Neuroprotective Effects of the Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Crassocephalum crepidioides (Asteracaeae) on Diazepam-Induced Amnesia in Mice.

This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of the ethanolic leaf extract of Crassocephalum crepidioides (Cc) on diazepam-induced amnesia in mice. Thirty mice distributed into six groups of five mice each were used. The normal control and negative control groups received 2% ethanol per os, the positive control group received piracetam (150 mg/kg, p.o), and three experimental groups were treated with three doses of ethanolic leaf extract of Cc (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o). All groups except the normal control group were co-treated with diazepam (3 mg/kg, i.p) daily for 14 days. The memory effects were evaluated using the Radial Arm Maze (RAM) and the Novel Object Recognition (NOR) tests, while the anti-depressive effects were evaluated using the tail suspension test. All animals were sacrificed at the end of the study. Hippocampi, isolated from the right hemisphere, were used to prepare a homogenate for the determination of oxidative stress biomarkers. The ethanolic leaf extract of cc significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the number of working and reference memory errors in the RAM test and induced a significant (p < 0.01) increase in the time spent exploring the novel object in the NOR test. The extract also induced a significant (p < 0.001) increase in the mobility time in tail suspension. Moreover, compared to the negative control group, the extract significantly (p < 0.01) increased superoxide dismutase activity and significantly (p < 0.01) decreased malondialdehyde levels. The histopathological analysis of hippocampi showed that the cc extract increased cell density when compared with the negative control. These results suggest that the ethanolic left extract of cc could have neuroprotective properties, which could be attributed to its antioxidant properties.

Hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerogenic effects of aqueous extract of Ipomoea batatas leaves in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats / 中西医结合学报

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.

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.

Antimalarial activity of the aqueous extract of Euphorbia cordifolia Elliot in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice

Objective: To evaluate the antimalarial activity of the aqueous extract of Euphorbia (E.) cordifolia Elliot against Plasmodium (P.) berghei-infected mice. Methods: Thirty healthy Swiss mice were intraperitoneally inoculated with 200 μL of P. berghei parasitized-erythrocytes and divided into five groups, and then daily treated for 5 d with single dose of 10 mL/kg of distilled water for malaria control, 10 mg/kg of chloroquine for the chloroquine control and 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the aqueous extract of E. cordifolia for the three test groups. Parasitaemia was monitored by Giemsa-staining. At the end of the treatment, animals were sacrificed, and blood was collected for haematological and biochemical analyses. Organs were collected for biochemical and histopathological analyses. Statistical significance (P<0.05) was evaluated by analysis of variance followed by the Tukey post-test using Graphpad prism 7.0. Results: E. cordifolia extract decreased the parasite load to 2.46%, with an effective dose (ED

Aqueous extract of Peperomia pellucida (L.) HBK accelerates fracture healing in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Peperomia pellucida (L.) HBK is consumed as vegetable and used in Cameroonian traditional medicine for the management of diseases and for fracture healing. Therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the aqueous whole plant extract of Peperomia pellucida on fracture healing in female Wistar rats. METHODS: A drill hole injury was created by inserting a drill bit inthe diaphysis of the femur. The aqueous extract of the whole plant of Peperomia pellucida was administered orally at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg to adult female Wistar rats. The vehicle (distilled water) was given to the control. Besides these rats, one group of rats without fracture received the extract (400 mg/kg). After 14 days of treatment, the rats were sacrificed under anesthesia and the effects of the extract were evaluated on body weight, the relative weights of organs (femurs, uteri and ovaries) and on hematology. Bone (calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase) and serum biochemical parameters (calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase) were also evaluated. Radiological and histological tests were carried out on the femurs. The mineral content of the plant extract was also investigated. RESULTS: The extract induced an increase in body weight at high dose and in WBCs count at low doses. Aqueous extract from Peperomia pellucida increased bone calcium at lowest dose but maintained this parameter at normal range at high dose in fractured rat. Alkaline phophatase and phosphorus concentrations reduced significantly (p < 0.01) at the dose of 400 mg/kg as compared to fractured rats. Moreover, radiological tests revealed a dose dependent formation of callus at the level of the fracture gap, confirmed by the formation of a highly dense and compact fibrocartilagenous callus. The mineral content of the plant extract revealed the presence of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and potassium. CONCLUSION: The aqueous extract of P. pellucida accelerates bone healing due partly to the mineral content of the extract. These results confirm its traditional use in the treatment of bone fractures.

