A polyherbal formulation reverses hydrogen peroxide-induced hematological and biochemical aberrations in rats

DRHM® is a polyherbal formulation [composed of Cymbopogon citratus (17%), Carica papaya leaves (16%), Mangifera indica bark (15%), Moringa oleifera leaves (14%), Citrus limon (12%), Psidium guajava (11%), Zingiber officinale root (9%) and Allium sativum (6%)] that is indicated for many disease conditions and as a detoxifier. In this study, the effects of DRHM® on hydrogen peroxide (3 mL/kg b.w of 5% H2O2, i.p)-induced hematological and biochemical aberrations in rats were evaluated. H2O2 significantly (p<0.05) reduced hemoglobin level, packed cell volume and red blood cell, white blood cell and platelet counts. It elevated the activities of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases and levels of total bilirubin and malondialdehyde. In addition, H2O2 also decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities and reduced glutathione and antioxidant vitamins levels. However, after 14 days of treatment at 1, 2 and 3 mL/kg/d b.w. p.o, DRHM® reversed aberrations in hematological status, enhanced antioxidant status and attenuated lipid peroxidation and hepatic damage induced by H2O2, in a dose-dependent manner comparable to silymarin (100 mg/kg/d. b.w.). These findings suggest that the phytoconstituents in DRHM® might be responsible for these ameliorative effects by boosting antioxidant defense system. DRHM® was tolerable up to 10 mL/kg. b.w

Zanthoxylum Species: A Comprehensive Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological and Nutraceutical Applications

Zanthoxylum species (Syn. Fagara species) of the Rutaceae family are widely used in many countries as food and in trado-medicinal practice due to their wide geographical distribution and medicinal properties. Peer reviewed journal articles and ethnobotanical records that reported the traditional knowledge, phytoconstituents, biological activities and toxicological profiles of Z. species with a focus on metabolic and neuronal health were reviewed. It was observed that many of the plant species are used as food ingredients and in treating inflammation, pain, hypertension and brain diseases. Over 500 compounds have been isolated from Z. species, and the biological activities of both the plant extracts and their phytoconstituents, including their mechanisms of action, are discussed. The phytochemicals responsible for the biological activities of some of the species are yet to be identified. Similarly, biological activities of some isolated compounds remain unknown. Taken together, the Z. species extracts and compounds possess promising biological activities and should be further explored as potential sources of new nutraceuticals and drugs