Preclinical evaluation of analgesic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Costus pictus leaves in Wistar albino rats

Background: Pain is the most common symptom in various pathological conditions requiring appropriate treatment with analgesics. Use of analgesics is limited by various adverse drug effects. The present study was aimed to evaluate the analgesic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Costus pictus leaves in Wistar albino rats. Aim and Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the analgesic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of C. pictus leaves in Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 30 Wistar albino rats and was divided into five groups each of six rats. Group-I (Sterile water-equivalent volume/po), Group-II Morphine (5 mg/kg/ip), Group-III CPHAE (200 mg/kg/po), Group-IV CPHAE (400 mg/kg/po), and Group-V Diclofenac (12.5 mg/kg/po). All the rats were administered respective drugs before starting of 30 min of experiment. Central analgesic (Tail clip and hot plate) and peripheral analgesic (Writhing test) methods were used to evaluate the analgesic activity. The data were recorded and analyzed with SPSS software. Results: Group-II, III, IV and V showed significant analgesic activity compared to Group-I in both central and peripheral animal models. Group-II showed significant effect compared to Group-III and IV in the central analgesic activity. Group-V showed significant effect compared to Group-III and IV in peripheral analgesic activity. Group-IV showed significant effect compared to Group-III. Conclusion: High dose of (400 mg/kg) C. pictus plant extract showed significant analgesic activity in the central and peripheral animal models compared to low dose.

Overcoming Primary Cervical Dystocia with Ayurveda Therapeutic Strategy- Case Study

Background: We report a case of primary cervical dystocia managed successfully with Ayurveda therapy. The classical Ayurveda lexicons comprise detailed descriptions regarding Prasava (labor) and its management based on which the present case was intervened which resulted in achieving progressive improvement in cervical dilatation and achieving normal labor. Case Presentation: The case reported in this study is primigravidae, 25 years’ old visited prasutitantra OPD, NIA hospital with 37.2 weeks gestational age complaining of labor pains. Since her contraction and per vaginal findings were suggestive of onset of labor, she was hospitalized for further monitoring and awaited spontaneous progress of labor. Repeated Per vaginal examination revealed no progress in cervical dilatation even after 28 hours and she was diagnosed with primary cervical dystocia. Intervention of Kebuka taila yonipichu-25ml 2 hourly was made which resulted in remarkable cervical dilatation equivalent to mean standard rate following 3 interventions of yonipichu within 6 hours. Conclusion: The status of the cervix during labor is a significant determinant of mode and ease of labor. Ayurveda therapeutic strategy of Kebuka taila yoni-pichu can effectively prime the cervix due to the Garbhashayaka sankochaka and estrogenic properties of Kebuka and the activation of Ferguson's reflex by Yoni-pichu.

Essential oil from Saussurea costus inhibits proliferation and migration of Eca109 cells via mitochondrial apoptosis and STAT3 signaling

Objective: To investigate the effect and its underlying molecular mechanisms of essential oil from Saussurea costus in esophageal cancer cell line Eca109. Methods: The chemical composition of essential oil from Saussurea costus was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The anti-proliferative, anti-migrative, and apoptotic effects of essential oil from Saussurea costus against Eca109 cells were analyzed. Moreover, the expression of proteins associated with cell cycle, metastasis, and apoptosis was determined. Results: GC-MS analysis showed that essential oil from Saussurea costus was predominantly comprised of sesquiterpenes. Saussurea costus essential oil inhibited the viability of Eca109 cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner with IC 50 values of (24.29±1.49), (19.16±2.27) and (6.97±0.86) μg/mL at 12, 24, and 48 h, respectively. The expression levels of target proteins in the cell cycle (phase G 1 /S), including cyclin D1, p21, and p53, were affected by Saussurea costus essential oil. The essential oil also downregulated the expression of metastasis-related proteins MMP-9 and MMP-2. Moreover, it induced apoptosis of Eca109 cells through the mitochondrial pathway, as well as inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation. Conclusions: The essential oil from Saussurea costus exhibited anti-proliferative, anti-migrative, and apoptotic effects on Eca109 cells, and could be further explored as a potential anti-esophageal cancer agent.

