Gastroprotective and Antioxidant Properties of Trigonella foenum graecum Seeds Aqueous Extract (Fenugreek) and Omeprazole Against Ethanol-Induced Peptic Ulcer.

Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) is used in traditional phytomedicine for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antidiabetic, and several other therapeutic virtues. The current study was intended to investigate the protecting effects of fenugreek seeds' aqueous extract (FSAE) using experimentally ethanol (EtOH)-induced gastric peptic ulcer in rats, as immense alcohol consumption can lead to gastric ulcer. Sixty adult male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups of 10 each: control, EtOH (4 g/kg body weight [b.w.]), EtOH + several doses of FSAE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg b.w.), and EtOH + Omeprazole (OM, 20 mg/kg orally [p.o.]). Animals were p.o. pretreated with FSAE for 21 days and exposed to a single oral administration of EtOH (4 g/kg b.w.) for 2 h. Gastric ulcer in rats was induced with a single dose of EtOH. Ulcer index, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and thiol groups (-SH) content in stomach, and antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured. Our recorded results showed that EtOH induced gastric damage, evidenced by the level of oxidative stress markers such as MDA and H2O2 in rats exposed to EtOH. However, significant increases in the activities of antioxidant enzymes were recorded, such as SOD, CAT, and GPx, and a decrease in nonenzymatic antioxidants, such as (-SH). Moreover, histopathological examinations showed the presence of lesions associated with severe tissue damage in the untreated rats. Interestingly, FSAE meaningfully protects against all gastric damages caused by EtOH. We propose that FSAE exhibits protective effects in EtOH-induced peptic ulcer in rats. This protection might be related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as its opposite effects on some studied intracellular mediators.

Protective Action of Eruca sativa Leaves Aqueous Extracts Against Bisphenol A-Caused In Vivo Testicular Damages.

Eruca sativa action on the male reproductive system and fertility has not been precisely defined. In this study, the aim was to investigate the ameliorative activity of E. sativa aqueous extracts (ESAE) on reproductive toxicity associated with oxidative stress induced by bisphenol A (BPA). Wistar rats were used and divided into six groups of animals each; control (0.4 mL of corn oil/rat), ESAE at the higher dose (200 mg/kg), BPA [100 mg/kg, body weight (b.w.), perorally (p.o.)] alone, or in combination with varied doses of ESAE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, b.w, p.o.). The diverse doses were administrated orally for 30 consecutive days. The results showed that BPA-treatment produced a diminution of density, motility, and viability of sperm with disruption of spermatozoa morphology and fertilizing potential as well as testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone levels. These results were accompanied by testis and epididymis histological damages, which were shown by an induction of testicular dysfunction as seen with a lower number of Leydig-cells and spermatocytes as well as a reproductive stress which was modeled. The oxidative stress was measured by malondialdehyde production, thiol group (-SH) decline and antioxidant enzyme activities disturbance, in particular superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in reproductive tissues. ESAE coadministration at the two lower doses improved all histological and biochemical parameter injuries. These finding suggested the ESAE ability to prevent the testicular damages in rats, which might be linked to functional-bioactive substances such as phenolic compounds with higher antioxidant capacity.

The potential of Thymus vulgaris aqueous extract to protect against delayed gastric emptying and colonic constipation in rats.

Thyme is a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals and it is frequently used in folk-medicine to treat gastroenteritis irritations. The current study was performed to examine the potential of Thymus vulgaris aqueous extract (TV-AE) to protect against delayed gastric emptying (DGE) and colonic constipation in rats. Stomach ulcer was caused by a single oral dose administration of indomethacin (INDO) (30 mg kg-1 of body weight). Constipation was induced following intravenous intoxication of rats with vinblastine (VINB) (2 mg kg-1 of body weight) for one week. The effect of TV-AE at two graduated doses (100 and 200 mg kg-1) on DGE, gastrointestinal transit (GIT) and constipated rats and biochemical parameters was estimated using phenol red, charcoal meal test and colorimetric methods, respectively. The phytochemical-profile of TV-AE was explored using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS). INDO and VINB caused a significant reduction in (P < 0.05) DGE and GIT and colonic motility dysfunction. TV-AE consumption remarkably (P < 0.05) attenuated the DGE (from 58.56% to 69.871%) and difficulty in evacuating stools (from 48.5 to 55.5 fecal pellets per rat) and balanced the GIT (65% to 71%). These GI-ameliorative effects were accompanied by reversed INDO/VINB-related oxidative changes, lipid-metabolism alteration and intracellular pathway moderation. HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS-analysis identified several chemical constituents including rosmarinic acid, quinic acid, luteolin-7-o-glucoside, protocatechuic acid and trans-cinnamic acid. Thus, TV-AE bioactive components may be used as medicinal substances to regulate/attenuate gastrointestinal-physiological activities and disturbances, which support its pharmacological use.

