Ameliorating effects of ethanol extract of root bark of Salacia nitida on blood electrolyte and renal perturbations in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice

Abstract Malaria, a disease of public health concern is a known cause of kidney failure, and dependence on herbal medicines for its treatment is increasing due to the high cost of drugs. So this study is designed to evaluate the ameliorating effect of ethanol extract from Salacia nitida root bark on electrolyte and renal perturbations in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Thirty malariainfected mice divided into five groups of six mice each and another group of six uninfected mice were used for the study. 280, 430, and 580 mg/kg of extract were given to infected mice in groups B, C, and D, 4 mg/kg of artesunate given to group E mice, and 4 ml/kg of physiological saline given to group A and uninfected group F mice for five days. Serum Na+, K+, HCO3, Cl-, TB, urea, creatinine, BUN concentrations, and BUN/creatinine ratio were determined using standard methods. Results showed significant increases (p < 0.05) in Na+, K+, and HCO3 and decreases in Cl-, TB, urea, creatinine, BUN, and BUN/creatinine ratio in the infected treated mice in groups B - E. This study showed that ethanol extract of S. nitida root bark is efficient in the treatment of renal disorders and blood electrolyte perturbations

Therapeutic effects of Durian wood bark extract on a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis / Los efectos terapéuticos del extracto de corteza de madera durián en un modelo de rata de artritis reumatoide

ABSTRACT Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterized by increased inflammation of synovial joint, and often associated with disability. Although several studies have demonstrated the medicinal properties of durian, little is known about the role of durian wood bark for medicinal purposes. Thus, this study investigated the anti-arthritic activity of durian wood bark extract in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: The rats were divided into five groups, including control, RA model, and RA model treated with durian wood bark extract (20, 30, and 40 mg/kg/day for 14 days). The effects of treatment were evaluated by clinical, as well as histological changes in the ankle joints, and the expression level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Results: A complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced RA model in rats was successfully, characterized by the swelling of hind limbs, histopathological changes in ankle joints, and the upregulation of iNOS expression. The administration of durian wood bark extract at a dose of 40 mg/kg attenuated all parameters analyzed in CFA-induced RA model in rats. Conclusion: Amelioration of hind limb swelling, histopathological changes, and iNOS expression in the RA model indicates that durian wood bark extract can be considered as a new treatment alternative that reduces joint symptoms, as well as a future area of research in humans.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: La artritis reumatoide (AR) es una enfermedad inflamatoria común mediada por el sistema inmunológico que se caracteriza por una mayor inflamación de la articulación sinovial, y a menudo se asocia con discapacidad. Aunque en varios estudios se han demostrado las propiedades medicinales del durián, se conoce poco sobre el papel de la corteza de madera de durián con fines médicos. Así pues, en este estudio se investigó la actividad antiartrítica del extracto de corteza de madera de durián en un modelo de AR en ratas. Métodos: Las ratas se dividieron en 5 grupos, incluyendo el control, el modelo de AR y el modelo de AR tratado con extracto de corteza de madera durián (20, 30 y 40mg/kg/día durante 14 días). Los efectos del tratamiento se evaluaron mediante cambios clínicos e histológicos en las articulaciones de los tobillos y el nivel de expresión de la sintasa de óxido nítrico inducible (iNOS). Resultados: Desarrollamos con éxito un modelo completo de AR inducida por adyuvantes de Freund (CFA) en ratas, caracterizado por la hinchazón de las extremidades posteriores, los cambios histopatológicos de las articulaciones del tobillo y el aumento de la expresión de la iNOS. La administración de extracto de corteza de madera de durián a una dosis de 40 mg/kg atenuó todos los parámetros analizados en el modelo de AR inducida por CFA en ratas. Conclusión: La mejora de la hinchazón de las extremidades traseras, los cambios histopatológicos y la expresión de iNOS en el modelo de AR indican que el extracto de corteza de madera dura puede considerarse una nueva alternativa de tratamiento para reducir los síntomas de las articulaciones, con un futuro campo de investigación en los seres humanos.