Hypolipidemic, antioxidant and anti-atherosclerogenic effect of aqueous extract leaves of Cassia. occidentalis Linn (Caesalpiniaceae) in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats.

BACKGROUND: Hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress are major risk factors for atherosclerosis, and all three are among the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Cassia occidentalis aqueous extract has been used in African traditional medicine for the treatment of hypertension and associated cardiovascular diseases. This study was undertaken to evaluate the hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerotic properties of the aqueous extract of the leaves of C. occidentalis in rats with hypercholesterolemia (HC). Sixty 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). The plant extract was administered to animals at the increasing dose of 240, 320 and 400 mg/kg. After 4 weeks of treatment 5 rats out of 10 were sacrificed, blood samples, aorta, liver, and fresh faecal were collected and processed for biochemical tests. The experiments were conducted under the same conditions with a group of rat treated with Atorvastatin (1 mg/kg), used positive control. The effects of C. occidentalis on weight gain, water and food consumptions, levels of serum lipids and lipoprotein lipid oxidation and stress markers in blood and liver were also examined. RESULTS: A significant body weight gain was observed in general in all the group of animals without any treatment after 4 weeks. During the treatment period, the C. occidentalis extract induced a significant increase (P < 0.01) in water consumption and food intakes. After 4 weeks of treatment with hypercholesterolemia, the body temperature and organ weights including the liver, kidney, heart and the testis did not present any significant change. The administration of C. occidentalis extract significantly (p < 0.05) prevented the elevation in TC, LDL-C, VLDL-C, hepatic and aortic TG and TC. The atherogenic, triglycerides, and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) index were also decreased in the rats treated with the plant extract. C. occidentalis favoured the performance of faecal cholesterol. It also significantly inhibited the changes and the formation of aortic atherosclerotic plaques. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of hypolipidemic and antiatherosclerotic effects of C. occidentalis extract. C. occidenntalis aqueous extract reduced bad cholesterols, triglycerides and increasing good cholesterols in rats subjected to a feeding regime enriched with cholesterol. The results support the traditional use of the extract of this plant in the treatment of hypertension and diabetes.

Evaluation of the antioxidant activity and the healing action of the ethanol extract of Calotropis procera bark against surgical wounds.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential and the wound healing effect of the ethanolic extract of the bark of Calotropis procera. The antioxidant study was evaluated in vitro, using 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and deoxyribose degradation assays. Wound healing was studied using excision and incision wound on normal and dexamethasone-suppressed wound healing rodent models. Alkaloids, flavonoids, proteins and phenols were screened in the extract used whereas saponins and true tannins were absent. The extract contains only 12.5 gallic acid equivalent and 399.54 rutin equivalent. It was found to inhibit DPPH and deoxyribose oxidation (IC50 = 24.24 and 5.40 respectively). In vivo study demonstrated a significant reduction in the epithelialization time (P < 0.001) to 17-18 days in normal and dexamethasone treated rats following the ethanolic extract of the bark of C. procera application. The same extract also significantly increased the breaking strength in dexamethasone treated rats. Histological examination of incision wounds of treated group showed matured extracellular matrix, numerous fibroblasts. This study illustrated an excellent potential of the bark of C. procera therapy on dermal wound healing, with a tentative mechanism of action related to improved collagen deposition and reduced inflammatory reaction.

