Assessment of prophylactic effect of Senna auriculata (L.) Roxb. leaves on alcohol-induced pancreatitis in rat model.

Aqueous leaf extract of Senna auriculata (L.) Roxb. syn. Cassia auriculata (SLEx) is known to possess potential antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. Based on the known correlation between exocrine pancreatic function and endocrine secretary capacity, here, we studied the prophylactic effect of the SLEx on alcohol induced pancreatitis in rats. To induce chronic pancreatitis, the rats were fed with unsaturated fat i.e. corn oil (2.5 mL/kg) along with high dose of ethanol (10.2 g/kg) for 4 wk, and was increased 0.6 g/kg after every 2 days for 1 wk and then 0.6 g/kg after every 4 days for a period of 4 wk. SLEx was orally administered to rats at dose of 400 mg/kg/day for 4 wk. At the end of 4th wk, pancreatic enzymes i.e., α-amylase, lipase, serum and pancreatic MDA levels were estimated. Pancreatic histopathological studies were also performed. The SLEx significantly reduced the serum levels of α-amylase and lipase along with significant suppression in serum and pancreatic tissue lipid peroxidation. Histomorphological studies did not show any fatty vacoules in acinar cells of SLEx-treated rats. However, vacoulation was seen in acini of pathogenic control rats. With the results, we conclude that Senna auriculata aqueous leaf extract has potential to reduce the ethanol-induced pathogenecity, and it possesses prophylactic effect on alcohol-induced pancreatitis. However, a long term trial is needed to ascertain its therapeutic potential for pancreatitis.

Attenuation of renal dysfunction by anti-hyperglycemic compound isolated from fruit pulp of Eugenia jambolana in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The renal protective effect of an active principle isolated from the aqueous extract of fruit pulp of Eugenia jambolana was investigated in streptozotocin(45 mg/kg body weight)-induced severely diabetic rats (FBG ≥ 300 mg/dl). For isolation of active principle, crude aqueous extract of E. jambolana fruit pulp was subjected to purification by ion-exchange column chromatography, which yielded a partially purified compound (FII), which on further purification by rechromatography gave a purified active compound (FIIc). Purity of FIIc was confirmed by high pressure liquid chromatography. Detailed UV, NMR, IR spectra suggested that FIIc is a small aliphatic organic compound having molecular formula C4H7O4N. Oral administration of FIIc to diabetic rats (10, 15 and 20 mg/kg body weight per day for a period of 60 days) produced significant (P<0.001) fall in fasting blood glucose (FBG) in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with FIIc (15 mg/kg body wt.) showed significant (P<0.001) improvement in body weight, blood urea, plasma creatinine levels, urinary volume, urinary sugar and microalbuminuria. Renal hypertrophy, assessed as the ratio of the weight of the two kidneys to total body weight was also significantly (P<0.05) improved after treatment with FIIc. The above results suggest that FIIc possesses significant nephroprotective activity.

Protective effect of Morus rubra L. leaf extract on diet-induced atherosclerosis in diabetic rats.

The antiatherosclerotic effect of aqueous leaves extract of Morus rubra was studied in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats fed with atherosclerotic (Ath) diet [1.5 ml olive oil containing 8 mg (3, 20,000 IU) vitamin D2 and 40 mg cholesterol] for 5 consecutive days. A short-term toxicity assessment was also conducted in healthy rats to examine toxic effects of the extract. Oral administration of extract to diabetic rats (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight per day for a period of 30 days) produced significant (p<0.001) fall in fasting blood glucose (FBG) in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with the extract (400 mg/kg) showed significant (p<0.001) improvement in body weight and serum lipid profile i.e., total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol, when compared with diabetic control. Endothelial dysfunction parameters (sVCAM-1, Fibrinogen, total NO levels and oxidized LDL), apolipoprotein A and apolipoprotein B were significantly (p<0.001) reversed to near normal, following treatment with the extract. Thus, our study shows that aqueous leaf extract of Morus rubra (400 mg/kg) significantly improves the homeostasis of glucose and fat and possesses significant anti-atherosclerotic activity.

Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Serum Lipids and Renal Dysfunction by Benazepril in Diabetes Mellitus.