Evaluation of anti-asthmatic and anti-cholinergic activity of ethanolic extract of Tectina grandis Linn. bark

Background: Asthma is a chronic disease that affects approximately 300 million people worldwide. Tectona grandis Linn. bark, also known as Teak (English), is traditionally used to treat asthma. However, the scientific data on anti-asthmatic and anti-cholinergic of this plant has got little attention. An attempt has been based on ethanolic extract of bark of Tectona grandis Linn. shown a tremendous effect on asthma when comparative study was done with normal and treated group.Methods: The anti-asthmatic activity of a 95% ethanol and 5% distilled water extract of dried and fresh Tectona grandis Linn. bark, was evaluated against histamine and acetylcholine-induced preconvulsive dyspnea (PCD) in guinea pigs fasted for 24 h were exposed to an atomized fine mist of 2% histamine dihydrochloride and acetylcholine aerosol (dissolved in normal saline) using nebulizer at a pressure of 300 mmHg in the histamine chamber (24�� cm, made of perplex glass. They were divided in groups Mepyramin (8 mg/kg) intraperitonially, atropine aerosol and Tectona grandis bark formulation (2.5, 5, 10 gm/kg) were administered orally 30 min prior to exposure. Animals, which did not develop typical asthma within 6 minutes, were taken as protected.Results: Ethanolic extract of Tectona grandis Linn. bark at 5 and 10 gm/kg significantly reduce bronchoconstriction as compared to control group along with significant mast cell stabilization activity.Conclusions: In conclusion, the present study shows that the ethanolic bark extract of Tectona grandis Linn. has potential antiasthamatic and antichlolinergic action in histamine and acetylcholine broncocontraction in guinea pigs.

Anti-inflammatory Activity Of Aqueous Bark Extract Of Thespesia Populnea In Rats

This study examined the oral anti-inflammatory potential of aqueous extract of Thespesia populnea Linn bark. Soland. Ex. Corr. (Family: Malvaceae) which is used by Sri Lankan native practitioners to treat skin ailments and arthritis. This was tested in conscious male Wistar rats using carrageenan induced paw edema model and three oral doses; 1250, 2500 and 5000mg/kg. Indomethacin was used as the reference drug. The result showed that the aqueous extract of bark significantly P<0.05 and dose dependently inhibited both early (1-2 h) and late phase (4-5 h) of inflammation in the carrageenan model. In addition, it inhibited the intermediated phase (3 h). The anti-inflammatory activity of the highest doses of extract was comparable to that of indomethacin. The extract did not display overt signs of toxicity and was neither hepatotoxic, renotoxic nor hematotoxic even with chronic administration. It is concluded that aqueous bark extract of Thespesia populnea can function as an orally active, safe and potent anti-inflammatory agent.

Sealing effects of pinus massoniana bark extract on dentin tubule and its wear resistance in vitro / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To observe the sealing effect of transient pinus massoniana bark extract (PMBE)pre-coating on dentin tubules and its wear resistance so as to provide an experimental basis for PMBE to be used to prevent and treat dentin hypersensitivity.Methods The model of dentin hypersensitivity was established by acid etching method.The samples were transient pre-coating with 80 g/L of PMBE ethanol solution,and then some of them experienced brushing wear treatment with ethanol group and fluorine vanish group as negative and positive controls.The surface and profile morphologies of the samples were observed using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM)in each group.The area of dentin tubular openings (ADTO)and percentage area of dentin tubular openings (PADTO)were also measured.Results The dentin tubules were opened completely and the lumen of dentin tubules was empty in ethanol group.The dentin tubules were completely or basically closed and some films or plugging could be seen in the lumen of dentin tubules in fluorine vanish/immediate group and PMBE/immediate group.The dentin tubules were partly opened and some wear marks could be seen on the dentin surface in fluorine vanish/wear groups,PMBE/wear groups.ADTO and PADTO in ethanol group were significantly higher than those in fluorine vanish groups and PMBE groups (P＜0.05).ADTO and PADTO did not significantly differ between fluorine vanish/wear groups and PMBE/wear groups (P＞0.05),which were all significantly higher than those in fluorine vanish/immediate group and PMBE/immediate group (P＜0.05).Conclusion Local transient pre-coating of PMBE ethanol solution can achieve fine immediate sealing effect of dentin tubules and some degree of wear resistance.

