Characterization of Polysaccharides Extracted from Pulps and Seeds of Crataegus azarolus L. var. aronia: Preliminary Structure, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, α-Amylase, and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition Properties.

Polysaccharides from the pulps (CAP) and seeds (CAS) of Crataegus azarolus L. var. aronia were extracted by hot water method. Both polysaccharides were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Congo red test, FT-IR spectroscopy, and their antioxidant, α-amylase, antiacetylcholinesterase, and antibacterial activities were evaluated. CAP showed the highest total carbohydrate (82.35%) and uronic acid (29.39%) contents. The Congo red test revealed the lack of triple-helical conformation for both polysaccharides. The comparison of both infrared spectra indicated similar patterns with the presence of typical bands of polysaccharides. However, the microstructure of both samples indicated differences when analyzed by SEM. CAP displayed higher antioxidant, α-amylase, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. Besides, CAP showed the strongest antimicrobial effects against seven microorganisms and, notably, the Gram-positive bacteria. Overall, the results suggest that polysaccharides from C. azarolus L. var. aronia may be considered as novel sources of antioxidants and recommended as enzyme inhibitory agents in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Cardiac Ameliorative Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Rat Model.

The consumption of a high-fat diet is linked to the development of obesity and considered a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (MEML) on the high-fat diet- (HFD-) induced obesity and cardiac damage in rats. MEML, at a dose of 200 mg/kg/bw and 400 mg/kg/bw, was orally administrated to obese rats for 12 weeks. M. oleifera leaves were proved to be rich in nutrients and minerals. Diversity of phenolic compounds in MEML was evidenced via LC-ESI-MS analysis. The chronic administration of HFD in rats led to an increase in the body weight gain, total cholesterol, and triglycerides and reduction in the HDL-C levels. The obtained results indicated a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the cardiac marker enzyme level in obese rats. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the levels of cardiac catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities was accompanied with an increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the high-fat diet group when compared to those of the control. The treatment with the MEML alleviated abnormalities in the serum biochemical parameters, balanced the antioxidant status, and reestablished the normal histological structure of the heart especially in the case of the higher concentration. Moringa oleifera leaves may be a promising candidate in the management of obesity and its related complications such as heart problems.

Brachychiton populneus as a novel source of bioactive ingredients with therapeutic effects: antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, anti-inflammatory properties and LC-ESI-MS profile.

Brachychiton populneus is one of the unexploited Tunisian plants, traditionally eaten as food and used for medicinal purposes. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical components of the seeds, leaves and flowers from B. populneus using three different solvents and to explore their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Further, this study was focused on the identification of phenolic compounds from the most active extract. In vitro, all extracts showed strong antioxidant property by DPPH, ferrous ion chelating and lipid peroxidation-inhibiting assays, noticeable anti-inflammatory activity by protein denaturation and membrane stabilization methods and important neuroprotective effects by acetylcholinesterase inhibitory test. In vivo, B. populneus (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, i.p.) showed significant dose-response anti-inflammatory effects against carrageenan-induced paw edema. With respect to the phenolic profile, the leaf methanol extract presented eight phenolic acids, one flavone and four flavonoids, with salvianolic acid B (820.3 mg/kg), caffeic acid (224.03 mg/kg), syringic acid (100.2 mg/kg) and trans-ferulic acid (60.02 mg/kg) as the major compounds. The results of the current study suggested that B. populneus could be a precious source of health-benefitting biomolecules and may be developed as new antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and AChE inhibitors.

Nicotine-induced oxidative stress, testis injury, AChE inhibition and brain damage alleviated by Mentha spicata.

