Malva sylvestris L. protects from fluoride nephrotoxicity in rat

Background: Malva sylvestris L. [M. sylvestris] has antioxidant property and is widely used in the traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal, respiratory, skin and urological disorders

Objective: In this study, the protective effect of M. sylvestris against sodium fluoride-induced nephrotoxicity in the rat was evaluated

Methods: The M. sylvestris flower extract was prepared and injected intraperitoneally at the doses of 100, 200, 400 mg/kg/day to rat groups [10 in each group] for 1 week and subsequently 600 ppm sodium fluoride was added to the rats drinking water for 1 additional week. After these steps, the rat serum levels of urea, creatinine, reduced glutathione, catalase and malondialdehyde were determined. The histopathology of the rats' kidney was also studied. In this study, vitamin C [10 mg/kg/day] was used as positive control

Results: Sodium fluoride administration increased levels of BUN, creatinine, glutathione, catalase activity and decreased malondialdehyde levels indicating induction of nephrotoxicity in the rats. M. sylvestris extract pretreatment significantly decreased the BUN and creatinine levels [P<0.05]. Catalase activity and glutathione levels were significantly increased by M. sylvestris [P<0.05]. All three doses of the M. sylvestris decreased the malondialdehyde level, but it was significant only for the dose of 400 mg/kg/day [P<0.05]. The Malva sylvestris effects were comparable with those of vitamin C. Histopathological findings also showed protective effects of M. sylvestris against the renal damage induced by sodium fluoride

Conclusion: The results suggest that M. sylvestris has protective effects against sodium fluorideinduced nephrotoxicity which maybe mediated by the antioxidant activity of the plant flavonoids

Effects of Aloe vera, Camellia sinensis, Hibiscus sabdariffa and Sophora alopecuroides in rat model of indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer

Background: Evidences show that Aloe vera [A. vera], Camellia sinensis, Hibiscus sabdariffa and Sophora alopecuroides may prevent gastric ulcer induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]

Objective: To examine the protective potential of these plants against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in the rat

Methods: Saline, A. vera leaf gel powder and 70% alcoholic extracts of the other 3 plants [100, 400, 800 mg/kg] and omeprazole [30 mg/kg] were gavaged to the groups of 10 animals for 4consecutive days. Gastric ulcers were induced by the onetime gavage of indomethacin [30mg/kg]. On the fifth day, each group was pretreated with physiological saline as control, extract[100, 400 or 800 mg/kg] or omeprazole [30 mg/kg] 30 min before the indomethacin administration. The animals were killed 6 h after the indomethacin administration. The stomachs were removed, opened along the greater curvature and washed in physiological saline. A person unaware of the type of treatment received by the animals examined the stomachs under a 3-fold magnifier. The areas and lengths of hemorrhagic lesions induced by indomethacin were measured using a dial caliper and the sum of measurements for each animal was referred to as the ulcer index

Results: All doses of the A. vera leaf gel powder and extracts reduced the ulcer index significantly compared to the control group [p < 0.05]

Conclusion: These plants have protective effect against NSAID-induced gastric ulcer in the rat. The A. vera leaf gel seems noticeably more effective than the other 3 plants in this respect

Anti-obesity and Anorectic Effects of Saffron and its Constituent Crocin in Obese Wistar Rat