In vitro assessment on medicinal properties and chemical composition of Michelia nilagirica bark

Objective To outline the antibacterial, antioxidant, α-glucosidase inhibition and anticancer properties of Michelia nilagirica (M. nilagirica) bark extract. Methods The antibacterial activity of bark extracts against human pathogens was assessed by disc diffusion assay. Phytochemical screening, total phenols, flavonoids content, antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibition properties of bark extracts were investigated by standard methods. In vitro anticancer activity of ethyl acetate extract at various concentrations was observed against HepG2 cells using MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethyl thiazol-2yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay. The presence of diverse bioactive constituents in the ethyl acetate extract was identified using FT-IR and GC–MS analysis. Results Ethyl acetate extract was found to be the promising agent against human pathogens tested. The ethyl acetate extracts showed the presence of various phytochemicals and comprised the substantial content of phenolics and flavonoids. The ethyl acetate extract showed better antioxidant activities and also revealed remarkable reducing power ability and α-glucosidase inhibition property. The dose dependent assay of extract showed remarkable cancer cell death with IC

In vitro assessment on medicinal properties and chemical composition of Michelia nilagirica bark

Objective:To outline the antibacterial,antioxidant,α-glucosidase inhibition and anticancer properties of Michelia nilagirica (M.nilagirica) bark extract.Methods:The antibacterial activity of bark extracts against human pathogens was assessed by disc diffusion assay.Phytochemical screening,total phenols,flavonoids content,antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibition properties of bark extracts were investigated by standard methods.In vitro anticancer activity of ethyl acetate extract at various concentrations was observed against HepG2 cells using MTT [3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay.The presence of diverse bioactive constituents in the ethyl acetate extract was identified using FT-IR and GC-MS analysis.Results:Ethyl acetate extract was found to be the promising agent against human pathogens tested.The ethyl acetate extracts showed the presence of various phytochemicals and comprised the substantial content of phenolics and flavonoids.The ethyl acetate extract showed better antioxidant activities and also revealed remarkable reducing power ability and α-glucosidase inhibition property.The dose dependent assay of extract showed remarkable cancer cell death with IC50 value of (303.26 ± 2.30) μg/mL.FTIRand GC-MS results indicated the presence of major bioactive constituents in the ethyl acetate extract of M.nilagirica bark.Conclusions:Revealing the first report on in vitro biological properties and chemical composition analysis ofM.nilagirica bark extract,our study implied that this plant could be of great importance in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Protective effects and mechanism of pine bark extract on cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in mice / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To investigate the role of IL-6/STAT3/miR-21 in the treatment of cerebral ischemia reper?fusion injury in mice by pine bark extract. Methods 120 KM mice were randomly divided into normal control group, sham operation group, 14 d and 28 d model groups, 14 d and 28 d treatment groups, each group with 20 mice. The model of cerebral ischemia?reperfusion injury model was made by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. The mice in the treat?ment group were treated with pine bark extract procyanidins by intragastric administration for 7 days before the execution. The control group and sham operation group were treated with normal saline. The differences in learning and memory abili?ties and histopathological changes in the hippocampus of mice in each group were examined. The levels of interleukin 6, STAT3, p?STAT3 and miR?21 were measured. Results The learning and memory abilities of the mice in the treatment group were higher than that in the model group at the same time points. The treatment group had less irregularity in the ar?rangement of Nissl body, irregular shape of the cells, with relatively lighter cytoplasmic staining, but was better than the model group. The expression level of IL?6 in the 28 d model group was lower than that in the 14 d model group, The IL?6 in the hippocampus of the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the model group at the same time point. Therewere no significant differences in the contents of total STAT3 protein in the hippocampus between the groups (P>0. 05). The expression of p?STAT3 in the treatment group was lower than model group at the same time point. The expression of miR?21 in the hippocampus of 14 d, 28 d treatment groups was lower than that in the model group at the same time point, and decreased with time. Conclusions The procyanidins extracted from pine bark may effectively inhibit IL?6, then the phosphorylation level of STAT3 is significantly decreased and finally decreases the expression of miR?21, so as to alleviate the cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in mice.