Can Costus afer be used for co-treatment of COVID-19, its symptoms and comorbidities? A novel approach for combating the pandemic and implications for sub-Saharan Africa

@#Despite the huge loss of lives and massive disruption of the world economy by the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, scientists are yet to come out with an effective therapeutic against this viral disease. Several vaccines have obtained ‘emergency approval’, but difficulties are being faced in the even distribution of vaccines amongst high- and lowincome countries. On top of it, comorbidities associated with COVID-19 like diabetes, hypertension and malaria can seriously impede the treatment of the main disease, thus increasing the fatality rate. This is more so in the context of sub-Saharan African and south Asian countries. Our objective was to demonstrate that a single plant containing different phytoconstituents may be used for treatment of COVID-19 and comorbidities. Towards initial selection of a plant, existing scientific literature was scanned for reported relevant traditional uses, phytochemicals and pharmacological activities of a number of plants and their phytoconstituents pertaining to treatment of COVID-19 symptoms and comorbidities. Molecular docking studies were then performed with phytochemicals of the selected plant and SARS-CoV-2 components – Mpro, and spike protein receptor binding domain and hACE2 interface using AutoDock Vina. We showed that crude extracts of an indigenous African plant, Costus afer having traditional antidiabetic and antimalarial uses, has phytochemicals with high binding affinities for Mpro, and/or spike protein receptor binding domain and hACE2 interface; the various phytochemicals with predicted high binding energies include aferoside C, dibutyl phthalate, nerolidol, suginal, and ±-terpinene, making them potential therapeutics for COVID-19. The results suggest that crude extracts and phytochemicals of C. afer can function as a treatment modality for COVID-19 and comorbidities like especially diabetes and malaria.

Costus root aqueous extract modulates rat liver toxicity, DNA damage, injury, proliferation alterations induced by plant growth regulator Ethephon

Ethephon (Ethrel®) is an ethylene-based plant growth regulator that used in agriculture and it has direct and indirect effects on human health, direct effect via its inhalation during usage in agriculture and indirect effect through the diet (Fruits and vegetables) that is sprayed with it. The current study aimed to examine the possible modifying effects of costus (Saussurea lappa) root aqueous extract against Ethephon induced liver toxicity, injury, DNA fragmentation and PCNA alterations in male rats. Fifty adult male rats were divided into 5 groups (1st, control; 2nd, Costus; 3rd, Ethephon; 4th, Post treated Ethephon with costus; 5th, self-healing Ethephon). Current results revealed that; a significant increase in aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), liver injury, DNA damage and PCNA expressions in Ethephon group when compared with control group. In contrast; a significant decrease in albumin and total proteins in Ethephon group when compared with control group. Treatment of rats with costus after Ethephon improved these alterations as compared with Ethephon self-healing. So, it could be concluded that costus root extract worth to be considered as a natural substance for ameliorating the hepatic toxicity induced by plant growth regulator Ethephon.

Evaluation of the larvicidal potential of root and leaf extracts of Saussurea costus (Falc. ) Lipsch. against three mosquito vectors: Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti, and Culex quinquefasciatus

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The larvicidal potential of Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch. was studied against the early 4th instar larvae of Anopheles stephensi Liston., Aedes aegypti Linn.,and Culex quinquefasciatus Say. because of the emergence of mosquito resistance to conventional synthetic insecticides. METHODS: At concentrations of 12.5-200 ppm, larvicidal activities were studied under laboratory conditions. RESULTS: After 24 h of exposure, the methanol extract of the roots recorded the highest larvicidal activity against An. stephensi, with LC50 and LC90values of 7.96 and 34.39 ppm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We are developing potent larvicidal compound(s) from S. costus for controlling the mosquito larval population.

