Cytoprotective Effect of Dietary Squalene Supplementation on Experimentally Induced Cardiomyopathy in Rats

Background: Adriamycin is a broadspectrum, potent, older chemotherapy drug and antineoplastic agent used in the treatment of several cancers such as solid tumours, leukaemias, and lymphomas, playing a major role in cancer chemotherapy. Long-term use of this drug results in congestive heart failure and to overcome this effect dietary squalene intake reduces the adverse effects of adriamycin-mediated cardiotoxicity and cellular oxidative stress. Methods: The current study aims to investigate the cytoprotective effects of dietary squalene supplementation on adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathy in rats in terms of alterations in Troponin T, homocysteine, diagnostic marker enzymes, and cardiac tissue histology. Results: The findings show that a 1.5 percent dose of dietary squalene supplementation for 21 days reduced adriamycin-induced changes in homocysteine, troponin T, diagnostic marker enzymes, and lesions in cardiac tissues. Conclusion: The outcomes of the study specified squalene's cytoprotective action which stabilizes membranes against adriamycin-induced oxidative membrane degradation, which is primarily responsible for heart cell irreversible necrosis.

Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Properties from the Extract and Fractions of Annona senegalensis Pers (Annonaceae) Stem Bark Grown in Nigeria

Aim: This study was carried out to assess the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of the extract and fractions of Annona senegalensis stem bark through in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Study Design: The study followed a completely randomized design (CRD) of groups of treatments and control samples for all the tests. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacognosy and Environmental Medicines, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, between January and September 2016. Methodology: Phytochemical constituents and in vitro antioxidant activities using different models (reducing power, DPPH free radical scavenging, ABTS radical scavenging, Hydroxyl radical scavenging, Hydrogen peroxide scavenging, β-carotene bleaching, FRAP scavenging and superoxide radical scavenging assays) were carried out. In vivo antioxidant activity was determined from the assays of lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase and total protein while hepatoprotective activity was evaluated against CCI4 induced liver damage and elevated serum marker enzymes. Results: The results showed that the extract and fractions of stem bark of A. senegalensis had appreciable amounts of total flavonoids (845.67±93.62 mg/g) and total phenols (866.67±8.41), and exhibited good antioxidant activities at higher concentrations. Doses of the extract and fractions administered at 400 mg/kg protected the CCI4–induced lipid peroxidation and significantly (P = .05) reduced the elevated serum marker enzymes - aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphate (ALP), and bilirubin level on a dose and solvent dependent fashion. At 200 and 400 mg/kg extract, the serum AST was reduced (by 40.34% and 45.66% respectively) as much as the MeOH fraction (43.88%) and control (43.44%), whereas EtOAc fractions gave significantly the best reduction (52.49%). The ethyl acetate fraction gave the best activity among all the fractions. Conclusion: The results showed that the stem bark is a potential source of natural antioxidants and hepatoprotective agents, and justifies its use in traditional herbal practice.

Hepatoprotective Activity of a Unani Polyherbal Formulation “Kabideen” in CCl4 Induced Liver Toxicity in Rats.

Objective: To evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of Kabideen Syrup in rats treated with carbon tetrachloride. Methods: In hepatotoxic rats, liver damage was studied by assessing parameters such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, total proteins, and cholesterol and lipid peroxidation. Histopathological study of the liver in experimental animals was also undertaken. Results: Hepatic damage as evidenced by a rise in the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin cholesterol and Malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased level of total protein in serum. Liver showed a tendency to attain near normalcy in animals co-administered with kabideen (50 ml/kg) significantly reduced the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and cholesterol levels and increased the total protein levels when compared to the CCl4 group. The histopathological findings showed a significant difference between the Kabideen (50ml/kg) and CCL4 treated groups. Conclusion: The study substantiates the hepatoprotective potential of Kabideen.

Evaluation of Antidiabetic and the Effect of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Jatropha curcas on Some Biochemical Parameters in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Male Albino Rats.

