Antidiabetic activity of the aqueous extract of Erigeron floribundus leaves in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes model in Wistar rats.

Backgroud: Erigeron floribundus is a herbaceous plant used in traditional Cameroonian medicine to treat diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic properties of the aqueous extract of E. floribundus leaves (AEEF) in diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) in normal rats fasted for 16 h. Subsequently, 30 diabetic male rats were divided into groups and treated orally for 21 days with distilled water (10 mL/kg), glibenclamide (3 mg/kg) and AEEF (300, 400, and 500 mg/kg). Body weight, food and water intake, blood glucose, insulin levels, lipid and oxidative profiles, as well as some markers of liver and kidney function were assessed. Histological sections of the rats' pancreas were taken. Results: AEEF and glibenclamide significantly increased (p < 0.001) body weight and decreased food and water intake in rats. A decrease in blood glucose (p < 0.001) and an increase in insulin levels (p < 0.001) were observed in the AEEF and glibenclamide groups. AEEF caused a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the levels of total cholesterol, LDL-c, triglycérides and coronary risk index (CRI), accompanied by a significant (p < 0.001) increase in HDL levels and HOMA-ß in rats. AEEF showed an improvement (p < 0.001) in CAT and SOD activity and GSH levels accompanied by a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in malondialdehyde levels. In addition, ALAT and ASAT activity, urea and creatinine levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.001) after treatment with AEEF and glibenclamide. The extract also improved the size of Langerhans Islets in the pancreas of diabetic rats. Conclusion: AEEF contains several bioactive compounds conferring antidiabetic, anti-dyslipidemic and antioxidant properties, thus justifying its therapeutic use in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Boswellia dalzielii and Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the leading worldwide public health problems. It is characterized by hyperglycemia which induces oxidative stress and inflammation, both involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes. We previously showed that Boswellia dalzielii (BD) and Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) extracts reduced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. In the present study, we evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of both plants in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Two sets of experiments were conducted in male Wistar rats subjected to a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg, b. w.). Then, diabetic rats were daily administered with either BD (1st set of experiments) or HS (2nd set of experiments) at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg orally for 21 consecutive days. Glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) was also administered as a reference drug. At the end of the study, the animals were anesthetized, and blood samples were collected from each animal. Then, oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in the serum were determined. We found that treatment with BD and HS significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and enhanced the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). These extracts also significantly decreased the inflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß). From the results obtained, it can therefore be concluded that BD and HS have the potential to being developed as natural sources of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents that can be used for the prevention or treatment of DM.

Potential Curative Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Cissus quadrangularis (Vitaceae) and Jatropha gossypiifolia (Euphorbiaceae) on Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury in Mice.

Background: Acetaminophen-induced liver injury remains a significant public health problem because available treatments are limited due to their adverse effects. Medicinal plants, which are an important source of bioactive molecules, could be an alternative treatment for liver disease. Objective: This study was designed to investigate the curative effect of aqueous extracts of Cissus quadrangularis (Vitaceae) and Jatropha gossypiifolia (Euphorbiaceae) on acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice. Methods: Mice were divided into groups and treated with distilled water, silymarin (50 mg/kg), a reference hepatoprotective agent, and aqueous extracts of C quadrangularis and J gossypiifolia (50 and 100 mg/kg, PO, respectively). These substances were given as a single daily dose 4 hours after acetaminophen administration (300 mg/kg, PO) for 2 days. Mice were humanely put to death 24 hours after the last dose and serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, total bilirubin and protein levels, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, catalase, and nitrite tissue levels were assessed. Histology of the livers of the mice was performed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: Acetaminophen administration induced a significant (P < 0.05) mean (SEM) body weight loss (-14.45% [5.92%]), a significant elevation of alanine aminotransferase activity (15.08%), total protein and bilirubin levels (25.80%), and a significant (P < 0.05) increase in liver superoxide dismutase (67.71%), catalase (63.00%), glutathione (40.29%), malondialdehyde (30.67%), and nitrite levels compared with the control group. In curative treatment, C quadrangularis and J gossypiifolia (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced mean (SEM) body weight loss (16.67% [7.16%] and 1.25% [0.51%], respectively), serum alanine aminotransferase activity (17.62% and 11.14%, respectively), bilirubin level (29.62% and 49.14%, respectively) compared with acetaminophen group, and J gossypiifolia normalized serum total protein level. Both extracts significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the levels of glutathione and malondialdehyde and normalized that of nitrite, superoxide dismutase, and catalase compared with the acetaminophen group. Hepatocyte necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration were remarkably reduced by the plant extracts. Conclusions: The results obtained are evidence in favor of the development of a formulation based on the extracts of these plants against liver diseases.

