Mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox dysfunction in nephrotoxicity induced by pyrethroid permethrin are ameliorated by flavonoid-rich fraction.

The present study was designed to evaluate in vitro and in vivo the potential anti-inflammatory and nephroprotective potential of ethyl acetate fraction extracted from Fumaria officinalis (EAF) against permethrin (PER). Male wistar rats were treated daily by gavage during 7 days as follows: group C: negative control rats received 2 mL/kg bw of corn oil, group EAF: positive control rats received EAF at a dose of 200 mg/kg bw dissolved in water, group PER: rats received PER at a dose of 34.05 mg/kg bw and group (PER + EAF): rats received PER (34.05 mg/kg bw) and EAF (200 mg/kg bw). In vitro study showed the ability of EAF to inhibit protein denaturation and heat-induced hemolysis confirming its anti-inflammatory activity. In vivo, PER treatment decreased calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in plasma. It induced oxidative stress objectified by an increase in the lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation and a perturbation of antioxidant system in kidney and mitochondria. The activities of NADH-ubiquinone reductase, ubiquinol-cytochrome C reductase and cytochrome C oxidase activities were reduced. These alterations were confirmed by histopathological studies. Co-treatment with EAF improved the antioxidant status and mitochondrial bioenergetics. The nephroprotective effects of EAF could be attributed to its modulation of detoxification enzymes and/or free radical scavenging actions.

Tunisian Clematis flammula Essential Oil Enhances Wound Healing: GC-MS Analysis, Biochemical and Histological Assessment.

The aerial part of Clematis flammula (Ranunculaceae) has been traditionally used in the treatment of skin diseases including mycotic infection in the Tunisian traditional medicine. The study was undertaken to extract and determine the essential oil chemical composition of Clematis flammula aerial parts and to assess the potential of anemonin in wound healing on mechanically wounded wistar rats. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. Anemonin was isolated and then incorporated as active in a cream for which the cytotoxicity was evaluated by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT)-based colorimetric assay. Then, its potential in wound healing on mechanically wounded wistar rats was assessed. The GC-MS analysis showed that the major compound was protoanemonin (86.74%) which spontaneously dimerised in part to form the anemonin. The wound healing activity of anemonin cream exhibited a non toxic potential of anemonin at a concentration of 25 µg/mL with a cell migration efficiency that reaches more than 80% after 48 hours of treatment. Wound healing efficiency was evaluated by monitoring morphological and skin histological analyses. Comparable wound surface reduction of the group treated by anemonin cream (p ≥ 0.05) when compared to the reference treated group. The skin histological analysis showed the completely wound closure. Antioxidant activity was assessed by the malondialdehyde (MDA) rates and antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase) determination. The results provided strong support for the effective wound healing activity of anemonin cream, making it a promising candidate as a therapeutic agent in tissue repairing processes.

Fermented camel milk prevents carbon tetrachloride induced acute injury in kidney of mice.

Fermented milk is known to possess potent antioxidant activity. The present study was undertaken to assess the preventive effect of fermented camel milk (FCM) prepared using lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris against CCl4 induced kidney damage in mice. Nephrotoxicity was induced in mice by a single dose of CCl4 (10 ml/kg 0·3% olive oil, ip). Female mice were pretreated daily with FCM for 15 d. Renal damage was associated with an increase in oxidative stress parameters (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl and changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and non-enzymatic antioxidant) and nephropathology markers.The renal injury induced by CCl4 was confirmed by the histological study of the CCl4-intoxicated mice. Pretreatment with FCM significantly prevented renal dysfunction by reducing oxidative stress, while mice recovered normal kidney histology. Moreover, FCM prevented toxicity biomarker changes by reducing creatinine, urea, uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and electrolytes levels in plasma. These data indicate that FCM is efficient in inhibiting oxidative stress induced by CCl4, and suggests that the administration of this milk may be helpful in the prevention of kidney damage.

Protective effects of oil of Sardinella pilchardis against subacute chlorpyrifos-induced oxidative stress in female rats.

This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effects of Sardinella pilchardis oil and vitamin E against chlorpyrifos- (CPF-) induced liver, kidney, and brain oxidative damage in female rats. The rats were divided into 6 experimental groups: the control group, the group treated with fish oil, the group that received fish oil for 2 weeks and CPF orally for 7 days, the group treated only with CPF, the group treated with vitamin E for 2 weeks and CPF for 7 days, and the group treated with vitamin E. Oral exposure to CPF induced a significant increase in serum biochemical parameters; hepatic, kidney, and brain LPO; and a decrease in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities. Fish oil or vitamin E decreased significantly the mentioned biochemical parameters as compared to rats treated with CPF alone. This study suggests that fish oil has an ameliorative effect for the alleviation of the oxidative damage induced by CPF.

