Anti-inflammatory effects of Citrus sinensis L., Citrus paradisi L. and their combinations

Citrus bioflavonoids embrace a wide group of phenolic compounds effecting the production and scavenging of reactive oxygen species and the processes relating free radical-mediated injury. Keeping in view of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Citrus sinensis and Citrus paradisi, present study was undertaken to explore the effects of C. sinensis [orange juice] and C. paradisi [grapefruit juice] at three different doses alone and their two combinations with the objective to examine the effects of these compounds in an experimental model of rat colitis induced by trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid [TNBS]. Hence biochemical parameters e.g. myeloperoxidase, alkaline phosphatase, C-reactive protein [CRP] and glutathione were assessed. Data entry and analysis was accomplished by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 17 and was presented as mean +/- S.E.M with 95 onfidence interval. Present result shows that these juices, mainly C. paradisi, may be efficacious for the management of inflammatory bowel disease. In acute colitis model, C. paradise encouraged a decrease in the extension of the lesion escorted by a decrease in the occurrence of diarrhea and reinstatement of the glutathione content. Related effects were produced by the administration of C. sinensis, which also prevented the myeloperoxidase and alkaline phosphatase actions in acute intestinal inflammatory process. The effect of the citrus juices on the inflammatory process may be associated to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as revealed in present investigation. The favorable effects exerted were demonstrated both by histological and biochemical changes and were related with a progress in the colonic oxidative status

Assessment of sub-chronic, hematological and histopathological toxicities of a herbal combination

The herbal combination under study consists of Withania somnifera, Tribulus terrestris, Mucuna pruriens and Argyria speciosa. Present study is mainly designed to investigate the gross physical, sub-chronic, hematological and histopathological effects of the combination widely used for its stimulating, revitalizing and fertility boosting effects in Pakistan. Sub-chronic, hematological and histopathological outcomes of herbal combination were assessed on 27 albino rabbits weighing from 1000gm-1500gm after giving herbal combination for 60 days in two doses 27 and 81mg/kg against control. No significant toxicity was revealed during the entire period of study, however some biochemical changes were observed in kidney and liver but these changes did not coincide with histopathological findings. There was no mortality and evidence of systemic toxicity including hematological toxicity following 60 days administration of herbal combination. Results of present study suggest that further studies are required on large number of animals before reaching to a definite conclusion, more over clinical studies should also be conducted to confirm the possible toxic effects of the herbal combination

Effect of Carthamus tinctorius [Safflower] on fasting blood glucose and insulin levels in alloxan induced diabetic rabbits

Diabetes mellitus is a major threat to present and future generations. The role of herbal medication has emerged as a safe alternative to currently available medication due to its decreased potential to produce side effects, hence effect of Carthamus tinctorius was observed on fasting blood glucose and insulin levels in alloxan induced diabetic rabbits. Thirty five healthy male rabbits were divided into 5 groups with 7 rabbits in each [Normal control, diabetic control, diabetic treated with glibenclamide, diabetic treated with Carthamus tinctorius extract at doses of 200 and 300mg/kg of body weight]. Drug and extract were given orally for 30 days and the values for blood glucose levels were observed after 15[th] and 30[th] day of treatment by using standard reagent kits provided by Human Germany. While insulin levels were checked at the end of the study by using Architect i1000 by Abbott Diagnostics USA. Animals were also observed for any gross toxicity during the study. Results revealed that Carthamus tinctorius has significant hypoglycemic effect at 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg doses as compared to diabetic control group. Insulin levels were significantly increased in Glibenclamide treated as well as Carthamus tinctorius treated groups as compared to diabetic control

Evaluation of hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of methanol extract of Brassica oleracea / 中国天然药物

AIM@#The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of the methanol extract of Brassica oleracea var. capitata (MEB) was evaluated in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits.@*METHOD@#The study was conducted on twenty-eight healthy white rabbits of either sex. All animals were equally divided into four groups. After confirmation of hyperglycemia, the animals of the treated and standard groups were administered MEB (500 mg·kg(-1)) and glibenclamide (10 mg·kg(-1)), respectively for 15 and 30 days. The animals of the normal and diabetic controls received normal saline 1 mL/day equivalent to the volume of doses given to the test and standard animals. Biochemical tests were performed at the end of dosing, i.e. the 16(th) and 31(st) days.@*RESULTS@#The MEB revealed a decrease of 106.6 mg·dL(-1) in fasting blood glucose as compared to diabetic control, which was almost comparable to glibenclamide; both of these changes were highly significant. The decrease in total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein was 94.3 and 96.5 mg·dL(-1), respectively, whereas the high-density lipoprotein was increased by 26.7 mg·dL(-1), as compared to diabetic control. All of the changes in lipid profile were statistically significant.@*CONCLUSION@#These results suggest the potential of MEB as a hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic agent.