Comparative Evaluation Of The Hepatoprotective Effect Of Costus Pictus D Don Methanolic Leaf Extract And Silymarin On Paracetamol Induced Liver Damage In Albino Wistar Rats

Background: NSAIDs are the common group of drugs used in self-medication, and this is true for especiallyParacetamol (acetaminophen).Although considered safe at therapeutic doses, in overdose, paracetamol causescentrilobular hepatic necrosis which can be fatal. As no data is available on the hepatoprotective effect ofCostus pictus D Don, we have made an attempt to investigate the protective effect of Costus pictus D Don leafextract on paracetamol induced liver damage in rats. The aim of the study is to compare the hepatoprotectiveeffect of methanolic leaf extract of Costus pictus D Don and silymarin on liver damage induced by paracetamolin Wistar rats.Materials and Methods: 30 Healthy male adult Wistar rats (16 weeks old) weighing > 250g were used for thestudy. The animals were maintained in a standard cage under controlled temperature (25+2 °C) and light (12:12light-dark cycle) in MGMC & RI central animal house. The animals were fed with standard rat pellet and hygienicwater ad libitum. 30 adult Wistar rats were randomized into 5 groups with 6 rats each as (Normal control -0.5%carboxymethylcellulose (7 days), Toxic control- 0.5% (7 days)+paracetamol 2g/kg(5th day), Test group I-200 mg/kg methanolic leaf extract+paracetamol 2g/kg(5th day) , Test group II-100 mg/kg methanolic leafextract+paracetamol 2g/kg(5th day) & Standard group - silymarin 25mg/kg (7 days) + Paracetamol 2 g/kg (5th day)The animals were sacrificed on 8th day using sodium pentobarbitone 150mg/kg i.p. serum was sent for biochemicalanalysis for liver function test. Liver was harvested and a portion was taken for histological examination.Results: In our study methanolic leaf extract of Costus pictus D Don showed beneficial effect on paracetamolinduced liver toxicity which was evident by the significant improvement in liver function test consisting of AST,ALT and ALP in a dose dependent manner which is in consistent with the histological findings.Conclusions: The study has proved the methanolic leaf extract of Costus pictus D Don posses a significanthepatoprotective activity which was comparable to the standard drug silymarin

Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry profiling of the costus plant Saussurea lappa (Decne.) C.B. Clarke root extracts and their anti-bacterial activity

The costus Saussurea lappa is a well-known medicinal plant that has been widely used in the traditional medicinesin many Asian countries. Here, we report on the chemistry of the ethanol and water extracts of S. lappa roots usinggas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. We further tested their antimicrobial activities againstStaphylococcus aureus (Gram +ve) and Salmonella sp. (Gram –ve) isolates. The GC/MS analysis indicate that theethanol extract has more compounds (37) than does the aqueous extract (18) with sesquiterpene lactones as the mostabundant compounds in both extracts. The results reveal that the ethanol extract has significant antimicrobial activityagainst S. aureus isolate with 18–20 mm zone of inhibition, while no effect was observed against Salmonella sp. Incontrast, weak effects were found in the water extract against S. aureus and no effect against Salmonella sp. isolate.Together with the GC/MS analyses, we conclude that the ethanol extract contains active secondary metabolites thatmay have a specific activity likely in a synergy effects with other metabolites against Gram +ve bacteria, but not Gram–ve isolate. Further experiments are needed to clarify the specific effects of S. lappa ethanol extracts against Gram+ve bacteria

Costus Root Extract Alleviates Blood Biochemical Derangements of Experimentally-Induced Hypo- and Hyperthyroidism in Mice