Effects of the aqueous extract of Pittosporum mannii Hook. f. (Pittosporaceae) stem barks on spontaneous and spasmogen-induced contractile activity of isolated rat duodenum.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Pittosporum mannii Hook. f. (Pittosporaceae) is a plant widely used in traditional medicine in Cameroon for the treatment of many gastrointestinal disorders including diarrhea. To date, no pharmacological study on the antidiarrheal and the antispasmodic properties of this plant has been reported. The aim of the present study was to evaluate in vitro the relaxant activity of the aqueous extract of stem barks of P. mannii (PMAE) on rat duodenum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different concentrations of PMAE were tested separately (10-80 µg/mL) or cumulatively (5-80 µg/mL) on spontaneous and spasmogen (carbachol, histamine and KCl)-induced contractions of isolated rat duodenum strips. RESULTS: At concentrations ranging from 10 to 80 µg/mL, PMAE significantly decreased the tonus and the amplitude of spontaneous contractions. However, at high concentration (80 µg/mL), the extract elicited a transient relaxation was followed by a slight increase of tonus, while the amplitude remained lower compared to the normal spontaneous activity. The relaxant effect of the extract was not significantly affected in the presence of atropine (0.713 µg/mL) and promethazine (0.5 µg/mL). In addition, PMAE (20, 40, and 80 µg/mL) partially but significantly inhibited in a concentration related manner the contractions induced by carbachol (10(-9)-10(-4)M) and histamine (10(-9)-10(-4)M) on rat duodenum. PMAE (10-80 µg/mL) also significantly induced a concentration-dependent relaxation on KCl (20mM, 50mM, 10(-3)-6.10(-3)M)-induced contraction of rat duodenum. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that the aqueous extract of P. mannii stem barks possesses antispasmodic and spasmolytic effects at lower concentrations; therefore, supporting the use of the stem barks of this plant in the folk medicine for the treatment of diarrhea. However, caution should be paid while using higher concentrations that instead might produce spasmogenic effect and might worsen the diarrheal condition. The relaxant effect of PMAE appears to be non-specific of muscarinic or histaminic receptors, but may involve at least in part a mechanism of inhibition of the Ca(2+) influx into the smooth muscle cells through voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels.

In vivo estrogenic-like activities of Gouania longipetala Hemsl. (Rhamnaceae) bark extracts in a post-menopause-like model of ovariectomized Wistar rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Gouania longipetala is commonly used in Cameroonian traditional medicine to manage women fertility and menopausal complaints. However, despite this use, the estrogenic properties of G. longipetala have not been studied until now. AIM OF STUDY: The present study was aimed to assess estrogenic activities of the stem bark aqueous (GLA) and ethanolic (GLE) extracts of G. longipetala in post-menopause-like model of ovariectomized (Ovx) Wistar rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Animals were either sham-operated or Ovx. 84 days after ovariectomy, animals were divided into seven groups of five animals and were daily treated for 28 days with distilled water (10 mL/kg) for group 1, 2% solution of Tween 80 (10 mL/kg) for group 2, estradiol valerate (1 mg/kg) for group 3, GLA (45 or 180 mg/kg) and GLE (40 or 160 mg/kg) for groups 4 to 7 respectively. Sham-operated animals daily received distilled water (10 mL/kg). During the experimental period, the body weight was registered every week. At the day 29, blood pressure was registered by invasive method while uterine and vagina morphometry as well as body, uterine and abdominal fat weights changes were analyzed. Serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were determined. Moreover, oxidative stress markers such as nitrites, reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in homogenized liver and aorta. RESULTS: Compared with the sham control, vagina and uterine dystrophy and elevated blood pressure were observed in Ovx rats treated with vehicles. Biochemical parameters showed a significant increase of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and MDA as well as a significant decrease of nitrites and GSH in Ovx animals treated with vehicle as compared to sham group. GLA and GLE displayed estrogen-like effects on vagina and did not affect uterine wet weight and epithelial height compared with vehicle groups. Both extracts displayed anti-atherogenic properties by reducing AI, AIP and LDL-cholesterol level as compared to vehicles groups. GLA and GLE significantly prevented the increase of MDA induced by ovariectomy as compared to rats treated with vehicles. CONCLUSION: This study showed that GLA and GLE exhibited estrogenic effects by providing vaginal lubrication, by modulating blood pressure and improving lipid profile, oxidative status and endothelial function and may not have an undesirable influence on the endometrium in ovariectomized rats.

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.

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.

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

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.