Nicotine mediates some of the injurious effects caused by consuming tobacco products. The aim of this work is to investigate the protective effects of Mentha spicata extract (ME) supplementation on the testis and brain of nicotine-induced oxidative damage rats. ME extract showed interesting hydrogen peroxide-scavenging activity. HPLC-DAD analysis of ME revealed the presence of nine compounds among them gallic acid was the major one (165.44 µg/g ME). Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, a nicotine-treated group (1 mg/kg i.p.), a group receiving ME (100 mg/kg), and a group receiving both ME (100 mg/kg) and nicotine (1 mg/kg). After 2 months of treatment, the in vivo results showed that nicotine exhibited an increase in the body, brain, testis and accessory sex organ weights, sperm count and sperm motility. In addition, exposure to nicotine significantly (p < 0.01) increased acetylcholinesterase level (AChE) in brain, lipid peroxidation level in brain and testis as compared to control group. The antioxidant enzymes results showed that nicotine treatment induced a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in brain and testis antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase as compared to control group. Interestingly, pretreatment with ME significantly (p < 0.01) restored the majority of these biological parameters to normal levels, as well as a histological improvement. Obtained results suggest that ME contains promising substances that counteract the nicotine-intoxication and can be efficient in the prevention of brain and testis toxicity complications.

Nephroprotective and antioxidant effect of green tea (Camellia sinensis) against nicotine-induced nephrotoxicity in rats and characterization of its bioactive compounds by HPLC-DAD.

Nicotine is a potential inducer of oxidative stress, through which it can damage numerous biological molecules. Natural antioxidants that prevent or slow the progression and severity of nicotine toxicity may have a significant health impact. The purpose of this study, conducted on Wistar rats, was to evaluate the beneficial effects of green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract on nicotine treatment-induced damage on kidney. Our results showed that nicotine significantly (p < 0.01) increased serum and kidney malondialdehyde, the serum contents of urea, creatinine, and uric acid. In addition, nicotine intoxication significantly (p < 0.01) decreased the levels of vitamins E and C in serum and kidney tissue as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Interestingly, animals that were pretreated with green tea, prior to nicotine administration, showed a significant nephroprotection, revealed by a significant reduction-induced oxidative damage for all tested markers. The nephroprotective activity of green tea is mediated, at least in part, by the antioxidant effect of its constituents.

Structural characterization of water-soluble polysaccharides from Nitraria retusa fruits and their antioxidant and hypolipidemic activities.

The structure, antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic activities of polysaccharides from Nitraria retusa fruits (named as NRFP) were investigated. The NRFP fraction, with a molecular weight of 66.5 kDa, was composed of a ß-(1 → 3)-glucan, containing neutral sugars (69.1%) but also uronic acids up to 23.1% due to pectin structure. The monosaccharide composition highlighted a polymer composed of glucose (41.4%), galacturonic acid (30.5%), galactose (12.6%), arabinose (11.8%) and rhamnose (3.70%). In the antioxidant assays, NRFP exhibited effective total antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 7.82 mg/ml), scavenging activities on DPPH radical (IC50 = 0.87 mg/ml) and hydrogen peroxide (IC50 = 2.03 mg/ml). In addition, NRFP proved protective effects on H2O2 induced hemolysis (IC50 = 66.2 µg/ml). In vivo NRFP reduced the hyperlipidemia, hepatotoxicity, cardiovascular and coronary diseases induced by Triton X-100.

Novel Antioxidant, Anti-α-Amylase, Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Water-Soluble Polysaccharides from the Aerial Part of Nitraria retusa.

In this paper, water-soluble polysaccharides (named as NRLP) were extracted from Nitraria retusa leaves. The main structural features of NRLP were determined by High-pressure size exclusion chromatography, Fourier transform infrared and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry-Electronic Impact analysis. The in vitro and in vivo biological potential of NRLP were evaluated by measuring its antioxidant (•OH and DPPH• scavenging, total antioxidant capacity), anti-α-amylase as well as anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities in a mice model. NRLP was composed of Rha (33.7%), Gal (18.1%), GalA (15.0%), Glc (13.3%), Ara (13.3%), Xyl (3.8%), and GlcA (2.8%) and showed a Molecular Weight (Mw) of 23.0 kDa and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 1.66. The investigations highlighted a significant antioxidant activity (IC50 = 2.4-2.6 mg/mL) and an inhibition activity against α-amylase (IC50 = 4.55 mg/mL) in a dose-dependent manner. Further, NRLP revealed interesting anti-edematous effects and antinociceptive activities (both > 70%). These results open up new pharmacological prospects for the water-soluble polysaccharides extracted from Nitraria retusa leaves.

HPLC-DAD identification of polyphenols from ethyl acetate extract of Amaranthus spinosus leaves and determination of their antioxidant and antinociceptive effects.

