A Comparative Analysis of the Efficacy of Local Anesthetics and Systemic Anesthetics in the Red-Headed Versus Non-Red-Headed Patient Population: A Comprehensive Review.

Researchers have found that individuals with red hair often require higher doses of anesthetic medications to achieve the same level of pain relief or sedation compared to people with other hair colors. This review investigates the effects of local and systemic anesthetics in individuals with red hair compared to the general population. Focusing on both local and systemic anesthesia, this research aims to elucidate any distinctive responses or complications among the red-haired demographic. Utilizing a systematic review approach, we analyzed a wide array of previous research papers published over the last two decades to gather relevant data. Our findings suggest that people with red hair may exhibit variations in their response to both local and systemic anesthesia compared to non-red-haired individuals, indicating the necessity for tailored anesthetic approaches in clinical settings. Previous studies have found that individuals with red hair, as well as those with the corresponding melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) mutations, exhibit a greater resistance to the effects of systemic and local anesthetics. This review provides valuable insights that could help healthcare professionals optimize anesthetic management and improve patient outcomes, particularly for those with red hair.

A Comparative Analysis of Quadriceps Tendon, Patellar Tendon Bone Allograft, and Cadaver Graft in Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Repair and Reconstructive Surgery.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a common occurrence among athletes and active individuals, often necessitating surgical intervention for optimal recovery. The choice of graft material for ACL reconstruction remains a topic of debate, with various options available, including quadriceps tendon (QT), patellar tendon bone allograft (PTBA), and cadaver graft (CG). This paper aims to provide an extensive review and comparison of the efficacy, outcomes, and complications associated with these graft types based on recent research. A systematic literature search following PRISMA guidelines was conducted to identify relevant studies published in the past six years. The findings suggest that while each graft type has its advantages and limitations, there is no definitive superior choice. Factors such as patient age, activity level, comorbidities, and surgeon preference should be considered when selecting the most appropriate graft for ACL repair surgery. QT grafts are associated with lower donor-site morbidity compared to patellar tendon grafts. However, QT grafts may have a higher risk of graft rupture and decreased knee flexion strength. PTBA grafts, compared to QT grafts, have a higher risk of donor-site morbidity but a lower risk of graft rupture and improved knee stability. CG grafts have lower donor-site morbidity compared to PTBA grafts but may have a higher risk of graft rupture and decreased knee flexion strength compared to PTBA grafts. In conclusion, the choice of graft material for ACL reconstruction is a complex decision that requires careful consideration of various factors, including patient age, activity level, comorbidities, and surgeon preference. While each graft type has its advantages and limitations, there is no definitive superior choice. Therefore, it is essential to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of each graft type to ensure optimal outcomes for patients undergoing ACL repair surgery.

Study of the Antihypertensive Effect of Scorzonera undulata ssp. deliciosa in Albino Wistar Rats.

AIMS: The study aimed to investigate the antihypertensive activity of Scorzonera undulata ssp. deliciosa. BACKGROUND: Scorzonera undulata ssp deliciosa, locally known as "Guiz", is used in traditional medicine in Morocco as a diuretic and mainly against snake bites. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the possible antihypertensive effect of the aqueous extract of Scorzonera undulata (AESU). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the present study, the antihypertensive activity of AESU AUSU was tested in normotensive and hypertensive rats. RESULTS: The results indicated that AESU decreased the systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure in hypertensive rats. The data revealed that AESU exerted its antihypertensive effect through vasodilatory properties. Interestingly, the study demonstrated that the vasorelaxation ability of AESU might be mediated through receptor-operated calcium channels (ROCCs). However, AESU dhad effect on inhibiting ACE-2. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates the antihypertensive and vasorelaxant activities of AESU in hypertensive rats.