Aqueous extract of Eruca Sativa protects human spermatozoa from mitochondrial failure due to bisphenol A exposure.

Medicinal plants are suggested to counteract health disorders from chemical pollutants. Here we explored the possible ameliorative effect of Eruca sativa aqueous extract (ESAE) on in vitro acute functional disturbance induced by Bisphenol A (BPA), a disruptor model in human spermatozoa. Phytochemical screening, high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) analysis and 2,2'-azino-bis [3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid]/α,α-diphenyl-ß-picrylhydrazyl (ABTS/DPPH) tests disclosed antioxidant properties of ESAE, ascribed to polyphenols and flavonoids. The toxicological impact of BPA on sperm viability and motility was detected for concentration greater than 10 µM but co-incubation with ESAE recovered sperm function at low concentration (15.62 µg/ml). BPA reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), with no impact on plasma membrane potential (ΔΨp). At low doses, ESAE recovered ΔΨm but higher doses were associated with impairment of both ΔΨm and ΔΨp. ESAE protects towards in vitro BPA-mediated toxicity and its possible use as complementary treatment for male reproductive disorders is critically discussed.

Ficus carica aqueous extract alleviates delayed gastric emptying and recovers ulcerative colitis-enhanced acute functional gastrointestinal disorders in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ficus carica fruit, a source of bioactive functional ingredients, have been traditionally long time used for its medicinal benefits as they improve the digestive system, treating constipation and used as a natural laxative. AIM OF THE STUDY: The recent study was investigated the ameliorative effect of Ficus carica L. aqueous extract (FCAE) on delayed gastric emptying and ulcerative colitis-improved motility disturbances in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were assigned randomly and received 5% DSS for seven days. Ulcerative colitis diagnosis was confirmed by clinical signs, visible fecal blood and histopatological evaluation. The estimation of the action of colitis on TGI and constipation as well as the protective effect of extract, the intestinal biochemical and physiological parameters were measured using the charcoal meal test, loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation as well as spectrophotometric assays. FCAE (150 and 300 mg kg-1) was administered orally once per day for seven days 1 h after the loperamide treatment. Phenol-red colorimetric method was used to explore the action of FCAE on gastric emptying process. RESULTS: Ulcerative colitis caused a significantly gastrointestinal motility inhibition in normal rats and notably aggravated the constipation in LOP group. Oppositely, FCAE oral intake significantly increased levels of the gastrointestinal transit ratio and gastric emptying by accelerating of their times. Moreover, constipation severity induced by colitis was remarkably reduced in the FCAE treatment group, as demonstrated by a marked management of fecal parameters, water content, oxidative stress indicators, lipid metabolism, and intracellular mediators. Phytochemical analysis of FCAE revealed the presence of carbohydrates, polysaccharides, phenolic acids as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid and ellagic acid, and flavonoids (e.g. rutin, catechin, epicatechin and apeginine). CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results indicated that FCAE exhibits a natural laxative effect without provoking diarrhea and ameliorates functional gastrointestinal (GI) and motility disorders thus justifying its traditional usage.

