Ameliorating effect of Malva Neglecta on hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in diabetic rats

The plant, Malva neglecta wallr., is widely consumed for medicinal and nutritional purposes. The current study was carried out to assess the hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic potential of aqueous methanolic extract of M. neglecta. Chemical evaluation of the extract was performed by high pressure liquid chromatography. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was done in diabetic rats pre-exposed to 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg plant extract via the oral route. For hypoglycemic and biochemical study, the same therapy was administered to alloxan induced diabetic rats for 14 days. The standard control group received Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg). Ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid and other phenolic acids were detected and estimated in the extract. Administration of the plant extract significantly reduced blood glucose level in diabetic rats subjected to OGTT. The plant extract lowered the fasting blood glucose and alpha amylase, and prevented the damage to pancreas. It also corrected dyslipidemia in diabetic animals following 14 days therapy. Hence, this experimental study establishes the fact that M. neglecta exhibited significant antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities in alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Sexual dimorphism of foramen magnum: a NCCT based study

Background:Radiological determination of gender relies predominantly on the skeletal radiology and assumes importance in mass natural disasters, bomb explosions, exhumations and warfare where skeletal fragmentation is common. Varied literature is present regarding the role of foramen magnum in establishing gender identification.The objective of the study wasto establish normative values of cross-sectional area of foramen magnum in both genders using NCCT and try to ascertain any significant difference in cross-sectional area in the two genders which may help in gender identification.Methods:NCCT head images of 378 subjects were analysed in individuals beyond the age of skeletal immaturity. Free ROI technique using electronic calliper tool was used. The cross-sectional area of foramen magnum was automatically obtained after tracing its whole inner circumference.Results:Mean cross-sectional area of foramen magnum in females was 806.79±106.58 mm2and was 878.33±98.42 mm2in males. Although the cross-sectional area in males was greater than females no statistically significant difference was found. The correlation coefficient was found to be weaker (R=0.0413). Conclusions: No statistically significant difference was found between the two genders. The correlation coefficient was also weak to draw any inference about the gender of the skull on CT imaging. Further studies are needed to include other parameters like the sagittal and transverse diameters of foramen magnum in a larger sample to show importance of foramen magnum, if any, in helping gender identification of skeletal remains

Antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract of Sigesbeckia orientalis (St. Paul's Wort) in alloxan-induced diabetes model

The current study evaluated antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities of aqueous extract of Sigesbeckia orientalis L. (St. Paul's Wort) (AESO) in an alloxan-induced diabetic rat model. Following OECD guidelines safe doses of AESO were assessed in rats for the main study. Serum/bood glucose, α-amylase, and lipids levels and histopathological evaluations were conducted to assess antidiabetic and associated antihyperlipidemic efficacies of AESO. AESO was found to be safe up to the dose of 2000 mg/kg. Significant (p < 0.05) reduction in glucose and lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins) levels was observed in AESO treatment groups. Serum α-amylase, high-density lipoproteins, and total body weight was increased significantly (p < 0.05) in diabetic rats treated with AESO. Histopathological data showed improvement in hepatocyte and pancreatic β-cells islets architecture. HPLC analysis identified quercetin, gallic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, m-coumaric acid and cinnamic acid in AESO which are suggested to be responsible for observed antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic attributes. Further studies to standardise the extract and evaluation of safety profile in long-term toxicity studies are recommended for safe and effective antidiabetic nutraceuticals development.

Lupeol, a triterpene, prevents free radical mediated macromolecular damage and alleviates benzoyl peroxide induced biochemical alterations in murine skin.

In our earlier communication we have shown that Lupeol inhibits early responses of tumour induction in murine skin. The free radical mediated damage to the cellular macromolecules such as DNA, proteins, lipids and alteration in the activities of quinone reductase and xanthine oxidase are important biochemical parameters of tumor development. The suppression of free radical mediated damage to cellular macromolecules and induction of quinone reductase along with depletion of xanthine oxidase are prominent characteristics of chemopreventive agents. In the present investigation, we have elucidated the mechanism of action of lupeol (Lup-20 (29)-en-3beta-ol), a triterpene found in moderate amount in many vegetables, fruits and anti-tumor herbs. In the present investigation, lupeol significantly reduced the free radical mediated DNA-sugar damage and microsomal lipid peroxidation in an iron/ascorbate free radical generating system in vitro. Benzoyl peroxide, a known free radical generating tumor promoter mediated oxidation of proteins and modulation in the activities of quinone reductase as well as xanthine oxidase was significantly prevented by lupeol when tested on murine skin in vivo. It was concluded from this study that lupeol acts as an effective chemopreventive agent against cutaneous toxicity.