Epidemiological Characteristics of 64 Covid-19 Patients in Errachidia Province (Darâa-Tafilalet region), Morocco: A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: At the time of writing this paper, no data was available for the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of African patients with COVID-19. Herein, we profiled retrospectively the epidemiological characteristics (clinical, laboratory, radiological, treatment, and clinical outcomes) of 64 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Regional Hospital Center (RHC) of Errachidia in Morocco. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological characteristics and laboratory Findings of Covid-19 patients in Errachidia Province, Morocco. METHODS: This is a retrospective single-center study that included all COVID-19 confirmed patients (died or discharged) hospitalized in the Regional Center of Errachidia, Morocco, between March 20, 2020 and May 23, 2020. Patients were confirmed by real-time RT-PCR and epidemiological, demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment, and outcomes of patients were extracted manually from patient's medical records. RESULTS: In a total of 64 patients with COVID-19, 60.9% of patients were men, with a mean age of 41.5 years (SD 18.62). At the admission, 38 patients were asymptomatic (59.4%), and 58 (90.6%) were clinically classified as being in a benign state. Chronic illnesses were the most comorbidities observed, including diabetes with 8 cases (12.5%), hypertension 3 cases (4.7%), and hyperlipidemia 1 patient (1.6%). The main symptoms were cough 15 (23.4%), fever 10 (15.6), diarrhea 8 (12.5%), headache 5 (7.8%), and sore throat 5 (7.8%). Only 7 patients (10.9%) had lung lesions, and lymphopenia was present in only 7 patients (11.1%). The median duration of viral shedding was 14.5 days (9-22). Concerning deceased cases, they were elderly subjects aged 69.75 years, and they have presented dyspnea, breathing problems, and respiratory distress as specific symptoms. In addition, an increase of the medians of serum AST, CRP, and glucose levels was noticed in this group. During hospitalization, they presented acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and they were transferred to intensive care before they died. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that covid-19 infection often appeared in a benign form in the studied population (90.6% in this study). This finding may incriminate the implication of some protective parameters such as genetic, nutritional or other factors in the Moroccan population.

Antidyslipidemic and Antioxidant Activities of Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Shultz. in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

AIMS: The study aimed to evaluate the antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of Matricaria pubescens. BACKGROUND: Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Shultz belongs to Asteraceae family and it is commonly used traditionally for handling diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the antioxidant activity of Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Shultz and its effect on lipid and lipoprotein profile in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: The effect of repeated (7 days of treatment) oral administration of the aqueous extracts of aerial part of Matricaria pubescens (MPAE) at a dose of 40 mg/kg on lipid and lipoprotein profile was examined in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, a preliminary phytochemical screening and the quantification of phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents as well as the antioxidant activity using two methods (FRAP and ABTS) were carried out. RESULTS: MPAE demonstrated a potent antidyslipidemic effect in diabetic rats by reducing serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL). In addition, the results showed that the extract is rich in several phytochemical compounds and revealed an important antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION: In summary, this study proved that Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Shultz. has a favorable effect on diabetic dyslipidemia.

Eucalyptus globulus possesses antihypertensive activity in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats and relaxes isolated rat thoracic aorta through nitric oxide pathway.

In the current study we determined the effect of the aqueous extract of leaves of Eucalyptus globulus (AEEG) in anesthetized normal and L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats and on rings of isolated thoracic aorta from Wistar rats at a dose of 160 mg/kg. Our results show that AEEG extract reduced systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressure after repeated (7 days) oral administration of this extract in hypertensive rats. In addition, it was revealed from the present study that AEEG relaxed aortic rings in a dose-dependent (25-200 µg/ml) manner via the activation of nitric oxide production. Pre-treatment of aortic rings with indomethacin, glibenclamide, nifedipine or propranolol did not attenuate the AEEG-induced vasorelaxation. Our data elucidate the health-orientated virtues of using AEEG which may play an important role as an antihypertensive agent to reduce the burden of cardiovascular complications.

Assessment of Antihyperglycemic Effect and Acute Toxicity of the Aqueous Scorzonera undulata Extract in Rats.

