ABSTRACT
The phenomenal increase in the demand of herbal drugs, leads to over exploitation of medicinal plants which ultimately resulted in the scarcity and endangerment of many valuable plant species. On observing the difficulties in procuring genuine herbal drugs arose the concept of substitution which was documented in many classical Ayurvedic texts. The present study made a comparative evaluation of the gastroprotective potential of hydroalcoholic extracts of an original drug Aconitum heterophyllum (HAAH) and its substitute Cyperus rotundus (HACR) in the treatment of gastric ulcer under in vivo experimental conditions. The anti-ulcer property of the plant extracts was investigated against pylorus ligation induced ulcer in Wistar albino rats. The results confirmed that both A. heterophyllum and C. rotundus deliver comparable significant protection against gastric ulcer, indicated by a decrease in the free and total acidity, volume of gastric content, total proteins and increase in pH of gastric content, total carbohydrates and total carbohydrates to total proteins ratio. The observed anti-ulcer potential of both the drugs is attributed mainly to prevention of the generation of damaging free radical cascades and oxidant radical release.
ABSTRACT
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a major killer disease throughout the world. Dyslipidemia is a major contributor to the risk of CAD. Several dietary articles traditionally used in India and other South Asian countries reduced dyslipidemia. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the combined effect of Mung bean (Vigna radiata) and Elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) on serum lipids and atherogenic indices in albino rats and to compare it with a standard drug Cholestyramine. Thirty healthy albino rats of both sexes (150-200 g) were randomized to 5 groups of 6 animals each. The grouping were done based on the following criteria: Group I: Normal Control Group, Group II: (Standard Group): Cholestyramine resin 5 mg/kg bw, Group III: (Half Dose Group): Drug powder at 540 mg/kg bw, Group IV: (Effective Dose Group): Drug powder at 1080 mg/kg bw, and Group V: (Double Dose Group): Drug powder at 2160 mg/kg bw. Lipid profile was estimated at the beginning and after 30 days of treatment. The Effective and Double doses of the drug reduced Total cholesterol along with levels of Triglycerides, Low density lipoprotein and Very low density lipoprotein levels significantly (p < 0.01) along with a significant (p < 0.01) increase in high density lipoproteins (HDL) in rats. There was also significant (p < 0.01) improvement in atherogenic indices like Castelli Risk Index I, Non HDL C/HDL, Castelli risk Index II, TG/HDL, Atherogenic coefficient and Atherogenic Index of Plasma. The combination of powdered sprouted mung bean and yam powder have excellent lipid lowering potential.
ABSTRACT
Search for medicinal plants to treat kidney disorders is an important topic on phytotherapeutical research. Plumbago zeylanica L. is an important medicinal plant with hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer and anti-hyperlipidemic activities. In the present study, the protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of P. zeylanica (HAPZ) in cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity was analyzed in Swiss albino mice. Treatment with higher dose (400 mg/kg) of HAPZ significantly reversed the adverse effect of cisplatin on kidney weight, serum urea and creatinine, indicating their renoprotective effect. The antioxidant effect of the drug is evident from its significant effect on Catalase, Glutathione peroxidase and lipid peroxidation activities.
