Ameliorative effect of ethanolic extract of roots of Tetracera akara (Burm. f.) Merr. on D-galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats by downregulation of inflammatory mediators like TNFα, COX-2 and iNOS

161-171Tetracera akara, a climbing shrub locally called Nennalvalli or Pattuvalli, is an ethnomedicinal plant used by Kani tribe of Kerala to treat chronic liver disorders and inflammatory conditions.  The present study was aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of roots of Tetracera akara root on D-Galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Hepatotoxicity was induced in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of D-GalN (400 mg/kg in saline) in Wistar rats. Ethanolic extract of T. akara root (TA ETH) was administered to the experimental rats in varying doses of (50, 150 and 300 mg/kg/day), p. o. for 7 days. The hepatoprotective effect was evaluated by the estimation of biochemical markers of hepatic injury, anti-oxidant status of the liver by estimating hepatic catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione and malondialdehyde, gene and protein expression level of inflammatory marker genes and histopathological evaluation of experimental animals. Administration of TA ETH (150 and 300 mg/kg) significantly (P ≤0.05) restored the levels of serum bilirubin, protein and other hepatic enzymes almost comparable to the standard drug Silymarin-treated groups. The levels of antioxidant enzymes like SOD and CAT were elevated and lipid peroxidation was inhibited as evident from the reduced levels of MDA. The gene expression studies by quantitative PCR method showed that TA ETH significantly (P ≤0.05) downregulated pro inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory COX-2 genes and upregulated IL 10 gene levels in D-GalN induced liver tissue, which was further confirmed in protein estimation by ELISA method. The histopathological observations were in correlation with the biochemical findings showing the presence of normal hepatic architecture, which further evidenced the hepatoprotective effect of TA ETH. Ethanolic extract of the root of T. akara possesses significant hepatoprotective activity mainly by scavenging reactive free radicals, boosting the endogenous antioxidant system in liver and inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediator like TNF α, COX-2, iNOS and promoting the anti-inflammatory IL 10, thus substantiating the tribal claim

Antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens and immunomodulatory effects and toxicity of geopropolis produced by the stingless bee Melipona fasciculata Smith

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Native bees of the tribe Meliponini produce a distinct kind of propolis called geopropolis. Although many pharmacological activities of propolis have already been demonstrated, little is known about geopropolis, particularly regarding its antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens. The present study aimed at investigating the antimicrobial activity of <it>M. fasciculata </it>geopropolis against oral pathogens, its effects on <it>S. mutans </it>biofilms, and the chemical contents of the extracts. A gel prepared with a geopropolis extract was also analyzed for its activity on <it>S. mutans </it>and its immunotoxicological potential.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Antimicrobial activities of three hydroalcoholic extracts (HAEs) of geopropolis, and hexane and chloroform fractions of one extract, were evaluated using the agar diffusion method and the broth dilution technique. Ethanol (70%, v/v) and chlorhexidine (0.12%, w/w) were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Total phenol and flavonoid concentrations were assayed by spectrophotometry. Immunotoxicity was evaluated in mice by topical application in the oral cavity followed by quantification of biochemical and immunological parameters, and macro-microscopic analysis of animal organs.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Two extracts, HAE-2 and HAE-3, showed inhibition zones ranging from 9 to 13 mm in diameter for <it>S. mutans </it>and <it>C. albicans</it>, but presented no activity against <it>L</it>. <it>acidophilus</it>. The MBCs for HAE-2 and HAE-3 against <it>S. mutans </it>were 6.25 mg/mL and 12.5 mg/mL, respectively. HAE-2 was fractionated, and its chloroform fraction had an MBC of 14.57 mg/mL. HAE-2 also exhibited bactericidal effects on <it>S. mutans </it>biofilms after 3 h of treatment. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in total phenol and flavonoid concentrations were observed among the samples. Signs toxic effects were not observed after application of the geopropolis-based gel, but an increase in the production of IL-4 and IL-10, anti-inflammatory cytokines, was detected.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In summary, geopropolis produced by <it>M. fasciculata </it>can exert antimicrobial action against <it>S. mutans </it>and <it>C. albicans</it>, with significant inhibitory activity against <it>S. mutans </it>biofilms. The extract with the highest flavonoid concentration, HAE-2, presented the highest antimicrobial activity. In addition, a geopropolis-based gel is not toxic in an animal model and displays anti-inflammatory effect.</p

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-lipid peroxidative effects of <i style="">Rhaphidophora pertusa</i> (Roxb.) Schott. and <i style="">Epipremnum pinnatum </i>(Linn.) Engl. aerial parts

5-10The ethanol extracts of aerial parts of Rhaphidophora pertusa (Roxb.) Schott. and Epipremnum pinnatum (Linn.) Engl. (Family-Araceae) were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity in Wistar albino rats and analgesic effects in Swiss albino mice. Both the species produced significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema when compared to the standard drug Indomethacin .They also showed a significant inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing in mice at all the doses studied. The analgesic effect of R. pertusa was almost similar to that caused by the standard drug, aspirin. The ethanol extracts also showed significant anti-lipid peroxidant effects in vitro in rat liver homogenate. The acute toxicity study indicated that R. pertusa and E. pinnatum are fairly non-toxic. The results of the present study support the use of R. pertusa in traditional medicine of Kerala as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent and E. pinnatum may be included in the same category of medicinal plants

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-lipid peroxidative properties of Wattakaka volubilis (Linn.f.) Stapf.

137-141The ethanolic extract of Wattakaka volubilis (Linn.f.) Stapf. was screened for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in animals. The extract showed a significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and acetic acid-induced writhing in mice compared to the standard anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug, indomethacin. The extract also showed potent in vitro inhibition of FeCl2-ascorbic acid-stimulated mice liver lipid peroxidation

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of <i style="">Justicia gendarussa </i>Burm. f. leaves

456-461The ethanolic extract of Justicia gendarussa Burm.f. leaves was screened for its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity in experimental animals. The extract showed significant inhibition of carrageenan and formalin-induced paw oedema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation compared to the standard anti-inflammatory drug, Indomethacin. The extract at 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg showed significant inhibition of pain in the acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate models in mice when compared to the standard analgesic drug, acetyl salicylic aci