AIM: The current study was carried out in order to assess the antihyperglycemic effect of Scorzonera undulata (S. undulata). Backgroud: Scorzonera undulata subsp. deliciosa (DC.) Maire is used in the Moroccan pharmacopeia for managing diabetes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the anithyperglycemic activity in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats as well as the acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of the roots of Scorzonera undulata (S. undulata). METHODS: This study investigated the effects of the root aqueous extract of Scorzonera undulata (AERSU) at a dose of 20 mg/kg on blood glucose levels in normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats and the acute toxicity of AERSU was examined. Histopathological examination, preliminary phytochemical investigation, determination of glycogen content and evaluation of α-amylase were also performed. RESULTS: Both single and repeated oral doses of AERSU (20 mg/kg) produced a significant reduction in blood glucose levels in normal and diabetic rats. Furthermore, repeated oral administration of AERSU during 15 days increased the glycogen content in the liver in both normal and diabetic rats, inhibited α- amylase activity and improved the histological architecture of the liver and pancreas in treated diabetic rats and ameliorated some biochemical parameters such as ALT and AST. In addition, the preliminary phytochemical investigation showed the richness of the roots of S. undulata in certain phytochemicals particularly in polyphenols. CONCLUSION: AERSU exhibits an evident antihyperglycemic activity. This pharmacological effect may be due to the protection of surviving pancreatic ß cells and hepatocytes, effect of α-amylase and the improvement of glycogen storage in the liver. The dose used in this study seems to be free of any toxicity.

Natural Alkaloids and Diabetes Mellitus: A Review.

BACKGROUND: The use of herbal therapies for treatment and management of diabetes mellitus and complications associated with this chronic condition is increasing. Plants contain a bounty of phytochemicals that have been proven to be protective by reducing the risk of various ailments and diseases, including alkaloids. Moreover, alkaloids are known to be among the oldest natural products used by humans for highlighting drugs that play crucial roles as therapeutic agents. The reason for this expanding interest and uses of alkaloids as a part of plant natural compounds-based treatments is that a significant proportion of diabetic patients do not respond very well to conventional therapeutic medication. Furthermore, other explanations to this fact are the cost of medication, side-effects, accessibility, and availability of health facilities and drugs and the inefficiency of these medicines in certain cases. OBJECTIVE: In this study we aimed to review the literature on the valuable effects of herbs and plants and their isolated alkaloids compounds as medication for management of diabetes, a prevalent risk factor for several other disorders and illnesses. METHODS: In the current review, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer and google scholar databases were used and the criterion for inclusion was based on the following keywords and phrases: diabetes, hyperglycemia, complications of diabetes, alkaloids, antidiabetic alkaloids, hypoglycemic alkaloids, alkaloids and complications of diabetes mellitus, mechanisms of action and alkaloids. RESULTS: In the current review, we demonstrate that alkaloids in the form of extracts and isolated molecules obtained from a large variety of species demonstrated their efficiency for improving raises in blood glucose either in animal models via experimental studies or in human subjects via clinical trials. Medicinal species as chillies (Capsicum annuum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), barberry (Berberis vulgaris) and cress (Lepidium sativum) are among the most common and therapeutic plants used for controlling diabetes that were the subject of several experimental and clinical investigations. Whereas, isolated alkaloids such as berberine, capsaicin and trigonelline have received more interest in this field. Interestingly, the therapeutic impact of alkaloids against blood glucose pathogenesis is mediated through a variety of signaling cascades and pathways, via inhibiting or stimulating diversity of systems such as inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme, blockade of PTP- 1B, deactivation of DPP-IV, increasing insulin sensitivity and modulating the oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of the present review, alkaloids could be used as preventive and curative agents in the case of endocrine disorders, particularly diabetes and could play a promoting function for the discovery of new antidiabetic agents.

Vasorelaxant and Antihypertensive Effects of Mentha pulegium L. in Rats: An In vitro and In vivo Approach.

Aims The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of aqueous aerial part extract of Mentha pulegium L. (Pennyrile) (MPAE) on arterial pressure parameters in rats. BACKGROUND: Mentha pulegium is a medicinal plant used to treat hypertension in the Moroccon population. METHODS: In the current study, MPAE was prepared and its antihypertensive activity was pharmacologically investigated. L-NAME-hypertensive and normotensive rats received MPAE (180 and 300 mg/kg) orally for six hours for acute experiment and during seven days for the sub-chronic treatment. Thereafter, systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were evaluated. In the in vitro experiment, isolated denuded and intact thoracic aortic rings were suspended in a tissue bath system and the tension changes were recorded. RESULTS: A fall in blood pressure was observed in L-NAME-induced hypertensive treated with MPAE. The extract also produced a dose-dependent relaxation of aorta pre-contracted with NE and KCl. The study showed that the vasorelaxant ability of MPAE seems to be exerted through the blockage of extracellular Ca2+ entry. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that the extract of pennyrile exhibits antihypertensive activity. In addition, the effect may be, at least in part, due to the dilation of blood vessels via blockage of Ca2+ channels.

