Protective effect of aqueous leaf extracts of Chromolaena odorata and Tridax procumbens on doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: The liver is one of the organs affected by doxorubicin toxicity. Therefore, in this study, the potential protective role of aqueous leaf extracts of Chromolaena odorata and Tridax procumbens against doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity was investigated. METHODS: In order to achieve this, their impact on hepatic biomarkers of oxidative stress, lipid and electrolytes' profile, and plasma biomarkers of liver functions/integrity were monitored in doxorubicin treated rats. The animals were treated with either metformin (250 mg/kg body weight orally for 14 days) or the extracts (50, 75, and 100 mg/kg orally for 14 days) and/or doxorubicin (15 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, 48 h before sacrifice). RESULTS: The hepatic malondialdehyde, cholesterol, calcium, and sodium concentrations, and plasma activities of alanine and aspartate transaminases and alkaline phosphatase, as well as plasma albumin to globulin ratio of test control were significantly (P < .05) higher than those of all the other groups. However, the plasma albumin, total protein, globulin, and total bilirubin concentrations; hepatic concentrations of ascorbic acid, chloride, magnesium, and potassium; and hepatic activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase of test control were significantly (P < .05) lower than those of all the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment with the extracts and metformin prevented to varying degrees, doxorubicin-induced hepatic damage, as indicated by the attenuation of doxorubicin-induced adverse alterations in hepatic biomarkers of oxidative stress, lipid and electrolyte profiles, and plasma biomarkers of hepatic function/integrity, and keeping them at near-normal values.

Moderation of doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats by aqueous leaf-extracts of Chromolaena odorata and Tridax procumbens.

BACKGROUND: The major draw-back of doxorubicin's use in chemotherapy is its toxicity on various organs including the kidneys. This study investigated the potential protective role of aqueous leaf-extracts of Chromolaena odorata and Tridax procumbens against nephrotoxicity induced by doxorubicin. METHODS: To this end, their impact on plasma biomarkers of kidney function, as well as renal lipid profile, biomarkers of oxidative stress, electrolyte profile and activities of renal ATPases was monitored in doxorubicin treated rats. Metformin (250 mg/kg body weight, orally) and the extracts (50, 75 and 100 mg/kg, orally) were daily administered for 14 days; while nephrotoxicity was induced with doxorubicin (15 mg/kg, intra-peritioneally), once on the 12th day of study. RESULTS: The plasma concentrations of creatinine, and urea; as well as the renal malondialdehyde, cholesterol, calcium and sodium concentrations in the Test control, were significantly (P < .05) higher than those of all the other groups. However, the renal concentrations of ascorbic acid, chloride, magnesium and potassium, and the renal activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase superoxide dismutase, Ca2+-ATPase, Mg2+-ATPase and Na+,K+-ATPase in the Test control were significantly (P < .05) lower than those of all the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-treatment with the extracts and metformin boosted endogenous antioxidants, and prevented doxorubicin-induced renal damage, as indicated by the attenuation of doxorubicin-induced renal oxidative stress, as well as the attenuation of doxorubicin-induced adverse alterations in renal cholesterol, ATPases and electrolyte balance, and plasma biomarkers of kidney function, and keeping them at near-normal values.

Attenuation of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats by aqueous leaf-extracts of Chromolaena odorata and Tridax procumbens.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chromolaena odorata (L) King and Robinson and Tridax procumbens Linn are used in traditional medicine in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study investigated the potential protective role of aqueous leaf-extracts of Chromolaena odorata and Tridax procumbens against cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To this end, their impact on plasma markers of cardiac integrity, cardiac markers of oxidative stress, cardiac lipids and electrolyte profiles, and activities of cardiac ATPases, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase, were monitored in doxorubicin treated rats. Metformin (250 mg/kg body weight, orally) and both extracts (50, 75 and 100 mg/kg, orally) were daily administered for 14 days; while cardiotoxicity was induced with doxorubicin (15 mg/kg, intra-peritioneally, once on the 12th day of study). RESULTS: The plasma activities of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and AST of Test control were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of the other groups. Also, the cardiac malondialdehyde, calcium, chloride, sodium, cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations of Test control were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of the others. However, the cardiac concentrations of ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione, magnesium and potassium, and cardiac activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, Ca2+-ATPase, Mg2+-ATPase, Na+,K+-ATPase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase of Test control were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those of the others. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-treatment with the extracts and metformin elicited a cardioprotective effect, as indicated by the prevention of doxorubicin-induced cardiac oxidative stress and prevention of adverse alterations in plasma cardiac markers, cardiac lipids and electrolyte profiles, as well as improvement of the activities of cardiac ATPases, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase.