Objectives: Thyroid hormones regulate all metabolic activities; therefore, it is not amazing that hepatic; renal dysfunctions and lipid alterations are commonly detected in patients with thyroid disorders. This study estimated some biochemical changes in post pubertal hyperthyroid and hypothyroid mice and their impacts on liver and kidney functions and also on changes in the lipid pattern. In addition, the ameliorating role of Costus root extract supplementation was examined. Material and Methods: A total of 60 male Swiss albino mice were randomly divided into 5 groups; control, control with costus extract, hypo- and hyper-thyroids post-treated with costus root extract. Results: Present results revealed that, a significant increase in serum thyrotropin (TSH), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, urea, potassium, chloride, cholesterol and triglycerides levels in hypothyroid mice compared to control. On the other hand; a significant decrease in serumthyroxine (T4), tri‐iodothyronine (T3), albumin, total protein and calcium ions levels in hypothyroid mice compared to control. In contrast to hypothyroidism, a significant increase in serum T3, ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, chloride and total proteins levels in hyperthyroid mice compared to control. On the other hand; a significant decrease in serum TSH, T4, albumin, calcium ions cholesterol and triglycerides levels in hyperthyroid mice compared to control. Treatments of mice with Costus root extract in both hypo- and hyperthyroidism modulates the measured serum parameters. Conclusions: Our results could propose that the extract of Costus roots can be used as an adjuvant co-therapy in hypo- and hyperthyroidism syndromes with propylthiouracil and Eltroxin replacement therapy, respectively

The effect of fresh stem juice extract of Costus afer on the cytohistomorphology of the kidney in aspirin-treated Wistar rats

The effect of fresh stem juice extract of Costus afer on cytohistomorphology of the kidney in aspirin-treated Wistarrats was evaluated. 25 rats weighing 150–180 g used for the study were divided into five groups with five rats in eachgroup. Group 1 served as control while Group 2 was administered 150 mg/kg bw of aspirin daily for 28 days, Group 3received 67.08 mg/kg bw of the extract of C. afer for 28 days, Group 4 was administered 150 mg/kg of aspirin and67.08 mg/kg of the extract for 28 days while Group 5 was administered 150 mg/kg of aspirin for 14 days and then67.08 mg/kg of the extract for another 14 days. Kidneys were harvested for histological studies. The results revealedthat Group 1 showed normal histological features, Group 2 showed tubular necrosis, collapsed urinary space, anddistorted glomerulus, Group 3 presented near normal features, Group 4 showed enlarged urinary space, inflamedtubular cells and reduced podocytes in the glomerulus compared to Group 2, and Group 5 revealed regeneration ofcellular features already destroyed by aspirin. In conclusion, fresh stem juice extract of C. afer has ameliorative andprotective potentials on nephrotoxicity of aspirin in albino Wistar rats.

Antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activity of Costus speciosus against atherogenic diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rabbits / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#An extract of Costus speciosus (CSE), a herb widely used in folk medicine, was evaluated for its antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic and ameliorating effects on histopathological changes in atherogenic rabbits.@*METHODS@#Twenty-four male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were divided into 4 groups. Three groups were fed a diet containing 3% saturated fat and 1.3% cholesterol for 40 d. One of these was sacrificed on the 40th day and was called the pathogenic (P) group; the other two groups received treatment for another 30 d as follows: one received 0.8 g/(kg·d) of CSE and the other was given 0.01 g/(kg·d) of simvastatin. The normal group was sacrificed on the 70th day and used as a control.@*RESULTS@#CSE showed radical-scavenging ability. Administration of CSE for a 30-day period resulted in a significant decrease in total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low-density lipoprotein and aspartate aminotransferase compared to the P group, while levels of hemoglobin, packed corpuscular volume and red blood cells were elevated. With respect to studies performed on the heart, a decrease in malondialdehyde and an increase in reduced glutathione were noted. Total protein increased in the liver, heart and aorta after treatment with CSE and also a marked improvement in histopathological parameters was demonstrated.@*CONCLUSION@#The present findings indicate that the C. speciosus rhizome possesses antiatherogenic and antioxidant properties which may provide protective effects against oxidative stress in atherosclerotic rabbits.