Myrtle berries seeds aqueous extract abrogates chronic alcohol consumption-induced erythrocytes osmotic stability disturbance, haematological and biochemical toxicity.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the effects of chronic alcohol consumption in the rat erythrocytes membrane as well as the involvement of reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokines in its pathogenicity in rats and evaluated the ameliorating effects of myrtle berries seeds aqueous extract (MBSAE). METHODS: Fifty adult male Wistar rats were equally divided into five groups and treated daily for two months as follows: control, ethanol (3 g kg- 1 b.w., p.o.), and ethanol + MBSAE (25, 50 and 100 mg kg- 1, b.w., p.o.). RESULTS: Exposure of rats to alcohol caused significant changes of some haematological parameters, enhanced erythrocytes hemolysis as well as an overproduction of reactive oxygen species such as H2O2, OH• radical and superoxide anion, hence the increase of lipoperoxidation and the depletion of antioxidant enzymes activity as well as non-enzymatic antioxidant (-SH groups and GSH) levels. On the other hand, ethanol intoxication caused the increase of serum TNFα, IL-8, IL-6 and 1Lß, markers of tissue inflammation. However, treatment with MBSAE alleviated all the deleterious effects of alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS: MBSAE possess active compounds, which exert marked protective effects in chronic alcohol intoxication, possibly by regulating the erythrocytes osmotic stability as well as antioxidant and inflammatory mediators.

Opposite Effect of Opuntia ficus-indica L. Juice Depending on Fruit Maturity Stage on Gastrointestinal Physiological Parameters in Rat.

The phytochemical composition and the effect of the green and ripe Opuntia ficus-indica juice on some gastrointestinal (GI) physiological parameters such as stomach emptying and small-intestinal motility and permeability were determined in rats administered multiple concentrations of the prickly pear juice (5, 10, and 20 mL kg-1, b.w., p.o.). Other separate groups of rats were received, respectively; sodium chloride (0.9%, b.w., p.o.), clonidine (α-2-adrenergic agonist, 1 mg kg-1, b.w., i.p.), yohimbine (α-2-adrenergic antagonist, 2 mg kg-1, b.w., i.p.), and loperamide (5 mg kg-1, b.w., p.o.). In vivo reverse effect of juice on GI physiological parameters was investigated using a charcoal meal test, phenol-red colorimetric method, loperamide-induced acute constipation, and castor oil-caused small-bowel hypersecretion. However, the opposite in vitro influence of juice on intestinal permeability homeostasis was assessed by the Ussing chamber system. Mature prickly pear juice administration stimulated significantly and dose dependently the GI transit (GIT; 8-26%) and gastric emptying (0.9-11%) in a rat model. Conversely, the immature prickly pear juice reduced gastric emptying (7-23%), GIT (10-28%), and diarrhea (59-88%). Moreover, the standard drugs have produced their antagonistic effects on GI physiological functions. The permeability of the isolated perfused rat small-intestine has a paradoxical response flowing prickly pear juices administration at diverse doses and maturity grade. Most importantly, the quantitative phytochemical analyses of both juices showed a different composition depending on the degree of maturity. In conclusion, the prickly pear juice at two distinct phases of maturity has different phytochemical characteristics and opposite effects on GI physiological actions in rat.

Ethnobotanical, phytochemical and therapeutic effects of Myrtus communis L. berries seeds on gastrointestinal tract diseases: a review.

Medicinal plants have always had an important place in the therapeutic arsenal of humanity and particularly in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases. Myrtus communis L., known as common myrtle, is native to Southern Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. The different parts of this plant are used as antiinflammatory, antiulcer, antidiabetic, urinary antiseptic, and to treat the respiratory and digestive systems diseases. For the first time, an exhaustive bibliographic research of the seeds of myrtle berries has been carried out. As a result, it has been found that this plant is very rich in biologically active compounds such as phospholipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and phenolic compounds. This has made it effective in the treatment of digestive diseases. In order to emphasize the importance of myrtle berries seeds, this review has been established by discussing its botanical, morphological, phytochemical, ethnomedicinal studies as well as its effect on digestive tract diseases.

Reverse Effect of Opuntia ficus-indica L. Juice and Seeds Aqueous Extract on Gastric Emptying and Small-Bowel Motility in Rat.

