Ipomoea pes-tigridis L. extract accelerates wound healing in Wistar albino rats in excision and incision models.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: An annual herb, Ipomoea pes-tigridis L. (Convolvulaceae) is widely used for its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties in traditional medicine. As well as treating wounds, fever, skin disorders, and other ailments, it is also used for other purposes. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study investigated polyphenolic content, antioxidant activity, RP-HPLC, wound healing, and antioxidant enzyme activity. In terms of I. pes-tigridis potential for healing wounds, there is no scientific data available. Hence this study is designed to use animal models to investigate the ethnopharmacological report. MATERIALS METHODS: The crude extracts of stem and leaf were subjected to phytochemicals, TPC, TTC, TFC, and free radical scavenging assays (DPPH, ABTS, etc). Excision and incision models were used to assess wound healing using the screened extracts (IPLEA, IPLM, IPSEA, and IPSM). Various tissue parameters (hydroxyproline, hexosamine, hexuronic acid content), as well as antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, Catalase, GPX, LPO), were also examined. RESULTS: The maximum amount of polyphenolic content was found in IPLM (TPC- 118.86 ± 5.94 mg GAE/g, TTC - 75.25 ± 2.64 mg TAE/g, and TFC-25.73 ± 0.99 mg GAE/g) with significant IC50 value of 1.65 ± 0.87 µg/mL among all the extracts. Coumaric acid was reported high (92.86 mg/g) in RP-HPLC analysis of crude extract in IPLEA. The in vivo excision wound healing model revealed that 1% IPLM had better healing property with the maximum wound healing area (0.098 ± 0.03 cm) and wound concentration (95.56 ± 1.95%) was reported with the significance level of ***P < 0.001, **P < 0.01, *P < 0.05. In the incision model, IPLM represented maximum tensile strength (27500 gf). A significant functional effect of the granulation tissue parameters and enzyme antioxidants on the wound-healed area of dry tissue was also observed. Finally, the histopathological analysis showed enhanced re-epithelialization, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen synthesis in wound-treated animal tissue in both models. CONCLUSION: According to the present study, antioxidant-rich I. pes-tigridis promotes healthy cell regeneration while reducing inflammation and oxidative stress for wound healing. Additionally, it also enhances circulation and promotes healing.

Evaluation of Pharmacological Potential of Miliusa nilagirica Bedd. Leaves Using In Vitro Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Assays.

Miliusa nilagirica, a rare tree species of Western Ghats, belongs to the Annonaceae family, a family with potential antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. This study is designed vividly to establish the relationship between the constituent phytochemicals and their hyperglycemic effects through the antioxidant traits of M. nilagirica in vitro. Phytochemical tests were conducted on dry powdered leaves and extracts of various methods to determine the existence of various constituents. The antidiabetic potential of leaf extracts was estimated by using the α-amylase inhibitory model and the antioxidant potential was estimated with various assays. The quantitative phytochemical screening of leaf parts shows the presence of carbohydrates (88.74 ± 0.65 mg GE/g sample), proteins (82.17 ± 2.52 mg BSAE/g sample), phenolics (40.44 ± 0.43 GAE/100 g), and flavonoids (66.05 ± 0.48 mg RE/g extract). Methanol extract of Soxhlet of M. nilagirica registered the strongest antioxidant activity in all assays, 75.66% inhibition (DPPH assay), 795.01 µmol/g (ABTS˙+ radical scavenging), 994.33 µmol/g (FRAP assay), 362.02 mg AAE/g extract (TAC assay), 47% inhibition (NO scavenging assay). In vitro α-amylase inhibition showed a highly noticeable reduction in ethyl acetate extract from Soxhlet (75.19%). HPLC and FTIR analyses on the extracts added strengths to the obtained results on the potentiality of M. nilagirica. From the results, it is evident that phytochemicals from M. nilagirica can be studied further, isolated, and incorporated as an alternative to synthetic supplements for hyperglycemia.

