Evaluation of antiproteinuric and hepato-renal protective activities of propolis in paracetamol toxicity in rats

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Propolis has a rich source of bioactive compounds and has renal and hepatic protective properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the beneficial effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of propolis against paracetamol-induced liver damage and impairment of kidney function, as well as hematological changes in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six groups of rats were used; the first group was served as a control; the second and third groups were treated by propolis extract at a dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg.B.WT. respectively; the fourth group was treated by paracetamol (200 mg/kg.B.WT.); the fifth group was treated by propolis (50 mg/kg.B.WT.) for eight days and then received similar dose of propolis for following seven days with paracetamol at a dose of 200 mg/kg.B.WT. daily for the seven days; and the sixth group was treated with propolis (100 mg/kg.B.WT.) for eight days and then received similar dose of propolis for following seven days with paracetamol at a dose of 200 mg/kg.B.WT. daily for the seven days. All the animals were treated for a period of 15 days. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected for measurement of the liver enzymes, serum albumin, protein and creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, hematological parameters, and urine volume, protein and albumin. RESULTS: Paracetamol over dose significantly lowered hemoglobin, serum total protein, albumin, and uric acid, while it significantly increased blood creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities, white blood cells, and platelet count as compared to the control. However, these alterations were significantly attenuated by the use of propolis extract and the effect was dose dependent. Interestingly, propolis prevented paracetamol induced proteinuria, low hemoglobin and body weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: Propolis significantly prevented paracetamol induced renal, hepatic and hematological toxicity and might be useful in the management of liver and renal diseases particularly proteinuria.

Potential effect of Silybum marianum L. and Cistus ladaniferus L. extracts on urine volume, creatinine clearance and renal function

Objective: To investigate the diuretic and renal effects of Silybum marianum L. and Cistus ladaniferus L. in normal rats. Methods: Four groups of rats were used in each experiment. The first group received water, the second group received Cistus ladaniferus L. extract (100 mg/kg b.wt), the third group received Silybum marianum L. extract (100 mg/kg b.wt), and the fourth group received furosemide (10 mg/kg b.wt). Variables including urine volume, plasma and urine sodium, potassium and creatinine, and creatinine clearance were measured. Two experiments were conducted. A single dose of each intervention was used and the variables were measured during 24 h, and the interventions were given daily for a total of 8 d and the variables were measured during various intervals. Results: The single dose of each plant extract increased urine volume at all-time intervals and increased urine sodium and potassium excretion without affecting plasma sodium and potassium (P<0.05). On the day 8 after daily administration, the plant extracts induced a significant diuresis and natriuresis without affecting serum electrolytes (P<0.05), while furosemide caused hypokalemia. Both plant extracts significantly increased creatinine clearance (P<0.05). Conclusions: Silybum marianum L. and Cistus ladaniferus L. increase creatinine clearance and have a significant diuretic effect without affecting serum electrolytes. Silybum marianum L. is more potent than furosemide or Cistus ladaniferus L. http://www.apjtm.org/article.asp?issn=1995-7645;year=2018;volume=11;issue=6;spage=393;epage=398;aulast=El;type=2.

Chemical analysis and antioxidant content of various propolis samples collected from different regions and their impact on antimicrobial activities

Objective: To assess the antioxidant content, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of various propolis samples. Methods: Seven propolis samples were collected from different locations in Morocco, which are characterized by different plant predominant vegetations. The resin, wax and balsam of hydroalcoholic extract of propolis content were identified, and the antioxidant content was analyzed with the use of HPLC and colorimetric methods. The antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH, ABTS

Chemical analysis and antioxidant content of various propolis samples collected from different regions and their impact on antimicrobial activities

Objective:To assess the antioxidant content, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of various propolis samples.Methods:Seven propolis samples were collected from different locations in Morocco, which are characterized by different plant predominant vegetations. The resin, wax and balsam of hydroalcoholic extract of propolis content were identified, and the antioxidant content was analyzed with the use of HPLC and colorimetric methods. The antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH, ABTSResults:The propolis samples showed significant variations in the chemical composition and in the antioxidant or antimicrobial activities even when the samples were collected from the same location. Propolis with high resin and low wax content had high level of antioxidant compounds, and strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Gram-positive bacteria, especially, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus were more sensitive to all propolis samples than Gram-negative bacteria and Candida albicans.Conclusions:The chemical composition and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of various propolis samples are different and rely on the geographic and plant origin of propolis collection. Propolis samples with low wax and high resin content might be more suitable to be used in future preclinical or clinical investigations.