Aqueous leafextracts of Chromolaena odorata and Tridax procumbens attenuated doxorubicin-induced pulmonary toxicity in Wistar rats.

This study investigated the potential protective role of aqueous leafextracts of Chromolaena odorata and Tridax procumbens against pulmonary toxicity induced by doxorubicin. To this end, the effects of these extracts on the profiles of pulmonary biomarkers, lipids and electrolytes were monitored in doxorubicin-treated rats. Doxorubicin was intraperitoneally administered at 15 mg/kg body weight (48 h prior to sacrifice); metformin was orally administered daily at 250 mg/kg body weight (for 14 days); and both extracts were orally administered daily at 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg body weight (for 14 days).The concentrations of pulmonary malondialdehyde, cholesterol, triglyceride, calcium, chloride and sodium of Test control were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of the other groups. However, the concentrations of pulmonary ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione, magnesium and potassium as well as pulmonary catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities of Test control were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those of the other groups.The administration of the extracts prevented doxorubicin-induced adverse alterations in the profiles of pulmonary biomarkers of oxidative stress, cholesterol and electrolytes and maintained them within the normal ranges .Therefore, these herbal preparations from C. odorata and T. procumbens are promising candidates for the prevention/alleviation of doxorubicin-induced pulmonary toxicity.

Restoration of plasma kidney and liver biomarkers in doxorubicin-treated Wistar rats by aqueous extracts of Pleurotus tuberregium sclerotia and Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaves.

The ability of aqueous extracts of sclerotia of Pleurotus tuberregium and leaves of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius to regulate plasma markers of kidney and liver function/integrity was investigated in doxorubicin-treated Wistar rats. Doxorubicin (dissolved in normal saline) was injected intraperitoneally (15 mg/kg body weight) into the rats; metformin was daily administered orally at 250 mg/kg, while the extracts were daily administered orally at doses of 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg. Compared to the test control, in both the doxorubicin pre-treatment (or ameliorative) study and the extract pre-treatment (protective) studies, the extracts and metformin-treated groups had significantly lower (P < 0.05) plasma levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase, and concentrations of creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen. However, the plasma globulin, albumin, and total protein concentrations and the albumin/globulin ratio of the extract and metformin-treated groups were significantly higher (P < 0.05). The extracts prevented (in the protective study) or attenuated (in the ameliorative study) doxorubicin-induced increase in the levels of plasma markers of kidney and liver function/integrity, and afforded protection or recovery towards near-normal values.

Nutrient and bioactive compounds composition of the leaves and stems of Pandiaka heudelotii: A wild vegetable.

The proximate, minerals, vitamins, amino acid, alkaloids, phytosterols, carotenoids, glycosides and saponins profiles of the leaves and stems of Pandiaka heudelotii were determined using standard methods. The leaves and stems had high contents (g/100g) of fibre (10.3-12.9) and carbohydrate (47.2-55.3); and moderate protein (4.4-9.8) and crude fat (6.7-10.2); respectively, equivalent to 41.1-51.6%, 15.7-17.8%, 8.8-19.6%, 10.3-15.7% of the corresponding daily values. They had high contents of iron, manganese, calcium, magnesium, potassium, selenium, vitamins C, E and B2, alkaloids, glycosides, carotenoids, saponins; and moderate phytosterol. Their proteins had high contents of essential amino acids (42.6-48.5%). Triacetonamine (57.20-60.13%), nicotiflorin (53.45-55.35%), carotene (49.95-51.94%), liquiritin (57.54-62.34%), and sitosterol (82.84-85.03%) were respectively, the most abundant alkaloids, glycosides, carotenoids, saponins and phytosterols detected. This result indicates that the leaves and stems are good sources of nutraceuticals and nutrients for human nutrition. It provides an insight into the nature of its bioactive components.