Chronic Diseases and COVID-19: A Review.

The existence of a causal relationship between the rise of the death rate in COVID-19 infected patients and their sufferance from non-communicable pathophysiological conditions, particularly chronic diseases, was recently evidenced. In fact, in addition to the immunodeficiency generated by chronic disease conditions, COVID-19 also led to affect the immune system. Furthermore, the novel coronavirus attacks the lungs and other vital organs such as heart, kidneys, and brain. All these outcomes are accused of being involved in the increasing vulnerability and comorbidity in COVID-19- infected people with chronic diseases. Pharmacological, dietetic and natural approaches were suggested after deep bibliographic research for presenting preventive recommendations for this category of patients in order to avoid the fatal complications of this infection, and consequently limiting the risk of comorbidity. In this regard, some medications could enter into interaction with COVID-19 infection in patients with diabetes or hypertension and thereafter lead to fatal complications. Furthermore, regarding their nutritional values, some foods are more useful than others during this pandemic period because they are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and perhaps some bioactive phytochemicals, which are known to be effective in improving immune response, managing chronic diseases and/or having antiviral activities. In addition, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, prebiotics and probiotics could be helpful in these conditions. Interestingly, in order to understand the mechanism of this causality and suggesting efficacious solutions, this review deserves considerable epidemiologic, clinical and experimental investigations.

Hypolipidemic, Antioxidant and Cardioprotective Effects of the Aqueous Extract from Scorzanera Undulata Tubers in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

AIMS: This study aimed to assess the effect of Scorzanera undulata on plasma lipid profile. BACKGROUND: Scorzanera undulata (S. undulata) is a medicinal plant popularly used in the Moroccan pharmacopeia as traditional medicine, particularly to treat diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of aqueous extract of Scorzanera undulata tubers (AERSU) on lipid profile and atherogenic indices in Wistar rats. Biochemical parameters such as Total Cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-and high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (LDL and HDL) were assessed. Furthermore, the in vitro antioxidant activity of AERSU was also evaluated. METHODS: The effect of tubers aqueous extract (AERSU) of S. undulata (20 mg/kg) on plasma lipid profile was investigated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The aqueous extract was tested for its in vitro antioxidant activity. Besides, cardiovascular parameters were estimated. RESULTS: Treatment with AERSU significantly improved the weight in diabetic rats and decreased plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL lipoproteins levels. Furthermore, the extract had a favorable impact on the Atherogenic Index (AI) and Coronary Risk Index (CRI). In addition, AERSU seems to possess a potent in vitro antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that aqueous Scorzanera undulate extract exhibits antidyslipidemic and antioxidant activities.

Aqueous extract of oakmoss produces antihypertensive activity in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats through sGC-cGMP pathway.

BACKGROUND: Lichens are a symbiotic association of a fungus with a green alga or cyanobacterium. They are widely used in traditional medicine as a treatment against skin disorders, diabetes and hypertension. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The goal of this paper was to assess the possible antihypertensive and vasorelaxant capacity of the aqueous extract of a lichen species called Oakmoss or Evernia prunastri (L.). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the present study, the aqueous extract of Oakmoss was prepared, its antihypertensive activity was examined in N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats, and its vasorelaxant ability was performed in rat isolated thoracic aorta. RESULTS: The results proved that Oakmoss reduced the systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure, and heart rate in hypertensive rats but not in normotensive rats. Besides, the data showed that Oakmoss exerts its antihypertensive effect through vasorelaxant ability. CONCLUSION: The present study presents the favorable action of Oakmoss as an antihypertensive agent.

