Evaluation of the effects of donepezil in psychotic disorders using Swiss albino mice

Background: Schizophrenia as a psychotic disorder is currently treated by various antipsychotic drugs. A large group of patients still remain resistant to the treatment and present in the form of residual cognitive deficits. Donepezil has been advocated at various conferences and seminars for using it in schizophrenia patients. Donepezil is currently approved drug for Alzheimer's disease to improve cognition. Hence, we have tried to assess its role for psychotic models induced by methylphenidate in mice.Methods: Methylphenidate 5 mg/kg was given by intraperitoneal (i.p) route to induce psychosis in Swiss albino mice (n=6). Donepezil was given alone in a dose of 1 mg/kg and in combination with low dose haloperidol 0.1 mg/kg and groups were compared with haloperidol 0.2 mg/kg. Activity of donepezil was also assessed on the haloperidol induced catalepsy test. Statistical analysis was done with ANOVA followed by Bonferroni抯 test.Results: Methylphenidate successfully induced characteristic stereotypy behaviour in mice similar to amphetamine. Both donepezil 1 mg/kg and haloperidol 0.2 mg/kg showed significant reduction in stereotypy behaviour and there was no statistically significant difference between the two (p<0.05). Effects with donepezil were only slightly inferior to standard while it抯 combination (1 mg/kg with haloperidol 0.1 mg/kg) showed comparable results with the standard haloperidol. Donepezil had only marginally enhanced potential to induce catatonia which was statistically insignificant (p>0.05).Conclusions: Methylphenidate can be used successfully to induce psychosis in animals and donepezil may be a promising and potentially useful drug as add on therapy to routine antipsychotics.

Efecto de la masticación sobre la memoria y aprendizaje espacial en ratones adultos y seniles / Effect of chewing on memory and spatial learning in adult and senile mice

Resumen Introducción: La masticación es una actividad periférica que influye positivamente sobre el sistema nervioso central (SNC). Sin embargo, a pesar de los diferentes estudios realizados, aún no está claro cómo la masticación afecta a los procesos cognitivos. Debido a ello se buscó determinar el efecto de la masticación sobre la memoria y aprendizaje espacial en ratones adultos y seniles. Materiales: Se empleó un grupo de 16 ratones adultos y de 16 ratones seniles que fueron aleatorizados en 2 subgrupos de 8 ratones cada uno. Un subgrupo se alimentó con dieta granosa convencional para ratón (subgrupo masticación normal), el otro subgrupo se alimentó con dieta en polvo (subgrupo masticación deficiente). Durante 2 meses se sometió a cada subgrupo a su dieta respectiva. Se evaluó en el laberinto acuático de Morris a los ratones adultos a los 7 meses de edad y a los seniles a los 12 meses de edad, mediante la fase de adquisición y de fase de recuperación de memoria y aprendizaje espacial. Resultados: Los ratones adultos, con masticación normal, mostraron mejor adquisición de memoria y aprendizaje espacial con respecto a los ratones con masticación deficiente en el primer día de evaluación (p = 0,035). Al agrupar a los ratones bajo el mismo tipo de masticación se encontró, en los subgrupos bajo masticación normal, una mejor adquisición de memoria y aprendizaje espacial en el subgrupo adulto sobre el subgrupo senil (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: La masticación normal tuvo un efecto positivo sobre la adquisición de información espacial en los ratones adultos.

Introduction: Chewing is a peripheral activity that positively influences the central nervous system (CNS). However, despite the different studies carried out, it is still not clear how chewing affects cognitive processes. Because of this, was trying to find the effect of chewing on memory and spatial learning in adult and senile mice. Methods: A group of 16 adult and senile mice were randomized into 2 subgroups of 8 mice each group. One subgroup was fed with conventional grainy diet for mice (normal chewing subgroup), the other subgroup was fed dietary powder (deficient chewing subgroup). During 2 months each subgroup was submitted to their respective diet. Adult mice at 7 months of age and senile at 12 months of age were evaluated in the Morris' water maze; through of the acquisition phase and the probe test of memory and spatial learning. Results: Adult mice with normal chewing showed better memory acquisition and spatial learning with respect to mice with deficient chewing on the first day of evaluation (p = 0.035). When grouping the mice in the same type of chewing, in the subgroups under normal chewing, a better acquisition of memory and spatial learning was found in the adult subgroup on than in the senile subgroup (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Normal chewing had a positive effect on the acquisition of spatial information in adult mice.