Amaranthus spinosus has been consumed traditionally to prevent various diseases including abdominal pain. In this study, the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and analgesic activities of an ethyl acetate extract of A. spinosus leaves (ASEA) were evaluated. The ASEA had the highest concentrations of total phenols (462.2 mg GAE/g DW), condensed tannin (5.01 mg CE/g DW) and total flavonoid contents (30.07 mg CE/g DW) compared to the chloroform, n-hexane, n-butanol and water extracts. Similarly, ASEA showed the most effective total antioxidant activity (45.45 µg/mL), DPPH scavenging activity (27.32 µg/mL) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (30.60 µg/mL). ASEA with the doses of 200-600 mg/kg (p.o.) clearly demonstrated antinociceptive effects by reducing acetic acid-induced abdominal contortions with a maximal inhibition of 79.57% at 600 mg/kg and increasing latencies of the hot-plate paw-licking response. The tested doses also significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the reaction time in the formalin test at the neurogenic and inflammatory phases. ASEA contained ten polyphenols with caffeic acid being the predominant polyphenol. Overall, this study gave evidence that A. spinosus is a new antioxidant and analgesic agent, and justified its traditional use for the treatment of pain.

Lycium europaeum Extract: A New Potential Antioxidant Source against Cisplatin-Induced Liver and Kidney Injuries in Mice.

This study was designed to assess the protective effects of Lycium europaeum methanol extract (LEM) on liver and kidney injuries induced by cisplatin. The phytochemical composition, the antioxidant activity, and hepatorenal injury biomarkers were investigated. Results revealed that LEM exhibited a significant antioxidant activity in vitro on DPPH radical and H2O2 scavenging assays. In the animal studies, treatment with LEM significantly reduced the effects of cisplatin intoxication on serum liver biomarkers and serum renal biomarkers. Meanwhile, LEM diminishes significantly the effect of cisplatin on the level of lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney tissues. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes (reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) were increased in groups pretreated with LEM and quercetin. Additionally, the normal histological structures of the liver and kidney were restored after treatment with LEM. This work clearly demonstrated that L. europaeum may be useful as a drug with hepato-nephroprotective potentials.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant, Analgesic, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Methanolic Extract of Euphorbia retusa in Mice.

Plants provide an alternative source to manage different human disorders due to various metabolites. The aim of this study is to investigate the phytochemical constituents of the methanolic extracts of Euphorbia retusa and to evaluate their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities. The phytochemical results obtained by HPLC and by chemical assay reactions have revealed the richness of the methanolic extract of E. retusa in active compounds, in particular polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. The methanolic extract shows significant antioxidant activities in vitro, in the DPPH and the FRAP assays. The antinociceptive activity was evaluated using acetic acid and hot-plate models of pain in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by carrageenan-induced paw edema. Oral pretreatment with the methanolic extract of E. retusa (200 mg/kg) exhibited a significant inhibition of pain induced either by acetic acid or by the heating plate and in a manner comparable to the standard drug paracetamol. E. retusa significantly reduced paw edema starting from the 3rd hour after carrageenan administration by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) in liver and paw tissues and decreasing the levels of MDA. These results may confirm the interesting potential of this plant as a treatment of various inflammatory and pain diseases.

Lycium europaeum Linn as a source of polysaccharide with in vitro antioxidant activities and in vivo anti-inflammatory and hepato-nephroprotective potentials.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lycium europaeum Linn. is widely used to treat the burning of the skin and well-known as a medicinal plant having various biological activities. AIMS OF THE STUDY: The purpose of the present study is to characterize the polysaccharide from L. europaeum L. leaves (LEP) and to explore its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepato-nephroprotective properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The structural and functional characteristics of LEP were investigated using X-ray diffraction techniques (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and FT-IR Spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. Hepato-renal effects were studied using CCl4 and cisplatin-induced liver and kidney injuries in mice, respectively. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed on carrageenan-induced paw edema. RESULTS: The LEP showed an interesting water-holding capacity and effective foaming and emulsifying properties. XRD analysis suggested that LEP form a semi-crystalline polymer with an amorphous structure. FT-IR profile showed the presence of pyranose ring in LEP. SEM and helix-coil transition analyses indicated that LEP had a lamellar structure with angular edges and didn't present a triple helical conformation in solution. In vitro, LEP indicated significant concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. In vivo, LEP treatment significantly reduced the effects of CCl4 intoxication on serum liver biomarkers (AST, ALT, LDH, and GGT) and the effect of cisplatin on serum renal biomarkers (urea, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid). Meanwhile, LEP diminishes significantly the effect of CCl4 and cisplatin on the level of lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney tissues, respectively. Additionally, the normal histological structure of liver and kidney was restored after treatment with the polysaccharide. LEP possessed a significant anti-inflammatory activity on acute inflammation induced by carrageenan in mice. CONCLUSION: Overall, the findings of this study support the traditional use of L. europaeum L. This plant may also be used as a good agent for protection against inflammatory diseases and hepato-renal injuries in patients with cancer.