Aims: The study evaluates the antidiabetic, and the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Jatropha curcas on some biochemical parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic male albino rats (Wistar strain). Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out for ten months in 2012 in Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Biochemistry Unit), School of Technology, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Lagos- Nigeria, and Department of Hematology and blood transfusion, APIN Clinic LUTH, University of Lagos, Nigeria. Methodology: Qualitative phytochemical analysis of the extract were carried out to determine the presence of secondary metabolites present in the extract of Jatropha curcas. The animals were weighed using weighing balance, there blood sugar levels were assayed using Accu-chek Active Glucometer and blood glucose test strips. The hematological parameters were determined using BC-3200 Auto Hematology Analyzer, lipid profiles, total protein, total bilirubin and liver biomarker enzymes were assayed using Randox kits. Results: The phytochemical constituents of J. curcas extract indicate the presence of secondary metabolites like tannins, saponins, flavonoids etc. The weight of diabetic untreated rats were significantly (P<0.05) reduced when compared to other groups. The animals treated with glibenclamide, 150 and 250mg/Kg body weight of J. curcas extract showed significant decrease (P<0.05) of blood sugar level compared to the untreated rats. The extract does possess hematopoietic activity and is not hematotoxic. J. curcas had hypolipidemic effect and can be used in the management of diabetes. The extract significantly reduced (P<0.05) total bilirubin and liver biomarker enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP). Conclusion: The results show that the methanolic leaf extract of Jatropha curcas can be used in the management of diabetes.

Pancreatic islet regeneration and some liver biochemical parameters of leaf extracts of Vitex doniana in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic albino rats

Objective: To test two water soluble extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) obtained from the leaves ofVitex doniana in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for their effects on pancreatic endocrine tissues and serum marker enzymes for a period of 21 d. Methods: A total of 55 rats divided into 11 groups of 5 rats each were assigned into diabetic and non-diabetic groups and followed by a daily administration of ethanolic and aqueous extracts for 21 d. Group 1 was the normal control while group 7 was treated with standard drug.Results:The histopathological studies of the diabetic rats indicated increase in the volume density of islets, percent of β-cells and size of islet in the groups that received the plant extracts, which suggested regeneration of β-cells along with β-cells repairs, as compared with the non-treated diabetic control which showed complete degeneration of the islet cells. There was significant reduction (P0.01) in the serum activities of marker enzymes was observed for non-diabetic treated rats. Results of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin showed that diabetic control group was significantly higher (P0.01) in total bilirubin and direct bilirubin compared with the normal control.Conclusion:This herbal therapy appears to bring about repair/regeneration of the endocrine pancreas and hepatic cells protection in the diabetic rat.

Pancreatic islet regeneration and some liver biochemical parameters of leaf extracts of Vitex doniana in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic albino rats

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To test two water soluble extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) obtained from the leaves of Vitex doniana in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for their effects on pancreatic endocrine tissues and serum marker enzymes for a period of 21 d.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 55 rats divided into 11 groups of 5 rats each were assigned into diabetic and non-diabetic groups and followed by a daily administration of ethanolic and aqueous extracts for 21 d. Group 1 was the normal control while group 7 was treated with standard drug.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The histopathological studies of the diabetic rats indicated increase in the volume density of islets, percent of β-cells and size of islet in the groups that received the plant extracts, which suggested regeneration of β-cells along with β-cells repairs, as compared with the non-treated diabetic control which showed complete degeneration of the islet cells. There was significant reduction (P<0.05) in the serum activities of marker enzymes, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase in diabetes treated rats, whereas an insignificant increase (P>0.01) in the serum activities of marker enzymes was observed for non-diabetic treated rats. Results of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin showed that diabetic control group was significantly higher (P<0.05) in total bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin compared with treated groups while non-diabetic treated groups showed no significant increase (P>0.01) in total bilirubin and direct bilirubin compared with the normal control.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This herbal therapy appears to bring about repair/regeneration of the endocrine pancreas and hepatic cells protection in the diabetic rat.</p>

Protective effect of nutmeg aqueous extract against experimentally-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats.