Background: Obesity is p and emic worldwide and a strong risk factor for cardio-metabolic disorders. The few approved anti-obesity drugs have poor efficacy and safety profile. Thus, there is an urgent need for new anti-obesity agents. According to the traditional medicine and a clinical trial, saffron may have anorexigenic and anti-obesity effects which need further investigation. Objectives: Evaluation of the effects of saffron and crocin on body weight, food intake and blood leptin levels in obese Wistar rat. Methods: In the present study, saffron methanolic extract [25, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg] and its active constituent crocin [5, 15, 30, 50 mg/kg], sibutramine [5 mg/kg] and saline were gavaged daily to obese Wistar rats for 2 months and their effects on the body weight, food intake and blood leptin levels were evaluated. Results: The saffron extract and crocin at all doses as well as sibutramine reduced body weight, food intake and leptin levels significantly compared to saline and baseline [p < o.o5]. The extract and crocin effects were comparable to sibutramine. Conclusion: Saffron has anti-obesity and anorectic effects in the obese Wistar rat. The lowered leptin levels indicate that saffron reduces fat mass and increases insulin sensitivity. Crocin may be one of the active constituents involved in the effects of saffron. The effects of saffron and crocin may have important clinical implications in terms of treatment and prevention of obesity in humans.Keywords: Crocus sativus, Crocin, Obesity, Rat, Saffron

Effects of sophora alopecuroides l., zingiber officinale rose, and melissa officinalis l. in formalin and straub tail tests

S. alopecuroides, Z. officinale and M. officinalis are used traditionally in the treatment of pain. To evaluate the plants effects in the rat formalin test and their activity on the opioid receptors. Each rat was placed individually in a cage for 30 min to get acclimated. Then 0.05 ml of 10% formalin was injected subcutaneously into the dorsal surface of the right hind paw of the rat. Afterward, the animal was returned to the cage for observation. Pain responses were scored at 30 and 60 min after formalin injection. 90% ethanol extract was injected subcutaneously 30 min before formalin injection. To evaluate the role of opioid receptors in the analgesic effect of the extracts inhibiting the early phase of the test, naloxone was injected subcutaneously 30 min before extract injection. Moreover, the extracts effects on the Straub reaction were studied in mice. Mice were placed in individual cages immediately after extract injection for observation. The positive Straub tail response was considered as a persistent elevation of the tail at an angle more than 45°, 30 min after extract injection. S. alopecuroides and M. officinalis inhibited both phases of the formalin test [p<0.05], but Z. officinale inhibited only the late phase [p<0.05]. Naloxone did not reverse the effects of S. alopecuroides and M. officinalis in the formalin test. Further, the extracts did not cause Straub reaction. The plants have analgesic effect without opioid including micro[2] receptor activity and may not produce the side effects caused by activation of micro[2] receptors

Protective effects of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L., Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea chenault, Elaeagnus angustifolia L. and Launaea acanthodes [boiss.] O. kuntze against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats

Data suggest that V. arctostaphylos, B. thunbergii var. atropurpurea, E. angustifolia and L. acanthodes may prevent gastric ulcers induced by Non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]. To explore the ulcer-protective potential of these plants in indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats. Saline, hydro-alcoholic extract of each plant [100, 400, 800 mg/kg] and omeprazole [30 mg/kg] were gavaged to the groups of animals for 4 consecutive days. Gastric ulcers were induced by the onetime gavage of indomethacin [30 mg/kg, p.o.]. On the fifth day, each group was pretreated with physiological saline as control, extract [100, 400 or 800 mg/kg, p.o.] or omeprazole [30 mg/kg, p.o.] 30 min before the indomethacin administration. The animals were killed 6 h after the indomethacin administration. The stomachs were removed, opened along the greater curvature and washed in physiological saline. A person unaware of the type of treatment received by the animals examined the stomachs under a 3-fold magnifier. The areas and lengths of hemorrhagic lesions induced by indomethacin were measured using a dial caliper and the sum of measurements for each animal was referred to as the ulcer index. All extracts reduced the ulcer index significantly compared to the control group [p <0.05]. These plants prevent NSAID-induced gastric ulcers in rats. The efficacy and potency of the gastro-protective effect of L. acanthodes appears to be higher than the other 3 plants

Effects of Nigella sativa L. seed oil in type II diabetic patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo - controlled clinical trial