Protective effects of Mentha spicata against nicotine-induced toxicity in liver and erythrocytes of Wistar rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Mentha spicata supplementation against nicotine-induced oxidative damage in the liver and erythrocytes of Wistar rats. Bioactive substances were determined by liquid chromatography - electrospray ionization - tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Animals were divided into 4 groups of 6 rats each: a normal control group, a nicotine-treated group (1 mg/kg), a group receiving M. spicata extract (100 mg/kg), and a group receiving both M. spicata extract (100 mg/kg) and nicotine (1 mg/kg). Many phenolic acids were identified in the M. spicata aqueous extract. After 2 months of treatment, nicotine induced an increase in the level of white blood cells and a marked decrease in erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and haematocrit. Aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities were also found to be higher in nicotine-treated group than those of the control group. Furthermore, nicotine-treated rats exhibited oxidative stress, as evidenced by a decrease in antioxidant enzymes activities and an increase in lipid peroxidation level in liver and erythrocytes. Interestingly, the oral administration of M. spicata extract by nicotine-treated rats alleviated such disturbances. M. spicata contained bioactive compounds that possess important antioxidant potential and protected liver and erythrocytes against nicotine-induced damage.

Evaluation of nutritional values, phenolic profile, aroma compounds and biological properties of Pittosporum tobira seeds.

BACKGROUND: Plant essential oils and phenolic compounds are widely used for their medicinal properties. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the nutritional values, the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and anti-hemolytic effects of Pittosporum tobira seeds. METHODS: The aroma compounds were isolated using two methods (Headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and hydrodistillation (HD)) and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Bioactive phenolic compounds were identified by mean of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD). Reducing power, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays were used to investigate antioxidant activity. Anti-hemolytic activity was evaluated using H2O2-induced hemolysis of red blood cells (RBC). RESULTS: Oxygenated sesquiterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes were the most volatile fractions identified by HD and HS-SPME coupled to GC-MS but their quality and amount were quite different according to the extraction methodology. The main phenolic compounds identified by HPLC were caffeic acid, followed by cinnamic acid and gallic acid. P. tobira seeds essential oils showed significant antioxidant activity in DPPH (IC50 value = 1.5 mg/mL), H2O2 scavenging assay (IC50 value = 159.43 µg/mL) and reducing power test (IC50 value = 0.982 mg/mL) compared to methanolic extract. Moreover, the results revealed that the essential oil was able to protect RBC from hemolysis induced by H2O2. However, the methanolic extract had no effect on H2O2-induced hemolysis of RBC as compared to the essential oil and the standard vitamin C. CONCLUSIONS: P. tobira may be used as a new natural source of antioxidant with therapeutic application in diseases caused by reactive oxygen species. Phytochemical Characterization and Biological Evaluation of Pittosporum tobira seeds.

Phytochemical characterization and bioactivity of Lycium europaeum: A focus on antioxidant, antinociceptive, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects.