Efficacy of Trevesia palmata (Roxb. ex Lindl.) Vis. Extract on MG 63 cell lines and arthritis-induced animal models.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Despite widespread use of herbal remedies for treating arthritis and osteosarcoma, many plants are still not pharmacologically evaluated for their efficacy. Contrary to many non-steroidal, immunosuppressants, antibiotics, and antineoplastic drugs that have adverse effects, phytotherapeutic compounds have promising benefits with fewer complications. In this study the unexplored Northeastern India indigenous plant Trevesia palmata (Roxb. ex Lindl.) Vis. used in traditional medicine to cure bone fractures is chosen for studying anti-proliferative and anti-rheumatic properties. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study designed to explore the polyphenolic composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potential of T. palmata leaf extracts. Further, the cellular activity was studied using MG 63 osteoblast cell lines and pharmacologically evaluated using Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritic rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro free radical scavenging activity, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities of extracts were analyzed using standardized methods. The polyphenolic profiling and apoptosis inducing ability of T. palmata ethyl acetate (TPEA) extract on MG 63 osteoblast cell lines were analyzed. The in vivo pharmacological studies were carried out with low dose 250 mg/kg and high dose of 500 mg/kg of T. palmata. The biochemical and haematological parameters and in vivo antioxidant activity were evaluated for the control and treated groups. Radiological and histological study were done to understand the impact and penetration of inflammatory arthritis from tissues to joint bones. RESULTS: TPEA showed highest free radical scavenging activity (DPPH - 4.72 IC50, ABTS - 242.33 ± 6.81 mM TE/g extract), anti-inflammatory (40.04% inhibition of RBC lysis) and anti-arthritic activity (32.4% inhibition of protein denaturation) with the presence of gallic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, rutin, quercetin and naringenin. The TPEA extract inhibited cell proliferation of MG 63 osteoblast cells and induced apoptosis by arresting cell cycle at different phases. After acute toxicity studies the doses 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg were fixed and showed better results in CFA-induced arthritic animals. Thus, the extract phytoconstituents may have immense potential against chronic inflammation, joint ailments, bone cancer and arthritis which serves as a phytomedicine contrary to synthetic medications. CONCLUSIONS: The potential treatment of polyphenolic compounds in the T. palmata extract on osteosarcoma and arthritis was demonstrated from this study. Thus, cellular inflammatory infiltrates are significantly reduced in bone and joint tissues as well.

Antioxidant and Antivenom Potential of an Essential Oil, 4-(2-Oxo-propyl)-cyclopentane-1,3-dione, and Allantoin Derived from the Polyherbal Combination of Aristolochia indica L. and Piper nigrum L.

The goal of this study was to identify new compounds from a methanol extract of a polyherbal combination of Aristolochia indica L. and Piper nigrum L. (MECAIPN), two traditional medicinal plants used to cure envenomation, as well as to assess their antioxidant and antivenom properties. MECAIPN yielded EA1 (an essential oil), AA2 (4-(2-oxo-propyl)-cyclopentane-1,3-dione), and W3 ((2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-4-yl)-urea) (Allantoin). Although EA1 had stronger radical scavenging activity, AA2 had higher DPPH and ferric ion radical scavenging activity, and W3 had higher molybdenum ion radical scavenging activity due to being a single molecule, the binding investigation revealed that EA1 has a greater Stern-Volmer quenching constant (Ksv) than AA2 and W3. Synchronous measurements indicated that EA1, AA2, and W3 bind to tryptophan and tyrosine residues in venom, causing denaturation of the secondary structure of the residue. Finally, the current study concludes that EA1 has more therapeutic antivenom potential, which could be related to the synergism of chemicals found in it. When it came to single compounds, AA2 had stronger antioxidant and antivenom capabilities than W3. To understand the mechanism of action and manufacture the green antivenom medication, more testing of the EA1 and compounds remains required.

Anti-inflammatory and modulatory effects of steroidal saponins and sapogenins on cytokines: A review of pre-clinical research.