Nigella sativa [N. sativa] seeds are used to treat diabetes mellitus in traditional medicine. Moreover, N. sativa oil has reduced the fasting blood glucose level in non-diabetic volunteers. The present study was undertaken to explore the possible anti-hyperglycemic effect of N. sativa oil in type 2 diabetic patients. A randomized clinical trial was conducted in 70 type 2 diabetic patients referring to Baqiyatallah Hospital. The subjects were enrolled into two groups of 35 each. One group received 2.5 ml N. sativa oil and the other group received similarly 2.5 ml mineral oil two times a day for three months. The fasting and 2 hour postprandial blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c], lipid profile, BMI [body mass index], liver and renal function test were determined at the baseline and after three months. The blood levels of fasting and 2 hours postprandial glucose and HbA1c were significantly decreased in the N. sativa group compared with the placebo group at the end of the study. The BMI of the N. sativa group was decreased significantly from baseline. No side effects were reported. N. sativa oil improves glycernic control in type 2 diabetic patients without any side effects

[Pharmacological studies in phytotherapy of acne and infectious skin diseases: a systematic review]

The use of medicinal plants for the treatment of acne and other infectious skin diseases is very common. Here, pharmacological studies on the medicinal plants which may be effective in the treatment of acne and infective skin diseases published in the databases PubMed and Scopus from the beginning of the year 1980 to the end of April of the year 2013 have been searched and discussed. Keywords including medicinal plants, herbs, botanicals, phytomedicine, phytotherapy, herbal therapy and herbal medicine with dermatology, skin, acne vulgaris, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antimicrobial were entered in the databases. Totally 56 articles concerning clinical and nonclinical studies were found. Afterward, the quality of each study was determined. Examples of such plants include Vitex agnus-castus, Ocimum gratissimum, Aloe vera, Solanum dulcamara, Commiphora mukul, Mahonia aquifolillm, Melaleuca alternifolia, species of the genus Eucalyptus, Camellia sinensis and Allium sativum. Medicinal plants can have an important role in the treatment of acne and other infectious skin diseases. However, scant studies have been conducted in this field so far and more studies especially on the efficacy and safety of the plants' clinical use in humans are needed

Anti-hyperglycemic effects of vaccinium arctostaphylos L. fruit and leaf extracts in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. [Caucasian whortleberry] fruit is used as an anti-hyperglycemic agent for treatment of diabetes mellitus. The effects of whortleberry fruit and leaf extracts on the blood levels of fasting glucose, HbA1c [glycosylated hemoglobin], insulin, creatinine and liver enzymes SGOT and SGPT in alloxan-diabetic rats as well as LD[50]s of the extracts in rats were studied. The effects of 2 months daily gavage of each extract at the doses of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg on the parameters after single alloxan intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 125 mg/kg in the rats were evaluated. To calculate LD[50] [median lethal dose], each extract was gavaged to groups of 30 healthy male and female Wistar rats at various doses once and the number of dead animals in each group within 72 hours was determined. Alloxan injection resulted in significant increase of fasting glucose and HbA1c levels but decreased insulin levels significantly. Oral administration of whortleberry fruit and leaf extracts [each at the doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg] significantly reduced the fasting glucose and HbA1c levels but significantly increased the insulin levels without any significant effects on the SGOT, SGPT and creatinine levels in the diabetic rats compared with the control diabetic rats. The LD[50]s of the extracts were more than 15 g/kg. Whortleberry fruits and leaves may have anti-hyperglycemic and blood insulin level elevating effects without hepatic and renal toxicities in the alloxan-diabetic rats and are relatively nontoxic in rats

[Medicinal plants used in treatment of rhematologic diseases: a systematic review]