Neuropharmacological evaluation of methanolic extract of Costus speciosus Linn. rhizome in Swiss albino mice

To evaluate the neuropharmacological properties of Costus speciosus (C. speciosus) rhizome using different experimental mouse models. Methods: The anxiolytic effect was investigated by hole-board test, elevated plus maze and light/dark test, while central nervous system (CNS) depressant effect was evaluated by thiopental sodium-induced sleep test. Finally, antidepressant effect was evaluated by forced swimming test and tail suspension test. Results: In both elevated plus maze and hole board test, 400 mg/kg C. speciosus showed more significant CNS depressant effect than 1 mg/kg diazepam. Both 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg C. speciosus extract produced a significant dose-dependent decrease in onset of sleep. In forced swimming test, C. speciosus rhizome showed a decrease in duration of immobility in a dose-dependent manner. Imipramine (10 mg/kg) and C. speciosus extract at 400 mg/kg dose exhibited a significant reduction in duration of immobility in tail suspension test which provided additional evidence of antidepressant effect of C. speciosus rhizome. Conclusions: Our study indicates that C. speciosus rhizome possesses CNS depressant, anxiolytic and antidepressant-like activities. Further studies are warranted determine the exact phytoconstituents and mechanism of action responsible for the neuropharmacological effect.

Neuropharmacological evaluation of methanolic extract of Costus speciosus Linn. rhizome in Swiss albino mice

Objective: To evaluate the neuropharmacological properties of Costus speciosus (C. speciosus) rhizome using different experimental mouse models. Methods: The anxiolytic effect was investigated by hole-board test, elevated plus maze and light/dark test, while central nervous system (CNS) depressant effect was evaluated by thiopental sodium-induced sleep test. Finally, antidepressant effect was evaluated by forced swimming test and tail suspension test. Results: In both elevated plus maze and hole board test, 400 mg/kg C. speciosus showed more significant CNS depressant effect than 1 mg/kg diazepam. Both 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg C. speciosus extract produced a significant dose-dependent decrease in onset of sleep. In forced swimming test, C. speciosus rhizome showed a decrease in duration of immobility in a dose-dependent manner. Imipramine (10 mg/kg) and C. speciosus extract at 400 mg/kg dose exhibited a significant reduction in duration of immobility in tail suspension test which provided additional evidence of antidepressant effect of C. speciosus rhizome. Conclusions: Our study indicates that C. speciosus rhizome possesses CNS depressant, anxiolytic and antidepressant-like activities. Further studies are warranted determine the exact phytoconstituents and mechanism of action responsible for the neuropharmacological effect.

Evaluation of Some Vitamins and Macro-Nutrients Composition of Ethanolic Extract of Tecoma stans and Costus afer Leaves

Aim:This study aims to determine the presence of some vitamins and minerals in both T. stansand C. aferleaves.Materials and Methods:Composition of some vitamins and minerals of ethanolic extract of T. stansand C. aferleaves wereevaluated andcollected at Malabo Campus, University of Calabar, Calabar and from Eman-Uruan local government area, Akwa IbomState, Nigeria respectively.The parameters investigated were determined using standard biochemical methods. Results:The leaves contained a variety of vitamins (A, D, E, B complex and C) with vitamin E-(276.33.±3.28mg/100g) for Tecoma stansand (265.67±5.49mg/100g)for Costus afer.T. stansrecorded higher concentration in mg/100 l for the determined vitamins except for vitamin D, whose concentration for C. afer(0.09±0.01mg/100g) was higher than the value (0.07±0.01mg/100g) for T. stansthough it was significant. T. stansis significantly different [p=0.05] from C. aferfor vitamins A and C respectively.The mineral compositions of T. stansand C. aferleaves contain considerable amount of Potassium (3.27 ± 0.009mg/l) and (4.63±0.09mg/l), Magnesium (26.03 ± 0.009mg/l) and (89.83±0.91?mg/l), Sodium (5.27 ± 0.078mg/l) and (16.23±0.12?mg/l), Calcium (25.33 ± 0.88mg/l) and (82.00±1.53?mg/l), Phosphorus (2.27±0.09mg/l) and (1.63±0.09?mg/l), respectively.C. afercontained significant (p <0.05) higher concentration of Mg, Ca, K and Na compared to T. stans.This indicates the tendency of T. stansand C. aferto be able to control osmotic balance, essential for bone formation, lower blood pressure and also act a source of antioxidant vitamins and minerals.Conclusion:The presence of these vitamins and minerals in both T. stansand C. aferleaves in this leafy vegetables supports the use of these leaves for food and ethnomedicinal purposes in Nigeria and parts of the world where they are cultivated.