This study was conducted to compare the effects of juice and seeds on gastric emptying, small-bowel motility and intestinal ion transport. Separate groups of rats were randomized to receive NaCl, increasing doses of juice (5, 10, and 20 mL/kg, b.w.) or seeds aqueous extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, b.w.). Simultaneously, two other groups were received, the reference drugs; clonidine (1 mg/kg) and yohimbine (2 mg/kg). The charcoal meal was used as a suspension for gastrointestinal motility test. The purgative action of juice was confirmed using the loperamide (5 mg/kg, p.o.) induced constipation. To evaluate the antisecretory effect, we were used as a hypersecretion agent, the castor oil at the dose of 5 mL/kg. Compared to the control and standard groups, we were showed that the prickly pear has an opposite effect on small-bowel motility and gastric emptying. Indeed, the juice at various doses has a laxative effect of gastrointestinal transit in healthy and constipated-rats. However, the aqueous extract of the seeds leads to a reduction of motility in normal rats which gives it a remarkable antidiarrhoeal activity, a notable intestinal fluid accumulation decline and electrolyte concentrations reestablishment. Moreover, orally juice administered at different doses accelerated the stomach emptying time in contrast to the seeds aqueous extract. More importantly, a significant variation in the phytochemical constituents levels between juice and seeds was found. These findings confirm the reverse therapeutic effects of this fruit in the treatment of digestive disturbances such as difficulty stool evacuation and massive intestinal secretion, likewise, the gastric emptying process perturbation.

Protective effects of orange (Citrus sinensis L.) peel aqueous extract and hesperidin on oxidative stress and peptic ulcer induced by alcohol in rat.

BACKGROUND: Massive alcohol drinking can lead to gastric ulcer. In the present study we investigated the gastroprotective effect of Citrus sinensis peel aqueous extract (CSPE) and Hesperidin (H) in ethanol (EtOH) induced oxidative stress and peptic ulcer in rats. METHODS: Seventy adult male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups of 10 each: control, EtOH (4 g/kg b.w.), EtOH + various doses of CSPE (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, b.w.), EtOH + Hesperidin (50 mg/kg, p.o.) and EtOH + Omeprazole (OM, 20 mg/kg, p.o.). Animals were perorally (p.o.) pre-treated with CSPE during 15 days and intoxicated with a single oral administration of EtOH (4 g/kg b.w.) during 2 h. Gastric ulcer was induced in rats with a single dose of ethanol (EtOH). Ulcer index, gene expression of gastric cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), malondialdhyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide H2O2 and Thiol groups (-SH) content in stomach and antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and gluthation peroxidise (GPx) were measured. Furthermore, histopathological examinations were performed. RESULTS: The results showed that ethanol induced gastric damage, improving oxidative stress markers level such as MDA (121 ± 4.45 nmol/mg proteins) and H2O2 (24.62 ± 1.04 µmol/mg proteins), increased pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α level), as well as the expression of COX-2 in the ethanol group. However, a significant depletion of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were observed, such as, GPx (72%), SOD (57.5%), CAT (41.6%) and -SH (50%). The lesions were associated with severe histopathological damage. The both Citrus sinensis peel aqueous extract (CSPE) and hesperidin significantly protect against all gastric damages caused by ethanol administration in rats. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that CSPE and hesperidin exhibit protective effects in EtOH-induced peptic ulcer in rat. This protection might be related in to part its antioxidant properties as well as its opposite effects on some studied intracellular mediators.

Phytochemical properties and pharmacological effects of Quercus ilex L. aqueous extract on gastrointestinal physiological parameters in vitro and in vivo.

INTRODUCTION: Several research studies have reported on the pharmacological relevance of the medicinal plants used for treating various gastrointestinal disorders and controlling the dietary glucose uptake in the intestinal tract. METHODS: Male rats were used to investigate the pharmacological effects of green oak acorn aqueous extract (GOAE) on gastrointestinal physiological parameters in vivo and in vitro. In this respect, the gastro-intestinal motility and hypersecretion essays were evaluated using a simple test meal (10% charcoal in 5% gum arabic) and castor oil induced diarrhea. However, the effect of GOAE on glucose absorption and homeostasis was assessed by the Ussing chamber system and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) measures. RESULTS: Various doses of the Quercus ilex aqueous extract (125, 250 and 500mgkg-1) administered orally produced a significantly dose-related inhibition of gut meal travel distance in normal rat. The highest intestinal transit reduction of 49.34% was obtained with 500mgkg-1 compared to 58.33% caused by reference drug (clonidine, 1mgkg-1). In castor oil induced diarrhea in rat, Q. ilex extract reduced the frequency of defecation, fluid accumulation and electrolyte transport. These effects were associated with decreased histopathological damage and regulation of intracellular mediators disturbance in the intestinal mucosa. In addition, GOAE treatment improved glucose tolerance and significantly and dose-dependently reduced (>50%) the glucose absorption via intestinal epithelium. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of many bioactive natural compounds. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the extract was effective towards reducing diarrhea, fluid accumulation, electrolyte transport and glucose absorption, and no toxic effects of the GOAE presented on this study.