Potential effect of Silybum marianum L. and Cistus ladaniferus L. extracts on urine volume, creatinine clearance and renal function

Objective:To investigate the diuretic and renal effects of Silybum marianum L. and Cistus ladaniferus L. in normal rats.Methods:Four groups of rats were used in each experiment. The first group received water, the second group received Cistus ladaniferus L. extract (100 mg/kg b.wt), the third group received Silybum marianum L. extract (100 mg/kg b.wt), and the fourth group received furosemide (10 mg/kg b.wt). Variables including urine volume, plasma and urine sodium, potassium and creatinine, and creatinine clearance were measured. Two experiments were conducted. A single dose of each intervention was used and the variables were measured during 24 h, and the interventions were given daily for a total of 8 d and the variables were measured during various intervals.Results:The single dose of each plant extract increased urine volume at all-time intervals and increased urine sodium and potassium excretion without affecting plasma sodium and potassium (P<0.05). On the day 8 after daily administration, the plant extracts induced a significant diuresis and natriuresis without affecting serum electrolytes (P<0.05), while furosemide caused hypokalemia. Both plant extracts significantly increased creatinine clearance (P<0.05).Conclusions:Silybum marianum L. and Cistus ladaniferus L. increase creatinine clearance and have a significant diuretic effect without affecting serum electrolytes. Silybum marianum L. is more potent than furosemide or Cistus ladaniferus L.

Comparison of hypotensive, diuretic and renal effects between cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica and furosemide

Objective To investigate the diuretic, hypotensive and renal effect of Opuntia ficus-indica in two different species in oral and intravenous administration. Methods Diuretic activity was evaluated in rats with the plant cladode gel and aqueous extract administrated orally, and was evaluated in rabbits with plant extract administered intravenously. Single and repeated doses of cladode gel or aqueous extract of cladode were tested. Urine volume and blood and urine creatinine, sodium and potassium were measured, and creatinine clearance was calculated. The hypotensive effect of lyophilized extract of cladode was evaluated in rabbits. Two polyethylene PE50 catheters were used: one in the jugular vein for the infusion of the plant extract and the other in the carotid for the evaluation of the arterial pressure. Results The cladode gel or aqueous extract increased urine volume, creatinine clearance and urinary excretion of sodium and potassium without significant effect on serum creatinine or blood urea. Furosemide, gel and aqueous extract of cladode insignificantly lowered plasma potassium in rats. Intravenous administration of the lyophilized extract caused a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure in rabbits with a significant increase in urine volume and urine sodium and potassium; the effect was dose dependent. Intravenous administration of lyophilized extract did not affect plasma sodium or potassium. Conclusions Gel and aqueous extract of Opuntia ficus-indica cladode have a significant diuretic effect on rats, and the lyophilized extract has a diuretic and hypotensive effect on normotensive rabbits without deterioration in renal function test. Additional studies on active ingredients are essential to pave the way for clinical studies on diuretic and hypotensive effect of the plant.

