Analgesic and Hepatoprotective Activity of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Ocimum gratissimum (L.).

The methanolic extract of Ocimum gratissimum (L.) leaves was screened for analgesic and hepatoprotective activity in albino rats, respectively. The use of the hot-plate method to study central analgesic activity of the leaves extract in albino rats indicated that the extract possesses the ability to significantly reduce pain threshold and also increase the response latency period to thermal stimuli in albino rats, similar to the reference drug acetylsalicylic acid. After treatment reaction time of albino rats was significantly increased to 10.92 sec with 40 mg kg-1 of leaves extract, whereas acetylsalicylic acid also increased reaction time to 12.53 sec with 25 mL kg-1. A decline in the reaction time beyond 1.61 sec was observed by the reference drug and leaves extract. Albino rats whose livers were damaged with a hepatotoxin-Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) 0.5 mL kg-1 i.p. were used to test for hepatoprotective properties of the plant leaves extract. It reduced significantly (p<0.05) liver enzyme levels for animals treated with CCL4 (0.5 mL kg-1) and the methanolic plant leaf extract (40 mg kg-1) concurrently compared to animals treated with CCL4 only. Many histopathological changes in the liver such as marked dilation of the central vein, blood vessel congestion and inflammatory leucocytic infiltrations which were observed in the CCl4 treated animals were not observed in the CCl4 + plant extract treated animals. No apparent disruptions of the normal liver structure by histological and enzyme activities assessment were observed. The results show that the methanolic leaf extract is a potent analgesic and antihepatotoxic agent

Моделювання рецептур сироватково-полуничних напоїв профілактичного призначення

Expediency of the development of formulae and innovative technologies for production of prophylactic application drinks possessing antioxidant, probiotic and hepatoprotective properties with the use of the secondary dairy product – whey, as well as the domestic vegetable raw materials having a high content of bioactive substances has been substantiated. Formulation composition of the prophylactic drinks based on cheese whey, extract of Tagetes patula flowers and the berry filler “Strawberry” with the use of the response surface method has been developed. Bioactivity of the drinks and the complex quality indicator which accounts for the total influence of the bioactivity, organoleptic assessment and weight coefficients of the specified unit indicators were taken as the optimization criteria; as the independent factors that were varied in the course of the experiment, the mass fractions of the marigold flowers extract and the strawberries filler were selected. It is recommended that the mass fractions of the berry filler “Strawberry” and the extract of Tagetes patula flowers in the prophylactic drinks are set as 7 and 20 % of the finished product, accordingly. The practical mass fraction of the citric acid of 0.2 % was determined as it ensures high organoleptic characteristics of the finished drinks. Recommendations are given concerning development of innovative technologies of unfermented and fermented strawberry whey drinks of prophylactic application enriched with the extract of Tagetes patula flowers.Обґрунтовано доцільність розроблення рецептур та інноваційних технологій напоїв профілактичного призначення з антиоксидантними, пробіотичними та гепатопротекторними властивостями з використанням вторинної молочної сировини – сироватки, а також вітчизняної сировини рослинного походження з високим вмістом біологічно активних речовин. Розроблено рецептурний склад напоїв профілактичного призначення на основі сирної сироватки, екстракту квітів Tagetes patula і ягідного наповнювача «Полуниця» з використанням методології поверхні відгуку. У якості критеріїв оптимізації обрано біологічну активність напоїв і комплексний показник якості, який враховує сукупний вплив біологічної активності, органолептичної оцінки і коефіцієнтів вагомості зазначених одиничних показників; незалежними факторами, які варіювалися, в експерименті – масові частки екстракту квітів чорнобривців і полуничного наповнювача. Рекомендовано масову частку ягідного наповнювача «Полуниця» та екстракту квітів Tagetes patula в напоях профілактичного призначення встановити 7 і 20 % від маси готового продукту відповідно. Визначено раціональну масову частку лимонної кислоти – 0,2 %, яка забезпечує високі органолептичні характеристики готових напоїв. Наведено рекомендації з розробки інноваційних технологій неферментованих і ферментованих сироватково-полуничних напоїв профілактичного призначення, збагачених екстрактом квітів Tagetes patula

