Combined efficacy of Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek and Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson on serum lipids in albino rats

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a major killer disease throughout the world. Dyslipidemia is a major contributor to the risk of CAD. Several dietary articles traditionally used in India and other South Asian countries reduced dyslipidemia. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the combined effect of Mung bean (Vigna radiata) and Elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) on serum lipids and atherogenic indices in albino rats and to compare it with a standard drug Cholestyramine. Thirty healthy albino rats of both sexes (150–200 g) were randomized to 5 groups of 6 animals each. The grouping were done based on the following criteria: Group I: Normal Control Group, Group II: (Standard Group): Cholestyramine resin 5 mg/kg bw, Group III: (Half Dose Group): Drug powder at 540 mg/kg bw, Group IV: (Effective Dose Group): Drug powder at 1080 mg/kg bw, and Group V: (Double Dose Group): Drug powder at 2160 mg/kg bw. Lipid profile was estimated at the beginning and after 30 days of treatment. The Effective and Double doses of the drug reduced Total cholesterol along with levels of Triglycerides, Low density lipoprotein and Very low density lipoprotein levels significantly (p < 0.01) along with a significant (p < 0.01) increase in high density lipoproteins (HDL) in rats. There was also significant (p < 0.01) improvement in atherogenic indices like Castelli Risk Index I, Non HDL C/HDL, Castelli risk Index II, TG/HDL, Atherogenic coefficient and Atherogenic Index of Plasma. The combination of powdered sprouted mung bean and yam powder have excellent lipid lowering potential. Keywords: Atherogenic index, Cholestyramine, Dyslipidemia, Lipid profil

Phytochemical evaluation of roots of Plumbago zeylanica L. and assessment of its potential as a nephroprotective agent

Search for medicinal plants to treat kidney disorders is an important topic on phytotherapeutical research. Plumbago zeylanica L. is an important medicinal plant with hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer and anti-hyperlipidemic activities. In the present study, the protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of P. zeylanica (HAPZ) in cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity was analyzed in Swiss albino mice. Treatment with higher dose (400 mg/kg) of HAPZ significantly reversed the adverse effect of cisplatin on kidney weight, serum urea and creatinine, indicating their renoprotective effect. The antioxidant effect of the drug is evident from its significant effect on Catalase, Glutathione peroxidase and lipid peroxidation activities

Proximate composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties of the haustorium from Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) and Palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer L.)

Objective: Functional foods play important roles in the management of health; the haustoria from the Cocos nucifera and Borassus flabellifer are less explored for their nutritional benefits. Therefore, the study evaluated the proximate composition, biological and anti-diabetic effects of the CH and BH. Methods: The total polyphenol content of coconut and palmyra palm haustorium was conducted using the standard Folin-Ciocalteu based assay. The radical scavenging properties of Coconut and Palmyra palm haustorium was analyzed by DPPH radical scavenging assay, Lipid peroxidation inhibition as well as by hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay. Anti-diabetic activity of the coconut and palmyra palm haustorium extracts were analyzed in terms of the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities. Results: The results indicated significantly higher amounts of protein, fiber, and fat content in BH. Similarly, higher polyphenol content was present in BH. Substantiating these results, the anti-DPPH radical and anti-hydrogen peroxide radical was higher in BH (18.66 ± 2.09 and 30.73 ± 2.37 µg/mL); likewise, the BH had higher lipoygenase inhibition and nitric oxide scavenging potential (42.14 ± 3.45 and 72.12 ± 4.02 µg/mL). Both the extracts exhibited anti-diabetic activity (58.61 ± 2.98 and 91.17 ± 3.52 µg/mL), however a higher concentration was required for CH compared to the BH. Conclusion: The Palmyra palm and coconut haustorium are highly nutritional in terms of the various components. By virtue of these compounds, the BH and CH may evolve as possible functional foods over time