Protective effect of Kombucha tea on brain damage induced by transient cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in rat

The aim of study was to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of Kombucha on cerebral damage induced by ischemia in rats (n=99). Cerebral infarct volume in the ischemic rats received Kombucha solution showed no significance alteration. However, the permeability of blood-brain barrier significantly decreased in both ischemic rats received 15 mg/kg Kombucha tea and Sham group. In addition, brain water content in the ischemic groups treated with Kombucha solution was significantly higher than the Sham group, although right hemispheres in all of the treated groups illustrated higher brain water content than the left ones. Brain anti-oxidant capacity elevated in the ischemic rats treated with Kombucha and in the Sham group. Brain and plasma malondialdehyde concentrations significantly decreased in both of the ischemic groups injected with Kombucha. The findings suggest that Kombucha tea could be useful for the prevention of cerebral damage. © 2016, Bangladesh Pharmacological Society. All rights reserved

Effect of Biarum carduchrum extract on brain tissue thiol level in rat model of 6-hydroxydopamine-induced Parkinson’s disease

Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is developed due to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, which is widely associated with oxidative stress. The reduction of glutathione, as the most abundant and important tissue thiol and an antioxidant defense agent, is one of the first biochemical events associated with PD, and therefore using antioxidants has a protective effect. In the present study, the effects of Biarum carduchrum extract on the thiol levels in the tissues of the hippocampus, striatum, cortex, and cerebellum in PD were investigated. Methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of 8 each. Control group was left without lesion. PD group received 8 μg of neurotoxin-6-hydroxydopamine in the anteriormiddle-brain. Seven days after PD induction, groups 3-5 intragastrically received 100, 200, and 400 mg/mL of B. carduchrum extract, respectively, for 14 days. At completion of treatments, brain tissues were removed and their thiol levels measured. Results: The levels of thiol in cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus, and striatum were significantly lower in the rats with PD than the control group. In B. carduchrum extract-treated groups, the thiol levels of cerebral cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus, and striatum tissues increased significantly compared to PD group. Conclusion: It seems that B. carduchrum extract leads to the functional regeneration of the nigro-striatal pathway through the mechanisms associated with its antioxidant properties

Effect of ethanol Adiantum capillus-veneris extract in experimental models of anxiety and depression

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders with a prevalence of 15%-25%. Monoamine aminotransferases, in particular, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, change in the brain of depressed people. Adiantum capillus-veneris is one of the species of the maidenhair fern genus that have traditionally been used to treat cough, cold symptoms, and local hair loss.In this experimental study, white male rats weighing 250-300 g were assigned to 5 groups of 10 each; group 1: Receiving normal saline; groups 2-4: Receiving A.capillus-veneris extract at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively; and group 5: Receiving fluoxetine at 10 mg/kg. Chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) was induced by 3-week exposure to chronic stress. The forced swim test and plus maze were used to assess depression and anxiety, respectively. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and antioxidant capacity in the serum and brain were measured. Treatment with A.capillus-veneris extract at 200 mg/kg significantly reduced the duration of immobility. In the group given extract at 200 mg/kg, a significant increase in the number of open arm entries was observed when compared to the control group. A.capillus-veneris extract at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg resulted in a significant increase in the time spent in the open arm. A.capillus-veneris extract reduced MDA levels and increased antioxidant levels of serum and brain in rat. A.capillus-veneris has significant antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects in rat, probably due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities

The effect of Fe2Nio4 and Fe4Nio4Zn nanoparticles on hepatic, renal and spleen tissues in male wistar rat

Background and aims: Nanoparticles in a wide range of consumer products (cosmetics, health, industrial, ...) is used. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the nanoparticle Fe2NiO4 and Fe4NiO4Zn on the Hepatic, Renal and Spleen Tissues. Methods: This study of experimental was conducted on 40 male Wistar rats. The average weight was between 200-250g and divided into 5 groups. Group I: control group received 0.5ml saline. Respectively it was injected 0.5ml from second to fifth group with concentration 100 and 200 ppm of Fe4Nio4Zn and Fe2Nio4 nanoparticles. These injections were performed for 7 consecutive days with intraperitoneally injection. Results: Results of H and E showed that Fe4NiO4Zn nanoparticles (200nm) had effect on the hepatic tissue and caused to damage tissues. Also, upper doze of (200nm) damaged to spleen tissue. Fe2NiO4 nanoparticle with doze (200nm) damaged the renal tissue, but, Fe2NiO4 nanoparticle with doze (100nm) had not no effect on hepatic, renal, and spleen tissues. The results of iron stain in the current study showed that iron has deposited on the spleen tissue in all of groups, but this iron sediment in the spleen in Fe4NiO4Zn treatment group (100, 200nm) was more compared with the control group (groups that contain zinc nanoparticles). Conclusion: Both of Fe2NiO4 and Fe4NiO4Zn nanoparticles damage on Hepatic, renal and spleen tissues, but, damage in both of them was more in an upper doze, and iron stain showed that Fe4NiO4Zn caused more damage on spleen