Evaluation of the diuretic effects of crude stem bark extraction of Zanthoxylum heitzii (Rutaceae) in Wistar rats / 中西医结合学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>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.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>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.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>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.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>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.</p>

Topically applied Tetrapleura tetraptera stem-bark extract promotes healing of excision and incision wounds in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the in vivo wound healing effect of water extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera in stem-bark. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The healing activity was studied in 40 male rats using excision and incision wounds on normal and dexamethasone-suppressed wound healing. For each model, rats were divided in four groups as follows: control, dexamethasone, T. tetraptera and dexamethasone combined with T. tetraptera. RESULTS: Data recorded exhibited a significant effect by the extract in the epithelialization time within 14 and 18 days of the normal and dexamethasone-induced healing delay rats, respectively (P < 0.05). The extract also significantly increased the wound tensile strength in dexamethasone treated rats. Histological examination of incision wounds of the extract-treated group showed many fibroblasts and the same rats presented significant cutaneous tensile strength, suggesting important collagen crosslinkage. CONCLUSION: This study illustrated an excellent potential of the bark of T. tetraptera therapy on dermal wound healing with a possible mechanism of action related to epithelialization, contraction, and tensile strength improvement.

Antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of Annona muricata (Annonaceae), aqueous extract on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The leaves of Annona muricata are used in Cameroon to manage diabetes and its complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic, antioxidant activities and the potential toxicity of aqueous extract of Annona muricata in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Oral administration of Annona muricata aqueous extract (100mg/kg or 200mg/kg) was studied in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. In long term treatment, 2 weeks after streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, animals received plant extract during 28 consecutive days. For a protective effect, extract was administered 3 days prior to streptozotocin exposure and animals were observed 2 weeks without treatment. RESULTS: The plant extract was not effective in normal rats. In diabetic rats, single administration of the extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels by 75% and 58.22% respectively at the dose of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg as compared to the initial value. Treatment of normal rats 3 days prior to diabetes induction showed that, Annona muricata extract has no effect within 72h following STZ injection. However, after 14 days post-treatment, the extract at the dose of 100mg/kg significantly reduced blood glucose levels as compared with initial value and diabetic control rats. Immunohistochemical staining of pancreatic ß-cells of diabetic rats treated with the dose of 100mg/kg expressed strong staining for ß-cell compared to diabetic control. In a long-term study daily administration of Annona muricata aqueous extract for 28 days to diabetic rats, reduced blood glucose levels, serum creatinine, MDA, AST, ALT activity, and nitrite levels LDL-cholesterol. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, SOD, and CAT activity contents were restored. CONCLUSION: These different results show that the antidiabetic activity of Annona muricata aqueous extract can be explained by its hypolipidaemic effect, its antioxidant and protective action on pancreatic ß-cells, which in turn improve glucose metabolism.

Mineral constituents and toxicological profile of Jateorhiza macrantha (Menispermaceae) aqueous extract.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Jateorhiza macrantha is a medicinal plant used in popular medicine to treat several diseases, including cardiovascular disorders. To date, there is no documented report available on the toxicological profile of this medicinal plant. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was carried out to investigate the mineral content and the safety of the oral administration of the leaf aqueous extract of Jateorhiza macrantha in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The presence of Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn in the extract was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. In the acute toxicity study, Male and female Balb-C mice were administered single doses of 2.5 and 5 g/kg of body weight by gavage, and were monitored for 7 days. In the subacute toxicity study, the extract was administered by gavage at doses of 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight daily for 6 weeks to mice (8 mice/dose/sex). After this period of treatment, 5 mice per sex and per group were sacrificed. The rest of animals per group were observed without any treatment for 2 weeks. After the treatments, some biochemical and hematological parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Our findings indicate the presence of all mineral elements tested. Acute study indicates no signs of toxicity at the doses used. The LD50 value is >5.00 g/kg body weight, since there was no death registered at that dose. In subacute study, hematological and biochemical parameters showed a significant decrease in platelet and significant increases in ALT and AST in both sexes and creatinin levels only in male suggesting that some compounds of the plant extract were responsible of disturbances of hematopoiesis, liver and kidney functions. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that Jateorhiza macrantha acute toxicity towards animals is very low. However, in subacute administration, this extract induces slight injuries on hematopoiesis, liver and kidney functions, suggesting its use with caution.

In vivo and in vitro anti-natriuretic activity of twigs fraction from Dorstenia picta: a possible mechanism.

