Anticandidal effect of extract of Bridelia stipularis.

Medicinal and aromatic plants are gift of nature and are being used against various infections and diseases in the world since ages. Species of the genus Bridelia stipularis var scandens is reported to be used traditionally for treating various oral diseases. However, the antimicrobial effect of these plant materials against oral pathogens is not proved. Therefore, we have done the present study. Aim is to find out the anticandidal effect of water extract of Bridelia stipularis against four common oral candidal pathogens. The leaves after identification and authentication by a botanist were collected, air dried, pulverized to fine powder using household blender. The water extract was prepared using cold percolation method. The standard Candida species, Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis obtained from Post Graduate Institute (PGI), Chandigarh was procured. Antifungal activity was determined by Kirby Bauer well diffusion method and Time kill assay. All four species of Candida showed variable results with diameter of zone of inhibition ranging from 12mm to 21mm on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar with both 6 hour and 24 hour peptone water subculture. Time kill assay showed inconsistent results even after 24 hours of exposure with the crude extract of Bridelia stipularis. All four species of Candida causing oral infections are moderately sensitive to crude water extract of dried leaves of Bridelia stipularis.

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.

Loranthus micranthus Leaves Extract Attenuates Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease in Fructose Fed Rats.

Aims: Today there are concerns about possible adverse effects of dietary sugars. This study was set up to compare the metabolic dysfunction induced by dietary fructose in male rats with that of the female, investigate the modulatory effect of Loranthus micranthus on this dysfunction and compare this with that of nifedipine. Study Design: Fifty six rats assigned to four groups of 7 male and 7 females (hosted in different cages) per group were used in the study. The water of group B, C and D rats were supplemented with 10% fructose for the first two 2 weeks and was later increased to 20%, 30% and 40% fructose after every 2 other weeks respectively. Nifedipine (10mg/Kg) was administered to group C while L. micranthus (600mg/Kg) was orally administered to group D. All administrations were carried out daily as a single dose after which the rats were sacrificed and the serum analyzed for the lipid components. The serum glucose level was also measured after every 2 weeks interval. Results: Fructose administration increased serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C, VLDL-C, atherogenic and coronary risk indexes but decreased serum HDL-C significantly. The increase was greater in the male rats. Serum glucose was not altered during the first 6 weeks of study but was observed to be significantly increased above the initial value after 8 weeks of study. Both L. micranthus and nifedipine prevented this metabolic dysfunction but the effect was more pronounced with L. micranthus extract. Conclusion: The study concludes that male subjects are more prone to metabolic dysfunction of fructose than the female group and that L. micranthus is efficacious in preventing this defect in both male and female subject.

Gastroprotective Activity of Methanol Leaves Extract of Barleria prionitis Linn. on Ethanol and Indomethacin Induced Ulcer in Rats.

Aims: Barleria prionitis L. (Family Acanthaceae) is a medicinal plant found road side in India and whole plant or its various parts like leaves, root, bark, stem and flowers are used traditionally for various treatments like toothache, inflammation, boils, glandular swellings and ulcer. Leaf juice is useful in gastric ulcer. Here, we attempt to prove the use of this plant as gastroprotective agent. Study Design: This study was conducted to evaluate the antiulcer activity of methanol extract obtained from the leaves of Barleria prionitis Linn. Place and Duration of Study: The experiments were conducted at Pharmacology lab of Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kurukshetra University during the period of July 2012 to December 2012. Material and Methods: Antiulcer activity was performed using the protocols of ulcer induced by ethanol and indomethacin at two different doses (250 and 500mg/kg). Parameters like volume of gastric juice, pH, free acidity, total acidity, aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) were also determined in ethanol induced ulcer model. Results: The reduction in ulcer index in Barleria prionitis treated animals was found to be statistically significant (P=.05), when compared with control groups in both the models. Significant changes were observed in total acidity only at dose 500mg/kg only and changes were significant in AST, ALT levels at both the doses. Other parameters showed non-significant results. Conclusion: The results of the present study show that the methanolic extract of Barleria prionitis L. possess antiulcer activity. This work supports the traditional use of this plant in treating gastric ulcer.

Estudio del efecto diurético de la hoja de Cimbopogon cytratus en modelo de ratas / Study of diuretic effect of leaf from Cimbopogon cytratus in rats model

Se realizó un estudio preclínico para demostrar el efecto diurético del Cymbopogon Citratus en modelo de ratas. Se trabajó con 3 grupos de ratas machos R/Loty. Al grupo control positivo se le administró 1 mg de furosemida, al grupo control negativo se le administró suero fisiológico y al grupo experimento se le aplicó soluciones preparadas al 10, 20 y 50 porciento, a partir de extractos fluidos de Cymbopogon Citratus obtenidos al 30 y 70 porciento en alcohol etílico. Los resultados de la diuresis fueron promediados por grupos. Se compraron los resultados del grupo experimento con los grupos control negativo y control positivo mediante pruebas de comparación de medias de 2 grupos independientes. No se encontró significación en los resultados del grupo experimental, pero se hallaron ligeros efectos que coinciden con otros investigadores