Stem Bark of Canarium odontophyllum Miq. (Dabai) as Potential Source of Antimicrobial Agent / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of methanol, acetone and distilled water stem bark extracts from Canarium odontophyllum against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus cereus ATCC 6633, Escherichia coli ATCC 25932, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Acinetobacter baumannii strain sensitive, Candida albicans ATCC 64677, Candida glabrata ATCC 90028, Aspergillus niger and Fusarium solani M2781. The extracts from C. odontophyllum stem bark from 3.125 mg/ml to 25 mg/ml were screened against the tested microorganisms using disc diffusion method. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the extracts against susceptible organisms were determined using microbroth dilution method and streak-plate technique, respectively. From the antibacterial screening assay, the growth of S. aureus, B. cereus and A. baumannii were inhibited by methanol extract whereas the acetone extract was capable of inhibiting all the tested microorganisms except E.coli, F. solani and A. niger. The lowest MIC value for methanol extract was against A. baumannii (0.195 mg/ml) whereas its MBC value was twice its MIC value (0.391 mg/ml), indicating that methanol extract was bacteriostatic against A. baumannii. While for acetone extract, S. aureus showed bactericidal effect with equal MIC and MBC values at 0.195 mg/ml. In conclusion, stem bark of C. odontophyllum has the potential to be the source of antibacterial agent and can be exploited as an alternative phytoantimicrobial.

Comparative study on the anti-demineralization effect of pinus massoniana bark extract and grape seed extract on human root dentin in vitro / 实用口腔医学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of pinus massoniana bark extract (PMBE) and grape seed extract (GSE) on dentin demineralization caused by acid.Methods:40 root dentin blocks with half of the surface covered were randondy divided into 4 groups (n =10).All samples were subjected to pH cycling for 8 days,and deionized distilled water(DDW),0.1％NaF,12％ PMBE solution and 12％ GSE solution were used as the experimental solutions in the 4 groups.The dentin mineral density(DMD) of the both sides was determined using micro-computed tomography.The D-value of DMD between nn-demineralized and demineralized side (△DMD)was calculated.The samples were observed with field emission scanning electron microscops (FE-SEM).Results:The △DMD of DDW,NaF,PMBE and GSE groups was 198.64 ±59.97,45.94 ±24.21,90.23 ±28.77 and 105.07 ±29.53 respectively.The △DMD between PMBE and GSE groups had no significant difference (P ＞ 0.05),which were both higher than that of NaF group (P ＜ 0.05) and lower than that of DDW group(P ＜ 0.05).The FE-SEM revealed that the dentin tubules in DDW group were completely open,but in NaF group were essentially closed in PMBE group and GSE group were spindle shaped or narrow crack opening.Conclusion:PMBE and GSE had almost the same effect on improving the acid resistance of dentin.

Anti-Hyperglycemic Effect of Tecomella undulata Extract by Ameliorating Pancreatic Dysfunction in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Albino Rats.