Chemical constituents and pharmacological actions of carob pods and leaves (Ceratonia siliqua L.) on the gastrointestinal tract: A review.

Carob tree, Ceratonia siliqua L., is a medicinal plant used in Tunisian traditional medicine for the treatment of the gastro-intestinal (GI) disorders. In this respect, a relatively large number of scientific publications on the carob tree have been published in recent years. Therefore, the present review was aimed to analyze the traditional uses, phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Ceratonia siliqua on the GI tract. Indeed, previous investigations on the carob pods and leaves have revealed the presence of a number of compounds including high amounts of carbohydrates, dietary fibers, minerals, polyphenols, flavonoids and low amounts of protein and lipids. This plant possesses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-diarrheique, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, anti-constipation and anti-absorptive of glucose activities in the gastrointestinal tract. Based on the chemical and pharmacological characteristics of C. siliqua, we concluded that this species has beneficial preventive and therapeutic properties, especially, in digestive tract.

Role of laxative and antioxidant properties of Malva sylvestris leaves in constipation treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Mallaw (Malva sylvestris L.) is a medicinal plant who is traditionally being used as an antiulcer, laxative and anti-hemorrhoid, besides of its culinary use as a food in Tunisian cuisine. The present study was carried out to evaluate the protective effect of Malva sylvestris aqueous extract (MSAE) on constipation- induced by loperamide in male Wistar rats. METHODS: Rats were divided into six groups of six animals each: Control, Loperamide (LOP), LOP+ yohimbine (2mg/kg b.w, i.p.) and LOP+ various doses of MSAE (100, 200 and 400mg/kg b.w, p.o.). The laxative activity was determined based on the weight, frequency and water content of the feces matter. The effects of MSAE were also evaluated on normal gastric emptying and gastro-intestinal transit as well as loperamide-induced serum metabolic parameters changes and colon oxidative stress. RESULTS: The MSAE (100, 200 and 400mg/kg; b.w, p.o.), significantly reduced loperamide-induced constipation in a dose-dependent manner. Our extract improves also the gastrointestinal motility, mitigates colon lipid peroxidation and H2O2 colon overload, preserve normal antioxidant enzymes activities and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels, as well as provides stability of lipid profile, hepatic (AST and ALT) and renal (urea and creatinine) levels changed by loperamide intoxication. CONCLUSION: We suggests in the present work that MSAE had a potent effect against Loperamide- induced constipation through in part to an increase of gastrointestinal motility, astimulation of water intestinal secretion as well as its antioxidant properties.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) decoction extract inhibits in vitro intestinal glucose absorption and attenuates high fat diet-induced lipotoxicity and oxidative stress.

The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of chamomile decoction extract (CDE) on intestinal glucose absorption as well as its protective role against high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and lipotoxicity in rats. We used the Ussing chamber system to investigate the effect of CDE on intestinal transport of glucose. Male Wistar rats were fed HFD for six weeks to provoke obesity. CDE (100mg/kg, b.w. p.o.) has been per orally administered to HFD fed rats. Ex vivo, we found that CDE significantly and dose-dependently increased intestinal absorption of glucose. In vivo, HFD increased the body, liver and kidney weights, while CDE treatment showed a significant protective effects. High fat diet induced also a lipid profiles disorder and a disturbances in kidney and liver function parameters. Moreover liver and kidney lipotoxicity is accompanied by an oxidative stress status characterized by increased lipoperoxidation, depletion of antioxidant enzymes activity and non-enzymatic antioxidant (-SH groups and GSH) levels as well as increased levels of free iron, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and calcium. However, treatment with CDE alleviated all the deleterious effects of HFD feed. These findings suggest that chamomile decoction extract can be used as functional beverage against obesity, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia.

