Posted by admin on Oct 1, 2014 in |
Introduction: Pongamia pinnata is commonly known as karanja. In Ayurvedic and Unani system of medicine, it has been used as anti-inflammatory, antiplasmodial, anti-nociceptive, anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-lipid oxidative, anti-diarrheal, anti-ulcer, anti-hyperammonemic, antioxidant, etc. Moreover, it has been used traditionally in the treatment of liver disorders. However, there are no scientific bases or reports in the modern literature regarding its usefulness as a hepatoprotective agent. Aim: To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of the Pongamia pinnata bark extracts. Methods: The extracts were subjected to preliminary phyto-chemical investigation. The in-vivo hepatoprotective activity of both the ethanolic and aqueous extracts was assessed using paracetamol-induced liver damage in albino rats. The efficacy of protection was measured by evaluation of biochemical parameters, such as SGOT (serum glutamate oxalate transaminase), SGPT (serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase) and total bilirubin levels, as well as in–vivo estimation of GSH (glutathione) from liver tissue. Results: Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of phenolics and flavonoids, which were further estimated quantitatively. A significant hepatoprotective effect of both the extracts was observed...
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Posted by admin on Oct 1, 2014 in |
Hyperlipidemia is one of the major risk factors for coronary heart diseases. In this study, the antihyperlipidemic activity of methanolic extract of fruits of Trichosanthes anguina Linn. (META) against Triton WR 1339 induced hyperlipidemia in rats was evaluated. META was administered at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) to Triton induced hyperlipidemic rats. Atorvastatin was used as reference drug. The serum obtained was evaluated for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and fecal fat content (FF). The results obtained showed that the administration of 500 mg/kg b.w. dose of META resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of serum TC (54%), TG (75%) and LDL-C (22%) when compared to the untreated control group. Significant elevation in levels of serum HDL-C (117%) and FF content (131%) was also observed in rats treated with 500 mg/kg b.w. the dose of META. The observed effects may be mediated through reduced absorption and elevated excretion of lipids by synergistic effects of...
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Posted by admin on Oct 1, 2014 in |
Atorvastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Guggulsterone is a herbal product used in hyperlipidemia. The present work was aimed to study the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions of atorvastatin with guggulsterone in hyperlipidemic rats. Wistar albino rats with induced hyperlipidemia were divided into six groups (n=6). Blood samples were collected at predetermined time intervals from the groups treated with atorvastatin alone and in combination with guggulsterone for kinetic analysis and lipid profiles. Plasma samples were quantified for atorvastatin concentration by HPLC, and then the concentration-time data were analyzed. Cmax, t1/2, AUC, and MRT were significantly (p<0.05) decreased during kinetic study, and clearance was significantly (p<0.05) increased in comparison with atorvastatin alone. Further, there was no significant difference in Tmax in all groups. The study revealed lower values [Cmax AUC, T1/2, and MRT] of atorvastatin in guggulsterone treated groups. The combination of atorvastatin and guggulsterone in hyperlipidemic rats produced a significant change in lipid profiles when compared with hyperlipidemic control, but less than atorvastatin...
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Posted by admin on Oct 1, 2014 in |
The cactus plant Oputia ficus-indica, is a member of the Cactaceae family, native to Mexico, mainly cultivated for its cladodes, flowers, and fruits. Opuntia flower is useful in numerous fields; such as traditional medicines. Phenolic Flowers extracts of opuntia ficus-indica were phytochemical studied and in-vitro tested for their potential antioxydant activity using four methods, the total antioxidant capacity, reducing power, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and β-carotene bleaching assay. The results showed the flowers richness by phenolic compounds and flavonoids (120.22mgGAE/gDW, 62.67mgGAE/gDW) and the different levels of high antioxidant properties for all extracts specially for the flavonoid ethyl acetate extract which showed the highest activity to reducing power, to scavenge DPPH radical with an IC50 of 0.27 mg.mL-1 and to inhibit the oxidation of β-carotene with an IC50 of 0.39 mg mL-1, the latter is better than the capacity to inhibiting the oxidation of β-carotene of ascorbic acid whose IC50 = 0.43 mgmL-1. Hence, the Opuntia flowers provide a source of natural antioxidant, suggesting that it may be considered as...
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Posted by admin on Sep 1, 2014 in |
Spirulina platensis, planktonic blue-green algae, has been used as a source of protein (60-70%) and vitamin supplement for more than 15 years without any unknown adverse events. Traditionally, Spirulina platensis has been used as an antioxidant agent. However, no pharmacological work has been done to evaluate the anti-anxiety activity. The present study was premeditated for the evaluation of the anti-anxiety activity of Spirulina platensis. Elevated plus maze (EPM) and light-dark models were used to evaluate the anti-anxiety potential of Spirulina platensis in Swiss albino mice. Albino mice were treated orally with diverse doses of the Spirulina platensis (i.e., 300 and 400 mg/kg). Diazepam (2 mg/kg, IP) was used as a standard drug. In conclusion, 400 mg/kg dose of Spirulina platensis showed significant anti-anxiety activity (P<0.05) while the control group was near to standard group. It concludes that Spirulina platensis could be useful as an anti-anxiety agent for...
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