Deltamethrin induced oxidative stress in kidney and brain of rats: Protective effect of Artemisia campestris essential oil.

Artemisia campestris (Asteraceae) is widely used in traditional medicine in Southern Tunisia as a decoction for its antivenom, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, and antimicrobial activities. A. campestris essential oil (ACEO) was obtained by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts, since it has beneficial and therapeutic effects. Deltamethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid with broad spectrum activities against acaricides and insects and widely used for veterinary and agricultural purposes. Exposure to deltamethrin leads to nephrotoxic and neurotoxic side effects for human and many species including birds and fish. The present study was conducted to investigate the potential nephroprotective, neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of ACEO against sub-acute deltamethrin toxicity in male rats. Deltamethrin intoxicated rats revealed a significant increase in serum kidney and brain indicators as well as creatinin, urea and uric acid levels, and AChE activity as compared to control rats. In addition, kidney and brain lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were altered significantly in deltamethrin treated rats. These biochemical disturbances were confirmed by histological and histomorphometric changes in brain and kidney tissues. However, ACEO normalized the altered serum levels of creatinin, urea, uric acid, and AChE. Moreover, ACEO reduced deltamethrin-induced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress profile. Furtheremore, it reduced deltamethrin-induced histopathology and histomorphometric degeneration. It can be concluded that the protective effect of ACEO may be attributed to its antioxidant properties.

Sulphated polysaccharide isolated from Sargassum vulgare: Characterization and hypolipidemic effects.

A sulphated polysaccharide from brown algae Sargassum vulgare (SVSP) was extracted and examined with respect to chemical, structural characterization and hypolipidemic effects. SVSP consisted mainly of sulphate and total sugars with low levels of lipids and proteins. Its structure was studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (RMN), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), infra-red spectroscopic, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analysis. Allowing us therefore to revealed that SVSP was composed of glucose, rhamnose, xylose, galactose, mannose and arabinose with XRD pattern that was typical for a semi-crystalline polymer and complexities of the spectra reflected its homogeneous structure. The administration of SVSP to obese rats is effective in lowering the body weight and inhibiting the lipase activity leading to notable regulation of lipid profile, increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, limiting lipid peroxidation; and protects liver-kidney functions proved by a decrease in the levels of toxicity parameters in blood, confirmed by histological study.

Anti-obesity effect and protection of liver-kidney functions by Codium fragile sulphated polysaccharide on high fat diet induced obese rats.

The present study investigates the hypolipidemic effects of sulphated polysaccharide obtained from Codium fragile (CFSP) in induced obese rats (HFD). The results showed an increase in body weight of HFD rats by 21.56% as compared to control normal rats. Moreover, serum lipase activity underwent an increase which led to an increase in the levels of total cholesterol (T-Ch), triglycerides (TG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-Ch) in serum associeted with a decrease in the level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-Ch) in untreated HFD rats. This diet has disrupted the antioxidant status by decreasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX)) and subsequently an increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level in liver and kidney of obese rats. All these disturbances are significantly corrected by CFSP administration with no fatty deposits in the liver and a protective effect against renal histological alteration. This confirms the important role of this polysaccharide in the fight against oxidative stress and the prevention of hyperlipidemia.

Protective and curative effects of Bacillus subtilis SPB1 biosurfactant on high-fat-high-fructose diet induced hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia and deterioration of liver function in rats.

This study was aimed to assess the plausible anti-obesity effects of Bacillus subtilis SPB1 crude lipopeptide biosurfactant on high fat high fructose diet-fed rats (HFFD). Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups with the following treatment schedule: normal diet (CD), HFFD, HFFD supplemented with SPB1 biosurfactant from the first day of the experiment (HFFD+Bios1, 10mg/kg/day), HFFD receiving standard drug (HFFD+Torva, 10mg/kg/day) or SPB1 biosurfactant (HFFD+Bios2, 10mg/kg/day) during the last 4 weeks of the study. The results showed an increase in body weight of HFFD by ∼19% as compared to controls (CD). Moreover, serum lipase activity underwent a threefold increase which led to an increase in the levels of total cholesterol (T-Ch), triglycerides (TG) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-Ch) in serum of untreated HFFD, as well as a rise in the calculated atherogenic index (AI). Furthermore, liver dysfunction indices such as AST, ALT, CPK, LDH, GGT, ALP and T-Bilirubins exhibited remarkable increases in serum of HFFD as compared to controls (CD). Whereas, the administration of Bacillus subtilis SPB1 biosurfactant to HFFD improved the body weight gain and serum lipids profile and reverted back near normal the activities of lipase and liver toxicity indicators. In addition, notable protective and curative effects were reported in liver tissues. Overall, these results suggest that the lipopeptides biosynthesized by Bacillus subtilis SPB1 achieved an anti-obesity effect through the inhibition of lipid digestive and liver dysfunction enzymes.

