Evaluation of Caralluma edulis for its Potential Against Obesity, Atherosclerosis and Hypertension.

Obesity, a chronic metabolic condition, is an increase in fat mass and blood lipid levels mainly causing atherosclerosis and hypertension, which further lead to cardiovascular complications. The objective of the study was to investigate the crude extract of Caralluma edulis (CE.Cr) for its potential against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and its related complications. Hyperlipidemia was induced in Wistar albino rats with HFD (1% cholesterol + 0.5% cholic acid) for 28 days. Treatment groups were administered with different doses of CE.Cr (100, 300 and 500 mg/Kg, p.o.) and the standard group received atorvastatin. At the end of study, sera were analyzed for biochemical markers and the aorta was dissected for microscopic examination. Antioxidant potential was evaluated and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed. The hypotensive potential of CE.Cr was evaluated through an invasive technique. HPLC analysis of CE.Cr showed the presence of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, apigenin and naringenin. Histological examination of the aorta section showed anti-atherosclerotic effects which were also evident from decrease in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins levels. CE.Cr decreased mean arterial blood pressure and evoked significant hypotensive effects. The crude extract of C. edulis showed anti-obesity, antihypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic and antioxidant potential.

Caralluma tuberculata exhibits analgesic and anti-arthritic potential by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and attenuating oxidative stress.

Caralluma tuberculata N.E. Brown (Common name: Chongan), belonging to the family Asclepiadaceae is distributed widely in hilly areas of Dir, Swat, Kohat and in plain lands of Punjab, Pakistan. The plant has been used as a source of vegetable as well as home remedy for headache, muscle spasms and rheumatism. The present study was proposed to investigate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potential of the aqueous methanolic extract of C. tuberculata (ICE). The dried shoots of plant were used to prepare aqueous methanolic extract (30:70) by 3 days thrice maceration and filtration followed by evaporation under reduced pressure. ICE was screened for the presence of phytochemicals using preliminary phytochemical analysis and HPLC. The antioxidant potential was evaluated through DPPH assay. Analgesic potential of ICE was studied using hot plate and tail immersion methods, and anti-inflammatory activity was performed using turpentine oil and carrageenan-induced inflammation models, in wistar albino rats. Formaldehyde-induced and Complete Freund's Adjuvant-induced arthritis models were used for the assessment of anti-arthritic activity of ICE and its effects on serum levels of PGE-2 as well as gene expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were studied. ICE displayed a dose-dependent (300-1000 mg/Kg p.o.) analgesic effect in hot plate (maximum retention time of 10.87 and 13 s) and tail immersion (response time of 11 and 13.64 s) tests at the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/Kg, respectively. The extract exhibited a significant decrease in paw inflammation of rats at the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/Kg as compared to the disease control group. ICE also exhibited a remarkable decline in arthritic score and a dose-dependent drop in serum levels of prostaglandin E2. There was a significant suppression in the expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, NF-κB and cyclooxygenase enzyme in treatment groups. This study concludes that Caralluma tuberculata exhibits strong analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-arthritic activities thus upholding the vernacular use of the plant for pain and rheumatism.

Antidiabetic and antidyslipidemic potential of Echinops echinatus in rat models of type I and type II diabetes.

Echinops echinatus is traditionally an important plant that finds its extensive use as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, nerve tonic, abortifacient, aphrodisiac, antiasthmatic, and antidiabetic agent. The current study investigates protection against the hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in alloxan-induced (type I diabetes) and fructose-fed insulin resistance (type II diabetes) models of diabetes treated with aqueous methanolic root extract of E. echinatus (Ee.Cr). Albino rats were treated orally with Ee.Cr at doses 100, 300 and 500mg/kg. The fasting blood glucose was measured by glucometer, while standard kits were used to determine the levels of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL. The administration of Ee.Cr significantly (P<0.001) reduced the FBG concentration in a dose-dependent pattern in alloxan-induced and fructose-fed diabetic rats. The Ee.Cr also corrected the dyslipidemia associated with fructose and alloxan-induced diabetes by significantly (P<0.001) decreasing the concentration of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL and by increasing HDL concentration. Ee.Cr also significantly (P<0.001) improved the glucose tolerance in fructose-fed rats. We conclude that Ee.Cr has antidiabetic and antidyslipidemic effects in both insulin-dependent alloxan-induced diabetes and fructose-induced insulin resistance diabetes rat models.

ANTIDIABETIC AND ANTIDYSLIPIDEMIC EFFECTS OF HELIOTROPIUM STRIGOSUM IN RAT MODELS OF TYPE I AND TYPE II DIABETES.

Heliotropiumz stnigosum Wilid. (Boraginaceae) is used traditionally as a laxative, diuretic, and as a treatment for snake bites and stings of nettles. Recent investigations have shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of H. sorigosum. However, antihyperglycemic and antidyslipidemic activity of H. strigosum has not been investigated to date and we aimed to explore these activities of the crude aqueous methanolic extract of thEaerial parts of H. strigosum (Hs.Cr). Hs.Cr was administered orally at doses of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg in alloxan-induced diabetic rats (type I diabetes) and fructose-fed rats (type II diabetes). The fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentration was assessed by glucometer, while semum total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL were estimated by using standard kits. The FBG concentration significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in dose-dependent pattern in both alloxan-induced diabetic and fructose-fed rats on Hs.Cr administration. The percentage glucose reductions in alloxanized rats with glibenclamide, Hs.Cr 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg were obeserved to be 67, 36, 56 and 62%, respectively. In fructose-fed rats, the percentage glucose redutions associated with metformin, Hs.Cr 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg were 23, 5, 11 and 12%, respectively. The extract also corrected the dyslipidemia associated with fructose and alloxan-induced diabetes by significantly (p < 0.00 1) decreasing the concentration of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL and by increasing HDL concentration. Our data demonstrate that the H. stigosum has antidiabetic and antidyslipidemic effects, thus encouraging further studies.