The effects of Fe4NiO4Zn nanoparticles on thyroid tissue and serum level of T3, T4 and TSH

زمینه و هدف: نانوذرات به دلیل اندازه کوچک و خواص فیزیکوشیمیایی منحصر به فرد کاربرد گسترده‌ای در صنایع داروسازی، ساختمان‌سازی، مواد غذایی و لوازم آرایش پیدا کرده‌اند. افزایش تولید و مصرف نانوذرات سنتزی سبب افزایش نگرانی در رابطه با اثرات جانبی منفی آن ‌ها بر سلامتی انسان شده است. هدف از مطالعه حاضر ارزیابی اثر نانوذره Fe4NiO4Zn بر میزان ترشح هورمون‌های تیروئیدی و TSH و همچنین بافت تیروئید بود. روش بررسی: در این مطالعه تجربی، 24 رت نر نژاد ویستار به صورت تصادفی به 3 گروه 8 تایی تقسیم شدند. گروه کنترل 5/0 میلی‌لیتر سرم فیزیولوژی و گروه دوم و سوم 5/0 میلی‌لیتر محلول نانوذره Fe4NiO4Zn را در غلظت‌هایppm ۱۰۰و 200 به مدت 7 روز متوالی دریافت کردند. غلظت هورمون‌های TSH و تیروئیدی در روزهای 2، 7 و 14 تعیین گردید. در روز 14 بافت تیروئید تحت بی‌هوشی عمیق خارج شده و مورد بررسی بافت شناسی قرار گرفت. یافته ها: تزریق صفاقی نانوذره Fe4NiO4Zn سبب کاهش معنی‌داری در غلظت TSH و افزایش معنی‌داری در غلظت هورمون T4 شد. نانوذره Fe4NiO4Zn تأثیر معنی‌داری بر سطح هورمون T3 نداشت. نانوذره Fe4NiO4Zn سبب تغییرات بافتی غده تیروئید شامل التهاب و بزرگ شدن فولیکول‌های شد. نتیجه گیری: نانوذره Fe4NiO4Zn قادر است با تأثیر بر محور هیپوتالاموس- هیپوفیز- آندوکراین و آسیب فولیکول‌های تیروئید ترشح هورمون‌های TSH و تیروکسین را تحت تأثیر قرار دهد

Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Matricaria chamomilla on passive avoidance memory and pain induced by global cerebral ischemia in Wistar rat

زمینه و هدف : ایسکمی مغزی و خونرسانی مجدد علت اصلی ناتوانی جدی و طولانی مدت در جهان است. هدف از مطالعه حاضر بررسی اثر عصاره هیدروالکلی بابونه بر اختلالات حافظه و درد ناشی از ایسکمی بود. روش بررسی: گل‌های خشک بابونه (Matricaria chamomilla) از عطاری تهیه شده و توسط الکل 70 درصد عصاره گیری شد. حیوانات به صورت تصادفی به 6 گروه 7 تایی تقسیم شدند. گروه کنترل فقط نرمال سالین دریافت کردند، گروه ایسکمی تحت ایسکمی قرار گرفته و نرمال سالین دریافت کردند، گروه شاهد(sham): تحت جراحی قرار گرفتند بدون اینکه شریان‌های کاروتید آن‌ها بسته شود. گروه‌های درمانی با عصاره تحت ایسکمی قرار گرفته و عصاره بابونه را به صورت داخل صفاقی در دوز 50، 100 و 200 میلی‌گرم بر کیلوگرم وزن بدن دریافت کردند. تست رفتاری توسط شاتل باکس و تست ضد درد توسط تست تیل فیلیک انجام شد. یافته ها : عصاره بابونه در غلظت‌های 50، 100 و 200 میلی‌گرم بر کیلوگرم حافظه احترازی غیرفعال موش‌های صحرایی تحت ایسکمی را به طور معنی‌دار افزایش داد. علاوه بر این عصاره بابونه زمان تأخیر ظهور رفلکس دردناک دم را در تست تیل فلیک به طور معنی‌داری افزایش داد و غلظت 50 میلی‌گرم بر کیلوگرم عصاره اثر بیشتری نسبت به غلظت‌های بالاتر آن نشان داد. بحث و نتیجه گیری: نتایج مطالعه حاضر حاکی از اثرات حفاظتی عصاره بابونه در برابر اختلال حافظه احترازی و درد ایجاد شده در اثر ایسکمی بود که احتمالا به دلیل اثرات آنتی‌اکسیدانی و ضدالتهابی عصاره گیاه می‌باش