Hepatoprotective effect of herbal drug on CCl[4] induced liver damage

Herbs have been a huge source of natural substances used to treat and prevent several illnesses; therefore it is vital to identify the probable toxicity that might take place as a consequence of using herbal combinations. This study was undertaken in rabbits to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of herbal drug in normal and CCI[4] induced hepatic damage. Herbal drug was tested in 3 different doses, each group comprising of seven rabbits of either sex followed by the administration of CCI[4] with herbal drug and saline for 45 days. Liver function tests and histopathological evaluation were carried out at the end of dosing using standards kits. The result shows that normal dose of herbal drug [0.43 ml/kg] possess hepatoprotective effects against CCI[4] induced liver damage in rabbits which may be due to the various active ingredients present in herbal drug combination. Present study also suggests that there was a significant [p<0.05] increase in serum alkaline phosphatase and gamma-GT in animals kept on high dose of herbal drug [10 ml/kg]; however studies on huge number of animals and humans are requisite before reaching to definite conclusion

Impact of herbal drug combination on lipid profile, renal and cardiac parameters

For the past two decades, there has been an increasing interest in the investigation of medicinal plants as potential sources of new therapeutic agents; hence it is crucial to recognize the apparent toxicity that might occur while using herbal medicines. This study was undertaken in rabbits to assess the safety profile of an herbal drug combination. It was tested in 3 different doses for a period of 45 days, each group comprising of seven rabbits of either sex. Biochemical test and histopathological assessment were performed at the completion of dosing using standards reagent kits. The result shows that high dose of herbal drug [10ml/kg] revealed significant increase in serum lactate dehydrogenase, total protein and creatinine [p<0.05]; more over there was highly significant decrease in triglycerides [p<0.005] at the completion of dosing

Effect of methanol extract of ajwain [trachyspermum ammi L] on blood coagulation in rats

Objective: to assess the effect of methanol extract of Ajwain on coagulation parameters PT and aPTT and to determine usefulness

Design: this comparative study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, Pakistan

Methods: antithrombotic tests PT and aPTT were conducted after multiple dosing of Ajwain on rats using standard kits and reagents, which were performed on Humaclot duo Germany. The data was subjected to analysis by taking mean and standard error to the mean using student T- test

Results: the results revealed that Ajwain extract did not show any significant effect on aPTT whereas increase in PT was highly significant [P < 0.001]

Conclusion: the results suggested that the methanol extract of Ajwain prolonged PT, similar to that of Warfarin suggesting its possible effects on the extrinsic pathway, while aPTT was not altered suggesting that it may have no effects on the intrinsic pathway

Cummulative toxicities on lipid profile and glucose following administration of anti-epileptic, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic and anti-arrhythmic drugs

Reporting of undesirable drug reactions is a problem in all countries, even those with sophisticated drug regulatory bodies. However we can expect a horrible picture in developing countries like Pakistan where drug regulatory control is very poor, hence present study has been exclusively designed to explore the outcome of individual administration of antiepileptic, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiarrhythmic drugs and their combinations on lipid profile and glucose. The study was conducted on healthy rabbits of either sex. Biochemical tests were performed at the completion of dosing i.e. on 61[st] day and again after drug-free interval of 15 days.Present study provides detailed evaluation of adverse effects on lipid profile and glucose, results of the study suggests that animals received amiodarone-glibenclamide-verapamil-oxcarbazepine combination did not revealed any significant changes but animals received amiodarone-glibenclamide-losartan potassium-oxcarbazepine and amiodarone-glibenclamide-captopril-oxcarbazepine combinations revealed significant changes. However more studies on large number of animals and human beings are required to justify the use of multiple drug administration, since trial in man is the only way of establishing drug interactions

Evaluation of hypoglycemic effect of Cassia Italica

Currently available treatment options fail to maintain glycemic control over long time and are accompanied by various side effects. Therefore, there is a need to develop newer treatment strategies such as hypoglycemic agents of plant origin as they are known to have fewer side effects. Several herbal preparations are used to treat diabetes, but their reported hypoglycemic effects are complex. The study was conducted on 35 healthy rabbits of either sex following administration of Cassia italica plant extract for a period of 14 days. Present study provides evaluation of hypoglycemic effect of Cassia italica in the alloxan induced diabetes rabbits along with comparative hypoglycemic efficacy of glibenclamide. Results reveals that 100 mg/kg oral dose of plant extract did not cause significant changes in blood glucose level however results of plant extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg were similar to glibenclamide at the dose of 2.5mg/kg body weight, however result of the present study can only be confirmed after evaluating Cassia italica on large number of animals as well as clinically

Effect of multiple drug administration on gross toxicities and electrolytes

Pakistan being a developing country faces increased burden of cardiovascular disorders and epilepsy along with chronic non-communicable disease such as diabetes mellitus. It is therefore; important to identify; the potential of toxicity that might occur as a result of the drug-drug interaction upon simultaneous use of anti-epileptics with anti-hypertensive, anti-arrhythmic and anti-diabetic. Present study was planned to explore the changes in gross toxicities and electrolytes with individual and multiple administration of anti-epileptic, anti-hypertensive, anti-arrhythmic and anti-diabetic. The study was conducted in normal rabbits of either sex following administration of drugs for a period of 60 days; sodium, potassium and calcium levels were analyzed at the completion of dosing and again after drug-free interval of 15 days, results of the study suggests that animals received amiodarone-glibenclamie-captopril-oxcarbazepine combination showed hypokalemia and hypocalcaemia which remained significant even after drug-free interval, however animal received amiodarone-glibenclamide-verapamil-oxcarbazepine combination showed hypocalcemia at the completion of dosing and hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia after drug-free interval