Reversal of hepatotoxin-induced pre-fibrogenic events by Emblica officinalis--a histological study.

Efficacy of a herbal product of E. officinalis (fruit) (EO) has been evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and thioacetamide (TAA) induced changes in rat liver. Chronic treatment of CCl4 and TAA revealed abnormal histopathology indicative of pre-fibrogenic events. EO reversed such alterations with significant regenerative changes suggestive of its preventive role in prefibrogenesis of liver.

Mechanism of action of 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12-hexahydro-azepino-[2, 1-b] quinazolin-12-one-(RLX)--a novel bronchodilator.

The present study presents a mode of action profile of RLX (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12-hexahydro-azepino-[2, 1-b]-quinazoline-12-one) a bronchodilator obtained by the chemical modification in the molecule of alkaloid vasicine (Ex: Adhatoda vesica). The effect of RLX (p.o.) was observed on: (a) mast cell degranulation, (b) release of histamine and prostaglandin E (PGE), (c) 45Ca uptake and (d) activities of cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDEase) and lipoxygenase enzymes in mesenteries/peritoneal mast cells/lung tissue homogenates in rats under systemic anaphylaxis. RLX (10 and 20 mg/kg) inhibited antigen-induced mast cell degranulation and released of histamine from target tissues. An increased outflow of PGE (lungs) and an inhibited 45Ca uptake (peritoneal mast cells) were noted. Lung PDEase and lipoxygenase activities were decreased. These results suggested that RLX could be acting like disodium cromoglycate and aminophyline with additional attributes its oral efficacy and long duration of action.

gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase activity in mice: age dependent changes and effect of cortisol.

gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) activity in various organs of mice during ontogenesis has been determined. The activity profile in foetus, neonates and the adult animal were compared to ascertain the functional significance of the enzyme. In addition, the effect of cortisol on gamma-GT activity in adult kidney is presented.

Toxicity studies with potassium embelate, a new analgesic compound.

Potassium embelate, 2,5-dihydroxy, 3-undecyl-1, 4-benzoquinone, from Embelia ribes Burm. was subjected to toxicity evaluation which included subacute, chronic, reproductive toxicity testing and teratological investigations in laboratory animals (mice, rats and monkeys). The results did not indicate adverse effects suggesting that potassium embelate is a safe compound.

Possible interaction of potassium embelate, a putative analgesic agent, with opiate receptors.

The in vivo studies have been carried out in the rat brain for characterization of binding sites for potassium embelate (ex: Embelia ribes) a potent centrally acting analgesic compound. The results indicate that mixed mu and kappa binding sites in the brain may be involved in the analgesic action of this compound.

Effect of quercetin and Albizzia saponins on rat mast cell.

In the present work the effect of quercetin obtained from (Allium cepa). Albizzia lebbek (crude extract of seeds) and a pure saponin fraction of Albizzia has been studied on the mast cells in the mesentery and peritoneal fluid of rats subjected to anaphylaxis. The results show a mast cell membrane stabilizing effect of these test drugs.