Effects of gallic acid and physical exercise on passive avoidance memory in male rat

Learning and memory play main roles in daily life of human, and memory represents the basis of all trainings and learning. The aim of the current study is to investigate the effects of gallic acid and physical exercise on the levels of passive avoidance memory in rat. In this experimental study, 46 rats weighing 200-300 g were randomLy divided to six groups of eight each: including control group, groups treated with 10 and 20 mg/kg gallic acid, group undergoing physical exercise alone, and groups both undergoing physical exercise and treated with 10 and 20 mg/kg gallic acid. The interventions continued for 10 days. After the intervention, passive avoidance memory was measured by shuttle box, blood samples were taken, and serum and brain antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. Secondary latency in shuttle box significantly increased in groups undergoing treadmill exercise and undergoing treadmill exercise + treating 10 and 20 mg/kg gallic acid. In groups treated with 10 and 20 mg/kg gallic acid alone, secondary latency increased significantly. Results confirmed the effects of gallic acid and physical exercise, either alone or combined, in improving memory

Lipid lowering by hydroalcoholic extracts of Amaranthus Caudatus L. induces regression of rabbits atherosclerotic lesions

Abstract Background The antihypercholesterolemic and antiatherogenic effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of Amaranthus caudatus L(A. caudatus). on regression of atherosclerosis in experimental rabbits maintained on a high cholesterol diet. Methods Twenty five rabbits were randomly divided into five groups of five each and treated 75 days as follows: Group I: normal diet(ND), Group II: Hypercholesterolemic diet (HCD) for 45 days; Group III: Hypercholesterolemic diet (HCD) for 75 days, Group IV and V: HCD for 45 days and then normal diet and normal diet + A. caudatus(150 mg·kg day) respectively for an additional 30 days(regression period). Blood samples were collected before (0 time) and after 45 days and 75 days of experimental diets for measurement of biochemical factors. The aortas were removed at the end of the study for assessment of atherosclerotic plaques. Results In regression period dietary use of A. caudatus in group V significantly decreased total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, malondialdehyde, C-reactive protein while apolipoproteinA and HDL- cholesterol was significantly increased compared to group IV. The atherosclerotic area was significantly decreased in group V. Whereas, the animals that in regression period received only normal diet showed no regression but rather progression of atherosclerosis. Conclusion These results thus suggest that hydroalcoholic extracts of A. caudatus can reduce risk factors and cause regression of fatty lesons in aorta.</p

Effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Ziziphus spina-christi against scopolamine-induced anxiety in rats

The aim of this study was to observe the effect of Ziziphus spina-christi extract against anxiety related behavior induced by scopolamine. Rats were randomly divided into six groups, each group consists of eight rats. Vehicle group received distilled water, negative control received scopolamine (1 mg/kg) and positive control received diazepam (1 mg/mL). Experimental groups received Z. spina-christi extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg IP) 30 min after scopolamine injection. Anxiety related behaviors were assessed using the elevated plus maze. The rotarod test was used to evaluate motor coordination. Administration of Z. spina-christi extract (200 mg/kg) significantly increased the time spent in the open arm of elevated plus maze. The extract also reduced the percentage of closed arms entries and time spent in the closed arms. Different concentration of Z. spina-christi extract didnt affect motor coordination and balance. Hydro-alcoholic extract of Z. spina-christi significantly ameliorate scopolamine-induced anxiety. Video Clip of Methodology: Elevated plus maze: 1 min 58 sec   Full Screen   Alternate

The effect of silymarin on liver injury induced by Thioacetamide in rats

Introduction: In this study the protective effects of Silymarin was investigated against thioacetamide (TAA) induced hepatotoxicity in rat. Methods: In an experimental study 24 male Wistar rats were designated in four equal groups as follows: Control group, the group treated with thioacetamide (TAA), Silymarin (400 mg/kg for 3 weeks) + TAA (400 mg/kg), TAA (400 mg/kg) + Silymarin (400 mg/kg for 3 weeks). The levels of serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and total bilirubin were measured to assess the hepatotoxicity and hepatoprotection. Results: TAA significantly increased AST, ALT, ALP, LDH and bilirubin. Treatment by Silymarin caused a significant reduction in serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH and bilirubin contents. Conclusion: The results indicate a protective effect for Silymarin against thioacetamide induced hepatotoxicity which might be due to its ability to block the bioactivity of thioacetamide.</p