Objective: The primary objective of the present investigation is to evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity of the 50% ethanolic extract of the Tecomella undulata Seem. (TUE) bark in the streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Methods: Single intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg body weight) was used for induction of diabetes is wistar albino rats. The induction of diabetes was confirmed after 3 days after STZ injection and rats with fasting blood glucose levels greater than 200 mg/dl were considered to be diabetic used in the experiment. TUE at a once a daily dose of 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg, p.o. along with glibenclamide 600μg/kg, p.o. was also given for 21 days. On the 21st day rats from all the groups fasted overnight and the blood was collected from the puncturing the retro orbit of the eye under mild ether anesthetic condition. The oral acute toxicity studies did not show any toxic effect till the dose at 2000 mg/kg. Results: The statistical data indicated that the different doses of the TUE significantly decreases the level of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein and increase high density lipoprotein in STZ induced diabetic rats. This result indicated that T. undulata extract can protect pancreatic β-cells from STZ-induced damage which is confirmed by the results of the histopathological examination of the pancreas. Conclusion: Our investigation has clearly indicated that the bark extract of Tecomella undulata Seem. showed remarkable antihyperglycemic activity due to its possible systematic effect involving in the pancreatic and extra pancreatic mechanism. Moreover, the antihyperlipidemic activity was exerted possible by lowering the higher level of lipid profile.

Protective effects of pine bark extract against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats / 한국실험동물학회지

We investigated the protective effects of pine bark extract (pycnogenol(R), PYC) against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Twenty-four male rats were divided into the following four groups: (1) vehicle control, (2) cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg), (3) cisplatin & PYC 10 (10 mg/kg/day), and (4) cisplatin & PYC 20 (20 mg/kg/day). A single intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin induced hepatotoxicity, as evidenced by an increase in serum aminotransferase and histopathological alterations, including degeneration/necrosis of hepatocytes, vacuolation, and sinusoidal dilation. In addition, an increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and a decrease in the reduced glutathione (GSH) content and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities were observed in the cisplatin-treated rat hepatic tissues. In contrast, PYC treatment effectively prevented cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity, including the elevation of aminotransferase and histopathological lesions, in a dosedependent manner. Moreover, PYC treatment also induced antioxidant activity by decreasing MDA level and increasing GSH content and SOD and GST activities in liver tissues. These results indicate that PYC has a protective effect against acute hepatotoxicity induced by cisplatin in rats, and that the protective effects of PYC may be due to inhibiting lipid peroxidation and increasing antioxidant activity.

Cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of root bark extracts of Acanthopanax henryi / 中国天然药物

AIM@#To investigate the cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory activity, and action mechanism of root bark extracts of Acanthopanax henryi.@*METHOD@#The hot methanol extract of the root bark of A. henryi was subjected to XAD-4 column chromatography eluting with a gradient of methanol in water. The cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of the MeOH fractions were evaluated on the inhibition on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 production in RAW 264.7 macrophages.@*RESULTS@#The 80% MeOH fraction was a better inhibitor of LPS-induced NO, PGE2, IL-1β, and IL-6 production, and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) at the protein levels in a concentration-dependent manner.@*CONCLUSION@#The 80% MeOH fraction of A. henryi root bark has significant anti-inflammatory activity. This provides a pharmacological basis for clinical application for the treatment of inflammation.

Antipyretic study of methanolic bark extract of plumeriarubra, linn. in various pyrexia induced models.

To provide pharmacological evidence of plumeria rubra as antipyretic agent in practice many parts of Pakistan. Antipyretic effect of methanolic extract of the bark of plumeria rubra was investigated.on yeast , dinitrophenol and E-coli induced model. Intraperitoneal administration of yeast, dinitrophenol and E-coli in albino rabbits leads to pyrexia. Intraperitoneal administration of methanolic extract of the bark of plumeria rubra at a dose 100mg/kg body weight were shown significantly reduce the elevated body temperature of rabbit in yeast induced model which was compared with aspirin (Standard Drug) and solvent used. In dinitrophenol induced pyrexia, mixture of verapamil (2mg/kg) and Plumeria rubra (50mg/kg), while in In E-coli induced pyrexia, mixture of Ciproflaxacin (10mg/kg) and Plumeria rubra (50mg/kg), significantly reduced the elevated temperature in all models as compared to the standard drug Aspirin.

Effect of Pinus massoniana Lamb. bark extract on lytic cycle of Epstein-Barr virus.

Pinus massoniana bark extract (PMBE) at a concentration of 60 μg/mL or more inhibits the expression of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) lytic proteins, such as Rta, Zta, and EA-D. EBV lytic cycle was blocked by inhibiting the transcription of immediate-early genes. The results suggest that the PMBE has anti-EBV activity. Thus, the extract is potentially useful in preventing the lytic development of EBV in vitro.