Diabetes mellitus: Preventive and curative therapies with aqueous extract of Rytigynia senegalensis Blume (Rubiaceae) in Wistar rats.

Background and aim: African traditional healers use Rytigynia senegalensis Blume to treat diseases such as diabetes mellitus, malaria, dysentery, constipation, and hemorrhoids. This study aimed to assess the hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, and antioxidant properties of R. senegalensis extract (AERS) in type 1 diabetic (T1D) and insulin-resistant (T2D) rats. Experimental procedure: The induction of T1D was made by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg b.w). As for T2D, it was induced for 10 days by daily subcutaneous administration of dexamethasone (1 mg/kg b.w). Diabetic animals were divided and treated with AERS (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg b.w) for 28 and 10 days for T1D and T2D, respectively. Glycaemia, food and water consumption, relative body weight, insulinemia, lipid profile, and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated. Histological sections were made on the pancreas of T1D rats. Results and conclusion: AERS (100 and/or 200 mg/kg) prevented (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) weight loss, polyphagia, and polysipsia in diabetic rats. AERS significantly lowered (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) insulinemia, hyperglycemia, triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) total cholesterol (TC),and malondialdehyde (MDA). In contrast, a significant increase (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels, reduced glutathione levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were observed with all doses of AERS. Histopathological analysis showed an increase in the number and size of islets of Langerhans in the pancreas of T1D rats receiving AERS. AERS has an important antidiabetic, antidyslipidemic, and antioxidant potential.

Tapinanthus dodoneifolius leaf inhibits the activity of carbohydrate digesting enzymes and improves the insulin resistance induced in rats by dexamethasone.

Background: Tapinanthus dodoneifolius is a plant used in traditional African medicine to treat diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to evaluate the preventive antidiabetic potential of the aqueous extract of T. dodoneifolius leaves (AETD) in insulin resistant rats. Methods: A quantitative phytochemical study of AETD was carried out to determine the contents of total phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and saponins. AETD was tested in vitro on the activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Insulin resistance was induced for 10 days by daily subcutaneous injection of dexamethasone (1 mg/kg). One hour before, the rats were divided into 5 groups and treated as follows: group 1 received distilled water (10 mL/kg); group 2 received metformin (40 mg/kg), and groups 3, 4, and 5 were treated with AETD (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg). Body weight, blood sugar, food and water consumption, serum insulin level, lipid profile, and oxidative status were assessed. One-way analysis of variance followed by Turkey's post-test and two-way analysis followed by Bonferroni's post-test were used to analyze univariate and bivariate parameters, respectively. Results: Results showed that the phenol content of AETD (54.13 ± 0.14 mg GAE/g extract) was higher than that of flavonoids (16.73 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g extract), tannins (12.08 ± 0.07 mg GAE/g extract), and saponins (IC50 = 13.56 ± 0.03 mg DE/g extract). AETD showed a higher inhibitory potential on α-glucosidase activity (IC50 = 191.51 ± 5.63 µg/mL) than on α-amylase activity (IC50 = 1774.90 ± 10.32 µg/mL). AETD (250 and/or 500 mg/kg) prevented drastic loss of body weight and reduced food and water consumption in insulin resistant rats. The levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and malondialdehyde were also reduced while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, reduced glutathion level, and catalase and superoxide dismutase activity increased after administration of AETD (250 and 500 mg/kg) in insulin resistant rats. Conclusion: AETD has significant antihyperglycemic, antidyslipidemic, and antioxidant potential, thus it can be used for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications.

