The Effect of Prickly Pear, Pumpkin, and Linseed Oils on Biological Mediators of Acute Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Markers.

Medicinal plants have been used as a source of effective and safe alternative therapeutic agents for various ailments including inflammation. In fact, the aim of this study is to assess the topical anti-inflammatory and antioxidative potential effects of Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin), Linum usitatissimum (linseed), and Opuntia ficus indica (prickly pear) oils on acute inflammation using carrageenan-induced paw edema model. The study was conducted on 36 rats splitted in 6 groups: a normal control group and 5 carrageenan-treated groups (1%), each treated with either a normal saline, the reference drug ("Inflocine®" 2 mg/paw), pumpkin, linseed, or prickly pear oils (25 µl/paw). The response to these treatments was mainly assessed by the measuring of edema paw size, hematological and biochemical analysis, oxidative stress testing, and histological study. All the studied seed oils especially prickly pear oil proved to be efficient in treating acute inflammation. The oil-treated groups revealed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the clinical signs of inflammation, hematological parameters (white blood cells and platelets), concentrations of CRP and fibrinogen, and congestion compared to the normal saline-treated group. The results also showed that the tested oils, endowed with a radical scavenging ability, could significantly increase the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx in carrageenan-treated skin by reducing the lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation (TBARS, AOPP). The anti-inflammatory effect of the tested oils was closely related to both their antioxidant properties as well as their bioactive compounds (polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and phytosterols). For the first time, the findings of the current study highlight the "in vivo" anti-inflammatory property of pumpkin, linseed, and prickly pear oils on carrageenan-induced acute inflammation by regulating inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress markers.

Chemoprotective role of ethanol extract of Urtica urens L. against the toxicity of imidacloprid on endocrine disruption and ovarian morphometric in female rats, GC/MS analysis.

Imidacloprid (IMI) is a widely used in Tunisia and abroad, and high doses of IMI have been known to cause endocrine disruption. Some reports claim that Urtica urens L. (UU) can reduce toxicity thanks to it anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, but there is no scientific evidence justifying its use, which lets us think to its direct effect on the metabolism of the ovarian tissue. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of UU against the toxicity of Confidor®, whose active substance is imidacloprid (IMI), in female rat, as well as the chemical compositions of UU ethanol (EtOH) extract by GC-MS. Female rats were divided into control group, 3 groups treated with IMI at 50, 200 or 300mg/kg/day and three groups co-treated with IMI (50, 200 or 300mg/kg/day)+100mg/kg/day of UU, for 60days. Blood samples were collected for the dosage of 17ß-estradiol levels. Ovaries were removed for tissular dosage of malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), glutathione (GSH), vitamin E, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Histological and histomorphometric examinations were performed as well. IMI caused an acute ovary injury, increased the ovary tissue levels of MDA and AOPP, and decreased the levels of GSH, vitamin E, and antioxidant enzyme activities. The number and the diameter of follicles were markedly diminished together with a reduction of the relative weight of ovaries. Compared with controls, the treated rats exhibited a significant reduction in serum 17b-estradiol levels. These results suggest an endocrine disruption by IMI which may interfere with ovarian follicles development in rat. The injection of UU EtOH extract improved the histological and all biochemical parameters cited above. In conclusion, IMI induced an acute ovary injury accompanied with disturbance of oxidant status and causes follicular atresia. Significant antioxidant activities were also observed in UU EtOH and a total of 31 compounds were identified. The injection of UU EtOH provided a significant protection which might be due to its antioxidant activities.

Protective effect of ethanolic extract of Urtica urens L. against the toxicity of imidacloprid on bone remodeling in rats and antioxidant activities.

Imidacloprid (IMI) is very harmful to human health and cause problems. Recently, plants have been considered as potential agents for protection against these disorders. Urtica urens L. (UU) is very useful for relieving rheumatic pains and there is no scientific evidence justifying its use, which lets us think of its direct effect on the bone. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of UU against toxicity effects of IMI in female rat. Rats were divided into control group, 3 groups treated with IMI at 50, 200 or 300mg/kg/day and 3 groups co-treated with IMI (50, 200 or 300mg/kg/day)+100mg/kg/day of UU. We studied bone remodeling through histological, histomorphometry and biochemical analyses. In IMI- treated groups, we have noted, following histomorphomotric analysis, significant decreases in cortical, trabecular thicknesses and osteoid surfaces. Elsewhere, IMI intoxication significantly decreased serum vitamin D and hydroxyproline levels in the groups treated for 60days. IMI intoxication increased significantly calcium, phosphorus contents, MDA and AOPP levels and the rate of calcification. It decreased significantly GSH, GPx, SOD, CAT, 17b-Estradiol and vitamin E levels, induces a tendency of rarefaction and increases of intrabecular spaces. The co-treatment with UU improved all biochemical parameters (hydroxyproline, MDA, AOPP, GSH, GPx, SOD, CAT, 17b-Estradiol, vitamin D, vitamin E calcium, phosphorus). UU leads to a significant increase in cortical, trabecular thicknesses, osteoid surfaces, a decrease in the intrabecular spaces and the rarefaction of bone. In conclusion, IMI inhibits bone remodeling and enhances bone formation. A significant antioxidant activity was also observed in UU and a total of 6 compounds were identified. Co-administration of UU provided a significant protection which might be due to its antioxidant property.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of ethanol and aqueous extracts from Urtica urens.