Antioxidant and diuretic activity of co-administration of Capparis spinosa honey and propolis in comparison to furosemide

Objective To study the antioxidant properties of Capparis spinosa (C. spinosa) honey and propolis and the effect of combined honey and propolis administration on urine volume and electrolytes in rats. Methods C. spinosa honey [1 000 mg/kg body weight (b.wt)], propolis (100 mg/kg b.wt), honey/propolis mixture (C. spinosa honey 1 000 mg/kg b.wt/ propolis extract 100 mg/kg b.wt), distilled water (1 mL/kg b.wt) and furosemide (10 mg/kg b.wt) were orally administered to five groups of rats for 21 d. Urine volume, blood and urine sodium, potassium and chloride were measured. The antioxidant activity of propolis and honey was assessed and their total phenols and flavonoids were determined. Results Propolis and C. spinosa honey contain polyphenols including flavonoids and propolis demonstrated higher antioxidant activities than honey. Honey significantly increased urine volume and urine electrolyte excretion. Propolis had no significant effect on urine volume, but co-administration of propolis and honey caused significant diuresis. No major changes were observed in plasma electrolytes with the use of honey, propolis or their combination. Conclusions Honey and propolis have antioxidant activity and contain polyphenols including flavonoids that are more pronounced in propolis. Honey has a significant diuretic activity alone or in combination with propolis. This is the first study comparing the diuretic effect of co-administration of propolis and C. spinosa honey with furosemide.

Comparison of hypotensive, diuretic and renal effects between cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica and furosemide

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the diuretic, hypotensive and renal effect of Opuntia ficus-indica in two different species in oral and intravenous administration.@*METHODS@#Diuretic activity was evaluated in rats with the plant cladode gel and aqueous extract administrated orally, and was evaluated in rabbits with plant extract administered intravenously. Single and repeated doses of cladode gel or aqueous extract of cladode were tested. Urine volume and blood and urine creatinine, sodium and potassium were measured, and creatinine clearance was calculated. The hypotensive effect of lyophilized extract of cladode was evaluated in rabbits. Two polyethylene PE50 catheters were used: one in the jugular vein for the infusion of the plant extract and the other in the carotid for the evaluation of the arterial pressure.@*RESULTS@#The cladode gel or aqueous extract increased urine volume, creatinine clearance and urinary excretion of sodium and potassium without significant effect on serum creatinine or blood urea. Furosemide, gel and aqueous extract of cladode insignificantly lowered plasma potassium in rats. Intravenous administration of the lyophilized extract caused a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure in rabbits with a significant increase in urine volume and urine sodium and potassium; the effect was dose dependent. Intravenous administration of lyophilized extract did not affect plasma sodium or potassium.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Gel and aqueous extract of Opuntia ficus-indica cladode have a significant diuretic effect on rats, and the lyophilized extract has a diuretic and hypotensive effect on normotensive rabbits without deterioration in renal function test. Additional studies on active ingredients are essential to pave the way for clinical studies on diuretic and hypotensive effect of the plant.

Antioxidant and diuretic activity of co-administration of Capparis spinosa honey and propolis in comparison to furosemide

OBJECTIVE@#To study the antioxidant properties of Capparis spinosa (C. spinosa) honey and propolis and the effect of combined honey and propolis administration on urine volume and electrolytes in rats.@*METHODS@#C. spinosa honey [1000 mg/kg body weight (b.wt)], propolis (100 mg/kg b.wt), honey/propolis mixture (C. spinosa honey 1000 mg/kg b.wt/ propolis extract 100 mg/kg b.wt ), distilled water (1 mL/kg b.wt) and furosemide (10 mg/kg b.wt) were orally administered to five groups of rats for 21 d. Urine volume, blood and urine sodium, potassium and chloride were measured. The antioxidant activity of propolis and honey was assessed and their total phenols and flavonoids were determined.@*RESULTS@#Propolis and C. spinosa honey contain polyphenols including flavonoids and propolis demonstrated higher antioxidant activities than honey. Honey significantly increased urine volume and urine electrolyte excretion. Propolis had no significant effect on urine volume, but co-administration of propolis and honey caused significant diuresis. No major changes were observed in plasma electrolytes with the use of honey, propolis or their combination.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Honey and propolis have antioxidant activity and contain polyphenols including flavonoids that are more pronounced in propolis. Honey has a significant diuretic activity alone or in combination with propolis. This is the first study comparing the diuretic effect of co-administration of propolis and C. spinosa honey with furosemide.