BACKGROUND: Saponins are glycosides which, after acid hydrolysis, liberate sugar(s) and an aglycone (sapogenin) which can be triterpenoid or steroidal in nature. Steroidal saponins and sapogenins have attracted significant attention as important natural anti-inflammatory compounds capable of acting on the activity of several inflammatory cytokines in various inflammatory models. PURPOSE: The aim of this review is to collect preclinical in vivo studies on the anti-inflammatory activity of steroidal saponins through the modulation of inflammatory cytokines. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This review was carried out through a specialized search in three databases, that were accessed between September and October, 2021, and the publication period of the articles was not limited. Information about the name of the steroidal saponins, the animals used, the dose and route of administration, the model of pain or inflammation used, the tissue and experimental method used in the measurement of the cytokines, and the results observed on the levels of cytokines was retrieved. RESULTS: Forty-five (45) articles met the inclusion criteria, involving the saponins cantalasaponin-1, α-chaconine, dioscin, DT-13, lycoperoside H, protodioscin, α-solanine, timosaponin AIII and BII, trillin, and the sapogenins diosgenin, hecogenin, and ruscogenin. The surveys were carried out in seven different countries and only articles between 2007 and 2021 were found. The studies included in the review showed that the saponins and sapogenins were anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antioxidant and they modulate inflammatory cytokines mainly through the Nf-κB, TLR4 and MAPKs pathways. CONCLUSION: Steroidal saponins and sapogenins are promising compounds in handling of pain and inflammation for the development of natural product-derived drugs. However, it is necessary to increase the methodological quality of preclinical studies, mainly blinding and sample size calculation.

Exploring combined herbal extract-loaded phytoniosomes for antimalarial and antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Antibiotic resistance in the context of treating malarial infections is a major challenge in India. Home remedies such as thulasi leaves (Ocimum tenuiflorum), black pepper seeds (Piper nigrum), clove buds (Syzygium aromaticum), cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum verum), and nilavembu whole plant powder (Andrographis paniculata) were taken to explore antimalarial and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) activity. Among the five extracts, the best two extracts, C. verum and P. nigrum extract, showed the presence of Quercetin. Phytoniosomes were prepared by simple probe sonication with the two extracts and the resultant vesicles were in the size range of (319.7 nm). They showed significant (P < 0.001) antimalarial potency IC50 at 5.25 µg/ml against P. falciparum 3D7. In addition, their cytotoxicity (TC50) against Vero cell line was found to be > 100 µg/ml. The therapeutic index was found to be > 32 µg/ml. Phytoniosomes were converted to a capsule dosage form by lyophilization and this capsule was stable up to 90 days.

Volatile profiling and UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS polyphenol analysis of Passiflora leschenaultii DC. fruits and its anti-radical and anti-diabetic properties.

Twenty-four phenolic compounds including daidzein, epicatechin and artepillin C were identified in Passiflora leschenaultii DC. fruit by UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS analysis. The aroma profile has been studied using the HS-SPME/GC-MS which revealed 67 volatile compounds including 13 terpenes, 18 alcoholics, 15 esters, ketones and phenolic acids. Further, the proximate composition, anti-radical and anti-diabetic activities of fruit pulp were also determined. The fresh fruit pulp of P. leschenaultii registered higher total phenolic (691.90 mg GAE/g extract) and tannin (313.81 mg GAE/g extract) contents and it also exhibited maximum DPPH (IC50 of 6.69 µg/ml) and ABTS+ (9760.44 µM trolox equivalent/g extract) scavenging activities. The fresh fruit pulp showed a strong inhibition towards the α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase (IC50 of 32.20 and 19.81 µg/mL, respectively) enzymes. Thus, the work stipulates that phenolic compounds rich P. leschenaultii fruit can serve as a potential nutraceutical, antioxidative and anti-diabetic agent in food and pharmaceutical formulations.

Protective effects of flavonoid composition rich P. subpeltata Ortega. on indomethacin induced experimental ulcerative colitis in rat models of inflammatory bowel diseases.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Polyphenolics (flavonoid and phenolic) rich plants are the effective source for the treatment of acute and chronic degenerative diseases including inflammatory bowel disease. OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to examine the effects of polyphenolics rich leaf acetone extract of P. subpeltata against the indomethacin induced ulcerative colitis in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two consecutive days administration of indomethacin produced chronic inflammation in GIT tissues of rats. Further, the plant extract 200 and 400 mg/kg treatment were continued until 11th day. Then hematological, enzymatic antioxidants, MPO and histological evaluations were analyzed. Moreover, the extracts were treated with RAW267.4 cells for the cytotoxicity, NO and TNF-α analysis. RESULTS: The obtained results revealed, that higher dose of the plant extract dropped neutrophil infiltration followed by inhibiting the MPO enzyme levels and controls the enzymatic antioxidants such as SOD, CAT, GSH and LPO. RAW cells study also proved that the plant extract effectively inhibits NO and TNF-α production. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, these results suggest that P. subpeltata extract may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of IBD although further clinical research is still warranted.