Efficacy of Rytigynia senegalensis Blume on Free Radical Scavenging, Inhibition of α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Activity, and Blood Glucose Level.

Rytigynia senegalensis (Rubiaceae) is a plant used in African medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and hypoglycemic effects of Rytigynia senegalensis extract (RSE). The contents of phenols, tannins, and flavonoids were determined by phytochemical screening. 2,2-Azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were determined to evaluate the free radical scavenging capacity of the RSE. The inhibitory activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase was evaluated in vitro using the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition methods and in vivo using the sucrose and starch tolerance tests. The glucose tolerance test was performed on normal rats using doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of RSE. RSE contains total phenols (36.35 mg GAE/g of extract), flavonoids (11.91 mg QE/g of extract), and tannins (13.01 mg CE/g of extract). RSE exhibits significant radical scavenging activity on DPPH and ABTS radicals with an IC50 of 17.51 and 21.89 µg/mL, respectively. RSE showed an inhibitory effect on the activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase with an IC50 of 308.93 and 354.13 µg/mL, respectively. RSE (100 and 200 mg/kg) caused a significant decrease in area under the curve and postprandial glycemia at 60, 90, and 120 min following the administration of starch or sucrose. Regarding the glucose tolerance test, RSE (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly reduced postprandial hyperglycemia from the 90th min posttreatment. RSE lowered postprandial hyperglycemia and has antioxidant properties. These effects would be due to the presence of bioactive compounds in the RSE.

A new abietane-type diterpenoid from roots of Burkea africana Hook (Fabaceae) with α-amylase inhibitory potential.

A new abietane-type diterpenoid, rubesanolidic acid (1), alongside six known compounds including ß-sitosterol (2), lupeol (3), betulinic acid (4) ursolic acid (5), ß-sitosterol 3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (6) and stigmasterol 3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (7) were isolated from the roots of Burkea africana through column chromatography. Their structures were elucidated from spectroscopic analyses (UV, IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR) data and by comparison with data from previous studies. The extract and compounds were tested for their α-amylase inhibition. The extract was more active than the isolated compounds with a percentage inhibition of 51.0 ± 2.5% at 400 µg/mL and was the only sample showing above 50% inhibition at this dose. Amongst the isolated compounds and at the dose of 400 µg/mL, the new diterpenoid Rubesanolidic acid exibited the highest percentage inhibition of α-amylase of 38.2 ± 2.0% while ß-sitosterol showed the lowest inhibition of 9.6 ± 0.5%. The results indicate that B. africana is a potential source of antidiabetic compounds.

In Vitro Evaluation of α-amylase and α-glucosidase Inhibition of 2,3-Epoxyprocyanidin C1 and Other Constituents from Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder which is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidities in elderly humans. Chronic diabetes can lead to kidney failure, blindness, limb amputation, heart attack and stroke. Physical activity, healthy diets and medications can reduce the incidence of diabetes, so the search for more efficient antidiabetic therapies, most especially from natural products, is a necessity. Herein, extract from roots of the medicinal plant Pterocarpus erinaceus was purified by column chromatography and afforded ten compounds which were characterized by EIMS, HR-FAB-MS, 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Amongst them were, a new trimeric derivative of epicatechin, named 2,3-Epoxyprocyanidin C1 (1); two pentacyclic triterpenoids, friedelin (2) and betulin (3); angolensin (4); flavonoids such as 7-methoxygenistein (5), 7-methoxydaidzein (6), apigenin 7-O-glucoronide (8) and naringenin 7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (9); and an ellagic acid derivative (10). The extract and compounds were evaluated for their antidiabetic potential by α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays. IC50 values of compound 7 (48.1 ± 0.9 µg/mL), compound 8 (48.6 ± 0.1 µg/mL), compound 9 (50.2 ± 0.5 µg/mL) and extract (40.5 ± 0.8 µg/mL) when compared to that of acarbose (26.4 ± 0.3 µg/mL) indicated good α-amylase inhibition. In the α-glucosidase assay, the extract (IC50 = 31.2 ± 0.1 µg/mL), compound 7 (IC50 = 39.5 ± 1.2 µg/mL), compound 8 (IC50 = 40.9 ± 1.3 µg/mL), compound 1 (IC50 = 41.6 ± 1.0 µg/mL), Compound 4 (IC50 = 43.4 ± 0.5 µg/mL), compound 5 (IC50 = 47.6 ± 0.9 µg/mL), compound 6 (IC50 = 46.3 ± 0.2 µg/mL), compound 7 (IC50 = 45.0 ± 0.8 µg/mL), compound 9 (IC50 = 44.8 ± 0.6 µg/mL) and compound 11 (IC50 = 47.5 ± 0.4 µg/mL) all had moderate-to-good inhibitions, compared to acarbose (IC50 = 22.0 ± 0.5 µg/mL). The ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase indicates that P. erinaceus and its compounds can lower blood glucose levels by delaying hydrolysis of carbohydrates into sugars, thereby providing a source of natural antidiabetic remedy.

Hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerogenic effects of aqueous extract of Ipomoea batatas leaves in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats.

OBJECTIVE: Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. is a food plant used in African traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases and related conditions. We assessed the hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerogenic properties of the aqueous extract of I. batatas leaves in a rat model of diet-induced hypercholesterolemia. METHODS: Hypercholesterolemia was induced in male Wistar rats by exclusive feeding with a cholesterol-enriched (1%) standard diet for four weeks. Then, rats were treated once daily (per os) with I. batatas extract at doses of 400, 500 and 600 mg/kg or with atorvastatin (2 mg/kg), for four weeks. Following treatment, animals were observed for another four weeks and then sacrificed. Aortas were excised and processed for histopathological studies, and blood glucose level and lipid profile were measured. RESULTS: Hypercholesterolemic animals experienced a 21.5% faster increase in body weight, significant increases in blood glucose and blood lipids (148.94% triglycerides, 196.97% high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 773.04% low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 148.93% very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and 210.42% total cholesterol), and increases in aorta thickness and atherosclerotic plaque sizes compared to rats fed standard diet. Treatment of hypercholesterolemic rats with the extract mitigated these alterations and restored blood glucose and blood lipid levels to normocholesterolemic values. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that I. batatas leaves have hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerogenic properties and justify their use in traditional medicine.

Hypoglycemic, antidyslipidemic and antioxydant effects of Vitellaria paradoxa barks extract on high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes rats.

BACKGROUD: Vitellaria paradoxa is a plant belonging to the Sapotaceae family and used in traditional medicine in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The aim of this work was to evaluate the hypoglycemic, antidyslipidemic and antioxidant effects of V. paradoxa on type 2 diabetic rats. METHODS: To induce type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), animals were fed a high-fat diet for 4 weeks followed by an intraperitoneal injection of 35 mg/kg of streptozotocin. Diabetic rats were divided into groups and treated for 28 days with V. paradoxa extract (AEVP) at doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg. Body weight, urine volume, food and water consumption were assessed at the start and end of treatment. The glucose tolerance test was performed on the last day of treatment. Blood samples were taken for the assay of biochemical parameters, organs (kidneys and liver) for markers of oxidative stress and pancreas for histological sections. RESULTS: AEVP (250 and 500 mg/kg) improved the drop in body weight, polyphagia, polydipsia and polyuria in diabetic rats. AEVP significantly reduced the concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, urea, creatinine, activities of transaminases, and increased the levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol and serum insulin. AEVP resulted in a decrease in malondialdehyde levels and an increase in catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. An increase in the size and number of islets in the pancreas has also been observed after administration of the extract. CONCLUSION: AEVP has antidiabetic, antidyslipidemic and antioxidant properties, thus confirming its traditional use for the treatment of diabetes. These effects could be due to the presence of phytoconstituents, phenols and flavonoids presents in the plant extract.

Glucose-lowering potential of Guiera senegalensis roots in a diabetic rat model.