Efecto del consumo del extracto de quinua en anemia ferropénica inducida en ratones / Effect of quinoa extract consumption on iron deficiency-induced anemia in mice

RESUMEN Objetivos Determinar efecto del consumo del extracto de quinua en anemia ferropénica inducida, en ratones. Material y Métodos Se utilizaron treinta ratones albinos M. musculus de la cepa Bal-b/c, machos de peso promedio 24±32,7 g. Se formó tres grupos de diez ratones cada uno: a) grupo control negativo hierro suficiente(HS),recibió 40g/d de alimento balanceado durante siete semanas; b)grupo control positivo hierro deficiente (HD), recibió 40g/d de dieta ferropénica durante siete semanas; y, c) grupo experimental hierro defi-ciente(HD), recibió 40g/d de dieta ferropénica durante siete semanas y a partir de la semana cinco se agregó 20g/d de extracto de quinua(EQ). Se midió el nivel de hemoglobina. Resultados Al finalizar el tratamiento, se observó diferencia significativa en los niveles de hemoglobina entre los grupos control positivo (8,9±1,1g/dL) HD y experimental (11,4±0,5 g/dL.) HD+EQ (t student, p<0,05). No se encontró diferencia significativa en los niveles de hemoglobina, al término del periodo de inducción entre los grupos control positivo (9,1±1,1) HD y experimental (9,3±0,7) HD (t student, p>0,05). Conclusiones En condiciones experimentales, la quinua presenta efecto antianémico, sustentado en los resultados de los niveles de hemoglobina.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objectives To determine the effect of quinoa extract consumption on iron deficiency-induced anemia in mice. Materials and Methods Thirty male M. musculus albino mice of the Balb/c strain, with an average weight of 24±32.7 g, were used. Three groups of ten mice each were formed: 1) a negative control group of iron-sufficient (IS) mice that received 40g/d of balanced feed for 7 weeks; 2) a positive control group of iron-deficient (ID) mice that received 40g/d of feed rich in iron for 7 weeks; and 3) an experimental group of ID mice that received 40 g/d of feed rich in iron for 7 weeks and 20 g/d of quinoa extract (QE) from week 5. Hemoglobin levels were measured. Results At the end of the treatment, a significant difference was found in hemoglobin levels between the positive (ID mice: 8.9±1.1 g/dL) and experimental (ID+QU mice: 11.4±0.5 g/dL) groups (student's t, p<0.05). No significant difference was found in hemoglobin levels at the end of the induction period between the positive (IS mice: 9.1±1.1) and experimental (ID mice: 9.3±0.7) groups (student's t, p>0.05). Conclusions Under experimental conditions, quinoa has an antianemic effect based on the results of hemoglobin levels.(AU)

Evaluation of centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant activity of aqueous extract of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) roots in albino mice

Background: Skeletal muscle relaxants are used to treat both muscle spasm and spasticity, acting both as antispasmodic and antispasticity agents. In past studies some polyherbal formulations containing ashwagandha have shown skeletal muscle relaxant activity and fat extract of ashwagandha showed skeletal muscle relaxant activity in experimental animal models. This study is designed to evaluate the skeletal muscle relaxant activity of aqueous extract of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) roots in albino mice, as the literature regarding them is limited.Methods: Standard drug (diazepam) and different doses of Aqueous extract of ashwagandha (50, 100,150mg/kg) were given orally to albino mice. Skeletal muscle relaxant activity was assessed by Rota-rod apparatus. The fall off time from the rotating rod was noted for each group after 1 hour of drug administration. The difference in fall off time from the rotating rod between the standard and treated mice was taken as an index of muscle relaxation.Results: The test extract at doses (50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 150mg/kg) showed highly significant reduction in the time spent by the animals on revolving rod in rota rod test when compared to baseline (p <0.0001). As compared with diazepam, aqueous extract (150mg/kg) showed almost equal reduction in the time spent by the animals on revolving rod in rota rod test.Conclusions: This study indicates that the aqueous extract of ashwagandha possess central skeletal muscle relaxant activity. The results are promising for further investigation of efficient skeletal muscle relaxant activity.

