Studies on the molluscicidal and larvicidal properties of Solanum nigrum L. leaves ethanol extract

Toxicological studies on three ethanol extract preparations of Solanum nigrum L. leaves were made on Biomphalaria alexandrina. Extract [A], made by soaking leaves powder over night in cold 70% ethanol, has the highest activity, [LC[50] 3.37mg/L within 24 hr]. This extract also showed larvicidal activity against larvae of two mosquito species, Aedes caspius and Culex pipiens, [LC[50] 51.29 and 125.89 mg/L within 24 hr, and 21.38 and 38.11mg/L within 48 hr, respectively]. Sunlight, pH, and turbidity did not affect the activity of this extract, but the molluscicidal activity seems to be correlated with the increase of temperature. The concentrated extract [1000mg/L] can be stored at room temperature for six months without any change in its activity, but diluted solutions of this extract lost their activity after four weeks

Free radicals scavenging enzymes and some micronutrients in rheumatoid arthritis

Oxygen free radicals are probably involved in pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis [RA]. The enzymes involved in protection against oxygen free radicals, superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px] and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G-6-PD] were measured in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and age matched healthy subjects [control]. Lipid peroxides, serum levels of selenium, tocopherol, ascorbic acid and protein electrophoretic pattern were also assessed. The results showed that lipid peroxides, alpha and gamma-globulins were significantly increased in patients with RA, while GSH-Px and SOD activities, serum selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, albumin and A/G ratio were significantly decreased in the same group than in corresponding matched healthy controls. In the meantime, a nonsignificant change was observed in the activity of G-6-PD and serum levels of total protein, alpha-1 and beta-globulins. Increased lipid peroxidation and depletion of chain breaking antioxidants may contribute to increase risk of RA. So, the rise of antioxidant enzymes activities and supplementation with certain micronutrients which acting as antioxidants and free radical scavengers provide protection against RA