Evaluation of Aristolochia indica L. and Piper nigrum L. methanol extract against centipede Scolopendra moristans L. using Wistar albino rats and screening of bioactive compounds by high pressure liquid chromatography: a polyherbal formulation.

The present study was aimed to explore the anti-venom activity of Aristolochia indica and Piper nigrum plants against the centipede (Scolopendra moristans) envenomation in animal model. In vtiro phytochemical, antioxidant and blocking of proteolysis were carried out by using standard spectrophotometric methods. In vivo anti-venom activity of methanol extracts was determined using Wistar albino rats after fixing lethal and effective doses. The electrolytes, lipid, liver, kidney, hematological parameters were analyzed and histopathology of skin and liver were also examined. Anti-skin cancer by MTT method and HPLC analysis were also carried out. The CAIPN extract showed higher total phenolics (150.65 ± 0.08 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoids (158.97 ± 0.93 mg RE/g extract) content. Further, the same extract revealed the higher molybdenum reducing, inhibition of lipid peroxidation (80.08 ± 0.22%), DPPH radical scavenging (3.05 µg/mL), and blocking of proteolysis activities (96.45 ± 0.04%). The parameters like hypersensitivity, electrolytes, lipids, blood components, liver and kidney marker of the CAIPN methanol extract (200 mg/kg) treated envenomated rats was remarkable and same as in the normal animals. Such status was also achieved by RBAI and SPN at 600 mg/kg. The histopathological scoring of skin and liver confirmed the venom neutralizing activity of CAIPN. Also, the CAIPN methanol extract was notable in anti-skin cancer activity (208 µg/mL). The presence of the ferulic acid (04 ± 0.09 µg/mg) and quercetin (35.30 ± 0.30 µg/mg) like compounds was confirmed by HPLC analysis. Hence, the present investigation results conclude that the CAIPN was significant in their action and this polyherbal formulation could be considered as a new source for the pharmaceutical industries to develop a new effective, ecofriendly anti-venom drug.

Chemical profiling of Pterolobium hexapetalum leaves by HPLC analysis and its productive wound healing activities in rats.

Research on wound healing agents is one of the developing areas in modern biomedical sciences. Several drugs have been used in the management of wounds and a large variety of treatment modalities are available for wound repair. Among these medicines, herbal origin has been the basis of treatment and cure for healing of wounds. Pterolobium hexapetalum is well known medicinal plant of Caesalpiniaceae family was used by many tribal groups for wound treatment in India. Different extracts of P. hexapetalum leaves are evaluated for its antiradical activity and in vivo wound healing activity by excision, incision, and dead space wound models in Wistar rats, further respective phyto constituents are profiled using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. In this present study methanol extract of leaves depicted the maximum amount of phenolics and flavonoids content and also registered highest DPPH (IC50: 3.40µg/mL), ABTS+(8869.36µM TE/g extract) and Superoxide (87.72%) radical scavenging activity. Methanolic leaf extract are further studied for wound healing property, highest wound contraction percentage and lowest epithelialization period (16.33days) of 5% methanolic extract treated group exhibits highest wound healing activity compare to control group and it was confirmed by histopathology results and scoring analysis. Maximum tensile strain (110.69%) of incision and highest hydroxyproline (16.28mg/g) content of dead space wound model are comparable with standard 5% Neomycin. HPLC employed quantification of phyto constituents explores the presence of catechin (367.54µg/mg), caffeic acid (87µg/mg), rutin (289.20µg/mg), quercetin (239.39µg/mg) and naringenin (24.42µg/mg). From the results leaves of P. hexapetalum significantly stimulate wound contraction, braking strength and hydroxyproline content of treated group. It showed remarkable wound healing activity and may be recommended for treating various type of wound.