The rheumatologic diseases like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lowback pain and fibromyalgia are very common. The synthetic drugs available for treatment of these diseases have low efficacy and considerable adverse effects. Numerous approaches are used as alternatives and complementary to synthetic drugs to treat these diseases. One of the approaches is use of herbal medications. Here, the effects of medicinal plants and herbal active constituents used in treatment of these diseases including gammalinolenic acid, glucosamine, devil's claw [Harpagophytum procumbens], Ocimum species, Salix species, feverfew [Tanacetum parthenium], Tripterygium wilfordii, Uncaria species, nettle [Urtica dioica], ginger [Zingiber officinale], turmeric [Curcuma longa], chicory [Cichorium intybus], dog rose [Rosa canina] and avocado/soybean unsaponifiables obtained from search for english articles published in the databases PubMed and SCOPUS from 1966 to the end of 2011 using the keywords including the scientific, common and traditional names of plants are reviewed. Limited research has been conducted on the antirheumatic effects of these plants and active constituents so far. Thus it seems that further research to determine the mechanisms of action, drug interactions, efficacy and safety of medicinal plants and herbal active constituents potentially useful in treatment of these diseases are warranted

[Medicinal plants used in treatment of noninfectious skin diseases: a systematic review]

The use of medicinal plants and plant active constituents in the treatment of skin diseases is very common. Here, primarily the clinical trials concerning the use of medicinal plants and plant active constituents in the treatment of noninfectious skin diseases published in English from the beginning of the year 2000 to the end of the year 2012 in the databases PubMed and Scopus are discussed. Many studies have been conducted in this field so far and further studies to determine the efficacy and safety of these drugs in the treatment of skin diseases seem necessary

Aloe vera leaf gel in treatment of advanced type 2 diabetes mellitus needing insulin therapy: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

Advanced type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM] needing insulin therapy is a common disease. Previous studies indicate that aloe [Aloe vera L.] leaf gel may positively affect the blood glucose and lipid levels in patients with advanced T2DM needing insulin. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of aloe leaf gel in the treatment of type 2 diabetic patients resistant to oral synthetic anti-hyperglycemic drugs needing insulin. In this randomized double - blind placebo-controlled clinical trial with the patients aged 40-60 years, the efficacy and safety of taking aloe leaf gel [one 300 mg capsule every 12 hours for 2 months] combined with oral synthetic anti-hyperglycemic drugs in treatment of 35 patients were evaluated and compared with the placebo group [n = 35]. The aloe leaf gel lowered the blood levels of fasting glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin significantly [p = 0.041 and p = 0.023 respectively] without any significant effects on the lipid profile and liver/kidney function tests [p > 0.05] compared with placebo at the endpoint. No adverse effects were reported. The results suggest that aloe leaf gel may safely improve glycemic control in patients with advanced T2DM needing insulin

Effects of silymarin on cadmium-induced toxicity in rats

Cadmium has toxicological significance and there is no effective therapy for its poisoning. The effects of silymarin on the parameters indicative of cadmium-induced toxicity were studied in rats. 130 adult male Wistar rats were divided into 13 groups each comprising 10 rats. 1 group as control group was not administered neither cadmium nor silymarin. Cadmium chloride [3mg/kg/week] was administered intraperitoneally to 12 groups for 6 weeks. The 12 groups were divided into two sets of 6 groups. In the first set, one group was kept as control and silymarin in the doses of 15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 mg/kg/week was administered orally to each group for 6 weeks. In the second set, one group was kept as control and the aforementioned doses of silymarin were administered orally to each group for 6 weeks after 6 weeks of cadmium administration. Blood samples were taken after 6 weeks from the first set and after 12 weeks from the second set to determine AST [aspartate aminotransferase], ALT [alanine aminotransferase] and ALP [alkaline phosphatase] levels and catalase activity. In the first set in all silymarin treated groups, ALP level significantly decreased compared with control and in the second set, AST level decreased significantly compared with control only in groups treated with high doses of silymarin. Different doses of silymarin except the dose of 15 mg/kg significantly increased serum catalase activity compared with control in both sets. Silymarin prevents and reverses cadmium-induced toxicity possibly through its antioxidative property in rats

[Study on effects of chicory [cichorium intybus L.], fennel [foeniculum vulgare mill.] and dill [anethum graveolens L.] on fertility and neonatal gender in rats]