Preclinical evaluation of antidepressant activity of aqueous extract of Piper betle leaves in Swiss albino mice

Background: There is a growing demand for alternative medicines derived from indigenous plants having natural antioxidants and neuroprotective actions for the treatment of many behavioural disorders such as anxiety and depression. This study was designed to screen antidepressant activity of aqueous extract of Piper betle L. leaf (betel leaf) in Swiss albino mice.Methods: Swiss albino mice of both sexes weighing 25-30grams were used in the present study. Piper betle leaves aqueous extract (PBAE) was administered to the animals at a dose of 100, 200mg/kg body weight orally for 14 days. On the 14th day, after 1 hour of PBAE administration, experiments on force swim test (FST) and tail suspension (TST) were carried out for studying the level of depression. In FST and TST, time of immobility was noted for a period of 5 minutes.Results: Data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey Kramer’s multiple comparison test at P = 0.05. The results were represented as Mean±SE. PBAE at a dose of 100mg/kg has shown significant antidepressant activity, as evidenced by decrease in the immobility time in both the screening tests of depression.Conclusions: Present results demonstrated that PBAE possess potent antidepressant property. The exact mechanism(s) related to the active compound(s) in Piper betle leaf extract have to be elucidated in future studies.

In vivo antiplasmodial potential of three herbal methanolic extracts in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei NK65 / 中草药·英文版

Objective: The present study deals with the investigation of antiplasmodial potential of leaf methanolic extract of Aegle marmelos, Aristolochia indica and Cassia auriculata against Plasmodium berghei (NK65) infected mice. Methods: The chloroquine-sensitive parasites P. berghei (1 × 106) were inoculated into Swiss albino mice intraperitoneally. The methanol extracts of three herbal plants were orally administered in P. berghei infected mice which were further assessed using the four-day suppressive test at different doses of 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg per day. Chloroquine (CQ) was used as the standard drug with of 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg concentrations and was orally administered. Results: The leaves of A. marmelos, A. indica, and C. auriculata were found to suppress P. berghei parasitaemia in Swiss albino mice by (67.0 ± 4.02)%, (72.0 ± 8.44)% and (52.7 ± 2.06)% at 600 mg/kg/d with ED50 values of 284.73, 233.77 and 562.48 mg/kg, respectively. These herbal plants increased the mean survival time of infected mice and prevented body weight loss. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of hentriacontan-16-one (C31H62O) in A. indica extract. The histopathology study showed non-toxic to kidney and liver at 600 mg/kg/body weight. Conclusions: Overall results revealed that herbal plants may be active in the development of novel and cheap antimalarial compounds.

The antipsychotic activity of alcoholic extract of Withania coagulans fruits in Swiss albino mice

Background: Schizophrenia is one of the most distressing central nervous system (CNS) disorders. It is described by positive, negative and cognitive symptoms. These symptoms can be controlled by the antipsychotic medicines. The numerous antipsychotic medications used today are not lacking the adverse drug reactions. The Withania coagulans a susceptible species, is not explored much for its CNS effects except in late seventies. Therefore, it was thought worthwhile to investigate anti-psychotic activities of alcoholic extract of Withania coagulans fruits. The objective of the present study was to assess the antipsychotic activity of alcoholic extract of Withania coagulans fruits in Swiss albino mice by Cook’s Pole Climb Apparatus for conditioned avoidance response (CAR)Methods: Cook’s Pole Climb Apparatus for conditioned avoidance response was used for assessing the antipsychotic activity of the alcoholic extract of 200mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg doses of Withania coagulans fruits.Results: There was statistically (p-value >0.05) no significant association between any of the 200mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg doses of the alcoholic extracts of Withania coagulans fruits with antipsychotic activity in Swiss albino mice.Conclusions: Withania coagulans fruits alcoholic extract did not demonstrate antipsychotic activity in Swiss albino mice under standard conditions.