Background: Nutmeg a well-known spice used as a folk medicine in India to treat stomach ailments. Worldwide it is commonly used for food preservation and fragrance. Abundant references were given for nutmeg in ayurveda, unani, and siddha as a single drug or as an important constituent in formulations. Objective: In the present study, nutmeg aqueous extract (NMAET) was evaluated against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant enzymes, liver functions tests, and lipid profi le tests were performed using standard procedures. Histological examination of liver was done by fi xing in formaldehyde solution and hematoxylin staining. Results: Oral administration of NMAET effectively inhibited the ISO-induced changes in the activities of hepatic marker and antioxidant enzymes in plasma and heart tissue along with lipid peroxidation levels. The liver sections of ISO administered rats showed massive fatty changes, necrosis, ballooning degeneration, and broad infi ltration of the lymphocytes and the loss of cellular boundaries; these changes were completely absent in groups treated with extract. Analysis of variance and Duncan’s Multiple Range tests were used to perform statistical analysis. Conclusion: Results suggest that the NMAET possess signifi cant potential as hepatoprotective and antioxidative agent against ISO-induced damage in rats.

Intravenous human umbilical cord blood improves elctrophysiological and metabolic properties in ISO induced myocardial necrosis in rats.

Rats treated with isoproterenol (ISO, 85 mg/kg, sc, twice at an interval of 24 h) showed a significant increase in heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, pressure rate index, ST elevation on ECG, and a significant increase in the levels of cardiac marker enzymes- lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase in serum and a significant reduction in superoxide dismutase, and catalase and increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substance activity in heart tissue. Treatment with Human umbilical cord blood (hUCBC; 500 and 1000 µL, iv, via the tail vein; 2 h after the second dose of ISO) significantly restored back to normal levels and showed a lesser degree of cellular infiltration and infarct size in histopathological and planimetry studies respectively. Thus, hUCBC ameliorates cardiotoxic effects of isoproterenol and may be of value in the treatment of myocardial infarction.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Anticancer Effect of Methanolic Extract of Alstonia scholaris Leaves on Mammary Carcinoma.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer associated death among women worldwide. Current cancer treatments include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. However, since these conventional methods often have undesirable side effects,new focus towards the use of plant extract to treating cancer with eliminating the side effects. The objective of present study is to asses the anticancer effect of leaves of Alstonia scholaris, using the cytosolic marker enzymes like Aspartate transaminase (AST),Acid phosphatase(ACP) , Alkaline phosphatase(ALP), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Gamma - glutamyl transferase(γ– GT), and 5'-nuclcotidase(5'-NT) in vitro over breast cancer tissue. These are key enzymes in the metabolic pathways and these are the target for the drugs used in chemotherapy. An elevated level of enzyme concentration signals the presence of malignancy .The effect of leaves of Alstonia scholaris is also assessed by studying the effect of non-enzymatic antioxidants like vitamin A, E, C in vitro over breast cancer tissue. The present study revealed the leaves of methanolic extracts of Alstonia scholaris on cancer cells/tumor cells in vitro has been justified by its cytotoxic effect and anti proliferative effect.

Sodium Benzoate Mediated Hepatorenal Toxicity in Wistar Rat: Modulatory Effects of Azadirachta indica (Neem) Leaf.

Aims: Morbidity and mortality from kidney and liver diseases is rapidly increasing worldwide due to exposure of these organs to many kinds of xenobiotics. Medicinal herbs have been used widely to treat these disorders as there is no specific treatment in modern medicine to counter the menace. The study was carried out to investigate the protective role of Azadirachita indica (neem) leaf on kidney and liver damage caused by subchronic administration of sodium benzoate in rat. Study design: Experimental animal study Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria between January and June 2011. Methodology: 200mg/kg bw of sodium benzoate was administered to rats in test groups (B, C and D) every 4 days while control group (A) received distilled water. Group C and D were treated with daily administration of 200mg/kg bw and 500mg/kg bw methanolic leaf extract of Azadirachta indica respectively for 14 days while group B were not treated. Results: Sodium benzoate caused growth depression in rats as well as alteration in hepatic and renal functions revealed by significant elevation in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, uric acid and creatinine. Administration of Azadirachta indica leaf extract tend to ameliorate the adverse effect of sodium benzoate toxicity in rat tissue as it bring the affected biochemical parameters close to normal in a dose dependent manner. Conclusion: These results suggest that Azadirachta indica leaf has modulatory effect on sodium benzoate induced toxicity in rats.