In this study, the antioxidant, antinociceptive, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective properties and the bioactive composition of Lycium europaeum were investigated. Polyphenols and total tannin contents were measured by colorimetric methods The antioxidant activity in vitro was evaluated using the reducing power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical and phosphomolybdenum assays. The hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity effects were studied using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver and renal injuries in mice. The analgesic activity was explored using the hot-plate and acetic acid tests in mice. Results showed that the methanol fraction of L. europaeum (LEM) had the highest level of total phenolic, total tannin, and flavonoid. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of twelve compounds among them caffeic acid was the major compound (140.18µg/g of extract). This fraction also showed the best antioxidant activity in vitro in the three used assays. In vivo, in the mice studies, CCl4 administration induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity by a significant rise in the levels of serum liver biomarkers (gamma glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and aminotransferases) and serum renal biomarkers (urea, creatinine, and uric acid). Similarly, levels of lipid peroxidation (MDA) in both tissues were found increased by CCl4 intoxication. Pretreatment with LEM and quercetin significantly restored the majority of these biological parameters to normal levels, as well as an improvement of histopathological changes. In addition, LEM showed an interesting analgesic activity. LEM decreased significantly the number of writhing induced by acetic acid and prolonged the reaction time in response to thermal stimulus in mice. Therefore, it was speculated that the obtained results highlighted the potential use of L. europaeum as a source of bioactive compounds with pharmacological advantages.

Ameliorative Effect of Cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) Extract on Lithium-Induced Nephrocardiotoxicity: A Biochemical and Histopathological Study.

Opuntia ficus indica (family Cactaceae) is used in the treatment of a variety of conditions including metal-induced toxicity. The study reports the protective effects of Opuntia ficus indica (CCE) against lithium carbonate-induced toxicity in rats. Nephrocardiotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rats by single dose of lithium carbonate (25 mg/kg b.w twice daily for 30 days). Aqueous extract of Opuntia ficus indica was administered at the dose of 100 mg/kg of b.w by gavage for 60 days. Obtained results revealed that administration of lithium carbonate caused a significant increase in serum creatinine, uric acid, and urea levels. Additionally, a significant decrease in the level of renal and cardiac SOD, CAT, and GPx activities was associated with a significant increase of MDA levels in lithium carbonate group more than those of the control. However, the treatment of experimental rats with CCE prevented these alterations and maintained the antioxidant status. The histopathological observations supported the biochemical evidences of nephrocardioprotection. CCE supplementation could protect against lithium carbonate-induced renal and cardiac injuries in rats, plausibly by the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes and inhibition of MDA to confer the protective effect.

Lithium induced, oxidative stress and related damages in testes and heart in male rats: The protective effects of Malva sylvestris extract.

Malva sylvestris is widely used in Mediterranean and European traditional medicine and ethnoveterinary for the treatment of various diseases. This study, carried out on male Wistar rats, evaluates the beneficial effects of Malva sylvestris extract upon lithium carbonate-induced damages in testes and heart. For this purpose, Malva sylvestris extract at a dose of 0.2g/kg was orally administrated, followed by 25mg/kg lithium carbonate (intraperitoneal injection, twice daily). Lithium carbonate treatment significantly (p<0.01) decreased the weight of testes, accessory sex organ and heart, sperm count and motility, and serum testosterone level. In addition, exposure to lithium carbonate significantly (p<0.01) increased lipid peroxidation level (LPO) and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in testes and heart. Treatment with M. sylvestris extract affords substantial protection in testes and heart by altering all the parameters to near normal levels that were further confirmed by histological examination. The beneficial effect of M. Sylvestris extract in several organs could be attributed to the interaction of antioxidant components, such as complex polysaccharides, as confirmed by phytochemical analysis.

Phytochemical, antioxidant and protective effect of cactus cladodes extract against lithium-induced liver injury in rats.

CONTEXT: Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (Castaceae) (cactus) is used in Tunisian medicine for the treatment of various diseases. OBJECTIVE: This study determines phytochemical composition of cactus cladode extract (CCE). It also investigates antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective potential of CCE against lithium carbonate (Li2CO3)-induced liver injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four Wistar male rats were divided into four groups of six each: a control group given distilled water (0.5 mL/100 g b.w.; i.p.), a group injected with Li2CO3 (25 mg/kg b.w.; i.p.; corresponding to 30% of the LD50) twice daily for 30 days, a group receiving only CCE at 100 mg/kg of b.w. for 60 days and then injected with distilled water during the last 30 days of CCE treatment, and a group receiving CCE and then injected with Li2CO3 during the last 30 days of CCE treatment. The bioactive components containing the CCE were identified using chemical assays. RESULTS: Treatment with Li2CO3 caused a significant change of some haematological parameters including red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), haemoglobin content (Hb), haematocrit (Ht) and mean corpuscular volume (VCM) compared to the control group. Moreover, significant increases in the levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were observed in the blood of Li2CO3-treated rats. Furthermore, exposure to Li2CO3 significantly increased the LPO level and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in the hepatic tissues. CONCLUSION: CCE possesses a significant hepatoprotective effect.