Assessment of the antidiabetic and antilipidemic properties of Bacillus subtilis SPB1 biosurfactant in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

The present study aimed to scrutinize the potential of Bacillus subtilis SPB1biosurfactant, orally administered, for preventing diabetic complications in rats. The findings revealed that, Bacillus subtilis biosurfactant was an effective reducer of α-amylase activity in the plasma. Moreover, this supplement helped protect the ß-cells from death and damage. Both the inhibitory action of SPB1 biosurfactant on α-amylase and the protection of the pancreas' ß-cells lead to a decrease of the blood glucose levels, consequently antihyperglycemic effect. Interestingly, this lipopeptide biosurfactant modulated key enzyme related to hyperlipidemia as lipase; which leads to the regulation of the lipid profile in serum by the delay in the absorption of LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, and a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol. Histological analyses also showed that it exerted a protective action on the pancreases and efficiently preserved the liver-kidney functions of diabetic rats, evidenced by significant decreases in aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, gamma-glytamyl transpeptidase and lactate deshydrogenase activities in the plasma, as well as in the creatinine and urea contents. Overall, the present study demonstrated that the hypoglycemic and antilipidemic activities exhibited by Bacillus subtilis biosurfactant were effective enough to alleviate induced diabetes in experimental rats. Therefore, SPB1biosurfactant could be considered as a potential strong candidate for the treatment and prevention of diabetes.

Effect of extraction solvents on the biomolecules and antioxidant properties of Scorzonera undulata (Asteraceae): Application of factorial design optimization phenolic extraction.

BACKGROUND: Phenolic compounds were extracted and isolated from S. undulata roots. METHODS: Sample of roots from E. hirta was tested for phenolic compounds, and in vitro antioxidant activity by diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, ABTS, FRAP and reducing power was measured using cyano- ferrate method. RESULTS: The methanolic fraction exhibited the highest total phenol content (6.12 ±0.11 mg AGE/g DW). On the other hand, the highest flavonoids concentration was observed in ethyl acetate fraction (2.90 ±0.05 mg CE/g DW) in addition to anthocyanins (28.56 ±3.96 mg/l). Besides, the highest level of tannins content was measured in the polar aprotic solvent ethyl acetate extract (3.25 ±0.06 mg CE/g DW). The different extracts of S. undulata were evaluated for their radical scavenging activities by means of the DPPH assay. The strongest scavenging activity was observed in methanolic fraction scavenged radicals effectively with IC   values of 0.14 ±0.02 mg/ml. Similarly, the potassium ferricyanide reduction (FRAP) and ABTS•+ of methanol extract. On the other hand, the total reducing power of ethyl acetate extract was found higher than of other extracts. This paper presents the application of the design-of experiment method for optimizing the extraction of phenolic content using methanol solvent. The resulting regression model has shown that the effect of temperature is not statistically significant (with >95% certainty), while that of agitation speed is. The two main effects are contributed by the solvent concentration and the maceration period. CONCLUSIONS: Our results clearly showed that the extraction of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant capacity is significantly affected by solvent combinations. S. undulata presented the highest total phenolic content, total flavonoids content and antioxidant capacity values. The resulting regression model has shown that the effect of temperature is not statistically significant (with >95% certainty), while that of agitation speed is.

Protective effects of vitamin C and selenium supplementation on methomyl-induced tissue oxidative stress in adult rats.

