ABSTRACT
Effects of the aqueous extract of T. sessilifolius on the gastrointestinal muscle were investigated on smooth muscle preparations isolated from rabbit jejunum, guinea pig ileum and on gastrointestinal transit in mice. Elemental analysis of the extract was also carried out. The aqueous extract of T. sessilifolius evoked a concentration dependent contraction of the rabbit jejunum and guinea pig ileum. The contractions evoked by the extract were not attenuated either by atropine or mepyramine, but they were completely blocked by verapamil. The elemental analysis revealed the presence of Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu, and very high concentration of Ca. The intraperitoneal LD50 in mice was found to be 1500 mg/kg. The aqueous extract of T. sessilifoliius possesses active components that may be mediating the observed biological activity through calcium mobilization.
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Gastrointestinal Transit/drug effects , Guinea Pigs , Ileum/drug effects , Jejunum/drug effects , Lethal Dose 50 , Male , Mice , Mistletoe/chemistry , Muscle, Smooth/drug effects , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Leaves/chemistry , RabbitsABSTRACT
Methanolic extract of Ficus platyphylla was tested on isolated rabbit jejunum, rat duodenum and gastrointestinal motility in mice. The extract showed a biphasic effect on isolated smooth muscle. Lower concentration of extract caused contraction, while higher concentrations produced relaxation. The contractile phase was attenuated by atropine, while relaxant phase attenuated histamine induced contraction of guinea pig ileum. The extract also exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of gastrointestinal motility. Acute toxicity test in mice established LD50 value (i.p.) of the extract to be 2000 mg/kg. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract gave positive test for flavonoids, tannins and saponins.
Subject(s)
Animals , Digestive System/drug effects , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Female , Gastrointestinal Transit/drug effects , Guinea Pigs , Lethal Dose 50 , Male , Mice , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Rabbits , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Rosales/chemistryABSTRACT
The epidemic of AIDS took the world unawares. However; scientists and drug manufacturers have responded promptly to this dreadful challenge. It has now become possible to consider vaccine against AIDS by 2000 ADS
Subject(s)
AIDS Vaccines , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome , Drug Therapy , HIV InfectionsABSTRACT
This project was designed to study the effects of hemicastration in male albino rats of different ages and weights. Significant compensatory hypertrophy was seen in young rats (5 and 20 days old). The concentration of seminiferous tubules was profoundly reduced while the tubular diameter was increased in young hemicastrated rats. The weights of the kidneys were increased while the weights of the adrenal glands were not different in hemicastrated young rats. These histological and histometrical changes may be associated with specific endocrine activity.