CONTEXT: Urtica urens L. (Urticaceae) is an important and commonly used plant for its medicinal and pharmacological properties. OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the leaves of Urtica urens in ethanol (EtOH) and water (WA) solvents, employing standard analytical methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Polyphenol, flavonoid and tannin content of Urtica urens leaves were determined, after their extraction, using EtOH (70%) and WA extracts as well as the antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, ß-carotene and FRAP) and the antibacterial (via the method of dilution tests) activities of EtOH and WA extracts. RESULTS: The 70% EtOH of Urtica urens showed the highest values of total phenolic (31.41 mg GAE/g DW), flavonoids (6.81 mg quercetin/g DW), tannin (8.29 mg GAE/g DW) and TEAC (560 mmol Trolox/g DW), compared to the WA. The results of DPPH for EtOH (95.56%) were higher than that of WA (64.56%) at a concentration of 40 mg/L. The extracts displayed a FRAP 106.23 for EtOH and 30.55 µmol Fe(II)/g DW for WA. The results clearly indicated that EtOH was the strongest radical scavenger (IC50 = 245.65 ± 10.2 µg/mL). Ethanol was the most effective with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) < 250 µg/mL. WA has no antibacterial activity. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results indicate that leaves of Urtica urens could be used as natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.

Chemical composition, phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Urtica urens L. leaves.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and antioxidant properties of Urtica urens L.(Uu) as well as its anti-inflammatory effect on carrageenan (CARR)-induced paw oedema in rats. METHODS: The leaves were extracted using ethanol (EtOH) and water. The extracts were analysed for proximate composition and antioxidant activity using standard chemical analysis methods. RESULTS: The proximate analysis showed that Uu leaves contained appreciable percentages of dry mass, ashes, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, sugars, anthocyanin, carotenoid and fibre. Results showed that EtOH extract contained the highest amount of total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, ortho-diphenols and flavonols. It decreased the paw oedema after CARR administration, and ameliorated the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and the malondialdehyde (MDA). CONCLUSIONS: Uu displayed a high potential as a natural source of minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidant properties. EtOH extract exhibited a significant inhibition against CARR-induced inflammation.

Nephrotoxicity of Kalach 360 SL: biochemical and histopathological findings.

Kalach 360 SL (KL) is a commercial herbicide which contains 360 g/l of glyphosate used in both agricultural and urban areas throughout the world including Tunisia. We aimed to evaluate the effects of KL on rats' renal system. Female Wistar rats were divided into three groups: group 1 (n = 6) received a standard diet and served as control, groups 2 and 3 (n = 12 each) received 0.07 ml (D1: 126 mg/kg), and 0.175 ml (D2: 315 mg/kg) of KL, respectively, for 60 d. The chronic exposure to KL induced a significant increase in plasma creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels. Creatinine clearance decreased in KL-treated groups, compared with controls. Several urine parameters, such as urine-specific gravity and urine osmolality, significantly decreased, while dieresis and urinary Na/K + ratio increased in KL-treated groups. These findings suggested a distal tubular damage caused by tubular necrosis. Moreover, the chronic exposure to KL induced an increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and a decrease in antioxidant status, enzymatic activities (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and non-enzymatic levels (vitamin C), which led to an oxidative stress. Histopathological studies showed a peritubular inflammatory reaction, nephrose, fragmented glomeruli, necrotic epithelial cells, and tubular dilatation. These results could have significant health implications for animal and human populations. Further data are necessary to investigate the potential consequences of chronic dose exposure during life.

Antioxidant, antibacterial and in vivo dermal wound healing effects of Opuntia flower extracts.

Opuntia ficus-indica flowers are used for various medicinal purposes. The aims of the present investigation were to evaluate biological properties of O. ficus-indica flowers extracts and to investigate its antioxidant and antibacterial activities and its ability to enhance wound healing. The wound healing activity of the mucilaginous and methanol extracts of O. ficus-indica flowers were assessed using excision wound model in rats. After thirteen days of treatment by both extracts, a beneficial effect on cutaneous repair was observed as assessed by the acceleration of wound contraction and remodeling phases. Histopathological studies of the granulation tissue indicated that the derma is properly arranged with the Opuntia flowers extract, compared with the control group. The mucilage extract was more effective than the methanol extract, but both showed significant results compared with the control. Such investigation was supported by the efficiency of the methanolic and mucilage extract as antimicrobial and antioxidant. Indeed, the extracts showed a potential antioxidant activity determined by different test systems, namely DPPH radicals scavenging activity, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, reducing power, ß-carotene bleaching assay and metal chelating activity and exhibited significant antibacterial activity against almost all tested bacteria.