Methomyl (MET) is used worldwide in agriculture and health programs. Besides its advantages in the agriculture, it causes several toxic effects. The objective of this study was to examine the potential ability of vitamin C and/or selenium (Se), to alleviate the oxidative damage parameters, against MET-induced changes in blood biochemical markers and oxidative damage in liver and kidney of male Wistar rats. The animals were randomized into five groups of eight each: group I served as control rats; group II received MET (8 mg/kg body weight (BW)) in drinking water; group III received both MET and vitamin C (200 mg/kg BW; by intraperitoneal injection); group IV received both MET and Se (0.6 mg/100 g BW). Animals of group V were treated with MET, vitamin C and Se. A significant increase in the levels of hepatic markers enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase) was determined. Furthermore, renal markers such as urea and creatinine were increased in MET-treated rats. Additionally, serum cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly enhanced. Exposure of rats to MET caused significant increase in malondialdehyde levels, thus causing a drastic alteration in antioxidant defense system, particularly in the activities of catalase and glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase. However, simultaneous supplementation with vitamin C and Se restored these parameters partially. In conclusion, the results of the current study revealed that MET-induced toxicity caused perturbations of some biochemical parameters, lipid peroxidation and alterations in the antioxidant enzymes in liver and kidney homogenates. Administration of vitamin C and Se exhibited protective effect by inhibiting MET-induced toxicity in liver and kidney.

Neuroprotective effects of chronic exposure of SH-SY5Y to low lithium concentration involve glycolysis stimulation, extracellular pyruvate accumulation and resistance to oxidative stress.

Recent studies suggest that lithium protects neurons from death induced by a wide array of neurotoxic insults, stimulates neurogenesis and could be used to prevent age-related neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, SH-SY5Y human neuronal cells were cultured in the absence (Con) or in the presence (Li+) of a low lithium concentration (0.5 mm Li2CO3, i.e. 1 mm lithium ion) for 25-50 wk. In the course of treatment, growth rate of Con and Li+ cells was regularly analysed using Alamar Blue dye. Resistance to oxidative stress was investigated by evaluating: (1) the adverse effects of high concentrations of lithium (4-8 mm) or glutamate (20-90 mm) on cell growth rate; (2) the levels of lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and total glutathione; (3) the expression levels of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein. In addition, glucose metabolism was investigated by analysing selected metabolites in culture media and cell extracts by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. As compared to Con, Li+ cells multiplied faster and were more resistant to stress, as evidenced by a lower dose-dependent decrease of Alamar Blue reduction and dose-dependent increase of TBARS levels induced by toxic doses of lithium and glutamate. Total glutathione content and Bcl-2 level were increased in Li+ cells. Glucose consumption and glycolytic activity were enhanced in Li+ cells and an important release of pyruvate was observed. We conclude that chronic exposure to lithium induces adaptive changes in metabolism of SH-SY5Y cells involving a higher cell growth rate and a better resistance to oxidative stress.

Ameliorating effects of curcumin and vitamin E on diazinon-induced oxidative damage in rat liver and erythrocytes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of vitamin E and/or curcumin against diazinon (DZN) (an organophosphorus insecticide)-induced toxicity of blood, liver and erythrocyte markers of male Wistar rats. The exposure of rats to DZN for 21 days provoked significant changes in red blood cell counts and hemoglobin. Results showed that lipid peroxidation increased significantly in DZN-treated rats, as evidenced by high liver and erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels. Alteration of the antioxidant system in DZN-treated rats was confirmed by the significant decrease in the activity of catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase, accompanied by a decline in reduced glutathione content in both tissues. On the other hand, a significant increase in the activities of plasma aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase was observed in the rats treated with DZN. However, the administration of vitamin E and curcumin has ameliorated the previous markers. In conclusion, our results indicate that the natural antioxidants like vitamin E and curcumin can effectively lower the erythrocytes and hepatic injuries induced by DZN as monitored by lipid peroxides, antioxidant enzyme activities and sensitive serum enzyme levels.

Characterization of bioactive compounds and ameliorative effects of Ceratonia siliqua leaf extract against CCl4 induced hepatic oxidative damage and renal failure in rats.

Ceratonia siliqua is a typical Mediterranean plant, mainly used in food and Tunisian traditional folk medicine. Among the tested extracts, the ethyl acetate fraction (EACs) exhibited the highest total phenolic and flavonoids content. The antioxidant activity in vitro systems showed a more significant potent free radical scavenging activity of this extract than other analysis fractions. The HPLC finger print of EACs active extract showed the presence of six phenolic compounds. The in vivo results showed that oral administration of CCl(4) enhanced levels of hepatic and renal markers (ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, γ-GT, urea and creatinine) in the serum of experimental animals. It also increased the oxidative stress markers resulting in increased levels of the lipid peroxidation with a concomitant decrease in the levels of enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx) in both liver and kidney. The pre-treatment of experimental rats with 250 mg/kg (BW) of the EACs, by intraperitoneal injection for 8 days, prevented CCl(4) induced disorders in the levels of hepatic and kidney markers. The biochemical changes were in accordance with histopathological observations suggesting a marked hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effect of the EACs extract.