FK 506 pre-treatment is associated with reduced levels of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 6 following hepatic ischemia/reperfusion

Using a rat model, the effect of pre-treatment with FK 506 on hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury was investigated. All control animals died within 72 h of the ischemia/reperfusion injury. Pre-treatment of the animals with FK 506 (0.3 mg/kg in 0.5 ml saline) administered intravenously improved survival. The most striking protection against fatal ischemia/reperfusion injury was achieved in rats that were given FK 506 6 and 24 h prior to the induction of the hepatic ischemic insult (70% and 80% 10-day survival rates, respectively). The hepatoprotective effect of FK 506 was assessed further in a second experiment in which the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured. These results suggest that a 60-min period of hepatic ischemia and subsequent reperfusion triggers the release of both TNF and IL-6, and that FK 506 pre-treatment (6 h before the ischemic episode) significantly inhibits the production and/or release of these two cytokines compared to untreated controls. These data provide additional information concerning the immunosuppressive and hepatoprotective activities of FK 506. Based upon these data, it is probable that FK 506 attenuates hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury, at least in part, by reducing TNF and IL-6 levels. © 1993 Elsevier Scientific Publishers Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

Cytoprotective effects of melatonin against amitriptyline-induced toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes

Purpose: Amitriptyline, one of the commonly used tricyclic antidepressants, caused rare but severe hepatotoxicity in patients who received it continuously. Previous findings showed that the intermediate metabolites of amitriptyline produced by CYP450 are involved in hepatic injury. Melatonin is an antiaging and antioxidant hormone synthesized from pineal gland. The aim of present study was to evaluate the protective role of melatonin in an in vitro model of isolated rat hepatocytes. Methods: Markers such as cell viability, reactive oxygen species formation, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential, and hepatocytes glutathione content were evaluated every 60 minutes for 180 minutes. Results: Present results indicated that administration of 1mM of melatonin effectively reduced the cell death, ROS formation and lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, and reduced cellular glutathione content caused by amitriptyline. Conclusion: Our results indicated that melatonin is an effective antioxidant in preventing amitriptyline-induced hepatotoxicity. We recommend further in vivo animal and clinical trial studies on the hepatoprotective effects of melatonin in patients receiving amitriptyline. © 2015 The Authors

An overview of anti-diabetic plants used in Gabon: Pharmacology and Toxicology

© 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Ethnopharmacological relevance: The management of diabetes mellitus management in African communities, especially in Gabon, is not well established as more than 60% of population rely on traditional treatments as primary healthcare. The aim of this review was to collect and present the scientific evidence for the use of medicinal plants that are in currect by Gabonese traditional healers to manage diabetes or hyperglycaemia based here on the pharmacological and toxicological profiles of plants with anti-diabetic activity. There are presented in order to promote their therapeutic value, ensure a safer use by population and provide some bases for further study on high potential plants reviewed. Materials and methods: Ethnobotanical studies were sourced using databases such as Online Wiley library, Pubmed, Google Scholar, PROTA, books and unpublished data including Ph.D. and Master thesis, African and Asian journals. Keywords including ‘Diabetes’ ‘Gabon’ ‘Toxicity’ ‘Constituents’ ‘hyperglycaemia’ were used. Results: A total of 69 plants currently used in Gabon with potential anti-diabetic activity have been identified in the literature, all of which have been used in in vivo or in vitro studies. Most of the plants have been studied in human or animal models for their ability to reduce blood glucose, stimulate insulin secretion or inhibit carbohydrates enzymes. Active substances have been identified in 12 out of 69 plants outlined in this review, these include Allium cepa and Tabernanthe iboga. Only eight plants have their active substances tested for anti-diabetic activity and are suitables for further investigation. Toxicological data is scarce and is dose-related to the functional parameters of major organs such as kidney and liver. Conclusion: An in-depth understanding on the pharmacology and toxicology of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is lacking yet there is a great scope for new treatments. With further research, the use of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is important to ensure the safety of the diabetic patients in Gabon.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Anti-atherogenic properties associated with the antioxidant activity from the hydrophilic extracts of Halimeda incrassata (Chlorophyta, Bryopsidales)

