Syringic acid protects from isoproterenol induced cardiotoxicity in rats.

Identification of pharmacologically potent antioxidant compounds for their use in preventive medicine is thrust area of current research. This study was undertaken with the aim of determining the protective role of syringic acid (SA) on isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. SA was orally given to rats for 21 days at three different concentrations (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg). At 20th and 21st day, rats were subcutaneously injected with ISO and at the end of experimental period, rats were killed. ISO induced myocardial damage was averted by pre-co-treatment of SA, as decrease was found in serum level of marker enzymes (CKMB, LDH, AST, ALT), lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl (PC) and proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL 6). Furthermore, content of glutathione (GSH) and activities of antioxidant enzymes in heart tissue were significantly raised. Improvement in infarct size and erythrocyte (RBCs) morphology was also observed. The biochemical findings were supported by histopathological outcome and protective effect of SA was found to be dose dependent. The results of our study demonstrated that the cardioprotective potential of SA in rat model of ISO induced MI might be due to anti-lipid peroxidative and endogenous antioxidant system enhancement effects.

Cinnamaldehyde and eugenol attenuates collagen induced arthritis via reduction of free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease which leads to bone and cartilage erosion. Oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines plays crucial role in the pathophysiology of RA. Cinnamaldehyde and eugenol have a long history of medical use in various inflammatory disorders. PURPOSE: The drugs available for the treatment of RA are associated with various side effects. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-arthritic effects of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol in rat model of arthritis. METHODS: Type II collagen was intradermally injected to rats for the induction of arthritis. Cinnamaldehyde (10 and 20 mg/kg/day) and eugenol (10 and 20 mg/kg/day) were given orally for 15 days, starting from day 21 to 35. Dexamethasone treated rats served as positive control. Histological, radiological and scanning electron microscopic analysis were done to monitor the effect of compounds on collagen induced arthritis (CIA). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, nitric oxide and antioxidant status were also determined. The markers of biomolecular oxidation (protein, lipid and DNA) and activities of enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and glutathione reductase) were also evaluated in the joint homogenate and plasma of rats. For detecting inflammation, levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 were monitored by ELISA. RESULTS: Our results showed anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol in arthritic rats. Scanning electron microscopy, histopathological and radiological findings also confirmed the anti-arthritic effects of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol. Both the compounds were effective in bringing significant decrease in the levels of ROS, nitric oxide, markers of biomolecular oxidation and increase in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 were also ameliorated by cinnamaldehyde and eugenol treatment. Between the two phytochemicals used, eugenol was found to be more effective than cinnamaldehyde in reducing the severity of arthritis. CONCLUSION: Cinnamaldehyde and eugenol were effective in ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammation in arthritic rats. These findings indicate that cinnamaldehdye and eugenol have a great potential to be used as an adjunct in the management of RA.

Protective effect of syringaldehyde on biomolecular oxidation, inflammation and histopathological alterations in isoproterenol induced cardiotoxicity in rats.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic injury during myocardial infarction (MI) is responsible for increased deaths among patients with cardiovascular disorders. Recently, research has been directed for finding treatment using natural compounds. This study was performed to investigate the effects of syrigaldehyde (SYD), a phytochemical against isoproterenol (ISO) induced cardiotoxicity model. METHODS: For induction of MI, rats were intoxicated with two doses of ISO and were treated with SYD at three different concentrations (12.5, 25 & 50 mg/kg) both prior and simultaneous to ISO administration. RESULTS: ISO group revealed amplified activity of marker enzymes (CKMB, LDH, AST, ALT), increased oxidation of proteins and lipid molecules. Moreover, augmentation in pro-inflammatory markers was also found. The same group also displayed marked changes in histopathology and erythrocyte (RBCs) morphology. SYD treated groups showed diminished levels of serum markers enzymes, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl (PC) with increment in antioxidant defense in cardiac tissues of ISO administered rats. Our findings also revealed the modulatory effect of SYD on membrane bound ATPases, showing that SYD significantly improved the ISO induced changes in membrane fluidity. Furthermore, decline in infarct size, alleviation of structural RBC damage and improved myocardial histopathological outcome were observed in treated groups. In addition, mitigation of biochemical and histopathological changes by SYD was found to be dependent on its concentration. CONCLUSION: SYD had cardioprotective efficacy owing to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Our results support incorporation of SYD in regular diet for prevention of MI.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Fumaria parviflora leaves based on TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6 and antioxidant potential.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we evaluated anti-inflammatory activity of leaves of Fumaria parviflora (F. parviflora) and underlying mechanisms by using in vivo models of inflammation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Albino Wistar rats of either sex weighing 150 - 200 g were used. Soxhlet ethanol and aqueous extracts of leaves of F. parviflora (EFP and AFP) were prepared. The anti-inflammatory activity was studied using carrageenan-induced paw edema method and cotton pellet granuloma method. Levels of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 and activity of antioxidant enzymes including catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were estimated. RESULTS: Leaves of F. parviflora demonstrated significant (p<0.001) decrease in paw edema in carrageenan-induced paw edema method. It diminished the serum tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6 and IL-1 levels and also significantly attenuated the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The activity of CAT and GPx was increased in paw tissue. It also demonstrated significant decrease in granuloma formation in cotton pellet-induced granuloma method. CONCLUSION: Leaves of F. parviflora possess anti-inflammatory activity as they inhibit various cytokines and have antioxidant effects and free radical scavenging activity.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Albizzia lebbeck in rats.