Diolcogaster flammeus sp. nov. from Brazil, a new Microgastrinae wasp (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) of importance in biological control

ABSTRACT A new species of Diolcogaster (Ashmead, 1900) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is described and illustrated. Additionally, a key to all New World species formally published of the xanthaspis species-group (to which the new species belongs) is provided. The solitary larval parasitoid Diolcogaster flammeus sp. nov. was collected in Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. This natural enemy was reared from caterpillars of Agaraea minuta (Schaus, 1892) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) feeding on plants of spiked spiralflag ginger, Costus spicatus (Jacq.) Sw. and ginger spiral, Costus spiralis (Jacq.) Roscoe var. spiralis (Costaceae). The fauna of the xanthaspis group in the New World included just three published species prior to this publication. Diolcogaster flammeus sp. nov. is the only yellow-orange species of the xanthaspis group recorded in the New World thus far.

Blood Parameters and Spleen Histology Following Chronic Consumption of Ethanolic Extract of Costus afer Stem and Juice on Albino Wistar Rats.

Aim: Costus afer is a medicinal plant used as a therapy for diabetes and hypertension. This study investigated the effect of crude ethanolic extract of Costus afer (Monkey sugar cane) stem and its juice on the histology of the spleen and some blood parameters of albino wistar rats. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Department of Human Anatomy, University of Calabar, Nigeria for four weeks. Methodology: Twenty four (24) rats were divided into four groups of six (6) animals each. Group one (I) served as control, Group two (II) served as experimental group and received 200 mg /kg body weight (low dose) of the crude ethanolic extract. Group three (III) also served as experimental group, tested with 500 mg/kg body weight (high dose) of the crude ethanolic extract and Group four (IV) was tested with 5 mls /kg body weight of Costus afer stem juice. Treatment was orally using orogastric tube for twenty eight (28) days after which the animals were sacrificed within twenty four hours after the last dose. Results and Conclusion: Results showed no morphological changes. Histological sections of the spleen from experimental animals in the control group showed normal histology of the spleen with well distinct lymphatic tissue. Sections of the spleen from animals tested with 200 mg /kg ethanolic extract showed no pathological changes compared with the control group. Sections of the spleen from animals tested with 500 mg/kg body weight of the crude ethanolic stem extract were observed to have more red pulp than the white pulp. Animals tested with 5mls /kg body weight of Costus afer stem juice showed no pathological observations. Hematological observations showed decreased Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and increased Platelet count (P =.05), but had no significant effect on total white blood cell count and differential count. In conclusion, Costus afer at the administered dose had no pathological effect on the spleen histology, but increased platelet count and decreased packed cell volume.

Evaluation of in-vivo antiarthritic potential of methanolic extract of Costus speciosus rhizome.