Malva sylvestris extract protects upon lithium carbonate-induced kidney damages in male rat.

Malva sylvestris has recently attracted special attention due to its potential activities in many chronic disorders. We aimed to assess the beneficial effects of Malva sylvestris extract against lithium carbonate induced renal damage in male Wistar rats. For this purpose, Malva sylvestris extract at a dose of 0.2g/kg was orally administrated, followed by 25mg/kg of lithium carbonate (intraperitoneal injection) for 30 days. Malva sylvestris extract was proved to contain large amounts of K+, Na+, Ca++ and the existence of phenolic acids and flavonoids shown by the obtained HPLC-based analysis. The antioxidant capacities in vitro showed high level of radical scavenging activity and reducing power. The in vivo results showed that intraperitoneal injection of lithium carbonate exhibited a significant increase (p<0.01) of serum creatinine and urea and reduced serum sodium and potassium concentrations. Lithium carbonate also induced oxidative damage as indicated by a significant raise in LPO level associated with a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in the kidney. However, pretreatment with Malva sylvestris extract restored the status of all parameters studied. It can be concluded that lithium carbonate has induced oxidative stress, biochemical changes and histopathological damage but the supplementation with Malva sylvestris extract has prevented such toxicity.

Oxidative damage and hepatotoxicity associated with deltamethrin in rats: The protective effects of Amaranthus spinosus seed extract.

OBJECTIVE: The liver plays a major role in detoxification and metabolism of toxic compound and xenobiotics like pesticides. Thereby, any type of modification in its function causes hepatotoxicity. So, the aim of this study was designed to assess the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of methanol extract Amaranthus spinosus seed (ASS) on liver injury induced by deltamethrin (DLM), a synthetic pyrethroid pesticide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ASS was subjected to different phytochemical analyses including total phenolic and flavonoid content. In vitro, antioxidant activities was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. In vivo hepatoprotective effect of A. spinosus seeds against DLM induced liver injury in rats was tested in plasma and liver tissue. RESULTS: ASS reverses hepatotoxicity in DLM-intoxicated rats: serum liver biomarkers (alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and aminotransferases), hepatic levels of lipid peroxidation (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were restored to normal levels. The protective effects of ASS was confirmed by histological studies. CONCLUSION: The hepatoprotective potential of ASS could be explained by its high phenolic content, antioxidant properties and phytochemical contents.

The protective effect of Citrus limon essential oil on hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced by aspirin in rats.

Citrus limon is a member of the large Rutaceae family characterized by its therapeutic proprieties and has been widely used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. This study investigates the protective effect of Citrus limon essential oil against a high dose of aspirin-induced acute liver and kidney damage in female Wistar albino rats. Twenty-eight adult female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 7 each: (1) a control group; (2) a group of rats which was kept untreated for 56days then treated with aspirin (A) (600mg/kg) for 4 days; (3) a group fed with essential oil of Citrus limon for 56days then (A) for 4 days; and (4) a group of rats receiving essential oil of Citrus limon for 56 days, then given NaCl for 4 days. Estimations of biochemical parameters in blood were determined. Lipid peroxidation levels (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidas (GPx) activities in liver and kidney was determined. A histopathological study was done. Under our experimental conditions, aspirin induced an increase of serum biochemical parameters and it resulted in an oxidative stress in both liver and kidney. This was evidenced by significant increase in TBARS in liver and kidney by 108% and 55%, respectively, compared to control. On the other hand, a decrease in the activities of SOD by 78% and 53%, CAT by 53% and 78%, and GPx by 78% and 51% in liver and kidney, respectively. Administration of EOC to rats attenuated the induced an effect of the high dose of aspirin induced in the afore mentioned serum biochemical parameters. In conclusion, our data suggest that treatment with essential oil of Citrus limon prevented the liver and kidney damage induced by aspirin.