Vasorelaxant effect of essential oil isolated from Nigella sativa L. seeds in rat aorta: Proposed mechanism

The effect of the essential oil extracted from Nigella sativa [L.] seeds [Nigella oil] was investigated for its vasorelaxant activity on isolated rat aorta. Nigella oil at concentrations of 10-100micro g/mL elicited a dose-dependent relaxation of the aorta, which was pre-contracted with noradrenaline [NA, 10[-6] M] or KCl [100mM]. In the presence of Nigella oil [75micro g/mL, the dose response curves to increasing concentrations of NA [10[-9] M to 10[-4]M] or KCl [10mM- 100mM] were displaced downwards, indicating inhibition of the vasoconstrictive effect. This relaxation effect was independent of the presence of endothelium. In addition, the vasodilatory activity of the Nigella oil was not affected by pre-treatment of the rings with NG-nitro-L-Arginine [an inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase; 0.1mM], suggesting that the vasorelaxant effect is not mediated by nitric oxide. Furthermore, pre-treatment of the rings with Nigella oil [75micro g/mL suppressed the tension increment produced by increasing external calcium concentration [0.25mM to 1.5mM]. Tin conclusion, the essential oil extracted from Nigella sativa seeds produces smooth muscle relaxation, which is independent of endothelium and is not mediated by nitric oxide. The results also suggest that the vasorelaxing effect of the oil results from the blockade of both voltage-sensitive and receptor-operated calcium channels, and this may have therapeutic significance, in that Nigella oil may be useful as an antihypertensive agent in humans

Phytochemistry of the essential oil of Melissa officinalis L. growing wild in Morocco: Preventive approach against nosocomial infections

Objective: To determine the phytochemical characterization and antibacterial activity of Melissa officinalis essential oil against bacteria responsible for nosocomial infections. Methods: The phytochemical characterization of essential oil was evaluated using gas chromatography-flame ionization detector and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analysis. Antibacterial activity of the oil was tested against four bacterial strains responsible for nosocomial infections: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus and Citrobacter koseri using disc diffusion method. Results: Thirty three components were identified representing 89.30% of the total oil composition. The yield of essential oil was 0.4% and the predominant components were citronellal (14.40%), isogeraniol (6.40%), geraniol acetate (10.20%), nerol acetate (5.10%), caryophyllene (8.10%) and b-caryophyllene oxide (11.00%). Antibacterial activity of the oil showed the higher activity against all bacterial strains tested. Conclusions: The essential oil extracted from lemon balm can be used to clean the environment of reanimation polyvalent and anaesthesia service.