Enhancement of orofacial antinociceptive effect of carvacrol, a monoterpene present in oregano and thyme oils, by ß-cyclodextrin inclusion complex in mice.

Orofacial pain is associated with diagnosis of chronic pain of head, face, mouth, neck and all the intraoral structures. Carvacrol, a naturally occurring isoprenoid with diverse class of biological activities including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antitumor and antioxidant properties. Now, the antinociceptive effect was studied in mice pretreatment with carvacrol (CARV) and ß-cyclodextrin complex containing carvacrol (CARV-ßCD) in formalin-, capsaicin-, and glutamate- induced orofacial nociception. Mice were pretreated with vehicle (0.9% Nacl, p.o.), CARV (10 and 20mg/kg, p.o.), CARV-ßCD (10 and 20mg/kg, p.o.) or MOR (10mg/kg, i.p.) before the nociceptive behavior induced by subcutaneous injections (s.c.) of formalin (20µl, 2%), capsaicin (20µl, 2.5µg) or glutamate (20µl, 25µM) into the upper lip respectively. The interference on motor coordination was determined using rotarod and grip strength meter apparatus. CARV-ßCD reduced the nociceptive during the two phases of the formalin test, whereas CARV did not produced the reduction in face-rubbing behavior in the initial phase. CARV-ßCD (20mg/kg, p.o.) produced 49.3% behavior pain while CARV alone at 20mg/kg, p.o, produced 28.7% of analgesic inhibition in the second phase of formalin test. CARV, CARV-ßCD and Morphine (MOR) showed a significant reduction against nociception caused by capsaicin or glutamate injection. Thus the encapsulation of carvacrol in ß-cyclodextrin can acts as a considerable therapeutic agent with pharmacological interest for the orofacial pain management.

Effects of luteolin and quercetin 3-ß-d-glucoside identified from Passiflora subpeltata leaves against acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Passiflora subpeltata has many beneficial effects in the treatment of various diseases including inflammation, pain and fever. This study was aimed to analyze the phytochemical compounds present in acetone extract of P. subpeltata leaves and to evaluate their performance against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity activity. HPLC-DAD method was used to identify and quantify the phytochemical compounds. Hepatoprotective activity of acetone extract in the treatment of rat liver functions was monitored by the measurement of blood parameters and serum biochemical parameters such as SGOT, SGPT, ALP and in vivo antioxidant parameters viz. SOD, CAT and LPO. Further, liver tissues were also subjected to histopathological analysis. The HPLC-DAD results showed the luteolin and quercetin 3-ß-d-glucoside as newly identified compounds in P. subpeltata species. Pre-treatment with acetone extract of P. subpeltata leaves at 200 and 400mg/kg doses significantly elevated the WBC, RBC and HB counts and retained the serum biochemical and enzymatic antioxidants levels to normal level. Based on this detailed study we conclude that acetone extract of P. subpeltata leaves offered better protection against hepatotoxicity induced by the acetaminophen.

Evaluation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiulcer properties of Vaccinium leschenaultii Wight: A therapeutic supplement.

In folklore systems of medicine, bilberry fruit and leaf extracts have been used for the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, diabetes, inflammation, and ulcer. The present study was to determine antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiulcerogenic activities of Vaccinium leschenaultii Wight leaf and fruit. The phenolic, tannin, and flavonoid contents of V. leschenaultii leaf and fruit were quantified and were subjected to assess their antioxidant potential using various in vitro systems such as 1, 1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging, phosphomolybdenum, and ferric reducing antioxidant power reduction activities. Based on the antioxidant potential, acetone and methanol extracts of leaf and fruit were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity and protective effect against ethanol-induced gastric damage in a rat model. The quantification of secondary metabolites shows that the phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents are higher in methanol extracts of fruit and leaf. The results of antioxidant assays exhibited that the methanol extracts of leaf possesses better 1, 1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and ferric reducing power activity. Oral administration of the acetone fruit and leaf extracts of V. leschenaultii were capable of reducing the edema formation in rats against carrageenan and egg albumin induced inflammation. Moreover, leaf and fruit acetone extracts at the dose of 400 mg/kg highly inhibited ulcer formation. The study concluded that the plant substances such as total phenols, flavonoids along with appreciable antioxidant potential could be the supportive evidence to prove both the anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activities of V. leschenaultii. The traditional importance of this plant will help to reveal the potential of plant to provide alternative phytotherapeutics for human health.

