BCCAO (S-BCCAO) group, and prophylactic combined Cho-DHA suppl. BCCAO group. Subsequently, all groups of rats were tested for cognition and neuro-morphological changes in the hippocampus.Results: BCCAO rats showed significant learning and memory deficits (p<0.05) and neuronal injury compared to S-BCCAO and NC rats. These cognitive deficits and neuronal injury were significantly (p<0.01) attenuated in Cho-DHA suppl. BCCAO rats.Conclusion: Prophylactic combined Cho-DHA suppl. may be envisaged as an effective preventive strategy to attenuate VCI and neuronal injury in high-risk individuals susceptible for a future event of an ischemic stroke

EFFECT OF GEMCITABINE ON FEMALE FERTILTY – AN ANIMAL MODEL STUDY

Background and objectives: Advances in cancer chemotherapy have led to improved survival rates and poses greater emphasis on preserving quality of life post-treatment. Gonadotoxicity is a well-recognized side effect of many cancer chemotherapeutic agents. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of gemcitabine, an antimetabolite anticancer drug, on oogenesis in Swiss albino mice and its reversibility. Methods: Thirty six inbred female Swiss albino mice in diestrous phase were selected and divided into three groups of twelve each. Groups were labelled as A, B and Control. Groups A and B received 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of gemcitabine intraperitoneally. The control group received saline intraperitoneally. At the end of two weeks 6 mice were sacrificed from each group and the rest at the end of 2 months.  Ovaries were studied histologically. Results: After 2 weeks, the ovaries of experimental group mice showed more number of atretic follicles as compared to control group (p&lt;0.01). The diameter of corpus lutea was more, though a reduction in number was recorded in experimental group (p&lt;0.05).  Whereas after 2 months, both the experimental groups showed no difference in terms of atretic follicles, diameter and number of corpus lutea (p&gt;0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that administration of gemcitabine may have profound effects on oogenesis and hence female fertility. This study also suggests that the effects are reversible. Keywords: Gemcitabine; Oogenesis; Swiss albino mice; atretic follicles; corpus luteum

Enhancement of Amygdaloid Neuronal Dendritic Arborization by Fresh Leaf Juice of Centella asiatica (Linn) During Growth Spurt Period in Rats

Centella asiatica (CeA) is a creeping herb, growing in moist places in India and other Asian Countries. Ayurvedic system of medicine, an alternate system of medicine in India, uses leaves of CeA for memory enhancement. Here, we have investigated the role of CeA fresh leaf juice treatment during growth spurt period of rats on dendritic morphology of amygdaloid neurons, one of the regions concerned with learning and memory. The present study was conducted on neonatal rat pups. The rat pups (7-days-old) were fed with 2, 4 and 6 ml/kg body of fresh leaf juice of CeA for 2, 4 and 6 weeks. After the treatment period, the rats were killed, brains removed and amygdaloid neurons impregnated with Silver nitrate (Golgi staining). Amygdaloid neurons were traced using camera lucida and dendritic branching points (a measure of dendritic arborization) and intersections (a measure dendritic length) quantified. These data were compared with those of age-matched control rats. The results showed a significant increase in dendritic length (intersections) and dendritic branching points along the length of dendrites of the amygdaloid neurons of rats treated with 4 and 6 ml/kg body weight/day of CeA for longer periods of time (i.e. 4 and 6 weeks). We conclude that constituents/active principles present in CeA fresh leaf juice has neuronal dendritic growth stimulating property; hence it can be used for enhancing neuronal dendrites in stress and other neurodegenerative and memory disorders

Serum electrolytes levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND:&nbsp;Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a common metabolic disease worldwide. Electrolyte played significant roles in the&nbsp;normal functioning of the body, and deregulation is indicative of different types of disease and electrolyte disturbances are often reported in type 2 DM (T2DM). AIM:&nbsp;The aim of the study was to estimate the levels of serum electrolytes in outpatients with T2DM and correlate serum electrolytes with random blood sugar (RBS). MATERIALS AND METHODS:&nbsp;Patients with T2DM visiting the outpatient Departments of Medicine, between April 2016 and March 2017 were included. Of 148 diagnosed T2DM cases, 74 were had RBS level &gt;300mg/dL (group-1) and 74 had RBS&nbsp;level &le;300mg/dL (group-2). Serum sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-) levels were measured by using the Roche 9180&nbsp;electrolyte analyzer. RESULTS:&nbsp;In this study, there was a significant decrease in serum Na+&nbsp;levels in group 1 (131.83&plusmn;4.36 mmol/L) compared to group 2&nbsp;(134.15&plusmn;4.90&nbsp;mmol/L).The serum levels of K+&nbsp;was found to be increased in group 1 (4.51&plusmn;0.61 mmol/L) in comparison with group 2 (4.26&plusmn;0.52 mmol/L). In group-1, an inverse relationship was present between serum Na+&nbsp;(r=-0.342) and Cl-&nbsp;(r=-0.538) with RBS which was statistically significant. In group-2, a significant correlation was present between serum K+&nbsp;and RBS (r=0.356, p&lt;0.05). CONCLUSIONS:&nbsp;The study showed lower levels of Na+&nbsp;and higher K+&nbsp;levels in group-1 compared to group-2 subjects. This study showed that the distribution of serum Na+&nbsp;and K+&nbsp;levels is dependent on plasma glucose levels in patients with DM and also suggests that monitoring the electrolyte levels in hyperglycemia is pertinent in the management of diabetes