The present study examine the in vivo effects of Dorstenia Picta (D. picta) on urinary volume and sodium excretion in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, and determine a possible mechanism by which the extract increased sodium transport in A6 cells monolayers. Administration of the plant extract at the dose of 150 mg/kg during two weeks decreased urinary volume and sodium excretion. In vitro study showed that, apical application of the plant extract at the dose of 100 µg/mL does not significantly increase sodium transport, whereas basolateral administration provoked a significant (P<0.05) increase of sodium transport in a concentration-dependent manner. The plant extract increases the sodium transport by 69.93% versus 55.41% for insulin and 78.44% for adenosine after 30 min. Preincubation of A6 cells monolayers with inhibitor of all adenosine receptors completely suppressed adenosine and plant extract stimulated sodium transport. Interesting is that, the A1 inhibitor receptor (DPCPX), at 100 nM completely abolished the effect of plant extract. The plant extract increased sodium transport by increase PI3-kinase activity and this effect is strongly inhibited by LY-294002. These data also suggest that, the twigs methanol fraction from Dorstenia picta increase sodium transport via PI 3-kinase pathway and requires A1 adenosine receptor.

Evaluation of Cameroonian plants towards experimental bone regeneration.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Elephantopus mollis, Spilanthes africana, Urena lobata, Momordica multiflora, Asystasia gangetica and Brillantaisia ovariensis are used in Cameroonian traditional medicine for the treatment of bone diseases and fracture repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ethanolic extracts of six Cameroonian medicinal plants on bone regeneration following bone and marrow injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ethanol extract of Cameroonian medicinal plants were administered (each extract at 250, 500 and 750mg/kg doses) orally to adult female Sprague-Dawley rats having a drill hole injury (0.8mm) in the femur diaphysis. Vehicle (gum-acacia in distilled water) was given to the control group. After 12 days of treatment, animals were euthanized and femur bones collected. Confocal microscopy of fractured bone was performed to evaluate bone regeneration (calcein labeling). Only active plant extracts were used for further experiments. Thus, callus was analyzed by microcomputed tomography. Osteogenic effects of the extracts were evaluated by assessing mineralized nodules formation of bone marrow stromal cells and osteoblast recruitment at drill hole site by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Ethanolic extract of the leaves and twigs of Elephantopus mollis (EM) and whole plant of Spilanthes africana (SA) dose-dependently stimulated bone regeneration at the drill hole site. EM at 250 and 750mg/kg doses and SA at 750mg/kg dose significantly increased mineral deposition compared to controls. Both extracts at 500 and 750mg/kg doses improved microarchitecture of the regenerating bone evident from increased bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, trabecular number, and decreased trabecular separation and structure model index. EM and SA extracts increased the formation of mineralized nodules from the bone marrow stromal cells. In addition, EM and SA extracts increased osteoblast recruitment at the drill hole site evident from increased Runx-2 positive cells following their treatments compared to control. CONCLUSION: Ethanolic extracts of EM and SA accelerate fracture repair in rats via stimulatory effects on osteoblast differentiation and mineralization, thereby justifying their traditional use.

Evaluation of androgenic activity of Zingiber officinale and Pentadiplandra brazzeana in male rats / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>Aqueous extracts of Zingiber officinale and Pentadiplandra brazzeana were tested for their possible androgenic activity in male Wistar rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The aqueous extracts of the two plants were gavaged separately to 2 groups of rats at a similar dose of 600 mg middot kg(-1) middot day(-1) for 8 days. At the end of the treatment, the animals were killed and the blood, testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate were collected for biochemical analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The aqueous extract of Z. officinale significantly increased in the relative weight of the testis, the serum testosterone level, testicular cholesterol level and epididymal a-glucosidase activity. The aqueous extract of P. brazzeana significantly increased the weights of the testis, seminal vesicles and prostate. It also significantly increased the serum and testicular testosterone level. The fructose, alpha-glucosidase and cholesterol levels in P. brazzeana-treated rats were increased by 28 %, 35 % and 114 %, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The aqueous extracts of both P. brazzeana and Z. officinale have an androgenic activity, which seems to be more potent with P. brazzeana than with Z. officinale.</p>