Antihyperglycemic Activity and Safety Assessment of the Aqueous Extract of Aerial Parts of Scorzonera undulata ssp deliciosa in Rat.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of Scorzonera undulata. BACKGROUND: Scorzonera undulata ssp deliciosa, locally known as "Guiz", is used as a phytomedicine in Morocco and Algeria to treat different health problems. Interestingly, it is used in the Moroccan pharmacopeia to treat diabetes. To our knowledge, this medicinal herb has never been investigated for any pharmacological activity. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of the aerial part of Scorzonera undulata (SUAP) in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats and to assess the acute toxicity of this extract in Wistar rats. METHODS: This study investigated the effects of SUAP at a dose of 20 mg/kg on blood glucose levels in normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The acute toxicity of SUAP was examined according to the OECD test guideline; rats were divided into four groups of each sex and orally received the SUAP (1000, 2000, or 3000 mg/kg BW). Post-treatment, body weight, signs of toxicity, and/or mortality were observed during 14 days. Other assays such as histopathological examination, preliminary phytochemical investigation, determination of glycogen content and evaluation of α-amylase were performed according to standard protocols. RESULTS: The findings of the current study depicted that both single and repeated oral administration of SUAP (20 mg/kg) generated a significant fall in the blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. A single oral administration of SUAP (at the highest dose of 3000 mg/kg BW) had no significant acute toxicological effects, and oral LD50 of SUAP was greater than 3000 mg/kg. Furthermore, repeated oral administration of SUAP during 15 days led to an increase in the liver glycogen content in diabetic rats to improve the histopathological structure of the liver and pancreas in SUAPtreated diabetic rats and to ameliorate some biochemical parameters such as ALT and creatinine. SUAP had no effect on α-amylase activity. In addition, the preliminary phytochemical investigation showed the richness of the roots of SUAP in some phytochemicals, particularly the polyphenols. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates the antihyperglycemic effect of Scorzonera undulata in diabetic rats which could be involved through the improvement of liver structure and function. In addition, the dose used is not toxic. Finally, the extract contains large amounts of bioactive compounds, mainly polyphenols.

Antihyperglycemic Potential of Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Schultz. in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats.

AIMS: The study aimed to investigate the antihyperglycemic activity of Matricaria pubescens. BACKGROUND: Matricaria pubescens (Def). Shultz (Asteraceae) is commonly used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes in Morocco. OBJECTIVE: The present investigation aimed to assess the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effects of the aqueous extract of the aerial part of Matricaria pubescens (M. pubescens). METHODS: The effect of a single and repeated oral administration of the aqueous extract of aerial part of M. pubescens (AEAPMP) at a dose of 40 mg/kg on glucose was examined in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Additionally, histopathological examination of the pancreas and liver was carried out according to the Hematoxylin-Eosin method. The antioxidant activity was performed using the DPPH assay. RESULTS: The results showed that the aqueous extract of M. pubescens (AEAPMP) exhibited a significant lowering activity on blood glucose levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats. In addition, AEAPMP ameliorated the histopathological tissues of the liver and pancreas. Furthermore, in vitro antioxidant activity of AEAPMP has been shown. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that M. pubescens possesses a beneficial effect against hyperglycemia associated with diabetes.

Effect of Aglycon and Glycoside Flavonoid-Enriched Extracts Obtained from Buxus sempervirens L. on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Buxus sempervirens L. is a medicinal plant with several beneficial effects on health and is widely used in Moroccan folklore as an antidiabetic plant. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of both aglycone and glycoside flavonoid enriched extracts of this plant in the experimental diabetic state. METHODS: In the current work, the effect of aglycone and glycoside flavonoid-enriched extracts from the leaves of Buxus sempervirens L. (AFBS and GFBS) (10 mg/kg) on blood glucose levels has been evaluated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. Moreover, the histopathological changes in the liver and pancreas have been assessed in STZ diabetic rats. The ability of AFBS and GFBS to improve glucose tolerance in normal rats was also evaluated. RESULTS: In normal rats, both a single and repeated administration of AFBS and GFBS (10 mg/kg) showed no significant effects on blood glucose levels. However, both single and repeated oral administration of the two fractions showed a significant blood glucose lowering effect (p<0.0001) in STZ rats. In addition, histopathological analysis has demonstrated the beneficial impact of AFBS and GFBS on the pancreas and liver. Whereas, the oral glucose tolerance test demonstrated no significant ability of these extracts to improve the increase in blood glucose levels in normal and diabetic treated rats. In the current study, no significant changes in body weight in normal and STZ rats have been shown. In addition, the antioxidant activity of both AFBS and GFBS revealed the antioxidant effect of both extracts. Furthermore, both flavonoid-enriched fractions had no significant effect on blood lipid levels. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, AFBS and GFBS exhibited an interesting antidiabetic effect on streptozotocin rats and GFBS which seems to be more effective than AFBS.