Objective: To evaluate anti-arthritic potential of methanolic extract of rhizome of Costus speciosus Koen. Methods: The powdered drug was extracted with 80% methanol. The crude extract was subjected to phytochemical investigation and was evaluated for its anti-arthritic potential by freund’s complete adjuvant induced arthritis model in adult wistar albino rats. Determination of different parameters like arthritic score, arthritic index, paw thickness, body weight, and pain, altered liver enzymes and biochemical estimation like, nitric oxide level and Plasma TNF-α level was done. Finally, radiological estimation and histopathology of tibio tarsal joints was performed. Statistical analysis was performed using one way ANOVA followed by Dunnet’s test at different p-values. Results: Phytochemical study revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compound, saponins and carbohydrates. For different parameter mentioned above, anti-arthritic activity shown by prophylactic high dose test extract (200 mg/kg) was as potent as standard drug Indomethacin (10 mg/kg). The effect of Prophylactic low dose extract (100 mg/kg) and therapeutic high dose extract (200 mg/kg) was less than that of Indomethacin (10 mg/kg). Furthermore, Therapeutic low dose extract (100 mg/kg) was not effective. Conclusions: The obtained results indicate that Costus speciosus rhizome extract possess significant anti-arthrtic potential.

Possible Hypoglycemic Attributes of Morus indica 1. and Costus speciosus: An in vitro Study

Introduction: Medicinal plants have been reported to play an important role in modulating glycemic responses; they are also known to have preventive and therapeutic implications in disorders of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. This study reports the possible hypoglycemic effects of Morus indica (Mulberry) and Costus speciosus (Insulin plant) in an in vitro system. Methods: Glucose adsorption, diffusion and starch hydrolysis of Mulberry leaf powder (MLP) and Insulin plant powder (IPP) were studied using in vitro techniques that simulated gastrointestinal conditions and compared with commercial dietary fibre sources such as wheat bran (WB), acarbose (ACB) and guar gum (GG) at three different levels (2, 4, and 6 %). Results: The glucose binding capacity of both Morus indica.L (MLP) and Costus speciosus (IPP)increased with increased levels and was significantly high compared to wheat bran and acarbose. At higher levels (4 and 6 %), the diffusion rate of glucose was lower compared to wheat bran, acarbose and guar gum. The a-amylase inhibitory effect was significantly high in MLP (51%) and IPP (18%) compared to WB (8%). The effect of samples on glucose diffusion was also studied in a system comprising of starch-a-amylase sample. The glucose diffusion rate was significantly low in the systems where MLP (6%) and IPP (6%) were used compared to the positive control and to commercial sources of fibre (ACB and GG). Conclusion: The data reveals that the samples may lower the rate of glucose absorption and as a result, decrease postprandial hyperglycemia by these mechanisms.

Protective Effect of Costus afer on Lipid Profile and Hepatic Damage in Ethanol - Induced Liver Cirrhosis in Rats.

Aim: The study is to investigate the impact of Costus afer methanolic stem extract on lipid metabolic profiles and bilirubin levels in alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis progression in rats. Materials and Methods: Male wistar strain albino rats were randomly divided into five groups: Control (normal feed and water only), Costus afer control (CA), Ethanol control (Ethanol), ethanol + Costus afer (60mg) treated rats (CA + ETHANOL) and ethanol + Costus afer (120mg) treated rats (CACA + ETHANOL). Serum levels of lipids and bilirubin were measured. Results: The result showed that ethanol only administration caused triglyceride, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and bilirubin to increase by 46.1%, 64.3%, 10.71% and 0.18% respectively compared to control rats (p<0.05). High density lipoprotein was shown to have decreased by 11.2% compared to the control. Conclusion: Evidence suggests that oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of complications and alcoholic diseases. Co-treatment with the extract modestly modulates the effect of ethanol to near normal.

Avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana e moduladora do extrato hexânico de Costus cf. Arabicus L. / Evaluación de la actividad antimicrobiana y modulación del extracto de hexano de Costus cf. Arabicus L. / Evaluation of the antimicrobial and modulating activity of hexane extract from Costus cf. Arabicus L.

