Effect of prunus spinosa and amygdalus extracts on stress induced changes in mice

Aqueous and oil extracts of two prunus species namely Prunus spinosa and prunus amygdalus were evaluated for their ability to reduce the induced stress changes in mice. Plasma corticosterone [PCS], glucose and blood cholesterol levels, were affected by the intake of aqueous extract of Prunus spinosa but no significant was observed with oil extract of Prunus amygdalus in mice under stress

Effect of icterene on teratogenic activity

Icterene is a unani herbal formulation for the treatment of liver diseases. Previous studies have shown safe use of Icterene for human consumption, on the basis of hepatoprotective effect and no adverse effects on haematological and biochemical parameters. Deleterious effects on glands and tissues were not seen. Present report shows that icterene did not produce any teratogenic effects in rats

Pathophysiological effects of leukotrienes

Leukotrienes [LTS] are a novel group of arachidonic acid [A.A.] metabolites which have potent biological actions. These actions suggest that LTS may have a role in various pathological conditions. The chemotactic and chemokinetic actions of LTS suggest that Leukotriene B4 [LTB4] has a role in inflammatory conditions and tissue damage. LTC4 and LTD4 cause a change in pulmonary mechanism, including reduction in expiratory flow, tightness of the chest and wheesing suggest that LTS have a role in respiratory diseases. The vasoconstrictor actions of Leukotrienes in coronary circulation of many species suggest that they may be involved in myocardial ischaemia, angina and perhaps are generated locally in the coronary vascular bed. From these observations, it will be of great interest to investigate the effects of LT antagonists and lipoxygenase inhibitors in these conditions

Pathophysiologies and beneficial use of prostaglandins thromboxane and prostacyclin

After isolation and identification of unstable products of arachidonic acid metabolism namely thromboxane A2 [TxA2 Hamberg, Sevensson and Samuelsson 1975] and Prostacyclin I2 [PGI2: Moncade, Greyglewsk, Bunting and Vane 1976], evidence has accumulated that these products rather than more classical prostanoids PGE2 and PGF2 are of physiological and pathological importance [Moncada and Vane 1979; Moncada 1982]. It is of interest that PGI2 and TxA2 have opposing Pharmacological actions in many systems; such as on platelet, vascular smoothmuscle, bronchopulmonary function etc. An imbalance of modulation of above mentioned substances [PGI2 TxA1] may result in dysfunction of the cell, tissue or organ, may be an important mechanism underlying the development of pathological conditions in these systems. The prostaglandins [PGS] are a major field of research. It is now well established that PGS are of physiological and of pharmacological importance in regulating the activity of uterus