Present study assessed the effect of benazepril on oxidative stress, serum lipids and renal dysfunction in alloxan induced diabetic rabbits. Benazepril reversed the increase in level of malondialdehyde and decrease in level of glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity caused by induction of diabetes. It also had a beneficial effect on diabetic dyslipidemia as manifested by elevation in serum HDL cholesterol. However, it had no effect on serum LDL, total cholesterol or triglycerides. Benazepril also attenuated the renal dysfunction induced by diabetes. It resulted in significant reduction in blood urea, serum creatinine and urine albumin excretion as compared to diabetic control rabbits. Further, kidney weight was significantly less in benazepril treated rabbits as compared to diabetic rabbits. To conclude, benazepril was found to be effective in preventing the oxidative stress and renal dysfunction as well as beneficial on serum lipids in experimentally-induced diabetes mellitus.

Protective role of Cassia auriculata leaf extract on hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and its safety evaluation.

Cassia auriculata L. (Caesalpiniaceae) is widely used from the ancient period to treat diabetes mellitus. In the present study, the antioxidant activity of C. auriculata aqueous leaf extract (CLEt) was evaluated in streptozotocin-induced mild diabetic (MD) and severe diabetic (SD) rats. A short-term toxicity assessment was also conducted in healthy rats to examine toxic effects of the extract. Oral administration of CLEt to MD and SD rats (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight per day for a period of 21 days) produced significant fall in fasting blood glucose (FBG) in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with the extract (400 mg/kg) showed significant reduction in serum levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) in both MD and SD rats. The antioxidant defense system was also found to be improved in CLEt-treated (400 mg/kg) MD and SD rats, as revealed by significant increase in activities of erythrocyte’s antioxidant enzymes i.e. superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) with a concomitant elevation in erythrocyte’s reduced glutathione (GSH) content. Moreover, there were no toxic signs in rats treated with high doses of the extract (1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight per day for 21 days). Blood glucose, hepatic and renal function parameters in these rats were found within normal limits. Phytochemical screening of CLEt revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and cardiac glycosides with antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties. This study suggests that CLEt possesses potent antioxidant activity along with antihyperglycemic potential, hence protective against diabetic complications.

Effect of oral glutamine administration on oxidative stress, morbidity and mortality in critically ill surgical patients.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of enteral administration of glutamine in patients with peritonitis or abdominal trauma. METHODS: In a prospective, interventional, observer-blind, randomized clinical trial, 120 patients, aged 18-60 years, were randomized to receive either enteral glutamine 45 g/day for 5 days in addition to standard care (n=63; group A) or standard care alone (n=57; group B). Surgical intervention was done as needed. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable for sex and severity of illness scores. Following treatment, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in group A increased from 4.4 (8.0) to 7.2 (4.8) mmol/mL, whereas those in group B decreased from 3.9 (4.9) to 3.1 (5.0) mmol/mL; these changes were not statistically significant. Reduced glutathione levels increased from 0.03 (0.04) to 0.06 (0.12) mg/g Hb (p=0.032) after treatment in group A and from 0.03 (0.03) to 0.05 (0.04) mg/g Hb (p=0.001) in group B. Infectious complications were equally frequent in the two groups (group A: 44; group B: 37; p=0.571). Survival rate and duration of hospital stay were also comparable in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Enteral glutamine supplementation offers no advantage in patients with peritonitis or abdominal trauma.

The beneficial effect of yoga in diabetes.

Twenty NIDDM subjects (mild to moderate diabetics) in the age group of 30-60 years were selected from the out patient clinic of G.T.B. hospital. They were on a 40 days yoga asana regime under the supervision of a yoga expert. 13 specific Yoga asanas < or = done by Type 2 Diabetes Patients included. Surya Namaskar, Trikonasana, Tadasana, Sukhasana, Padmasana, Bhastrika Pranayama, Pashimottanasana, Ardhmatsyendrasana, Pawanmuktasana, Bhujangasana, Vajrasana, Dhanurasana and Shavasana are beneficial for diabetes mellitus. Serum insulin, plasma fasting and one hour postprandial blood glucose levels and anthropometric parameters were measured before and after yoga asanas. The results indicate that there was significant decrease in fasting glucose levels from basal 208.3 +/- 20.0 to 171.7 +/- 19.5 mg/dl and one hour postprandial blood glucose levels decreased from 295.3 +/- 22.0 to 269.7 +/- 19.9 mg/dl. The exact mechanism as to how these postures and controlled breathing interact with somatoendocrine mechanism affecting insulin kinetics was worked out. A significant decrease in waist-hip ratio and changes in insulin levels were also observed, suggesting a positive effect of yoga asanas on glucose utilisation and fat redistribution in NIDDM. Yoga asanas may be used as an adjunct with diet and drugs in the management of Type 2 diabetes.