OBJECTIVE: Guiera senegalensis is distributed in the Sudano-Sahelian zone and used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes. This study was designed to assess the hypoglycemic effects of G. senegalensis in Wistar diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phytochemical analysis was carried out on aqueous and methanolic extracts of G. senegalensis. Type 2 diabetes was induced in male rats using nicotinamide/streptozotocin (65 mg/kg/110 mg/kg, i.p.). After diabetes induction, normal and negative control groups received distilled water, positive control group received glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg) and the others group received aqueous and methanolic extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg, each) orally for 4 weeks. Glycaemia, body weight, insulin level, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), triglycerides (TG), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) activities, urea and creatinine (Cr) were evaluated. RESULTS: The content of phenols, flavonoids and tannins were 34.54 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/gE, 4.86 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/gE and 16.81 mg catechin equivalent (EC)/gE in the aqueous extract, respectively. Phenol (26.01 mg GAE/gE), flavonoid (4.47 mg QE/gE) and tannin (7.67 mg EC/gE) contents were also obtained for the methanolic extract. G. senegalensis and glibenclamide resulted in a significant increase (p<0.001) in body weight and HDL-c in diabetic group rats receiving glibenclamide and different doses of extracts. . The level of insulin, glycaemia, TG, TC, LDL-c, urea and creatinine significantly decreased (p<0.05 to 0.001) in diabetic animals treated with G. senegalensis extracts. CONCLUSION: These results confirm the potential of G. senegalensis for the treatment of diabetes and its complications.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Adansonia digitata Stem Bark on the Development of Hypertension in L-NAME-Induced Hypertensive Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: Adansonia digitata is a plant used against cardiovascular disorders in African folk medicine. We assessed the effects of the aqueous extract of its stem bark on the development of hypertension in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. METHODS: The animals were administered L-NAME once daily for 3 weeks (25 mg/kg, i.p.), concomitantly with aqueous extract of A. digitata stem bark (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) or captopril (20 mg/kg, p.o.). Then, hemodynamic and electrocardiographic parameters, oxidative stress markers, and the lipid profile were assessed in the blood and heart, aorta, and kidney homogenates, and histopathological analyses were performed. RESULTS: L-NAME-induced hypertensive control animals, but not the animals concomitantly treated with A. digitata extract, displayed increases in the mean arterial blood pressure (21.64% difference, p < 0.001, vs. dose 200 mg/kg), systolic arterial blood pressure (21.33%, p < 0.001), and the diastolic arterial blood pressure (21.84%, p < 0.001). In addition, hypertensive control animals displayed (i) increases in serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and creatinine levels, malondialdehyde and transaminase activities, and atherogenic index; (ii) decreases in serum HDL, catalase, reduced glutathione, and nitric oxide; and (iii) aorta wall thickening, inflammatory cell infiltration, and cell loss in the cardiac muscle and renal tissues. As captopril, the extract prevented hypertension-like changes in lipid profile, cardiac, hepatic, and renal affection indicators, and oxidative stress markers. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the extract of A. digitata has antihypertensive and antioxidant effects in L-NAME-induced hypertension rat models. These effects partly justify the traditional medicine use against cardiovascular disorders.

Chronic oral safety study of the aqueous extract of Combretum molle twigs on biochemical, haematological and antioxidant parameters of Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Combretum molle R.B/G. Don (Combretaceae) is a graceful deciduous shrub, distributed especially in tropical Africa and used in traditional medicine in the treatment of malaria, diabetes, and bacterial, liver and cardiovascular deseases. To our knowledge, no long-term toxicity studies of C. molle has ever been realized yet. METHODS: The long-term toxicity study was conducted in accordance with OECD 408 guidelines with slight modifications. In fact, rats were divided in groups and treated orally with CMAE at doses of 62.5, 125 and 250 mg/kg for 6 months. The general behavior and signs of toxicity of the rats were daily observed. Body weight, food and water intake were recorded every 2 months for 6 months. At the end of treatment period, urine and blood samples were collected for hematological, biochemical and antioxidant estimations. Immediately, internal organs were collected and weighed. RESULTS: The results showed that no mortality and visible signs of the toxicity were recorded in all experimental animals. The administration of CMAE had no significant effects on body weight, organ weights, serum electrolyte, and food and water intake. However, all doses of CMAE produced an increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol, white blood cells, platelets, glutathione, and a decrease in low density lipoprotein cholesterol and malondialdehyde rate. CMAE at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg decreased in serum proteins and the activity of aspartate amino transferase, and increased the activity of catalase. In addition, CMAE (250 mg/kg) significantly decreased the alanine aminotransferase activity and the level of triglycerides, very low density cholesterol, total proteins and creatinine, and increased in renal clearance, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit and superoxide dismutase activity. CONCLUSIONS: At the end of this study, no signs of major intoxication was noted during 6 months of treatment. These results suggest that long-term consumption of CMAE at the therapeutic dose (250 mg/kg) presents low risks to human health.