Effect of "edible clay" (takere) suspension on serum lipid profiles and atherogenic indices of normal Wistar rats.

This study was undertaken to ascertain the effect of an aqueous suspension of a commonly available preparation of edible clay ("takere") on serum lipid profiles and atherogenic indices of normal Wistar rats. Ninety-five adult Wistar rats of average weight of 100 g were assigned into seven groups. Group 1 (Baseline) was immediately sacrificed at the commencement of study; Group 2 (Control) daily received distilled water, orally; and Groups 3 to 7 received via the same route (per body weight), 125 mg/kg (T125), 250 mg/kg (T250), 500 mg/kg (T500), 1,000 mg/kg (T1000), and 2,000 mg/kg (T2000) of the takere suspension, respectively, for 28 days. In week 1, the treatments significantly (p < 0.05) lowered the levels of serum triglyceride (by T250, T1000, and T2000), VLDL cholesterol (by T250, T1000, and T2000), and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP; by T250) and significantly (p < 0.05) raised the levels of serum HDL (T250), LDL (T250 and T2000), non-HDL (T2000) cholesterols, atherogenic coefficient (AC; T2000), cardiac risk ratio (CRR; T2000), and Castelli's risk index II (CRI-II; T2000) of the rats. In week 2, the treatments significantly (p < 0.05) lowered the levels of serum triglyceride (T2000), HDL (T125, T500, T1000, and T2000), VLDL (T2000) cholesterols and significantly (p < 0.05) raised levels of serum LDL (T125, T1000, and T2000), non-HDL (T125, T1000, and T2000) cholesterols, AC (T125, T500, and T1000), CRR (T125, T500, and T1000), CRI-II (T125 and T1000), AIP (T125, T500, and T1000) of the rats. In week 4, the treatments significantly (p < 0.05) raised the levels of serum total (T500 and T2000), HDL (T2000), non-HDL (T500 and T1000) cholesterols, AC (T500), CRR (T500), and CRI-II (T500). This result indicates that the consumption of takere suspension may have adverse effects on serum lipid profiles and atherogenic indices of Wistar rats, at least at the doses administered in this study.

Investigation of the profile of phenolic compounds in the leaves and stems of Pandiaka heudelotii using gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detector.

The profile of phenolic compounds in the leaves and stems of Pandiaka heudelotii was investigated using gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detector. The leaves and stems had high flavonoids and benzoic acid derivatives content, and moderate levels of lignans and hydroxycinnamates. Twenty-eight known flavonoids were detected, which consisted mainly of kaempferol (41.93% in leaves and 47.97% in stems), (+)-catechin (17.12% in leaves and 16.11% in stems), quercetin (13.83% in leaves and 9.39% in stems), luteolin (7.34% in leaves and 7.71% in stems), and artemetin (6.53% in leaves and 4.83% in stems). Of the six known hydroxycinnamates detected, chlorogenic acid (80.79% in leaves and 87.56% in stems) and caffeic acid (18.98% in leaves and 12.30% in stems) were the most abundant, while arctigenin (77.81% in leaves and 83.40% in stems) and retusin (13.82% in leaves and 10.59% in stems) were the most abundant of the nine known lignans detected. Twelve known benzoic acid derivatives were detected, consisting mainly of ellagic acid (65.44% in leaves and 72.89% in stems), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (25.10% in leaves and 18.95% in stems), and vanillic acid (8.80% in leaves and 7.30% in stems). The rich phytochemical profile of the leaves and stems is an indication of their ability to serve as sources of nutraceuticals.

Bioactive phytochemicals in an aqueous extract of the leaves of Talinum triangulare.

