Gastroprotective activity of Spirulina platensis in acetic acid and ethanol induced ulcers in rats

Objective: The effects of gastroprotective properties of Spirulina platensis was investigated in acetic acid and ethanol induced ulcers in rats. Methods: Administration of 2 and 4mg/kg Spirulina platensis extract for 7 days. After day 7, oral administration of either 80% (v/v) ethanol or 6% (v/v) acetic acid. Control rats received saline or anti-ulcer drug omeprazole (20 mg/kg) prior to ulcer induction. Results: The extract inhibited the mean lesion score of acetic acid, 4.333 to 3.000. Whereas, for ethanol induced ulcers, the extract reduced the lesion scoring from 2.833 to 1.677. However, this activity was statistically less potent than the anti-ulcer drug, omeprazole. Spirulina platensis alone did not induce any ulcers in rats. Conclusions: These results suggested that Spirulina platensis has gastroprotective activity against ulcers induced by acetic acid and ethanol

Diuretic properties of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Orthosiphon stamineus has been used in traditional medicine for centuries especially to treat diseases of the urinary system. Aim of the study: To investigate the diuretic activity, to elucidate its possible mechanism and to evaluate the renal effects of Orthosiphon stamineus extract. Materials and methods: Water extracts were administered orally at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg to Sprague-Dawley rats and the control groups were given commercial diuretic drugs either furosemide or hydrochlorthiazide at 10 mg/kg. Urine volume, urine pH, urine density and urine electrolytes were determined every hour for 4 h. Blood was assayed for glucose, albumin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Results: O. stamineus extract exhibited dose-dependent diuretic activity. However, excretion of Na+ and Cl- was not markedly elevated, but urinary excretion of K+ was significantly increased. O. stamineus extracts slightly increased the serum BUN, creatinine and blood glucose level. Although these levels were statistically significant when compared to control, these levels were still within normal range. Conclusions: O. stamineus exhibited diuretic activity, but was less potent than furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide. Care should be taken when consuming this herb as slight increase of kidney function enzymes was recorded

Hepatoprotective Activity of Dried- and Fermented-Processed Virgin Coconut Oil

The present study aims to determine the hepatoprotective effect of MARDI-produced virgin coconut oils, prepared by dried- or fermented-processed methods, using the paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats. Liver injury induced by 3 g/kg paracetamol increased the liver weight per 100 g bodyweight indicating liver damage. Histological observation also confirms liver damage indicated by the presence of inflammations and necrosis on the respective liver section. Interestingly, pretreatment of the rats with 10, but not 1 and 5, mL/kg of both VCOs significantly (P < .05) reduced the liver damage caused by the administration of paracetamol, which is further confirmed by the histological findings. In conclusion, VCO possessed hepatoprotective effect that requires further in-depth study

The role of protein adducts in the toxicity of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:DX203050 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Persistent organic chemicals in Malaysian waters: a review.

A critical review of the levels of persistence organic chemicals in Malaysian waters from 1980 to 2002. This review concentrated on the detection several toxic substances by groups of scientists in the marine environment, evaluated their quantities and provides estimates of their potential danger for the health of both marine life and humans. The compounds include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, tributyl-tin and pesticides. In summary, the levels of some persistent organic chemicals is lower compared with other Southeast Asia countries and the levels in this region still at the medium level compared with more urbanized and industrialized regions in the West. Nevertheless, continuous monitoring and investigations on the level of the persistent organic chemicals are needed in Malaysia. Transboundary pollution potential should be taken as an important consideration in any development project especially in Southeast Asia

Research Paper - Antinociceptive and antiinflammatory effects of Centella asiatica

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Centella asiatica (CA) upon pain (antinociception) and inflammation in rodent models. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The antinociceptive activity of the water extract of CA (10, 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg) was studied using acetic acid-induced writhing and hot-plate method in mice. The antiinflammatory activity of CA was studied in rats by prostaglandin E2-induced paw edema. RESULTS: Water extract of CA revealed significant antinociceptive activity with both the models. The activity was statistically similar to aspirin but less potent than morphine. The CA extract also revealed significant antiinflammatory activity. This effect was statistically similar to the non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug, mefenamic acid. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the water extract of CA possesses antinociceptive and antiinflammatory activities