Diuretic and antioxidant activities of the aqueous extract of leaves of Vepris heterophylla (Engl.) R. Let (Rutaceae) in rats.

BACKGROUND: Vepris heterophylla (Rutaceae) is a medicinal plant used empirically in African traditional medicine for many clinical conditions including edematous disorders and hypertension. V. heterophylla aqueous extract has been used in northern part of Cameroon by traditional healers for the treatment of arterial hypertension. The study aim was to assess the putative diuretic and antioxidant properties of V. heterophylla leaves aqueous extract. METHODS: Adult rats were administered with V. heterophylla leaves aqueous extract acutely (24 h) at doses 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg (per os). The two positive control groups received the diuretic drugs furosemide (5 mg/kg) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, 10 mg/kg), while negative control group received only an equivalent volume of distilled water. Urinary elimination of electrolytes in response to treatments was evaluated, together with changes in concentrations of creatinine, urea, aldosterone, glucose and albumin in urine and plasma. Various urinary indicators of kidney function and plasmatic markers of oxidative stress were also assessed. RESULTS: The findings indicated that the aqueous extract of V. heterophylla at doses ranging from 150 to 250 mg/kg caused a significant and dose-dependent increase of urinary water and electrolytes excretion in normal rats. The aqueous extract of the leaves of V. heterophylla accelerated the elimination of overloaded fluid. At the maximum of diuretic response, urinary osmolarity decreased significantly when compared with controls. Oral administration of aqueous extract at different doses produced a significant diuresis and slight increase in electrolytes (Na+, K+ and Cl-) excretion. The results obtained were compared with standard drug-furosemide (5 mg/kg) and hydrochlorothiazide (10 mg/kg). These effects were observed predominantly at 250 mg/kg dose. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings strongly suggest that V. heterophylla aqueous extract has diuretic and antioxidant activities, and deserves further studies considering the potential for the treatment of hypertension.

Diuretic and antioxidant activities of the aqueous extract of leaves of Cassia occidentalis (Linn.) in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the putative diuretic and antioxidant properties of Cassia occidentalis (C. occidentalis) leaves' aqueous extract. METHODS: Adult rats were administered with C. occidentalis leaves aqueous extract acutely (24 h) and subchronically (7 d), at doses 80, 160, 240, 320, and 400 mg/kg (per os). Negative control group received only an equivalent volume of distilled water, while the two positive control groups received the diuretic drugs furosemide (20 mg/kg, ip.) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) (20 mg/kg, ip.). Urinary elimination of electrolytes in response to treatments was evaluated, together with changes in concentrations of creatinine, urea, aldosterone, glucose, and albumin in urine and plasma. Various urinary indicators of kidney function and plasmatic markers of oxidative stress were also assessed. RESULTS: The acute administration of C. occidentalis increased the urinary excretion of 107.58% at the higher dose tested, compared to negative control. The reference drugs furosemide and HCTZ induced increases of 84.27% and 48.05%, respectively. Acutely, the extract induced Na(+) and Cl(-) elimination, whereas subchronically an increase in K(+) elimination was also observed. The extract also improved the kidney function indexes and oxidative stress markers. These effects were dose-dependent and comparable with positive control observations. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings strongly suggest that C. occidentalis aqueous extract has diuretic and antioxidant activities, and deserves further studies considering the potential for the treatment of hypertension.