Various plants are used in traditional medicine to increase fertility and to affect fetus gender. The effects of chicory roots and fennel and dill seeds water extracts on fertility rate and neonate gender in rats were studied. 184 Wistar rats weighing 230-250 g in 4 groups each comprising 23 males and 23 females kept separate from each other were used. Water without extract was gavaged to the control group and chicory, fennel and dill extracts were gavaged at the doses of 45, 100 and 100 mg/kg respectively to each of the other 3 groups for 5 weeks. During the fifth week, each male rat was put close to one female rat in a separate cage to mate. The number of parturitions and number and gender of neonates were determined later. The number of parturient rats and the total number of neonates in the fennel group were increased very significantly compared to the control group and other groups [chi[2] = 18.65, p < 0.01], but the number of male and female neonates in the fennel group and the number of parturient rats, total number of neonates and number of male and female neonates in the chicory and dill groups did not differ significantly from the control group [p > 0.05]. Fennel increases fertility rate and neonates number in rats, but chicory and dill do not have such effects. None of the plants affect the neonates' gender in rats

Use and attitude on herbal medicine in a group of pregnant women in Tehran

While the use of herbal medicines is common in Tehran, there is scant data regarding various aspects of the use of such medicines during pregnancy. The frequency of the use of herbal medicines in a group of pregnant women in Tehran and their attitude to the use of such medicines were evaluated. In this cross-sectional study, 600 pregnant women were studied. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to explore the demographic and pregnancy related data, the extent of use of the herbal medicines, the subjects' sources of information and their attitude regarding such medicines. The data were analyzed using student t- and chi-square tests. Logistic regression was used to determine the predicting factors. 402 [67%] participants had used at least one type of herbal medicine during their current or previous pregnancies, with a mean of 2.71 +/- 1.94 herbs per individual. Two commonly used herbs were peppermint [32.8%] and olibanum [26.3%]. Maternal and Gestational age, family size, children number, frequency of having medical insurance and positive attitude in users were significantly higher than non-users [P values were 0.02, 0.02, 0.001, <0.001, 0.04 and <0.001 respectively]. The score of attitude was the only predictor for taking herbal medicine with the odds ratio 0.89 [95% confidence interval: 0.86-0.92] of logistic regression model for negative attitude. Considering the high frequency of herbal medicine use during pregnancy, pregnant women need appropriate sources of information about these medicines. Further, health care providers should ask pregnant women about taking herbal medicines

Cynara scolymus l. in treatment of hypercholesterolemic type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with hyperlipidemia is a common disease. Conventional anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic drugs have limited efficacies and important side effects, so that alternative agents are needed. Previous studies suggest that fiber-free artichoke [Cynara scolymus L.] leaf extract may have anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects in hypercholesterolemic type 2 diabetic patients. Moreover, artichoke leaves are used traditionally as an anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic remedy to treat diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia. The effects of artichoke leaf extract in treatment of hypercholesterolemic type 2 diabetic patients were studied. In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial with hypercholesterolemic type 2 diabetic patients aged 40 to 60 years not using other antihyperlipidemic agents and resistant to daily intake of two 5 mg glyburide tablets and two 500 mg metformin tablets, the efficacy and safety of taking fiber-free artichoke leaf extract [one 400 mg capsule t.i.d. for 2 months] combined with the aforementioned drugs in treatment of 36 patients were evaluated and compared with the placebo group [n = 36]. The extract lowered the blood levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol significantly [P=0.002 and p=0.040 respectively] without any significant effects on the blood levels of fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, other lipids, SGOT, SGPT and creatinine [P>0.05] compared with placebo at the endpoint. No adverse effects were reported. Fiber-free artichoke extract may be a safe anti-hypercholesterolemic agent but does not improve glycemic control in hypercholesterolemic type 2 diabetic patients, suggesting the involvement of fibers in the anti-hyperglycemic effect of artichoke