Bioassay directed isolation and biological evaluation of compounds isolated from Rubus fairholmianus Gard.

The in vitro and in silico analysis of Rubus fairholmianus acetone extract for antioxidant, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory activity led to the isolation of six compounds. Amongst all the six isolated compounds tested, 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methylpentan-1-one (compound 1) and 2-[(3-methylbutoxy) carbonyl] benzoic acid (compound 2) were found to be more active in inhibiting BRCA and COX target proteins, which also showed the better results for DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. The promising results of this investigation emphasize the importance of using R. fairholmianus in the treatment of radical generated disorders mainly cancer and other inflammatory diseases.

Total nutritional capacity and inflammation inhibition effect of Acalypha alnifolia Klein ex wild-An unexplored wild leafy vegetable.

Investigation of the nutritional as well as trace elements of a wild leafy vegetable, Acalypha alnifolia, and evaluation of the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties of acetone and methanol leaf extracts are the main objectives of the present study. The powdered A. alnifolia leaf sample was subjected to nutritional and mineral analysis. Plant leaves were extracted (using the Soxhlet apparatus) as successive solvent extractions. The extract doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg of acetone and methanol extracts were used for pharmacology study. The analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic experiments were carried out by using animal models. The obtained result proves that the plant possesses essential nutritive values and useful biological properties. The higher dose of acetone extract has significant potency when compared with methanol extract at p < 0.005. On the whole, the plant is rich in minerals and has good biological properties; hence, this plant is suggested for cultivation and regular use for nutritional supplement.

Free radical scavenging property and antiproliferative activity of Rhodiola imbricata Edgew extracts in HT-29 human colon cancer cells

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the in vitro antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of rhizome extracts of Rhodiola imbricata (R. imbricata) in HT-29 human colon cancer cell line.@*METHODS@#The successively extracted rhizome of R. imbricata using various solvents was analyzed for their total phenolics, tannins and flavonoid contents. In vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by employing different assays, including DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging assays, FRAP, phosphomolybdenum reduction assay, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical scavenging activities and metal chelating ability.@*RESULTS@#Acetone and methanol extracts recorded higher phenolic content and showed comparable antioxidant activity with standard reference. Additionally, they also inhibited the proliferation of HT-29 cells upon treatment at higher concentration (200 μg/mL) (acetone and methanol, 84% and 84%, respectively). On examination acetone extract exhibited antiproliferative activity in a concentration dependent manner whereas, methanol extract showed both dose dependent and time dependent inhibitory activity.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The results obtained justify the traditional usage of R. imbricata from their promising antioxidant activity.

Antidiabetic activity of aqueous root extract of Merremia tridentata (L.) Hall. f. in streptozotocin-induced-diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the antidiabetic effect of aqueous extract of Merremia tridentata (M. tridentata) root (MTRAE) in normal, glucose-loaded hyperglycemic and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.@*METHODS@#Oral administration of MTRAE at the doses of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg was studied in normal, glucose-loaded and STZ-diabetic rats. The three doses caused significant reduction in blood glucose levels in all the models.@*RESULTS@#The effect was more pronounced in 100 and 150 mg/kg than 50 mg/kg. MTRAE also showed significant increase in serum insulin, body weight and glycogen content in liver and skeletal muscle of STZ-induced diabetic rats while there was significant reduction in the levels of serum triglyceride and total cholesterol. MTRAE also showed significant antilipidperoxidative effect in the pancreas of STZ-induced diabetic rats. The antidiabetic effect of M. tridentata was compared with glibenclamide, a well known hypoglycemic drug.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The results indicate that aqueous extract of M. tridentata root possesses significant antidiabetic activity.