Mast cell stabilizing and antiallergic activity of Abrus precatorius in the management of asthma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate effects of ethanol extract of Abrus precatorius leaves (EAPL) on egg albumin induced mast cell degranulation in mice and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats. METHODS: In present study ethanol extract of Abrus precatorius leaves (EAPL) at doses of 100, 125, 150 mg/kg i.p were evaluated for preliminary phytochemical screening, acute toxicity studies and egg albumin induced mast cell degranulation in mice and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats. RESULTS: The results of present investigation showed that the LD(50) of EAPL is more than 1 300 mg/kg. EAPL (100-150 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly protect egg albumin induced degranulation of mast cell and inhibit area of leakage of dye in passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. Phytochemical studies observed presence of saponin, alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion EAPL possesses anti asthmatic potential.

Chromatographic evaluation and anthelmintic activity of Eucalyptus globulus oil.

In world Helminthes infections are the most widespread of all the infections in humans. The morbidity due to parasitic diseases has been increasing in our population. The gastrointestinal helminthes become resistant to the currently available anthelmintic drugs. Anthelmintic substances having considerable toxicity to human beings are present in foods derived from livestock, posing a serious threat to human health. Due to this, there is a need to derive new chemical substances from natural sources, for helminthes control. In this study, volatile oil isolated from Eucalyptus globulus Labill was evaluated for its anthelmintic activity on adult Indian earthworms, Pheretima posthuma, which have anatomical and physiological resemblance with the intestinal roundworm parasites of human beings. In concentrations of 0.05, 0.01 and 0.15 ml/ml, respectively, all the oil samples showed potent anthelmintic activity as compared to that of the standard drug albendazole at a concentration of 10 mg/ml.

Anti-arthritic activity of various extracts of Sida rhombifolia aerial parts.

Aerial parts of the plant Sida rhombifolia Linn. (Malvaceae) were extracted successively to produce various extracts. These extracts were screened for various parameters of anti-arthritic activity, such as adjuvant-induced arthritis, motor performance, mean distance travelled, and histopathological study. Results showed that the polar constituents (ethanol and aqueous extracts) of the plant S. rhombifolia were useful in the treatment of arthritis.

Antinociceptive activity of Gynandropsis gynandra leaves.

Gynandropsis gynandra (Capparidaceae) leaves are traditionally used in the treatment of pain. In order to evaluate the scientific validity of this, leaves were extracted successively to produce various extracts. These extracts were screened for antinociceptive activity using the hot plate test and acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice at a dose of 100 mg kg(-1), intraperitoneally. Ethanol and aqueous extracts were found most active in both the tests. The action was blocked by naloxone (1 mg kg(-1), s.c.) in the hot plate test, which suggests involvement of opioid receptors in the action. Flavonoids and tannins were observed in the active extracts, so we can say that they may responsible for the antinociceptive activity.

Effect of vitamin E supplementation on oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients.

Hemodialysis represents a chronic stress status for its recipients. Many hypotheses state that this may be associated with oxidative stress. Thus, there may be deficiency of antioxidants like erythrocytic superoxide dismutase, catalase, vitamin E or increased generation of free radicals like superoxide anions. A study was carried out to investigate oxidant and antioxidant status in chronic renal failure patients undergoing hemodialysis and effect of vitamin E supplementation on these two status. Blood samples were collected from patients before and after hemodialysis and from controls. The samples were analyzed for quantitation of MDA as index of lipid peroxide, nitric oxide, vitamin E, vitamin C and enzymatic antioxidants namely erythrocyte SOD and catalase. As compared to controls, the levels of serum MDA were significantly increased and activities of erythrocyte SOD and catalase, levels of serum nitric oxide, serum vitamin E and plasma vitamin C were significantly decreased both before and after hemodialysis. The efficiency of vitamin E therapy in hemodialysis patients was assessed by re-evaluating oxidant and antioxidant status of same patients after supplementation of vitamin E. Vitamin E supplementation caused decrease in serum MDA and increase in levels of serum nitric oxide, vitamin E, vitamin C and activities of erythrocytic SOD and catalase. Our results suggest the presence of oxidative stress and the possible preventive role of vitamin E therapy in hemodialysis patients.

Antistress and antiallergic effects of Ficus bengalensis bark in asthma.

Various extracts of Ficus bengalensis bark was screened for it's antiallergic and antistress potential in asthma by milk-induced leucocytosis and milk-induced eosinophilia. Aqueous, ethanol, and ethyl acetate extracts showed significant decrease in leucocytes and eosinophils in the order given while petroleum ether and chloroform extracts were inactive. This shows the application of polar constituents of F. bengalensis bark as antistress and antiallergic agents in asthma.