Anti-hyperglycemic effects of saffron and its active constituents, crocin and safranal, in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Saffron is the dried stigmata of the flowers of saffron [Crocus sativus L., Iridaceae]. Saffron and its major active constituents, crocin [crocetin glycoside], crocetin and safranal, have a variety of pharmacological effects including high antioxidant properties and crocetin has insulin sensitizing effect possibly due to its antioxidant activity. Oral crocin is not absorbed and is hydrolyzed and absorbed as the active metabolite crocetin in the rat intestines. Study of the saffron, crocin and safranal effects on the blood levels of fasting glucose, HbA1c [glycosylated hemoglobin] and liver/kidney function tests in alloxan-diabetic rats. The effects of 6 weeks' daily oral administration of saffron methanolic extract, crocin and safranal on the fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin, creatinine and SGOT and SGPT levels after single alloxan intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 125 mg/kg in rats were evaluated. Alloxan injection resulted in significant increase of fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels but decreased blood insulin levels significantly. Saffron methanolic extract [80 and 240 mg/kg], crocin [50 and 150 mg/kg] and safranal [0.25 and 0.5 ml/kg] significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels but significantly increased the blood insulin levels without any significant effects on the blood SGOT, SGPT and creatinine levels in the diabetic rats compared with the control diabetic rats. The results suggest that saffron may have anti-hyperglycemic and blood insulin level elevating effects without hepatic and renal toxicities in the alloxan - diabetic rats. Further, crocin, crocetin and safranal may be involved in these effects of saffron

[Study on effects of processing with vinegar and saline on toxicity and anti-diabetic property of Citrullus colocynthis [L.] schard. fruit extract in rats]

The fruits of Citrullus colocynthis are used for treatment of diabetes. C. colocynthis has controlled blood glucose levels in diabetic animals and type 2 diabetic patients. C. colocynthis is toxic at high doses so it is soaked in vinegar or saline for a while in order to reduce its toxicity. The effects of processing with vinegar and saline on the toxicity and anti-diabetic property of C. colocynthis in rats were studied. Determination of LD[50] [median lethal dose]: The non-processed and saline and vinegar processed hydro-alcoholic extracts of C. colocynthis were administered via gavage to groups of 10 healthy male and female Wistar rats at various doses once and the number of dead animals in each group within 72 hours was determined. Study on anti-diabetic effect: Male Wistar rats were made diabetic with the intra-peritoneal injection of 125 mg/kg alloxan. Each extract was administered via gavage to a group of 10 diabetic male Wistar rats at the daily dose of 20 mg/kg for 1 month and finally, the tail venous blood glucose levels after fasting for 8 hours were determined with the glucose oxidase method. The LD[50]s of the non-processed and saline and vinegar processed extracts were 200 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg respectively. The three extracts reduced the blood glucose levels significantly compared with control [p <0.05]. Processing with saline or vinegar can reduce the toxicity of C. colocynthis with maintenance of its anti-diabetic effect

[ review on medicinal plants used in treatment of obesity and overweight]

The prevalence of obesity and overweight is alarmingly increasing. Obesity and overweight are regarded as the most important avoidable risk factors causing morbidity and mortality. The approved synthetic weight loss drugs have low efficacies and considerable adverse effects. Numerous approaches are used as alternatives to synthetic drugs to induce weight loss. One of the approaches is use of herbal medications. Here, the effects of medicinal plants and herbal active constituents including caffeine, ephedrine, Garcinia cambogia, Hoodia gordonii, tea [green, black and oolong], Citrius aurantium, capsaicin, plant fibers such as guar gum, glucomannan and psyllium, Cissus quadrangularis, Irvingia gabonensis, Phaseolus vulgaris, chitosan, Trigonella foenum-graecum and yohimbine in clinical trials concerning weight loss are reviewed. Most of these medicinal plants have been studied in very limited clinical studies, and none have been evaluated to the extent that can be definitively recommended for weight reduction, nor have they been studied to ascertain the extent of potential hazards. Thus, further clinical researches to define the efficacies and safeties of the medicinal plants and herbal active constituents that may have weight reducing properties seem warranted

effects of Taraxacum officinale L. and Berberis vulgaris L. root extracts on carbon tetrachloride induced liver toxicity in rats