Efficacy of 5HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron antidepressant activity in physical induced albino mice

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate efficacy of 5HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron antidepressant activity in physical induced swiss albino mice.Methods: Study was placebo controlled, randomized laboratory based comparative study with prior permission of Institutional animal ethical committee. Experimental animals were divided in to seven groups as control (distilled water 10ml/kg), standard Fluoxetine two doses (10mg/kg and 20mg/kg) , test drug ondansetron three doses (0.5mg/kg, 1mg/kg and 2mg/kg) and combinations of test and standard (0.5mg/kg + 10mg/kg).The drugs were administered intraperitonium and antidepressant activity was recorded using physically induced depression models tail suspension test and despair swim test.Results: Ondansetron treated albino mice groups with dose dependent increase of 0.5mg/kg, 1.0mg/kg and 2.0mg/kg showed significant decrease in antidepressant activity and increase in catalepsy score when compared with fluoxetine 10mg/kg and 20mg/kg. Combination doses showed stastically significant antidepressant activity.Conclusions: The present study indicates ondansetron showed promising antidepressant activity due to its ability to modulate serotonergic system and has proved to be safe in the dose range of 0.5mg/kg, 1mg/kg and 2mg/kg in mice.

Standardization of ethanol addiction model in Swiss albino Mice

Background: Addiction is compulsive need for use of a habit-forming substance. World Health Organization (WHO) reported that worldwide 3.3 million people died due to alcohol addiction in 2012-13 and 11% of the population in India indulged in heavy drinking in 2014. Addiction is a prime socio-economical problem of society. Studying alcohol dependence in humans involved many ethical issues and experimental difficulties. Hence nonhuman animal experimental model has been used for a research on the topic of alcohol intoxication and dependence. Ethanol dependence has been preferred to develop in genetically modified strain of mice, C-57 which has a natural inclination to consume and develop addiction. But studying addiction in this special strain requires top end experimental facilities and financial aids. Authors reported the animal model to study ethanol dependence in Swiss albino mice. Aim of the study was to develop ‘Ethanol Dependence in Swiss albino mice animal model’ by intermitted access of 20% ethanol.Methods: Dependence was developed in Swiss albino mice by intermitted access of 20% ethanol in two groups having six animals in each group. Dependence was confirmed by presence of the withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, muscular incoordination and behavioral changes of animals on abstinence of ethanol.Results: Significant difference was noted on withdrawal symptoms, i.e. anxiety, muscular coordination, muscle spasm and other behavior related to withdrawal.Conclusions: Ethanol dependence can be successfully developed in Swiss albino mice in 14 days.

In vivo study of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extract efficacy against Giardia lamblia in infected experimental mice

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extract as an alternative treatment on the white laboratory mice against giardiasis. Methods: Experimental animals were divided into five groups, including Group A:control (infected untreated), Group B: infected and fed with pectin 7 days before infection, Group C: infected and fed with pectin starting from 7th day of infection, Group D:infected and fed with pomegranate peel extract 7 days before infection, and Group E: infected and fed with pomegranate peel extract starting from 7th day of infection. Results: Results from this study revealed that the prevention rate in the experimental groups reached approximately 50%by the 10th day of using pomegranate peel extract. Moreover, stool cyst counts of groups showed a significant reduction in the shedding of cysts approximately 75.6%by day 20 post-infection. ELISA test showed a reduction in Giardia antigen in the stools of the experimental groups which received pomegranate peel extract. The cure rate of these groups was approximately 97.4% by 28th day of infection. Conclusions: Our present findings indicated that the pomegranate peel extract proved to be valuable in prevention and treatment of Giardia lamblia infection. Further studies are required to determine the effective dose of pomegranate peel extract against Giardia lamblia infection.