Fatty acid composition and mechanisms of the protective effects of myrtle berry seed aqueous extract in alcohol-induced peptic ulcer in rat.

This study aimed to investigate the antiulcer and antioxidant activities of myrtle berry seed aqueous extract (MBSAE) in a peptic ulcer model induced by ethanol in male Wistar rats. MBSAE is rich in total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and unsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic (18:2) and oleic (18:1) acids. MBSAE also exhibited in vitro antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC50 = 172.1 µg/mL) and superoxide anion (IC50 = 200.24 µg/mL) scavenging activities. In vivo, MBSAE provided dose-dependent protection against ethanol-induced gastric and duodenal macroscopic and histological alterations. Also, it inhibited secretory profile disturbances and lipid peroxidation, and preserved normal antioxidant enzyme activities and nonenzymatic antioxidant levels. More importantly, we showed that acute alcohol intoxication increased gastric and duodenal calcium, hydrogen peroxide, and free iron levels, whereas MBSAE treatment protected against intracellular mediator deregulation. In conclusion, we suggest that MBSAE has potent protective effects against alcohol-induced peptic ulcer in rat. This protection might be related in part to its antioxidant properties as well as its opposite effects on some studied intracellular mediators.

Role of gastrointestinal motility inhibition and antioxidant properties of myrtle berries (Myrtus communis L.) juice in diarrhea treatment.

INTRODUCTION: The myrtle (Myrtus communis) belongs to the Myrtaceae family; it is one of the central plants as part of the list of medicinal plants in the Tunisian Pharmacopoeia. Myrtle berry was used for its astringent, tonic, and antiseptic properties, to treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and gastrointestinal injury. METHODS: Adult male wistar rats were used to evaluate the normal gastro-intestinal transit and gastric emptying as well as castor oil-induced diarrhea, enteropooling tests, and small intestine oxidative stress. The effect of myrtle berries juice (MBJ) (5 and 10ml/kg, bw. p.o.) was after compared to the loperamide and clonidine effects. RESULTS: MBJ significantly and dose-dependently inhibited the intestinal motility and gastric emptying. We also found that MBJ administration induced a significant dose-dependent protection against diarrhea and intestinal fluid accumulation. Castor oil-induced intestinal hypersecretion was accompanied by an oxidative stress status in the intestine, which was attenuated by MBJ administration. CONCLUSION: We suggest that MBJ had a potent protective effects against castor oil-induced diarrhea in part due, to its antioxidant and antisecretory properties.

Protective Effect of Ceratonia siliqua L. Against a Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Alterations in Liver and Kidney in Rat.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the potential protective role of Ceratonia siliqua L. against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced oxidative damage and inflammation in liver and kidney of rats. The hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity were induced in rats by oral administration of synthetic DSS (5%) in the drinking water for over 7 days. However, carob pods aqueous extract (CPAE; 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight) was given by oral administration for 21 days. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, malondialdehyde, H2O2 content, as well as the levels of antioxidant enzymes in organs were measured to observe the possible mechanisms. As a result, the CPAE counteracted DSS-induced increase of MPO activity, lipoperoxidation, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase (CAT). DSS administration increased also in the organs hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and free iron levels, whereas the CPAE pretreatment reversed all intracellular mediator perturbations. It was concluded that the CPAE exerted a potential protective effect against DSS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in the rat organs. Consequently, it is essential that adequate care is taken when we use carob pods for patients with hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Grape seed and skin extract protects kidney from doxorubicin-induced oxidative injury.