Antiproliferative role of Indigofera aspalathoides on 20 methylcholanthrene induced fibrosarcoma in rats

Objective: To find out the anticancer effect of Indigofera aspalathoides (I. aspalathoides) on 20-methylcholanthrene induced fibrosarcoma in rats. Methods:Fibrosarcoma was induced in Wistar strain male albino rats by 20-methylcholanthrene. Intraperitoneous (i.p.) administration of 250 mg/kg body weight/day of aqueous extract of I. aspalathoides for 30 d effectively suppressed chemically induced tumors. Parameters such as body weight, liver and kidney weight, tumor weight, mean survival time, behavioral changes, blood glucose, blood glycogen and marker enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP) and 5'-nucleiotidase (5'-NT) in serum, liver and kidney and lipid profiles such as total cholesterol, phospholipids, free fatty acids in liver and kidney of control and experimental animals were studied. Results:Fibrosarcoma bearing animals were ferocious and anxious. The mean survival time was found to increase after the treatment. The body weights were significantly decreased (P<0.001) in group II fibrosarcoma animals which steadily increased after the treatment with I. aspalathoides. The liver and kidney weights were significantly increased whereas the tumor weights decreased as compared to the weights in untreated fibrosarcoma bearing rats. The blood glucose and the liver and kidney glycogen levels were found to decrease significantly (P<0.001) in group II animals. Elevated activities of marker enzymes were observed in serum, liver and kidney of fibrosarcoma bearing Group II animals which were normalize after I. aspalathoides treatment. In the liver and kidney of Group II animals the total cholesterol increased whereas the phospholipids and free fatty acid levels decreased (P<0.001) which were normalized after treatment. Conclusions:The treatment by I. aspalathoides on fibrosarcoma bearing rats has improved the levels of various parameters indicating its antiproliferative and anticancer activity.

Antiproliferative role of Indigofera aspalathoides on 20 methylcholanthrene induced fibrosarcoma in rats

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To find out the anticancer effect of Indigofera aspalathoides (I. aspalathoides) on 20-methylcholanthrene induced fibrosarcoma in rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fibrosarcoma was induced in Wistar strain male albino rats by 20-methylcholanthrene. Intraperitoneous (i.p.) administration of 250 mg/kg body weight/day of aqueous extract of I. aspalathoides for 30 d effectively suppressed chemically induced tumors. Parameters such as body weight, liver and kidney weight, tumor weight, mean survival time, behavioral changes, blood glucose, blood glycogen and marker enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP) and 5'-nucleiotidase (5'-NT) in serum, liver and kidney and lipid profiles such as total cholesterol, phospholipids, free fatty acids in liver and kidney of control and experimental animals were studied.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Fibrosarcoma bearing animals were ferocious and anxious. The mean survival time was found to increase after the treatment. The body weights were significantly decreased (P<0.001) in group II fibrosarcoma animals which steadily increased after the treatment with I. aspalathoides. The liver and kidney weights were significantly increased whereas the tumor weights decreased as compared to the weights in untreated fibrosarcoma bearing rats. The blood glucose and the liver and kidney glycogen levels were found to decrease significantly (P<0.001) in group II animals. Elevated activities of marker enzymes were observed in serum, liver and kidney of fibrosarcoma bearing Group II animals which were normalize after I. aspalathoides treatment. In the liver and kidney of Group II animals the total cholesterol increased whereas the phospholipids and free fatty acid levels decreased (P<0.001) which were normalized after treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The treatment by I. aspalathoides on fibrosarcoma bearing rats has improved the levels of various parameters indicating its antiproliferative and anticancer activity.</p>

Hepatoprotective potential of Andrographis paniculata aqueous leaf extract on ethanol induced liver toxicity in albino rats.