In vivo study of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extract efficacy against Giardia lamblia in infected experimental mice

Objective To investigate the efficacy of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extract as an alternative treatment on the white laboratory mice against giardiasis. Methods Experimental animals were divided into five groups, including Group A: control (infected untreated), Group B: infected and fed with pectin 7 days before infection, Group C: infected and fed with pectin starting from 7th day of infection, Group D: infected and fed with pomegranate peel extract 7 days before infection, and Group E: infected and fed with pomegranate peel extract starting from 7th day of infection. Results Results from this study revealed that the prevention rate in the experimental groups reached approximately 50% by the 10th day of using pomegranate peel extract. Moreover, stool cyst counts of groups showed a significant reduction in the shedding of cysts approximately 75.6% by day 20 post-infection. ELISA test showed a reduction in Giardia antigen in the stools of the experimental groups which received pomegranate peel extract. The cure rate of these groups was approximately 97.4% by 28th day of infection. Conclusions Our present findings indicated that the pomegranate peel extract proved to be valuable in prevention and treatment of Giardia lamblia infection. Further studies are required to determine the effective dose of pomegranate peel extract against Giardia lamblia infection.

The study of antiepileptic activity of clove oil in chemical induced convulsions in mice.

Background: The objective was to evaluate and compare the effect of an extract of essential oil of clove with the standard sodium valproate on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizures in animal models. Methods: A total of 30 mice were taken, they were given a chemo shock at the concentration of 60 mg/kg using PTZ. 30 mice were divided into 5 groups of 6 animals each the control group received distilled water 5 ml/kg i.p., standard received injection sodium valproate 200 mg/kg i.p. another group received sesame oil – 10 ml/kg i.p. (control), test groups received Clove oil - 0.075 ml/kg i.p., clove oil - 0.1 ml/kg i.p., respectively. All the injections were given 30 mins before the administration of PTZ. Results: Clove oil produced a significant antiepileptic effect at all the doses. Conclusion: Clove oil has shown significant antiepileptic activity in mice.

Effect of Phyllanthus Amarus on Haloperidol Induced Catalepsy in Experimental Animal Models.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the anticataleptic effect of Phyllanthus amarus ethanolic extract in Swiss albino mice. Methods: The ethanolic extract of leaves of Phyllanthus amarus [PAEE] at a dose of 100mg/kg/body weight was administered orally for ten days. On tenth day, one hour later Haloperidol [1 mg/ kg IP] was administered to induce catalepsy. Results: The results indicate that induction of catalepsy by Haloperidol in Swiss albino mice was significantly prevented by PAEE. Conclusions: The anticataleptic activity of Phyllanthus amarus can be due to its effect on brain neurotransmitters or due to antioxidant property.

Stress effect on neurons of cingulate gyrus in postweaned albino mice - A histological study.

Stress is a common experience of daily life and all organisms have evolved mechanisms and strategies to deal with crucial alterations in their internal and external environment. Events early in post- weaning life influence brain development and subsequent adult behaviour. This study was conducted to observe neurodegeneration in normal and stressed condition in Postweaning age group of miceExperiments were conducted to investigate the effect of restraint stress and foot shock stress applied for 5 days (short duration) and 21 days (long duration). BALB/ C strain of Albino mice were used. In restraint stress, animals were restrained for 6 hours daily in a restraining device. In foot shock group, animals were given intermittent electric foot shock for 3 hours daily in an electric foot shock apparatus. Animal were sacrificed at the end of stress exposure period along with their age matched control mice and the brains were processed for histological examination both in control and experimental groups. Numbers of v Rao MK, Sushma RK. Stress effect on neurons of cingulate gyrus in study. IAIM, 2015; 2(7): 30-35. - A histological , B2*, Antony Sylvan , SD4, Mohandas Rao K5, Sushma RK Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Ma Associate Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Ma Associate Physiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, Integrated Medicine, Vol. 2, Issue 7, July Copy right © 2015, IAIM, All Rights Reserved. Available online at http://iaimjournal.com/ ISSN: 2394-0026 (P) ISSN: 2394-0034 (O) 16-06-2015 Accepted on: 24 Nil Conflict of interest: Events early in post adult behaviour. This study was conducted t hours daily in an electric foot shock viable neurons in the cingulate gyrus regions were counted. The data were analysed between the groups. Results of the study revealed neurodegenerative changes in the stressed group compared to control in both the experimental groups. Severe neurodegenerative changes were observed on prolonged exposure to stress.