Introdução: a Pseudomonas aeruginosaé conhecida por causar infecção aguda pela produção de toxinas. Alguns espécimes deStaphylococcus são frequentemente reconhecidos como agentes etiológicos de infecções oportunistas em muitos animais e homens. Escherichia colié uma das principais causas de doenças infecciosas humanas. O gênero Candida produz diversos fatores de virulência, as infecções são provavelmente iniciadas por modificações de defesas do hospedeiro. Objetivo: avaliar o efeito antimicrobiano do extrato hexânico de Costus cf. e modulação da atividade antibiótica de Costus cf. Arabicus L. Métodos: o material botânico de Costus cf. Arabicus L., foi coletado no município de Crato, Ceará, Brasil. Para a preparação dos extratos foram coletados folhas e caules frescos, submersos em hexano separadamente por 72 h, sendo apósesse período, filtrado e concentrado em condensador rotativo a vácuo. Foram realizados testes de atividade antimicrobiana (CIM) e modulação da atividade antimicrobiana com cepas padrões e multirresistentes de bactérias e fungos. Resultados: o extrato demonstrou atividade antibacteriana e antifúngica quando combinados com alguns antimicrobianos contra algumas linhagens testadas. Conclusões: portanto, é sugerido que o extrato de Costus cf. pode ser utilizado como uma fonte de productos naturais na terapêutica antimicrobiana e no combate a multirresistência bacteriana e fúngica.

Introducción: Pseudomonas aeruginosa se ​​sabe que causa la infección aguda por la producción de toxinas. Algunos ejemplares de Staphylococcus suelen ser reconocidos como agentes etiológicos de las infecciones oportunistas en muchos animales y seres humanos. Escherichia coli es una de las principales causas de las enfermedades infecciosas humanas. El género Candida produce varios factores de virulencia, las infecciones son probablemente iniciadas por los cambios en las defensas del huésped. Objetivo: evaluar el efecto antimicrobiano del extracto de hexano de Costus cf. y la modulación de la actividad antibiótica de Costus cf. Arabicus L. Métodos: el material botánico de Costus cf. arabicus L. se recogió en Crato, Ceará, Brasil. Para la preparación de extractos se recogieron las hojas y los tallos frescos por separado y se sumergieron en hexano durante 72 horas, después de eso, se filtró y se concentró en un condensador de vacío rotatorio. Se realizaron ensayos de actividad antimicrobiana (MIC), modulación con cepas multirresistentes y patrones de bacterias y hongos. Resultados: el extracto mostró actividad antibacteriana y antifúngica cuando se combinan con algunos antibióticos contra algunas cepas ensayadas. Conclusiones: por lo tanto, el extracto de Costus cf. se puede utilizar como una fuente de productos naturales en la terapia antimicrobiana y en la lucha contra la resistencia a múltiples fármacos de bacterias y hongos.

Introduction: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known to cause acute infection due to the production of toxins. Some specimens of Staphylococcus are often recognized as the etiologic agents of opportunistic infections in many animals and humans. Escherichia coli is a leading cause of human infectious diseases. The genus Candida produces several virulence factors. Infections are probably initiated by changes in host defenses. Objective: evaluate the antimicrobial effect of hexane extract of Costus cf. and themodulation of Costus cf. Arabicus. L. antibiotic activity. Methods: botanical material from Costus cf. arabicus L. was collected at Crato, Ceará, Brazil. For the preparation of extracts fresh leaves and stems were collected, separately immersed in hexane for 72 hours, and thereafter filtered and concentrated in a rotary vacuum condenser. Tests of antimicrobial activity (MIC) and antimicrobial activity modulation were conducted with multiresistant strain patterns of bacteria and fungi. Results: the extract showed antibacterial and antifungal activity against some of the strains tested when combined with some antibiotics. Conclusions: therefore, it is suggested that the extract of Costus cf. be used as a source of natural products for antimicrobial therapy and to combat bacterial and fungal multidrug resistance.