Cytotoxicity of alkaloids isolated from peganum harmala seeds

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Peganum harmala is used in traditional medicine to treat a number of diseases including cancer. Our preliminary studies show that the alkaloidal extract of PH seed is cytotoxic to several tumor cell lines in vitro and has antitumor effect in a tumor model in vivo. The present investigation was aimed at extending our previous studies in identifying the components in P. harmala seedextract responsible for the cytotoxic effects, and study the cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity of isolated alkaloids and total alkaloidal fraction [TAF] in several tumor cell lines. Four alkaloids: harmalicidine, harmine, peganine [vasicine] and vasicinone were isolated from the P. harmala seedextract and their activity and that of TAF were tested a] for their cytotoxic activity against four tumor cell lines [three developed by us by chemical-induction in Wistar rats: 1] Med-mek carcinoma ; 2] UCP-med carcinoma ; 3] UCP-med sarcoma]; and 4] SP2/O-Ag14, and b] for antiproliferative effect on cells of Jurkat, E6-1 clone [inhibition of incorporation of [[3]H-thymidine] in cellular DNA]. The alkaloids and TAF inhibited the growth of tumor cell lines to varying degrees; Sp2/O-Ag14 was the most sensitive, with IC[50] values [concentration of the active substance that inhibited the growth of the tumor cells by 50%] ranging between 2.43 microg/mL and 19.20 microg/mL, while UCP-med carcinoma was the least sensitive [range of IC[50] = 13.83 microg/mL to 59.97 microg/mL]. Of the substances evaluated, harmine was the most active compound [IC[50] for the 4 tumor cell lines varying between 2.43 microg/ml and 18.39 microg/mL], followed by TAF [range of IC[50] = 7.32 microg/mL to 13.83 microg/mL]; peganine was the least active [IC[50] = 50 microg/mL to > 100 microg/ml]. In terms of antiproliferative effect, vasicinone and TAF were more potent than other substances: the concentration of vasicinone, and TAF needed to inhibit the incorporation of [[3]H-TDR] in the DNA cells of Jurkat, E6-1 clone by 50% [IC[50]] were 8.60 +/- 0.023 microg/mL and 8.94 +/- 0.017 microg/mL, respectively, while peganine was the least active [IC[50] >100 microg/mL]. The IC[50] values for harmalacidine [27.10 +/- 0.011 microg/mL] and harmine [46.57 +/- 0.011 microg/mL] were intermediate. The harmala alkaloids inhibited the growth of four tumor cell lines, and proliferation of Jurkat cells with varying potencies. Harmine was the most potent in inhibiting cell growth, and vasicinone was most active as antiproliferating substance. The TAF had significant cytotoxic as well as antiproliferating activity

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of an aqueous extract of chamaerops humilis leaves in obese, hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic meriones SHAWI rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance: An aqueous concoction made from the leaves of Chamaerops humilis [L.] [dwarf fan palm], is used in the Moroccan traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes, as well as a number of other diseases. The aim of the study was to experimentally validate the use of C. humilis in the folk treatment of diabetes as well as to determine if the aqueous leaf extract of this plant has hypolipidemic properties in an animal model of obesity, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. The animal model consisted of experimentally induced obesity, hyperglycemia and hyperlidemia [OHH] in Meriones shawi rats. In the acute study, OHH M. shawi rats [n = 8] were given a single oral dose [10 mg/kg] of an aqueous extract of C. Humilis leaves [plant-extract]; taurine [8 mg/kg] was used as the positive control. Plasma glucose levels were determined at 2-, 4- and 6-hr after the dose. In the sub-chronic study, groups of OHH rats [n = 8 for each group] were given daily oral doses of the plant-extract and taurine [at the above doses] for 30 days. Body weight [BW], plasma glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides were measured at 15 and 30 days of dosing. The M. shawi rats developed OHH when maintained on a hypercaloric diet and forced physical inactivity for 90 days. A single oral dose of the plant-extract decreased plasma glucose levels with the maximum effect occurring at 4-hr after the dose [6.88 +/- 1.38 mmol/L compared to baseline 12.04 +/- 0.94 mmol/L; P<0.01]. Taurine also decreased plasma glucose [from 12.26 +/- 1.27 mmol/L to 9.15 +/- 1.27 mmol/L; P<0.05]; water treated control group did not show any effect. In normal M. shawi [normal] rats, none of the treatments had significant effect on glucose levels. In the sub-chronic study, daily oral administration of the plant-extract or taurine for 30 days to the OHH rats resulted in a significant decrease in BW [from 241 +/- 8 g to 165 +/- 11 g; P<0.001 for the extract, and from 221 +/- 13 g to 189 +/- 11 g; P<0.05 for taurine]; water treated control rats showed no effect. In normal rats, administration of the plant-extract or taurine for 30 days resulted in an insignificant decrease in BW, while water administration caused a small [normal] increase in the weight Plasma glucose levels of the OHH rats decreased significantly with daily dosing with the plant-extract [from baseline 12.04 +/- 0.94 mmol/L to 6.10 +/- 0.27 mmol/L [P<0.05] after 15 days, and to 4.84 +/- 0.22 mmol/L [P<0.001] after 30 days]. Taurine was less effective [P<0.05], while water treated control group did not show any effect. In the normal rats, administration of the plant-extract or taurine for 30 days resulted in a small decrease in glycemia. Administration of plant-extract caused a significant decrease in plasma levels of total cholesterol [from baseline of 3.46 +/- 0.21 mmol/L to 1.05 +/- 0.06 mmol/L [p<0.0l] after 15 days and to 0.62 +/- 0.02 mmol/L [p<0.00l]] after 30 days, and triglycerides [from baseline of 1.15 +/- 0.17 mmol/L to 0.47 +/- 0.04 mmol/L [p<0.00l] after 15 days and to 0.37 +/- 0.03 mmol/L [p<0.001] after 30 days]. Taurine was less effective, while water treated control group did not show any effect. There was no effect of these treatments on lipid levels in normal rats. The results of this study validate the traditional use of the leaves of C. humilis in the treatment of diabetes in Morocco. Since, the aqueous leaf extract also decreased total cholesterol and triglycerides, the plant may also be useful in the management of secondary complications of diabetes [dyslipidemia] Furthermore, the plant may become a good source of antidiabetic medication