Seaweeds are a source of natural antioxidants having potential application in oxidative stress and associated diseases. In this work, anti-atherogenic properties associated with the antioxidant activity from the hydrophilic extracts of Halimeda incrassata were studied. The phenolic content assessed inthe aqueous extract and fraction phenolic acids (FPA) was 0.13 ± 0.05 and 0.47 ± 0.09 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry seaweed, respectively. In DPPH?, radical scavenging assay fractions exhibited a dependent concentration. The seaweeds extract inhibited the desoxirribose oxidation in the presenceor absence of EDTA (IC50 = 1.91± 0.09 mg/mL) (IC50 = 2.95 ± 0.01 mg/mL). In vivo antioxidant properties of FPA-H.incrassata were investigated in rats with a CCl4-induced liver injury. Pre-treatment with H.incrassata led to approximately 50% reductions in liver TBARS levels. The treatment with H. incrassataFPA also increased the activity of the CAT enzyme, which in turn resulted in an enhanced antioxidantdefense. The expression of Catalase by PCR-RT technique demonstrated a higher gene expression when compared with that which was observed in the CCl 4-treated group. Antiatherogenic properties were studied in the inhibition of lipoprotein oxidation mediated by Cu2+ or HRP/H2O2, free radicalscavenging, and metal ion chelation, and it was dose dependent with a higher concentration needed for the aqueous extract than for the FPA fraction. Antioxidant activity was also improved in macrophages as evaluated in the cell supernatant (by TBARS formation); and by luminol enhanced chemiluminescence after cell activation with zymosan; and a degree of cell lipoperoxidation wasdecreased by the Halimeda incrassata extract. The results of this work add to the antioxidant potential of the seaweed for its application in oxidative stress associated conditions.Fil: Vidal-Novoa, Alexis. Universidad de la Habana. Facultad de Biología; CubaFil: Costa-Mugica, Ariadna. Universidad de la Habana. Facultad de Biología; CubaFil: Zulueta Díaz, Yenisleidy de Las Mercedes. Universidad de la Habana. Facultad de Biología; Cuba. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Diaz-Gutierrez, Daylín. Universidad de la Habana. Facultad de Biología; CubaFil: de Oliveira e Silva, Ana, Mara. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Vazquez, Ana María. Center For Molecular Inmunology; CubaFil: Claudina, Zaldívar-Munoz. Universidad de la Habana. Facultad de Biología; CubaFil: Dalva, Assuncao Portari de Mancini. Institute Butantan Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Mancini-Filho, Jorge. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasi

Altilix\uae Supplement Containing Chlorogenic Acid and Luteolin Improved Hepatic and Cardiometabolic Parameters in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome: A 6 Month Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

The objective was to evaluate the eects of 6 months of supplementation with Altilix\uae, containing chlorogenic acid and its derivatives, and luteolin and its derivatives, on cardiovascular risk and hepatic markers in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed in 100 subjects with MetS with a follow-up period of 6 months; 50 subjects were randomized to Altilix\uae (26 men and 24 women, mean age 63 8 years) and the other 50 to placebo (28 men and 22 women, mean age 63 11 years). Anthropometric, cardiometabolic, and hepatic parameters were assessed at baseline and at the end of follow-up. Carotid intima-media thickness and endothelial function were assessed by doppler ultrasound and by flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery, respectively. The presence and degree of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was assessed by the fatty liver index (FLI), and subjects were divided into three subgroups: (1) without NAFLD; (2) with borderline NAFLD; and (3) with NAFLD. After 6 months of Altilix\uae supplementation, we found a significant improvement vs. placebo in most of the evaluated parameters, including body weight (2.40% (95% CI 3.79, 1.01); p < 0.001), waist circumference (2.76% (95% CI 4.55, 0.96); p = 0.003), HbA1c (0.95% (95% CI 1.22, 0.67); p < 0.001), plasma lipids, FLI (21.83% (95% CI 27.39, 16.27); p < 0.001), hepatic transaminases, flow-mediated dilation (10.56% (95% CI 5.00, 16.12); p < 0.001), and carotid intima-media thickness (39.48% (95% CI 47.98, 30.97); p < 0.001). Further, the improvement in cardiometabolic variables was independent of the degree of hepatic steatosis. Altilix\uae supplementation improved hepatic and cardio-metabolic parameters in MetS subjects. Altilix\uae supplementation was a beneficial approach in the management of hepatic and cardiometabolic alterations in MetS subjects