The study investigated the protective effect of grape seed and skin extract (GSSE) against doxorubicin-induced renal toxicity in healthy rats. Animals were treated with GSSE or not (control), for 8 days, administered with doxorubicin (20mg/kg) in the 4th day, and renal function as well as oxidative stress parameters were evaluated. Data showed that doxorubicin induced renal toxicity by affecting renal architecture and plasma creatinine. Doxorubicin also induced an oxidative stress characterized by an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), calcium and H(2)O(2) and a decrease in catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Unexpectedly doxorubicin increased peroxidase (POD) and decreased carbonyl protein and plasma urea. Treatment with GSSE counteracted almost all adverse effects induced by doxorubicin. Data suggest that doxorubicin induced an oxidative stress into rat kidney and GSSE exerted antioxidant properties, which seem to be mediated by the modulation of intracellular calcium.

Chamomile decoction extract inhibits human neutrophils ROS production and attenuates alcohol-induced haematological parameters changes and erythrocytes oxidative stress in rat.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of subacute pre-treatment with chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) decoction extract (CDE) against stimulated neutrophils ROS production as well as ethanol (EtOH)-induced haematological changes and erythrocytes oxidative stress in rat. METHODS: Neutrophils were isolated and ROS generation was measured by luminol-amplified chemiluminescence. Superoxide anion generation was detected by the cytochrome c reduction assay. Adult male wistar rats were used and divided into six groups of ten each: control, EtOH, EtOH + various doses of CDE (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, b.w.), and EtOH+ ascorbic acid (AA). Animals were pre-treated with CDE extract during 10 days. RESULTS: We found that CDE inhibited (P ≤ 0.0003) luminol-amplified chemiluminescence of resting neutrophils and N-formyl methionylleucyl-phenylalanine (fMLF) or phorbolmyristate acetate (PMA) stimulated neutrophils, in a dose-dependent manner. CDE had no effect on superoxide anion, but it inhibited (P ≤ 0.0004) H2O2 production in cell free system. In vivo, CDE counteracted (P ≤ 0.0034) the effect of single EtOH administration which induced (P < 0.0001) an increase of white blood cells (WBC) and platelets (PLT) counts. Our results also demonstrated that alcohol administration significantly (P < 0.0001) induced erythrocytes lipoperoxidation increase and depletion of sulfhydryl groups (-SH) content as well as antioxidant enzyme activities as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). More importantly, we found that acute alcohol administration increased (P < 0.0001) erythrocytes and plasma hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), free iron, and calcium levels while the CDE pre-treatment reversed increased (P ≤ 0.0051) all these intracellular disturbances. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that CDE inhibits neutrophil ROS production and protects against EtOH-induced haematologiacal parameters changes and erythrocytes oxidative stress. The haematoprotection offered by chamomile might involve in part its antioxidant properties as well as its opposite effect on some intracellular mediators such as H2O2, free iron, and calcium.

Ameliorative and antioxidant effects of myrtle berry seed (Myrtus communis) extract during reflux-induced esophagitis in rats.

Context Myrtle, Myrtus communis L. (Myrtaceae), is a medicinal plant well known for its richness in phenolic compounds and its beneficial effects for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.Objective In the present work, the protective effect of the myrtle berry seed aqueous extract (MBSAE) against esophageal reflux (ER)-induced damage in esophagus mucosa as well as the mechanisms implicated was determined.Materials and methods In this respect, adult male Wistar rats were used and divided into seven groups: Control, ER, ER + various doses of MBSAE, ER + famotidine or ER + gallic acid. The ER was induced and animals were per orally (p.o.) treated with MBSAE or reference molecules during 6 h. The phytochemical screening was determined using colourimetric analysis.Results MBSAE is rich in total polyphenols and anthocyanins and exhibited an important in vitro antioxidant activity. In vivo, we firstly found that ER led to marked macroscopic and histopathological changes in esophagus. The results showed, also, that the ER was accompanied by a state of oxidative stress as assessed by an increase of lipid peroxidation, a decrease of the sulphhydryl groups and glutathione levels, as well as antioxidant enzyme activities depletion. MBSAE abrogated all morphological, histopathological and biochemical alterations. We showed also that ER increased esophageal calcium, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and free iron levels while MBSAE treatment protected against intracellular mediators deregulation.Conclusion Our data suggest that MBSAE exerted a potential protective effect against ER-induced damage in rat esophagus, at least in part, due to its antioxidant properties.