Albizzia lebbeck Benth. (Mimosaceae) is a medicinal tree used to treat several inflammatory ailments in the Indian traditional Ayurvedic system of medicine. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous (AE) and ethanolic (EE) extracts of the leaves of A. lebbeck to support the ethnopharmacological claims. The study was carried out using Wistar rats (100-150 g). The AE and EE were prepared using the Soxhlet extraction process. The anti-inflammatory activity of the AE and EE of the leaves of A. lebbeck were studied using carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma models. The AE and EE of the leaves of A. lebbeck at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg p.o. (oral administration) showed a dose-dependent and significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of carrageenan-induced hind paw edema with maximum percentage inhibition (PI) values of 22.34, 30.85, 39.36 and 22.53, 32.98, 42.55, respectively. The AE and EE at doses of 50, 100, 200 mg/kg p.o. significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited granuloma formation with PI values of 19.07, 27.57, 38.55 and 23.93, 32.23, 42.33, respectively. The AE and EE of the leaves of A. lebbeck showed significant (p < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity.

Central analgesic activity of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Albizia lebbeck: role of the GABAergic and serotonergic pathways.

Albizia lebbeck Benth. is extensively used in Indian traditional medicine for treating several painful and inflammatory disorders. The possible central analgesic activity and the underlying mechanism of action of the aqueous (AE) and ethanolic extracts (EE) of the leaves of A. lebbeck were investigated in Wistar rats using Eddy's hot plate and the tail flick tests. In order to investigate the underlying mechanism of action, rats were pretreated with naloxone, bicuculline or methysergide and then were administered a per os (p.o.) dose of AE or EE. AE and EE caused a significant (p<0.05) elevation in the mean basal reaction time in the hot plate method and an increase in the latency time in the tail flick method. In rats pretreated with bicuculline and methysergide, a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the analgesic activity was observed in comparison to AE and EE. Thus, AE and EE exhibited significant central analgesic activity and act possibly via the GABAergic and serotonergic pathways. The flavonoids and saponins found in the leaves could be responsible for the observed effect.

In vitro antioxidant and in vivo hepatoprotective activity of leave extract of Raphanus sativus in rats using CCL4 model.

BACKGROUND: Raphanus sativus is reported to have a variety of biological activities. This work screened the hepato-protective and antioxidant activity of ethanol (ERS), and aqueous (ARS), extracts of leaves of Raphanus sativus in Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), model in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The extracts were subjected to antioxidant tests (Total reducing power and Total phenolic content), and preliminary phytochemical screening. A pilot study was done on 100 and 300 mg/kg extracts, form which 300 mg was chosen for further experiments. The albino rats (200-250 grams), were divided into 5 groups of 6 animals each (n=6). There were three control groups comprising of normal control (normal saline -1ml/kg), negative control group (CCl4 1ml/kg in olive oil in a ratio of 1:1 v/v), and positive control group (Silymarin 50mg/kg). The Test drugs were given in a dose of 300 mg/kg for both ERS and ARS extract for 7 days. Biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, Alkaline phosphatase, Total Bilirubin), histo-pathological examination of liver and in vivo antioxidant tests [CAT, GSH and MDA] were done. RESULTS: The phytochemical study showed the presence of flavanoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins and sterols. A dose dependent increase in the oxidative potential was observed in both the extracts with total phenolic content 70.1 and 44.4 GAE/g extract for ERS and ARS respectively. ERS 300mg/kg showed a significant (p<0.001) increase in levels of AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase as compared to negative control (percentage hepatoprotection =45.3%) while ARS 300 mg/kg (p<.01) group showed 30% hepatoprotection. The GSH (p<0.001) and CAT (p<0.05) in ERS and ARS were significantly increased while MDA levels were decreased (P< 0.01), as compared negative control. The findings were confirmed histo-pathological examination. CONCLUSION: The ethanol and aqueous extract of Raphanus sativus have partial hepatoprotection against CCl4 toxicity.

Anti-inflammatory activity of roots of Cichorium intybus due to its inhibitory effect on various cytokines and antioxidant activity.

BACKGROUND: Cichorium intybus L. commonly known as chicory is one of the important medicinal plants commonly used in Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is commonly used for the treatment of diseases involving a khapa and pitta doshas. Traditionally, C. intybus is used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, but there are only few in vitro studies reporting the anti-inflammatory activity of roots of chicory. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of roots of chicory and mechanisms involved in it using in vivo models of inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Albino Wistar rats of either sex weighing 150-200 g were used. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of roots of chicory were prepared with the help of Soxhlet's apparatus. The anti-inflammatory activity was studied using carrageenan-induced paw edema method and cotton pellet granuloma method. Levels of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-1 and activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were estimated. RESULTS: Chicory roots demonstrated significant dose-dependent decrease in paw edema in carrageenan-induced paw edema method. Chicory roots diminished the serum TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1 levels. They also significantly attenuated the malonylaldehyde levels and increased the activities of CAT and GPx in paw tissue. Similarly, chicory roots demonstrated a significant decrease in granuloma formation in cotton pellet induced granuloma method. CONCLUSION: Chicory roots possess anti-inflammatory activity, and this might be due to the inhibition of various cytokines, antioxidant effects, and their free radical scavenging activity.