The extract of Sclerocarya birrea, Nauclea latifolia, and Piper longum mixture ameliorates diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction.

Diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction is linked to chronic hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, cholinergic dysfunction, and neuronal degeneration. We investigated the antidiabetic and neuroprotective activity of a mixture of Sclerocarya birrea, Nauclea latifolia, and Piper longum (SNP) in type 2 diabetic (T2D) rat model-induced memory impairment. Fructose (10%) and streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) were used to induce T2D in male Wistar rats. Diabetic animals received distilled water, metformin (200 mg/kg), or SNP mixture (75, 150, or 300 mg/kg). HPLC-MS profiling of the mixture was performed. Behavioral testing was conducted using the Y-maze, NORT, and Morris water mazes to assess learning and memory. Biochemical markers were evaluated, including carbohydrate metabolism, oxidative/nitrative stress, pro-inflammatory markers, and acetylcholinesterase activity. Histopathological examination of the pancreas and hippocampus was also performed. Fructose/STZ administration resulted in T2D, impaired short- and long-term memory, significantly increased oxidative/nitrative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE), hippocampal neuronal loss and degeneration in CA1 and CA3 subfields, and neuronal vacuolation in DG. SNP mixture at 150 and 300 mg/kg significantly improved blood glucose and memory function in diabetic rats. The mixture reduced oxidative/nitrative stress and increased endogenous antioxidant levels. It also reduced serum IL-1ß, INF-γ and TNF-α levels and ameliorated AChE activity. Histologically, SNP protected hippocampus neurons against T2D-induced neuronal necrosis and degeneration. We conclude that the aqueous extract of SNP mixture has antidiabetic and neuroprotective activities thanks to active metabolites identified in the plant mixture, which consequently normalized blood glucose, protected hippocampus neurons, and improved memory function in diabetic rats.

The Aqueous Extract of Sclerocarya birrea, Nauclea latifolia, and Piper longum Mixture Protects Striatal Neurons and Movement-Associated Functionalities in a Rat Model of Diabetes-Induced Locomotion Dysfunction.

Among the many complications of type 2 diabetes (T2D), locomotor disorders have been poorly studied and understood. Therefore, no disease-modifying treatment is usually considered. The study aimed to investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of Sclerocarya birrea, Nauclea latifolia, and Piper longum (SNP) mixture on locomotor activity in fructose/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. T2D was induced by 10% fructose orally (6 weeks) and streptozotocin (STZ, 35 mg/kg, i.v.) in 25 male rats. Diabetic animals received distilled water, metformin (200 mg/kg), or the aqueous extract of the SNP mixture (75, 150, or 300 mg/kg). A 10-minute open field test was performed in diabetic rats (glycemia: 126 and 350 mg/dL) to assess locomotor activity before and after treatment. A group of 5 normal rats (NC) served as controls throughout the study. Rats were sacrificed, and the striatum was removed for biochemical and histological studies. In untreated diabetic rats, fructose/STZ administration resulted in hyperglycemia that altered locomotor function as characterized by increased freezing time, decreased mobility time, number of lines crossed, and total travel time compared to NC. MDA, TNF-α, INF-γ, and nitrite levels were elevated in the striatum of diabetic rats, while catalase activity and GSH levels were decreased, indicating oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory changes. In untreated diabetic rats, the microstructure of the HE-stained striatum revealed lipid vacuolation (hydropic degeneration) of the parenchyma, indicating a loss of neuronal integrity. The locomotor dysfunction was significantly improved by the aqueous extract of the SNP mixture, both biochemically and histologically. As a result, our findings support the mixture's ability to correct diabetes-related locomotion disorders as a glucose-lowering product and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective agent. These results justify the use of the aqueous extract of a combination of these three plants to manage diabetes and neuroinflammatory complications in Northern Cameroon.

Curative effects of the aqueous extract of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. gray (Asteraceae) against ethanol induced-hepatotoxicity in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Tithonia diversifolia (Asteraceae) is used in Cameroonian traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases amongst which are hepatic disorders. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-diabetic properties have been reported but, there is no scientific information on its hepato-protective effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the curative effects of the Tithonia diversifolia (T. diversifolia) leaves aqueous extract on ethanol induced-hepatotoxicity in rats. METHODS: Ethanol 40° (4 g/kg) was administered daily by intragastric gavage for 21 days, and then the extract was administered concomitantly with ethanol for two more weeks. Some biochemical serum and tissue parameters were evaluated. Histopathologic analysis of the liver was carried out. RESULTS: The ingestion of ethanol induced a significant reduction of body weight and a significant increase in some markers of hepatic function (Alanine Amino-transferase, Aspartate Amino-transferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl-transferase, total bilirubin and albumin). These alterations were accompanied by a significant increase in the levels of serum triglycerides (p<0.001). Intoxicated animals were also characterized by a significant decrease of reduced glutathione and nitrites concentrations, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities as well as an increase of malondialdehyde levels. The histopathological examination showed vascular congestion, disorganized parenchyma, liver inflammation and dilation of sinusoid. The extract at the doses of 60 and 120 mg/kg reversed ethanol-induced adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Our study found that, the aqueous extract of T. diversifolia leaves has hepato-protective activity against ethanol-induced liver damages due partly to its antioxidant effect. This result justifies its empirical use for the treatment of liver problems.

In vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activity of hydroethanolic bark extract of Bridelia atroviridis müll. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) and lc-ms-based phytochemical analysis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Malaria is a life-threatening health problem worldwide and treatment remains a major challenge. Natural products from medicinal plants are credible sources for better anti-malarial drugs. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed at assessing the in vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activities of the hydroethanolic extract of Bridelia atroviridis bark. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The phytochemical characterization of Bridelia atroviridis extract was carried out by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The cytotoxicity test on Vero cells was carried out using the resazurin-based assay while the in vitro antiplasmodial activity was determined on Plasmodium falciparum (Dd2 strain, chloroquine resistant) using the SYBR green I-based fluorescence assay. The in vivo assay was performed on Plasmodium berghei-infected rats daily treated for 5 days with distilled water (10 mL/kg) for malaria control, 25 mg/kg of chloroquine sulfate for positive control and 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of B. atroviridis extract for the three test groups. Parasitaemia was daily monitored using 10% giemsa-staining thin blood smears. At the end of the treatment, animals were sacrificed, blood was collected for hematological and biochemical analysis while organs were removed for biochemical and histopathological analyses. RESULTS: The HPLC-MS analysis data of B. atroviridis revealed the presence of bridelionoside D, isomyricitrin, corilagin, myricetin and 5 others compounds not yet identified. Bridelia atroviridis exhibited good in vitro antiplasmodial activity with the IC50 evaluated at 8.08 µg/mL and low cytotoxicity with the median cytotoxic concentration (CC50) higher than 100 µg/mL. B. atroviridis extract significantly reduced the parasitemia (p < 0.05) with an effective dose-50 (ED-50) of 89 mg/kg. B. atroviridis also prevented anemia, leukocytosis and liver and kidneys impairment by decrease of transaminases, ALP, creatinine, uric acid, and triglycerides concentrations. As well, B. atroviridis extract decreased some pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6) levels and significantly improved the anti-inflammatory status (P < 0.01) of infected animals marked by a decrease of IL-10 concentration. These results were further confirmed by the improved of antioxidant status and the quasi-normal microarchitecture of the liver, kidneys and spleen in test groups. Overall, the hydroethanolic bark extract of Bridelia atroviridis demonstrated antimalarial property and justified its use in traditional medicine to manage malaria disease.

Oxidised palm oil and sucrose induced hyperglycemia in normal rats: effects of Sclerocarya birrea stem barks aqueous extract.

BACKGROUND: Consumption of foods rich in carbohydrates and fats, result in an increase in obesity and consequently type 2 diabetes. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of oxidised palm oil and sucrose (SOPO +S) on some metabolic parameters and to investigate the effects of aqueous extract from barks of Sclerocarrya birrea on SOPO + S induced damages. METHODS: During 16 weeks, animals received every day a supplement of oxidised palm oil (10 %) and 10 % sucrose as drinking water). Control rat received standard diet and drinking water without sucrose. At the end of this period, animal presenting intolerance in glucose test and insensitivity to insulin were continuously feed with hypercaloric diet along with the administration of the plant extract (150 or 300 mg/kg) or glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) during three weeks. OGTT was performed; insulin sensitivity was assessed by performing insulin tolerance test and determining insulin sensitivity index (Kitt). Several parameters were evaluated including body weight, abdominal fat mass, blood glucose levels, blood pressure, serum lipid profile, and serum transaminases (ALT and AST). Oxidative parameters were measured by MDA levels, nitrites levels, SOD levels, reduced glutathione content and by enzyme activities of SOD and catalase. RESULTS: Animal receiving a supplement of oxidised palm oil and sucrose showed hyperglycaemia, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and a significant increase in body weight and abdominal fat mass compared to normal rats. In addition, there was a significant increase of SOD in aorta and heart, nitrites in liver and kidney, malondialdehyde (MDA) in heart, liver and kidney. It was also observed a significant reduction in the activities of the SOD and catalase in liver, kidney and reduced glutathione levels in heart. Concomitant treatment of plant extract with SOPO + S brought glycaemia and blood pressure towards normal value, restored glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. The plant extract prevent the increase or decrease in the activity of the enzyme depending to the organ, reduced MDA and nitrites levels. CONCLUSION: These results highlighted the hyperglycaemic and oxidant character of SOPO + S diet and confirm the hypoglycaemic, and antioxidant action of sclerocarya birrea aqueous extract in diabetes.