Antioxidant activity of Spathodea campanulata (Bignoneaceae) extracts / Atividade antioxidante de extratos de Spathodea campanulata (Bignoneaceae)

Spathodea campanulata is used in traditional medicine in Africa as diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Although few studies have reported the mechanism of antioxidant action, this study evidenced the antioxidant activity of S. campanulata bark and flower extracts and their possible mechanism of action. Ethanol extracts of S. campanulata bark and flowers showed antioxidant activity on lipid peroxidation of liver microsome induced by Fe3+-ascorbic acid. Bark extract was 5 times more efficient than flower extract. The antioxidant activity of flower extract, previously complexed with increasing concentrations of Fe3+ (20 - 100 µM) which resulted in antioxidant activity loss, was shown to be related to iron complex formation. In contrast, the antioxidant activity of bark extract was not inhibited by the previous incubation with Fe3+, although complexation was demonstrated by spectral analysis of the solution. These results suggest an antioxidant mechanism other than Fe3+ complex formation. Therefore, the antioxidant mechanisms of S. campanulata flower and bark extracts are distinct from each other, reflecting the extract heterogeneous composition and the mechanism of action.

Spathodea campanulata é usada na medicina popular na África como diurético e antiinflamatório. Embora poucos estudos relatem o mecanismo de ação antioxidante, neste trabalho foi evidenciado a atividade antioxidante dos extratos da casca e da flor da S. campanulata e o possível mecanismo de ação. Os extratos etanólicos da casca e da flor da S. campanulata mostrou possuir atividade antioxidante sobre a lipoperoxidação de microssoma hepático induzida por Fe3+-ácido ascórbico. O extrato da casca foi 5 vezes mais eficiente que da flor. O extrato da flor foi previamente complexado com concentrações crescentes de Fe3+ (20 - 100 µM) o qual resultou na perda da atividade antioxidante, demonstrando que esta está relacionada com a formação de complexo com o ferro. Por outro lado, a atividade antioxidante do extrato da casca não foi inibida pela prévia incubação com o ferro, embora haja a formação do complexo evidenciado pela análise espectral da solução. Estes resultados sugerem que o mecanismo antioxidante seja outro que não a complexação com o Fe3+. Portanto, o mecanismo antioxidante dos extratos da flor e da casca da S. campanulata é distinto entre si o que reflete a composição heterogênica do extrato e o mecanismo de ação.

Effects of pitamin on growth performance, carcass characteristics and cecal microflora of broiler chicken.

The treated groups were as follows: 1) the control, 2) the antibiotics (8 mg of avilamycin kg-1 of diet) and 3) the pitamin (70 mg of pitamin kg-1 of diet) groups. Body weight gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency were significantly higher in the pitamin group than in the antibiotics and control groups (p<0.05). Carcass weight, dressing percentage, and the weight of breast and thigh muscle recorded significantly higher levels in the pitamin group as compared to the other groups (p< 0.05). The addition of pitamin to the diets for broilers reduced abdominal fat by 23.35% and stimulated the growth of the thymus, the spleen, and the bursa of Fabricius. TAG levels of the pitamin group declined by 12.03 and 10.45% as compared to the control and antibiotics groups, and their TC levels were reduced by 15.17 and 14.39%, and LDL.C levels were reduced by 10.56 and 11.24%, respectively. Serum IgG was increased significantly by 137.43 and 36.80% in the pitamin group as compared to the control and antibiotics groups, respectively (p< 0.05). The numbers of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus on the cecum digesta were significantly higher in the pitamin group than in the antibiotics and control groups and the numbers of Escherichia coli and Salmonella tended to be reduced (p<0.05). In conclusion, when Korean red pine bark extract, pitamin, was added to the broiler diets at a concentration of 70 mg of pitamin kg-1 of diet, it resulted in better growth performance as compared to the antibiotics by improving immunity and the cecal beneficial microfloral population.