Phytochemical screening and antidiabetic effect of extracts of the seeds of Citrullus lanatus in alloxan-induced diabetic albino mice.

Diabetes mellitus is a major and current epidemic disease of the human race implicated with numerous clinical manifestations. A number of protein-rich seeds such as that of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) are commonly used in traditional medicine with increasing acclaimed efficacy against diabetes mellitus. In this study the effects of petroleum ether and ethanol extracts of the seeds of Citrullus lanatus on blood glucose levels in alloxan-induced diabetes in mice have been investigated. Hyperglycemia was induced by the injection of 150 mg/kg (i.p.) of alloxan monohydrate freshly dissolved in physiological saline. Doses (150, 200 and 250 mg/kg) per os, of the extracts were separately administered to a group of five diabetic mice in the study. The activity was compared with reference standard glibenclamide (2 mg/kg, p.o.) and negative control of physiological saline. Treatment of alloxan-induced diabetic mice with the crude extracts of C. lanatus seeds brought down the raised blood glucose levels significantly (P < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. The ethanol extract was found to have more antidiabetic effect than the petroleum ether extract. Phytochemical screening of the seed extracts of Citrullus lanatus indicated the presence of steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins in both the ethanol and petroleum ether extracts. In addition, anthraquinones, tannins and reducing sugar were detected in the ethanol extract.

Presence of Toll Like Receptor-2 in spleen, lymph node and thymus of Swiss albino mice and its modulation by Staphylococcus aureus and bacterial lipopolysaccharide.

Toll-like receptors (TLR) are a family of pattern recognition receptors identifying pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). They play a critical role in the innate immune response during the initial interaction between the infecting microorganism and phagocytic cells. Here, we verified the presence of TLR-2 in spleen, lymph node and thymus of Swiss albino mice and their modulation after infection with Staphylococcus aureus and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. It was seen that TLR-2 gene transcribed to its respective mRNA on S. aureus infection, in thymus, spleen and lymph node of mice but their levels and mode of expression varied. When challenged with LPS no prominent changes in the expression of TLR-2 receptor was observed but its expression increased gradually with time in the thymus, spleen and lymph node of S. aureus infected mice. TLR-2 expression was also found enhanced in infected splenic macrophages. By studying the serum cytokine profile the functionality of the receptor was measured. The results indicate the presence of TLR-2 in thymus, spleen and lymph node of Swiss albino strain of mice and that they are modulated by S. aureus.

Investigation of In Vivo Antipyretic Activity of Thottea dependens leaves

Leaves of Thottea dependens have been used as folk medicine in Malaysia for the treatment of several conditions involving pain and inflammation with accompanying pyrexia. However, there is no scientific evidence for its effectiveness to treat fever. Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-pyretic activity of methanol (MeOH) and aqueous (Aq) extracts of T. dependens leaves in albino mice (ICR strain). Methods: Thirty-six albino mice of both sexes, randomized into six groups (n=6) were used. Group I served as the control and received only the vehicle, normal saline. Group II received paracetamol 150 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) orally, groups III and IV received 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. of the MeOH extract while groups V and VI received 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. of the Aq extract orally. Pyrexia was induced by a subcutaneous injection of 10 mL/kg b.w. of 15% (w/v) yeast suspended in 0.5% (w/v) methylcellulose solution. LD50 of both extracts were determined according to the method of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines. Phytochemical screening was carried out qualitatively for the presence of different class of biologically active compounds. Results: LD50 values for both extracts were found to be greater than 1000 mg/kg b.w. indicating the wide margin of safety of T. dependens leaves. The MeOH extract at 200 mg/kg b.w. showed statistically significant (P<0.01) dose dependent reduction of brewer’s yeast induced pyrexia in albino mice. Flavonoids, saponins and phenolic compounds were found to be major biologically active phytoconstituents in MeOH extract. Conclusion: The study showed that T. dependens leaves possess significant anti-pyretic activity, thus justifying its ethnomedicinal use in Malaysia to treat fever.