Ethnopharmacology of the plants of genus Ajuga

The plants of genus Ajuga are evergreen, clump-forming rhizomatous perennial or annual herbaceous flowering species, with Ajuga being one of the 266 genera of the family Lamiaceae. There are at least 301 species of the genus Ajuga with many variations. These plants, growing in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and North America, are used in gardens as ground cover or border for their foliage and beautiful flowers. Many of these plants have been used in traditional medicine as a remedy for fever, toothache, dysentery, malaria, high blood pressure, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, as anthelmintic, diuretic and antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antimycobacterial agents. They are also used as insect growth inhibitor s. A large number of compounds have been isolated from the Ajuga plants, including phytoecdysteroids, Neo-clerodane-diterpenes and diterpenoids, triterpenes, sterols, anthocyanidin-glucosides and iridoid glycosides, withanolides, flavonoids, triglycerides and essential oils. These compounds possess a broad spectrum of biological, pharmacological and medicinal properties, such as anabolic, analgesic, antibacterial, antiestrogenic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antileukemic, antimalarial, antimycobacterial, antioxidant, antipyretic, cardiotonic, cytotoxic, hypoglycemic, and vasorelaxing activity, as well as antifeedant and insect growth-inhibitory properties. Thus, genus Ajuga has significant medicinal and economic importance

Acute hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic and hypotriglyceridemic effects of continuous intravenous infusion of a lyophilised aqueous extract of Ajuga iva l. Schreber whole plant in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect of continuous intravenous infusion of a lyophilised aqueous extract of the whole plant Ajuga iva [L.] Schreber [Labiatae] [Al-extract] was investigated in anesthetized normal and streptozotocin [STZ]-induced diabetic rats. The Al-extract was administered to a group of rats by continuous intravenous infusion for 4 h at a dose of 4.2 microg/min/l00g body weight; another group was infused with taurine, the reference compound, at the same dose. In normal rats, Al-extract infusion had no effect on plasma glucose or triglycerides, but plasma cholesterol levels were significantly decreased [22%; P<0.05]. However, taurine infusion produced significant hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic and hypotriglyceridemic effects [all changes, P<0.05]. In STZ-diabetic rats, Al-extract infusion reduced plasma levels of glucose by 24% [P<0.05], cholesterol by 35% [P<0.01] and triglycerides by 13% [P<0.05]. Infusion with taurine produced a greater fall in plasma glucose [72%, P<0.01], cholesterol [54%; P < 0.001] and triglyceride [24%; P < 0.001] levels. Our results indicate that intravenously administered Al-extract exerts hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in diabetic rats by mechanism [s] which appear to be similar to that of taurine, which involve insulin sensitization or an insulin-like effect. The identity and the exact mechanism [s] of action of the active component [s] of the Al-extract are not known. Ajuga iva appears to be a useful plant in the therapy of diabetes, a condition in which hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia coexist quite often