An aqueous leaf extract of Talinum triangulare was screened for the presence of bioactive molecules, using gas chromatography coupled with pulse and flame ionization detectors. It had high carotenoids; moderate benzoic acid derivatives, hydroxycinnamates and flavonoids; and low terpenes, alkaloids, phytosterols, allicins, glycosides, saponins, and lignans contents. Ten known carotenoids (mainly 50.42% carotene and 33.30% lycopene), nine benzoic acid derivatives (mainly 84.63% ferulic acid and 11.92% vanillic acid), and six hydroxycinnamates (55.44% p-coumaric acid and 44.46% caffeic acid) were detected. Also detected were eight lignans (88.02% retusin) and thirty flavonoids (50.35% quercetin and 39.36% kaempferol). The medicinal properties of the major components of these phytochemical families that were detected in the aqueous extract of the leaves were discussed herein and proposed to be explored for their potential health benefits. The great number of potentially active biomolecules and their multifunctional properties make Talinum triangulare a ready source of health-promoting substances.

Moderation of hematological and plasma biochemical indices of sub-chronic salt-loaded rats by aqueous extract of the sclerotia of Pleurotus tuberregium (Fr) Sing's: implications for the reduction of cardiovascular risk.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The sclerotia of Pleurotus tuberregium are used in Southern Nigeria for the management of diabetes and hypertension, yet there is scarcity of information in the literature regarding the evaluation of the biochemical basis of its antihypertensive property, as well as the biochemical impact of its administration to the hypertensive. Thus, in this study, the ability of an aqueous extract of the sclerotia of Pleurotus tuberregium to moderate biochemical and hematological indices was investigated in normal and sub-chronic salt-loaded rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The normal and treatment control groups received a diet consisting 100% of the commercial feed, while the test control, reference and test treatment groups received an 8% salt-loaded diet. The extract was orally administered daily at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight; while the moduretics was administered at 1 mg/kg. The normal and test control groups received appropriate volumes of water by the same route. RESULTS: On gas chromatographic analysis of the crude aqueous extract, 29 known flavonoids (mainly 47.71% kaempferol and 37.36% quercetin), four saponins (mainly 72.93% avenacin B1 and 26.80% avenacin A1), six hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (mainly 57.57% p-coumaric and 42.10% caffeic acid), ten carotenoids (mainly 58.44% carotene and 28.16% lycopene) and seven phytosterols (mainly 98.16% sitosterol) were detected. Also detected were nine benzoic acid derivatives (mainly 44.19% ferulic acid and 25.92% rosmarinic acid), six lignans (mainly 70.88% galgravin and 22.69% retusin), three allicins (mainly 71.92% diallyl thiosulphinate and 23.68% methyl allyl thiosulphinate), seven glycosides (mainly 84.86% arbutin and 12.01% ouabain), 31 alkaloids (mainly 48.82% lupanine, 32.26% augustamine) and 24 terpenes (mainly 60.66% limonene and 6.52% geranyl acetate). Compared to test control, the treatment significantly, dose-dependently lowered (P < 0.05) the mean cell volume, atherogenic indices (cardiac risk ratio, atherogenic coefficient and atherogenic index of plasma), plasma alanine and aspartate transaminase activities, mean cell hemoglobin, sodium, bicarbonate, urea, blood urea nitrogen, triglyceride, total-, non-high density lipoprotein-, low density lipoprotein- and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, and neutrophils, monocytes and platelets counts of the treated animals. However, it significantly, dose-dependently increased (P < 0.05) the hemoglobin concentration, mean cell hemoglobin, red cells and lymphocytes counts, plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol, calcium, potassium, chloride, creatinine, albumin and total protein concentrations of the treated animals. CONCLUSIONS: All these results support the use of the plant in traditional health care, for the management of hypertension, and highlight the cardio-protective potential of the sclerotia, whilst suggesting that its antihypertensive activity may be mediated through alteration of plasma levels of sodium and potassium, or increases in muscle tone brought about by changes in plasma calcium levels.