Phytotherapy of Hypertension: An Updated Overview.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disorders are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the globe. Hypertension is the main risk factor that contributes to the development of many diseases. The use of herbal therapies, medicinal plants and their derivatives for the remedy and management of hypertension is well-recognized and popular among a wide part of the world population. METHODS: The aim of the current review was to collect, treat, and critically analyze the published research studies relative to experimental and clinical investigations which have studied the blood pressure lowering abilities of medicinal plant derivatives in the last decade. This review was organized into three principal axes; the first axis was attributed to the in vivo and in vitro experimental studies; the second treated the clinical trials; while, the last one is devoted to analyze the mechanisms of action underlying the therapeutic antihypertensive effectiveness of phytochemicals. RESULTS: Different types of extracts and isolated molecules obtained from a large variety of species demonstrated their efficiency in improving the increase of blood pressure either experimentally or clinically. Medicinal species such as garlic (Allium sativum), celery (Apium graveolens), Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) and Ginseng (Panax) are among the most common and therapeutically used plant derivatives for controlling hypertension while Asteraceae, Apiaceae and Rosaceae are among the botanical families which were frequently studied in the last decade. Isolated compounds such as allicin and apigenin have received more interest in this field. Recent evidence from clinical trials suggests that a wide variety of herbal preparations and plant extracts or natural isolated compounds have a favorable therapeutic impact on blood flow. Interestingly, phytochemicals can either act directly on blood vessels via a vasorelaxant effect involving a variety of signaling cascades or indirectly through inhibiting or stimulating diversity of systems such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), renin-angiotensin system (RAS) or the diuretic activity. Hence, based on the findings of the present review medicinal plant derivatives could be used as preventive and curative agents in the case of cardiovascular disorders, particularly hypertension and could play a promoting function for the discovery of new antihypertensive agents. CONCLUSION: The analysis of the published data shows that a great effort remains to be done to investigate the medicinal plants cited as antihypertensive through published ethnopharmacological surveys. The analysis of the literature in this field shows the lack of standardization at the level of experimental study methods as well as the need to study purified molecules. Moreover, the mechanistic studies when they exist remain in the whole partial. On the other hand, few advanced clinical studies have been conducted. Finally, the determination of the efficacy/safety ratio remains absent in almost all studies.

Antihyperglycemic Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Foeniculum vulgare in Normal and Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is associated with high blood glucose levels due to insulin shortcoming (insulinopenia) or defective insulin action. The objective of the study was to investigate the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of Foeniculum vulgare in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. METHODS: The effects of the leaves aqueous extract (LAE) of Foeniculum vulgare (F. vulgare) at a dose of 10 mg/kg on blood glucose levels were evaluated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)- induced diabetic rats. Histopathological changes were also evaluated in liver in STZ-induced rats. RESULTS: Single oral administration of F. vulgare LAE reduced blood glucose levels 6 h after administration in STZ diabetic rats (p<0.0001). Furthermore, blood glucose levels were decreased in both normal (p<0.05) and STZ diabetic rats (p<0.0001) after the fifteenth day of treatment. During this test, both groups did not show any significant change in their body weight. Moreover, this aqueous extract improved oral glucose tolerance in diabetic rats and revealed a positive effect on liver histology. On the other hand, the extract used in this experiment showed an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 50% of free radicals with a concentration of 43±1.19 µg/ml. While the synthetic antioxidant (BHT) had an IC50 equal to 22.67±2.17µg /ml. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the antihyperglycemic, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of the leaves of F. vulgare in normal and diabetic rats.