Evaluation of the diuretic effects of crude stem bark extraction of Zanthoxylum heitzii (Rutaceae) in Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: Zanthoxylum heitzii is a medicinal plant widely used in central Africa for the treatment of many diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. The diuretic effects of crude stem bark extraction were determined and its safety in rats was evaluated. METHODS: The diuretic effects of crude stem bark extraction of Z. heitzii 250 g ± 10 g) of both sexes. The crude stem bark extraction of Z. heitzii at the doses of 225, 300 and 375 mg/kg was administered to rats at 5 mL/kg body weight. Urine volume was determined 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 24 h after administration of the extract. Kinetics of electrolyte elimination in response to a single oral administration dose of acute treatment was measured. The experiments were performed under the same conditions with two synthetic pharmacological diuretics considered as reference (furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide). Urinary and plasma concentrations of sodium and potassium ions were determined using flame photometry. Concentrations of creatinine, urea, glucose, albumin and electrolytes in the plasma and urine samples were evaluated using a two-way digital bidirectional spectrophotometer. The osmolarity of plasma and urine samples was measured by cytometry using an osmometer. Aldosterone was measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: The plant extract accelerated the elimination of overloaded fluid and increased urine volume and the excretion of Na+, K+ and Cl- 24 h after administration (P<0.05). The increase in elimination of Na+, K+, and Cl- induced by caused alkalinization of the urine, and showed a strong inhibitory effect on carbonic anhydrase and saluretic. These effects were mainly observed at the dose of 375 mg/kg. At the maximum diuretic response, urinary osmolarity decreased significantly (P<0.05) when compared to controls. The stability of aldosterone level, the absence of correlation with the plasma levels of Na+, and increased clearance of free water in the animals treated with indicated that increased diuresis and natriuresis were tubular in origin. No significant (P>0.05) changes were observed in the body temperature of the animals. CONCLUSION: The significant increase in urine volume 24 h after treatment followed a dose-response pattern. The excretion of Na+, K+ and Cl- caused a decrease in urine osmolarity. The stability of aldosterone, the absence of correlation with the plasma levels of sodium, and increased clearance of free water in animals treated with aqueous extract suggest that increased diuresis and moderate natriuresis elevation were of tubular origin.

Hypolipidemic, antioxidant and anti-atherosclerogenic effects of aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum heitzii stem bark in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate anti-dyslipidemic, antioxidant and anti-atherosclerogenic properties of this extract in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rat, a model of metabolic syndrome-induced atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular diseases. METHODS: Normocholesterolemic (NC) male rats were divided into six groups (n=10) and fed a high-cholesterol (HC) diet for 30 days (5 groups), or normal rat chow (normal control group). Rats given a HC diet also received distilled water (disease control), the potent hypocholesterolemic agent with anti-atherosclerotic activity atorvastatin (2 mg/kg, positive control), or one of the three doses of Zanthoxylum heitzii stem bark aqueous extract tested (225, 300 and 375 mg/kg) concomitantly for four months. Signs of general toxicity, body temperature and weight, and water and food intake were monitored in live animals. After sacrifice, lipid profiles and oxidative stress markers were assessed in the blood and liver, aorta, and feces, and histopathological analysis of aorta was performed. RESULTS: Plant extract prevented the elevation of aortic total cholesterol and triglycerides, and hepatic low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol. Lipid peroxidation (TBARS) was decreased and aortic atherosclerotic plaque formation prevented. CONCLUSIONS: These observations strongly suggest that stem bark aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum heitzii has anti-atherosclerogenic properties, at least partly mediated by antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects.

Hypolipidemic and anti-atherogenic effect of aqueous extract leaves of Ficus glumosa (Moraceae) in rats.