To investigate the protective effect of the leaf extract of Andrographis paniculata (Ap) against ethanol induced liver toxicity in male albino rats. The liver toxicity was induced by the administration of ethanol to the animals at the optimum dosage of 7.9g/kg body wt., orally for 45 days. After induction of liver toxicity the aqueous plant extract of A.p was administered to the animal 250 mg/kg body wt., for 45 days. The liver toxicity and protective effect of the plant extract was assessed by the estimation of liver marker enzymes, antioxidant enzymes and liver histopathological studies. The ethanol induced animals the liver marker enzymes like ALT, AST, ALP and Bilirubin were significantly elevated (P<0.001) when compared to the normal animals. After administration of aqueous extract of A.p the elevated levels of marker enzymes were significantly decreased (P<0.001). The antioxidant enzymes were decreased significantly in ethanol induced animals after administration of plant extract the decreased levels were increased significantly (P<0.001). The aqueous leaf extract of A.paniculata could protect the liver against ethanol induced liver toxicity by possibly reducing the rate of lipid peroxidation and increasing the antioxidant defense mechanism in rats.

Hepatoprotective action of ethanolic extracts of Melia azedarach Linn. and Piper longum Linn and their combination on CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

A comparison of analysis in evaluating the hepatoprotective action of ethanolic extract of M. azedarach (MAE) and P. longum (PLE) with their combination biherbal extract (BHE) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatic damage is reported in albino rats. There was a marked elevation of serum marker enzyme levels in CCl4 treated rats, which were restored towards normalization in the drug (MAE and/or PLE:50 mg/kg body weight po, once daily for 14 days) treated animals. The biochemical parameters like total protein, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and urea were also restored towards normal levels. The combined BHE showed more significant reduction of the enzymes than MAE or PLE against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity. The results strongly indicate that BHE has more potent hepatoprotective action than MAE or PLE individually against CCl4 induced hepatic damage in rats. Among these extracts, BHE showed similar hepatoprotective action to silymarin, which was the positive control in this study.

Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic effect of methanol extract of Lippia nodiflora L. in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Objective: To assess the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic properties of Lippia nodiflora (L. nodiflora).Methods:Acute toxicity test was done to check the toxicity of L. nodiflora methanol extract and oral glucose tolerance test was performed in normal rats. L. nodiflora methanol extract at three dose levels was administerd orally to streptozotocin (STZ) (40mg/kg bw) induced diabetic rats for 15 days. The various parameters were studied including body weight, fasting blood glucose levels, plasma insulin, lipid profile, glycogen content, glycoslylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and serum marker enzyme levels in normal, treated and diabetic rats. Histochemical analysis of pancreas was also carried out in normal, treated and diabetic rats. Results: The treatment group with the extract at three dose levels showed a significant increase in the liver, muscle glycogen and serum insulin level and a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin levels and serum marker enzyme levels. The total cholesterol and serum triglycerides levels were also significantly reduced and the high density lipoprotein level was significantly increased upon treatment with the L. nodiflora methanol extract. Histochemical study of pancreas also confirmed the biochemical findings. Acute toxicity studies revealed the non-toxic nature of the L. nodiflora methanol extract. Conclusions: The results of the experiments presented here suggest that methanol extract of L. nodiflora exerts significant antidiabetic and hypolipidaemic effect in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Hepatoprotective activity of Luffa acutangula against CCl4 and rifampicin induced liver toxicity in rats: A biochemical and histopathological evaluation.

Hepatoprotective activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Luffa acutangula (HAELA) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats was evaluated and probable mechanism(s) of action has been suggested. Administration of standard drug- silymarin and HAELA showed significant hepatoprotection against CCl4 and rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Hepatoprotective activity of HAELA was due to the decreased levels of serum marker enzymes viz., (AST, ALT, ALP and LDH) and increased total protein including the improvement in histoarchitecture of liver cells of the treated groups as compared to the control group. HAELA also showed significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, increased activity of non-enzymatic intracellular antioxidant, glutathione and enzymatic antioxidants, catalase and superoxide dismutase. Results of this study demonstrated that endogenous antioxidants and inhibition of lipid peroxidation of membrane contribute to hepatoprotective activity of HAELA.