Acute and sub-acute toxicity of ethanolic extract of Canthium mannii Hiern stem bark on Mus musculus.

Acute and sub-acute toxicity of ethanolic extract (ETE) of C. mannii was assessed on white mice (Mus musculus). After 48 h of extract administration, no death was registered. It was deduced that the LD50 was indisputably higher than 16 g/kg body weight. The sub-acute toxicity test was based on the daily administration of three doses of ETE (300, 600 and 1200 mg/kg body weight) for four weeks; 1% DMSO served as negative control. As for the first experiment, no sign of toxicity was registered. Conversely, the sub acute doses stimulated and increased the weight-rate of mice after 7 days of treatment. Except for the spleen weight, the doses administrated did not modify the weight index. It was observed that, sub-acute doses induced and increased (a) the food (particularly) and water consumption according to time and (b) the number of red and white blood cells. It was thought that, ETE can stimulate the haematopoietic function. Finally, no time variation of the activity of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzyme was observed in the serum of euthanized mice. The results showed the innocuity of ETE of C. mannii and thus validated his utilization in cameroonian traditional pharmacopoea.

Antibacterial effects of azadirachta indica leaf and bark extracts in clinical isolates of diabetic patients.

Background: Antibacterial activities of crude Azadirachta indica (neem) bark and leaf extracts were investigated in bacterial species isolated from clinical samples of diabetic individuals. Methods and Material: Nine different dilutions of methanolic bark and leaf extracts were tested for this purpose in agar well diffusion method. Results: Both the extracts were active against Gram positive as well as Gram negative strains. Zones of inhibition produced by different bacteria for different concentrations were summarized by linear regression. Highest activities were exhibited for coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CONS) by both bark and leaf extracts, Y = 16.95 + 0.19X and Y = 18.90 – 0.70X, respectively. Conclusions: Results indicate that exhaustive studies involving identification of specific compounds in neem extracts and testing their activities in diabetic samples would be worthwhile considering steep emergence of multidrug resistant species in diabetic infections and infections in general.

Anti-inflammatory effect of the ethanolic extract from Bowdichia virgilioides H.B.K stem bark

Bowdichia virgilioides H.B.K stem bark (Fabaceae), locally known as "sucupira-preta", is a reputed folk-remedy to treat some inflammatory disorders. To validate its traditional claim, the ethanolic extract from B. virgilioides was evaluated in several animal models of inflammation and nociception. The extract at oral doses of 100 to 1000 mg/kg body weight caused a significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema, suppression of exudate volume and leukocyte immigration in rat pleurisy induced by carrageenan, and reduction of granuloma weights in the model of subcutaneous granulomas promoted by cotton pellets. In addition, the plant extract significantly inhibited the vascular permeability increase induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid. It also showed marked antinociceptive effect in acetic acid-induced writhing test and in the second phase of formalin test in mice. These findings evidence the anti-inflammatory potential of Bowdichia virgilioides bark and supports its traditional use in inflammatory conditions.

A casca do caule de Bowdichia virgilioides H.B.K (Fabaceae), conhecida localmente como sucupira-preta, é um remédio popular muito utilizado para tratar inflamações. Com o objetivo de validar sua crença popular, o extrato etanólico de B. virgilioides foi avaliado em vários modelos experimentais de inflamação e nocicepção. O extrato administrado, via oral, em doses de 100 a 1000 mg/kg de peso corporal produziu inibição significativa no edema de pata induzido por carragenina, no aumento na permeabilidade vascular induzido por acido acético, no volume de exudato e na migração leucocitária no teste de pleurisia induzida por carragenina, bem como no peso de granulomas induzidos por pelotas de algodão, em ratos. Em camundongos, o EE Bv reduziu o número de contorções abdominais induzidas por ácido acético e a lambedura da pata na segunda fase do teste da formalina. Esses resultados validam o potencial anti-inflamatório da casca de Bowdichia virgilioides e referendam seu uso tradicional em condições inflamatórias.