Sub-chronic oral toxicity assessment (90 days) of ethanolic fraction of leaves of Neurocalyx calycinus (R. Br. ex Benn.) Rob. in rodents: A lesser known ethnomedicinal plant from the Cholanaickan tribal community, India

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the safety of long term consumption of ethanolic fraction of Neurocalyx calycinus leaves (NCEF) in rodents. The NCEF was subjected to detect the presence of various phytoconstituents. In acute oral toxicity study, graded doses of NCEF was administered in mice and were observed up to 14 days. In sub-chronic oral toxicity study, NCEF was administered to Wistar rats at doses of 50, 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w. per day for 90 days and after that, observed up to 28 days. NCEF showed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, phenolics and glycosides. In acute toxicity study, there was no mortality and no behavioural signs of toxicity at the highest dose level (6400 mg/kg b.w.). In sub-chronic oral toxicity study, there were no significant difference observed in the consumption of food and water, body weight and relative organ weights. Haematological, serum biochemical, hepatic oxidative stress marker analysis and urine analysis revealed the non-adverse effects of prolonged oral consumption of NCEF. The histopatho-logic examination did not show any differences in vital organs. Based on our findings, NCEF, at dosage levels up to 1000 mg/kg b.w., is non-toxic and safe for long term oral consumption

Ameliorative effect of alkaloid extract of Cyclea peltata (Poir.) Hook. f. & Thoms. roots (ACP) on APAP/CCl4 induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats and in vitro free radical scavenging property

Objective: To evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of alkaloid extract of Cyclea peltata (C. peltata) against paracetamol/carbon tetra chloride induced liver damage in Wistar rats. Methods: In vivo paracetamol/carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in Wistar rats, in vitro free radical scavenging studies, HPTLC estimation of tetrandrine and direct analysis in real time-mass spectrometry of alkaloid extract of C. peltata were used for the validation. Results: The results showed that pretreatment with alkaloid extract of C. peltata caused significant reduction of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum alkaline phosphatase, serum cholesterol, liver malondialdehyde levels. The reduced glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase levels in liver were increased with alkaloid extract of C. peltata treatment. These results were almost comparable to silymarin and normal control. Histopathological studies also substantiated the biochemical findings. The in vitro hydroxyl, superoxide and DPPH scavenging study of alkaloid extract of C. peltata showed significant free radical scavenging property. Conclusions: The hepatoprotective property of alkaloid extract of C. peltata against paracetamol/carbon tetrachloride may be due the synergistic action of alkaloids especially tetrandrine, fangchinoline through free radical scavenging and thus preventing oxidative stress

Antihyperglycemic effects of Amrtottara Kvatha, an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by suppressing oxidative stress

Amrtottara Kvatha [KNM3] (AK) is a widely used Ayurvedic preparation, primarily utilized for hyperpyrexia (‘Jwara’). In the present study we evaluated the antidiabetic effect of AK against streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic murine model. The effects of AK on normoglycemic rats and glucose tolerance were also studied. The antidiabetic effect of AK was evaluated in streptozotocin (STZ, 55 mg/kg, i.p.) induced diabetic rats. AK was administered orally at four doses AK (1/4), AK (1/2), AK (T) and AK (DD) for fourteen days to examine the antidiabetic activity with glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) as reference standard. The effect of AK on blood glucose and insulin levels, biochemical parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers and histopathological examinations were studied. Oral administration of AK at doses AK (1/4), AK (1/2), AK (T) and AK (DD) to rats with streptozotocin induced diabetes showed significant (P<0.01) decrease in blood glucose levels with improved insulin levels, liver glycogen and pancreatic protein content. The oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde and advanced oxidation protein products) were reduced in all AK treated groups with a significant (P<0.01) increase in antioxidant enzyme status. Histopathological studies also supported the findings. The present study reports for the first time the antidiabetic effects of Amrtottara Kvatha by suppressing oxidative stress induced by streptozotocin in Wistar rats.