Antienzymetic Action of Lead Acetate and its Possible Reversal by Antioxidant in Testicular Tissue of Swiss Albino Mice During Pubertal Phase of Life.

Lead intoxication has been associated with male reproductive toxicity in experimental animals and lead may have the potential to produce adverse effects on enzymatic activity in testicular tissue of Swiss albino mice. The present study was undertaken to investigate the ability of antioxidant (Vitamin E) to protect against lead acetated (LA) induced testicular enzymatic toxicity in male albino mice during pubertal phase of life. The weight of testis, caput epididymidis, cauda epididymidis, vas deferens and testicular enzymatic activity (Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), Succenate dehydrogenase (SDH), 65–3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (65–3β–HSD) and 17β–hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β–HSD) were studied. Administration of LA at a dose of 1.25mg/kg body weight for 45 days lowered the weights of testes, caput epididymidis, cauda epididymidis, vas deferens and decreased the activities GSHPx, SDH, 65–3β–HSD and 17β–HSD. Coadministration of vitamin E (2 mg/kg BW) to the LA group restored all the parameters cited above to near the control values. Therefore, this study revealed that vitamin E has beneficial effects against LA induced enzymatic toxicity in testicular tissue of mice.

Acute Toxicity of Chloroform Extract of Artemisia macivera Linn in Swiss Albino Mice.

The acute toxicity of chloroform extract of Artemisia maciverae Linn was studied in Swiss albino mice. The mice were randomly distributed into four groups of three animals each. The groups were respectively administered both intraperitoneally and orally chloroform extract of Artemisia maciverae at 0, 10, 100 and 1000mg/kg in a single dose and monitored frequently for 24h and daily for 13 days in the first phase of the experiment. In the second phase of the experiment, the animals were administered single doses of the extract at 0, 200, 400 and 800mg/kg both intraperitoneally and orally and monitored frequently for 24h and 13 days respectively. The number of deaths in a group was recorded. The results of the second phase experiment were used to calculate the LD50 of the plant extract. All surviving animals were sacrificed after 14 days. Selected organs of the animals i.e. heart, lungs, liver, kidney, spleen, stomach and intestine of both the dead and sacrificed animals were removed and stored in 10% formal saline ready for histopathological analysis. Tissue specimens of the organs were examined histopathologically after processing and staining with haematoxylin and eosin. Lesions were observed in the liver, kidney and intestine of mice administered 800 and 1000mg/kg of chloroform extract of Artemisia maciverae. From this result, the LD50 of the chloroform extract of Artemisia maciverae was calculated to be 566 mg/kg. The results indicate that the extract may be toxic at a high dose and short term exposure.

Thrombolytic, Cytotoxic and Antidiabetic Effects of Paederia foetida L. Leaf Extract.

Aims: This research investigated the thrombolytic, cytotoxic and antidiabetic effects of Paederia foetida leaf methanol extract. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh, between April to December, 2012. Methodology: An in-vitro thrombolytic model was used to check the thrombolytic effect of Paederia foetida extract using streptokinase as a positive control. Cytotoxic effect was measured by Brine shrimp lethality bioassay. Antidiabetic effect of the extract was conducted in alloxan induced diabetic model of Swiss albino mice. Data were analyzed by one way ANOVA using statistical package for social science (SPSS) software. Results: In in-vitro thrombolysis, Paederia foetida extract (100μl) lysed 21.40 ± 1.39 %, Streptokinase (positive control) 81.42 ± 0.88 % and water (negative control) 4.63 ± 0.31% of the blood clots. These clot lysis values were statistically different (p<0.05) from each other. In Brine shrimp bioassay, lethal concentration (LC50) of Paederia foetida extract was found 65.31 μg/mL which was statistically significant compared to Vincristine sulfate (positive control, LC50=0.76 μg/mL). The extract showed a significant and dosedependent decrease in blood glucose level in alloxan induced diabetic mice. The effect of the extract was comparable to the reference antidiabetic drug metformin (150 mg/kg BW). Conclusion: The results demonstrated a moderate thrombolytic, cytotoxic and antidiabetic effect of Paederia foetida leaf extract to be analyzed further for prospective pharmaceutical preparation.