Some Biochemical, Haematological and Histological Responses to a Long Term Consumption of Telfairia occidentalis-Supplemented Diet in Rats

Some biochemical, haematological and histological responses were studied in rats undergoing a long term feeding with a Telfairia occidentalis-supplemented diet. Biochemical and hematological parameters investigated included serum protein, total cholesterol, lipid peroxidation, haemoglobin, white blood cells, Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatase, Glutathione-stransferase and Superoxide dismutase. Histological changes associated with Telfairia occidentalissupplemented diet on the liver, intestine and testes were also examined. Results showed that Telfairia occidentalis-supplemented diet caused a significant increase (p<0.05) in weight and haemoglobin. Cholesterol and lipid peroxidation were significantly reduced (p<0.05). There were however no significant changes in the enzymes including Aspartate minotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatase, Glutathione-s-transferase and Superoxide dismutase. Only Alkaline phosphatase was significantly reduced (p<0.05). Histological changes showed hypertrophy of the intestinal propia and reduced globlet cells while the testes exhibited thick basement membrane and large spermatogonia

The Pharmacological Potential of Mushrooms

This review describes pharmacologically active compounds from mushrooms. Compounds and complex substances with antimicrobial, antiviral, antitumor, antiallergic, immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory, antiatherogenic, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective and central activities are covered, focusing on the review of recent literature. The production of mushrooms or mushroom compounds is discussed briefly

Black Cumin Seed Oilas Hepatoprotector in Decreasing SGPT and SGOT Activity and Increasing P53 Gene Expression in Sprague Dawley Rats Induced by Alloxan

The objective of this research was to determine the effect of BCSO on SGPT/SGOT levels and p53 expression in rats induced by alloxan. This study applied a post test only control group design. A total of 42 SD rats were divided into 6 groups. Group I was normal rats. Group II (negative control) was given alloxan. Group III and IV (treatment groups) were given BCSO with equivalent doses of 6.8 mg/kg and 68 mg/kg thymoquinone, respectively (BCSO 6.8 and BCSO68 groups). Group V (positive control) was given vitamin C. Group VI (control media) were given DMSO. BCSO and Vitamin C are given for 1 week. Alloxan was given on 7th day, i.p. On the 8th day did blood sampling for measurement of SGPT and SGOT levels. Liver retrieval was performed on the 9th day continued immunohistochemistry staining. The average levels of SGPT/SGOT were then analyzed with ANOVA test. p53 expression was analyzed by Kolmogorov Semirnov and Levene then followed by Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney. Statistical tests performed on 95% confidence level. The results showed that the induction of alloxan increased levels of SGPT/SGOT. BCSO68 reduced SGPT /SGOT levels in alloxan-induced rats (p &lt; 0.05). Both BCSO 6.8 and BCSO68 increased the expression of p53 in liver tissue of alloxan – induced rats. Average percentage of p53 expression in group I to group VI were 11.12 ± 0.37; 19.24 ± 4.47; 30.31 ± 1.59; 40.43 ± 1.74; 29.67 ± 0.47; 12.02 ± 1.01, respectively. The result of statistical analysis showed the value of p &lt; 0.05 in all groups except in group III. It can be concluded that BCSO may have hepatoprotective effect and increase the expression of p53 in the liver of alloxan-induced rats