Taraxacum officinale and Berberis vulgaris have long been used as herbal remedies for treatment of a variety of complaints including liver dysfunction and gallbladder disease. However scientifically reliable data are needed to verify their minimum effective doses. In present study, the effects of Taraxacum officinale L. and Berberis vulgaris L. root extracts at the different doses 10, 20 and 30 times higher than average dose [THD] used in traditional systems of medicines were tested against carbon tetrachloride [CCl4] induced liver toxicity in rats. Methods: The root extracts of T. officinale at doses of 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg/day and B. vulgaris at doses of 300, 600 and 900 mg/kg/day, relative to 10, 20 and 30 THD average doses used in traditional systems of medicines were prepared by dissolving dry extracts in 5% dimethyl sulfoxide in distilled water. Eighty male Wistar rats, 5 months old, were divided in 8 groups of 10 rats each. Liver intoxication was induced in 7 groups by intraperitoneal injection of 1 ml/kg of 1:1 CCl4 in olive oil for two successive days. One group was kept as control and six different doses of medicinal plants extracts were administered to six groups simultaneously with CCl4 administration. After three days the serum levels of ALT, AST and ALP, liver tissue glutathione level and catalase activities as well as liver tissue microvesicular steatosis and pericentral coagulation necrosis were determined. In control group the blood levels of ALT, AST, ALP and liver tissue injury were increased whereas the serum GSH level and catalase activity decreased significantly after 3 days of beginning of carbon tetrachloride liver toxicity as compared to normal group. In T. officinale treated group at the dose of 750 mg/kg/day, the serum ALT and ALP levels and in B. vulgaris at the dose of 900 mg/kg/day, the serum ALP levels reduced significantly as compared to control group. The liver micro vesicular steatosis was inhibited significantly in both groups at the doses of 30 THD as compared to control group. In the present study administration of T. officinale and B. vulgaris root extracts at with 30 THD ameliorated CCl4 induced liver damage

Effects of saffron and its active constituents, crocin and safranal, on prevention of indomethacin induced gastric ulcers in diabetic and nondiabetic rats

Saffron is the dried stigmata of the flowers of saffron [Crocus sativus L., Iridaceae]. Saffron is well known for the treatment of gastric disorders in traditional medicine. In the search for new potential antiulcer agents, the effects of the ethanol extract of saffron and its active constituents crocin and safranal as compared with omeprazole against gastric ulcer induced by indomethacin in non-diabetic and streptozocin diabetic rats were studied. The effects of pretreatment with saffron extract [25, 100 or 250 mg/kg, p.o.], crocin [2.5, 5 or 10 mg/kg, p.o.] and safranal [0.25, 2, 5 ml/kg, p.o.] and omeprazole [30 mg/kg, p.o.] 30 min before administration of indomethacin [40 mg/kg, p.o. in non-diabetic rats and 15 mg/kg, p.o. in diabetic rats] on gastric lesions, increase of lipid peroxidation and decrease of glutathione levels induced by indomethacin in non-diabetic and diabetic rats were evaluated. Saffron extract, crocin, safranal and omeprazol prevented the gastric lesions, increase of lipid peroxidation and decrease of glutathione levels induced by indomethacin in non-diabetic and diabetic rats as compared with the control group [P < 0.01]. The effects of saffron extract, crocin and safranal on the gastric ulcer index, lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels were comparable to omeprazole. Saffron, crocin and safranal may prevent the gastric mucosa damage due to their antioxidant properties by increasing the gluthatione levels and diminishing the lipid peroxidation in the rat gastric mucosa