Leaves of Ficus glumosa are used in northern Cameroon and southern Chad for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, as food and as a stimulant for milk production in both women and animals. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which frequency increases with age. The first lesions appear at the young subject during adolescence. Atherosclerosis lesions appear very precociously and worsen with age. They interest the levels chronologically aortic, coronary then carotid. Age is a risk factor in that it reflects the exposure time of individual to the other risk factors. The frequency of the atherosclerosis increases with age because of the aging of the cells. This study was undertaken to evaluate the hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerotic properties of aqueous extract of the leaves of F. glumosa in rats with hypercholesterolemia (HC). 60 male rats were fed for 4 weeks with a high-cholesterol diet (1%) and 3 doses (225, 300 and 375 mg/kg) of extract of F. glumosa were used in these experiments. The experiments were conducted under the same conditions with atorvastatin (1 mg/kg), as pharmacological reference substance. The effects of F. glumosa on weight gain, water and food consumption, levels of serum lipids and lipoprotein lipid oxidation and stress markers in the blood and liver were examined. The administration of F. glumosa extract prevented significant (P<0.05) elevation in TC, LDL-c, VLDL-c, hepatic and aortic TG and TC. The atherogenic, triglyceride, and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) indexes were also decreased in the rats treated with the extract. F. glumosa favored the performance of fecal cholesterol. It also significantly inhibited the changes and the formation of aortic atherosclerotic plaques. These results revealed the hypolipidemic and antiatherosclerotic effects of F. glumosa extract and support the traditional use of the extract of this plant in the treatment of hypertension and diabetes.

Diuretic activity of the aqueous extract leaves of Ficus glumosa Del. (Moraceae) in rats.

Experiments were carried out to validate the use of F. glumosa extract as a diuretic in the treatment of hypertension as claimed by traditional healers. The experiments were performed under the same conditions with two synthetic pharmacological diuretics considered as check (Furosemide and Amiloride hydrochlorothiazide). The aqueous extract leaves of F. glumosa accelerated the elimination of overloaded fluid. At the maximum of diuretic response, urinary osmolarity decreased significantly when compared with controls. The single dose treatment of the aqueous extract leaves of F. glumosa has significantly increased urine volume 24 h after administration of the extract. The stability of aldosterone level, the absence of correlation with the plasma levels of sodium, and the increased clearance of free water in the animals receiving the extract show that increased diuresis and natriuresis moderate elevation are tubular in origin. The increase in Na(+), K(+), and Cl(-) induced by the extract caused alkalinization of the urine and showed a strong inhibitory effect of carbonic anhydrase and saluretic. These effects were mainly observed at the dose of 375 mg/kg. These observations confirm the traditional use in the treatment of hypertension and support the importance of the conservation of local knowledge as well as the conservation of Cameroonian biodiversity.

Acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity assessment of the aqueous extract leaves of Ficus glumosa Del. (Moraceae) in rodents.

BACKGROUND: Ficus glumosa Del (Moraceae), a plant used in traditional medicine in Cameroon, Senegal, and East Africa for the treatment of edema, hemorrhoid, cardiovascular diseases especially hypertension. AIM: The present study evaluated the potential toxicity of the aqueous extract of the leaves of F.glumosa in acute and sub-chronic administration in rodents. METHODS: Acute toxicity was evaluated on 3 months old mice of both sexes and weighing 20-30 g. A single dose (2-12 g/kg) of F. glumosa was administered orally to mice. Animal behavior, adverse effects, and mortality were determined for 14 days. In sub-chronic toxicity studied in both sexes of 9 weeks old rats and weighing 100-120 g at the start of the experiment, animals were treated orally with a daily dose of 300, 600 and 1200 mg/kg of the aqueous extract of the leaves of F. glumosa for 6 weeks. The body weight change, food, and water consumption, were determined throughout the experimental period, while the relative organ weights, the hematological and biochemical parameters of blood and urine, as well as the histology of tissues kidney and liver, were recorded at the end of the experiment. RESULTS: For acute treatment, no dose used induced critical behavioral changes or death. In sub-chronic treatment, daily oral administration of F. glumosa at the dose of 300, 600, and 1200 mg/kg resulted in a significant increase in body weight relative to food and water consumption in the last week of treatment. The relative organ weights were not affected by treatment. No hematological changes were observed except the significant increase in platelets. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, increased while the total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, conjugated bilirubin, and total bilirubin significantly decreased. Index of renal function showed a decrease of creatinine, urea, uric acid and Na(+), Cl(-) and Ca(2+), and inorganic phosphate. The histology of liver and kidney showed no significant alteration of tissue. CONCLUSION: These observations support the traditional use of F. glumosa in the treatment of hypertension. These results have shown that F. glumosa has a safety margin for therapeutic use.