Study of Antihypertensive Activity of Anvillea radiata in L-Name-Induced Hypertensive Rats and HPLC-ESI-MS Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the aqueous extract of Anvillea radiate (A. radiata) aerial parts (AEAR) on arterial blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive rats. METHODS: The effect of the acute and sub-chronic administration of AEAR on the following blood pressure parameters: systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean blood pressure (MBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) was evaluated in normotensive and L-NAME induced hypertensive rats. In the second experiment, the vasorelaxant effect of AEAR was assessed in isolated aortic rings from rats with functional endothelium pre-contracted with epinephrine (EP) or KCl, and six antagonists/ inhibitors were used to explore the mechanisms of action involved in the vasorelaxant effect. In order to determine the phytochemical contents of Anvillea radiata, HPLC-ESI-MS analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Daily oral administration of AEAR (100 mg/kg) provoked a significant decrease in SBP, MBP, and DBP without affecting HR in hypertensive rats. In addition, AEAR (0.08-0.64 mg/ml) revealed a vasorelaxant effect in thoracic aortic rings pre-contracted by EP (10 µM) or KCl (80 mM). This effect was reduced in the presence of Nifedipine, L-Name or Methylene blue. The polyphenolic compounds of AEAR were determined. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that AEAR possesses a potent antihypertensive activity and its vasorelaxant activity seems to be mediated through Ca2+ channels, direct nitric oxide (NO), and NO/cGMP pathways. Chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid identified in A. radiata could be at least partially responsible for the antihypertensive activity of this extract.

Antihypertensive activity of Petroselinum crispum through inhibition of vascular calcium channels in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Parsley (Petroselinum crispum; P. crispum) is among the popular aromatic vegetables and a part of the daily diet in the Mediterranean area. This plant is widely used in alternative medicine as a remedy against hypertension. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to evaluate the antihypertensive activity of the aqueous extract of this plant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the current study, the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of parsley (AEPC) was prepared and its antihypertensive activity was evaluated using in vivo and in vitro studies. In the in vivo investigation, anesthetized L-NAME-hypertensive and normotensive rats received orally AEPC (160 mg/kg) during 6 h for the acute experiment and during seven days for the sub-chronic treatment. Thereafter, systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were recorded using a tail cuff and a computer-assisted monitoring device. Concerning the in vitro investigation, isolated thoracic aortic rings were suspended in a tissue bath and the tension changes were recorded to a data acquisition system. RESULTS: The results indicated that AEPC extract decreased the systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive rats. The data revealed that parsley extract exerts its hypotensive effects through vasodilatory properties via an endothelium-independent pathway. More interestingly, the study demonstrated here that the vasorelaxing ability of AEPC is exerted through both Voltage Operated and Receptor Operated Calcium Channels (VOCC and ROCC). CONCLUSION: The study illustrates the beneficial action of P. crispum as an antihypertensive agent.

New Indices for Ethnotoxicological Assessment of Medicinal Plants: Example of Tafilalet Region, Morocco.

BACKGROUND: Several botanical species are poisonous and are used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine. In fact, a relationship between toxicity and phytotherapeutic potential of medicinal plants exists. OBJECTIVE: Until now, there is no ethnopharmacological indices evaluating mathematically the toxic property of any medicinal plant used traditionally. Consequently, it is important to find this link through the establishment and development of novel indices that put into consideration the relationship between toxicity and phytotherapy. Two essential objectives were targeted in the present investigation: firstly, we aimed to establish novel indices which permit researchers to evaluate data obtained in any ethnobotanical survey targeting toxic plants. Secondly, we aimed also to collect data and information about toxic species, mainly those used traditionally for therapeutic purposes in the region of Tafilalet (southeast of Morocco). METHODS: The total informant interviewed in our study was 1616 (where 1500 were simple local inhabitants and 116 were herbalists). This inquiry was carried out through semi-structured and structured interviews and the sampling technique used was the stratified sample (9 stratums). Data obtained was analyzed using 3 new indices: Degree of Taxonomic Toxicity (DT), Degree of Botanical Families Toxicity (DFT) and Relative Link of Toxicity (RLT). RESULTS: 47 toxic species belonging to 38 botanical families were quoted in our survey. The highest value of DT was observed for Atractylis gummifera L. (DT=24.67). According to the calculated value of DFT, the most toxic plant family in the region of Tafilalet was Asteraceae (DFT=143.90). Nervous system disorders are the main ailment caused by the toxicity of poisonous species used in the traditional medicine in Tafilalet (RLT=1.44). CONCLUSION: Novel indices established in this investigation (DT, DFT and RLT) have been demonstrated to be useful for interpreting data collected in Tafilalet region and could serve for other ethnopharmacological surveys of toxic medicinal plants.