Oxidative stress induced by thyroid dysfunction in rat erythrocytes and heart.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the effects of thyroid dysfunction induce oxidative stress in the blood and heart of male Wistar rats. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: group I served as control rats. Group II was treated daily with 0.05% benzythiouracile (BTU) administered in drinking water. Rats of group III have received l-thyroxine sodium salt (0.0012%), in drinking water. The results showed that thyroid dysfunction rats had poor growth performance. On the other hand, in hyperthyroid rats, a marked decrease compared with control occurred of some hematological parameters such red blood cell number (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and haematocrit (Ht). There was also a significant increase in erythrocyte numbers and heart TBARS concentrations in hypothyroid rats compared with control. These results were associated with a fall in the total antioxidant status (TAS) in the serum of the hyperthyroid rats. Alteration of the antioxidant system in the hypo-/hyperthyroidism-induced rats was confirmed by the significant increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and a decline in glutathione (GSH) content in both tissues were detected in hyperthyroid group compared to controls. On the other hand, serum transaminase activities (aspartate transaminase (AST); alanine transaminase (ALT)) were elevated indicating hepatic cellular damage after treatment with exogenous L-thyroxine. Moreover, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activities were increased in the hyperthyroidism rats. These results indicated that excessive thyroxin (long term) ingestion had an adverse effect on animal health and performance. We conclude that thyroid dysfunction induces oxidative stress and modifies some biochemical parameters of erythrocytes, heart and liver disease; our results show the occurrence of a state of oxidizing stress in relation to hyperthyroidism.

Hammada scoparia flavonoids and rutin kill adherent and chemoresistant leukemic cells.

In search for compounds able to reduce cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR), we studied effects of Hammada scoparia extracts on leukemic cells adherent or in suspension. We show that H. scoparia flavonoidic fraction and its compound rutin induce apoptosis specifically in adherent leukemic cells and abolish CAM-DR. Importantly, rutin inhibited survival of adherent leukemic progenitors (CD34(+)38(-)123(+)) but spared normal progenitors (CD34(+)38(-)). The pro-apoptotic effects of rutin were correlated with a decrease of active GSK3ß and inhibitors of GSK3ß reproduced rutin-induced cytotoxicity. This study uncovers the potential of H. scoparia flavonoids and rutin to overcome CAM-DR in acute myeloid leukemia.

Influence of thyroid dysfunction on liver lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in experimental rats.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of dysthyroidism on lipid peroxidation, antioxidants status, liver, and serum dysfunction parameters in the hypo-/hyperthyroidism-induced rats. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism conditions were induced for 5 weeks by administration of 0.05% benzythiouracile (BTU) and l-thyroxine sodium salt (0.0012%), in drinking water, respectively. The enzymatic activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and the lipid peroxidation product; thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) were measured in liver as indicators of oxidative damage. However, liver dysfunction parameters represented by the activities of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), were measured in serum. In hyperthyroidism rats, the TBARS contents of liver have significantly increased compared to those in hypothyroid rats and the controls (p<0.001), associated with a fall of the total antioxidant status (TAS) in the serum of the hyperthyroid rats. The SOD, CAT, and GPx activities in liver of hyperthyroid rats have significantly increased compared to hypothyroid rats and the controls (p<0.001). The AST, ALT, LDH, GGT, and ALP activities increased in the hyperthyroidism rats (p<0.05). We conclude that thyroid dysfunction induces oxidative stress and modifies some biochemical parameters of liver. Our results show the occurrence of a state of oxidizing stress in relation to hyperthyroidism.

Protective effect of cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) cladode extract upon nickel-induced toxicity in rats.

The purpose of this study carried out on male Wistar rats, was to evaluate the protective effects of regular ingestion of juice from the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) cladodes against nickel chloride toxicity. Rats were given either normal tap water or water containing 25% of cactus juice for one month. Then, rats of each group were injected daily, for 10 days, with either NiCl(2) solution (4mg (30micromol)/kg body weight) or with the same volume of saline solution (300mM NaCl). Significant increases of lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase activities and of cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose levels were observed in blood of nickel-treated rats. In the liver, nickel chloride was found to induce an oxidative stress evidenced by an increase in lipid peroxidation and changes in antioxidant enzymes activities. Superoxide-dismutase (SOD) activity was found to be increased whereas glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities were decreased. These changes did not occur in animals previously given cactus juice, demonstrating a protective effect of this vegetal extract.