Quality Control Standardization, Contaminant Detection and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Prunus domestica Linn. Fruit.

The increase in the use of herbal medicines has led to the implementation of more stern regulations in terms of quality variation and standardization. As medicinal plants are prone to quality variation acquired due to differences in geographical origin, collection, storage, and processing, it is essential to ensure the quality, efficacy, and biological activity of medicinal plants. This study aims to standardize the widely used fruit, i.e., Prunus domestica Linn., using evaluation techniques (microscopic, macroscopic, and physicochemical analyses), advanced instrumental (HPLC, HPTLC, and GC-MS for phytochemical, aflatoxins, pesticides, and heavy metals), biological, and toxicological techniques (microbial load and antioxidant activities). The results revealed a 6-8 cm fruit with smooth surface, delicious odor, and acidic taste (macroscopy), thin-walled epidermis devoid of cuticle and any kind of excrescences with the existence of xylem and phloem (microscopy), LOD (15.46 ± 2.24%), moisture content (13.27 ± 1.75%), the high extractive value of 24.71 ± 4.94% in water:methanol (1:1; v/v) and with ash values in the allowed limits (physicochemical properties), and the presence of numerous phytochemical classes such as alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, saponins, etc. (phytochemical screening). Furthermore, no heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Cd, Ar), pesticides, ad microbial limits were detected beyond the permissible limits specified, as determined with AAS, GC-MS analysis, and microbial tests. The HPTLC was developed to characterize a complete phytochemical behavior for the components present in P. domestica fruit extract. The parameters utilized with the method used and the results observed for the prunus herein may render this method an effective tool for quality evaluation, standardization, and quality control of P. domestica fruit in research, industries, and market available food products of prunus.

An Overview of Phytochemical and Biological Activities: Ficus deltoidea Jack and Other Ficus spp.

Ficus deltoidea Jack (Moraceae) is a well-known medicinal plant used in customary medication among the Malay people to reduce and mend sicknesses such as ulcers, psoriasis, cytotoxicity, cardioprotective, inflammation, jaundice, vitiligo, hemorrhage, diabetes, convulsion, hepatitis, dysentery injuries, wounds, and stiffness. Ficus deltoidea contains a wide variety of bioactive compounds from different phytochemical groups such as alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, sterols, terpenes, carbohydrates, and proteins. The genus Ficus has several hundreds of species, which shows excellent therapeutic effects and a wide variety of helpful properties for human welfare. Searching information was collected by using electronic databases including Web of Science, Science Direct, Springer, SciFinder, PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar. This review is, therefore, an effort to give a detailed survey of the literature on its pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, phytochemical, and pharmacological properties of Ficus and its important species. This summary could be beneficial for future research aiming to exploit the therapeutic potential of Ficus and its useful medicinal species.

Pharmacological Evaluation of Safoof-e-Pathar Phori- A Polyherbal Unani Formulation for Urolithiasis.

Safoof-e-Pathar phori (SPP) is an Unani poly-herbomineral formulation, which has for a long time been used as a medicine due to its antiurolithiatic activity, as per the Unani Pharmacopoeia. This powder formulation is prepared using six different plant/mineral constituents. In this study, we explored the antiurolithiatic and antioxidant potentials of SPP (at 700 and 1,000 mg/kg) in albino Wistar rats with urolithiasis induced by 0.75% ethylene glycol (EG) and 1% ammonium chloride (AC). Long-term oral toxicity studies were performed according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines for 90 days at an oral dose of 700 mg/kg of SPP. The EG urolithiatic toxicant group had significantly higher levels of urinary calcium, serum creatinine, blood urea, and tissue lipid peroxidation and significantly (p < 0.001 vs control) lower levels of urinary sodium and potassium than the normal control group. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of refractile crystals in the tubular epithelial cell and damage to proximal tubular epithelium in the toxicant group but not in the SPP treatment groups. Treatment of SPP at 700 and 1,000 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.001 vs toxicant) lowered urinary calcium, serum creatinine, blood urea, and lipid peroxidation in urolithiatic rats, 21 days after induction of urolithiasis compared to the toxicant group. A long-term oral toxicity study revealed the normal growth of animals without any significant change in hematological, hepatic, and renal parameters; there was no evidence of abnormal histology of the heart, kidney, liver, spleen, or stomach tissues. These results suggest the usefulness of SPP as an antiurolithiatic and an antioxidant agent, and long-term daily oral consumption of SPP was found to be safe in albino Wistar rats for up to 3 months. Thus, SPP may be safe for clinical use as an antiurolithiatic formulation.

Extraction of 11-Keto-ß -Boswellic Acid from Indian Olibanum by Contemporary Extraction Modes: Optimization and Validation of HPTLC.

BACKGROUND: Boswellic acids are the main constituents of Boswellia serrata gum. These comprise of four pentacyclic triterpenes, 11-keto-ß-boswellic acid (KBA) being one of them. OBJECTIVES: Comparing the extraction efficiency of KBA through microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) followed by optimizing the extraction process using response surface methodology (RSM) and validation of HPTLC. METHODS: UAE and MAE of KBA were carried out employing methanol as an extracting solvent. To figure out the better mode of extraction, single factorial experiments were conducted for further optimization. Design expert software was used for optimization purposes where solvent to drug ratio, extraction temperature and extraction time were taken as input variables. Quantification of KBA in each extract was done through High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), and the method was validated as per International Council for Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. RESULTS: UAE stood out to be a better mode of extraction for KBA. Solvent to drug ratio of 20.42 mL/gram, extraction temperature of 44.01°C and extraction time of 11.54 minutes were established as optimum conditions, which yielded 8.44%w/w of KBA. Regarding HPTLC, the Rf value of KBA was measured, and the correlation coefficient was calculated from the standard curve. Accuracy, precision and recovery were found within limits. CONCLUSION: From this study, it was concluded that a non-thermal method is a better choice of extraction for KBA. All the input variables significantly affected KBA content, which was confirmed by model fitting. Moreover, the HPTLC method was developed for the quantification of KBA, which was found to be accurate, reliable and highly sensitive.

Guggulipid: A Promising Multi-Purpose Herbal Medicinal Agent.

Herbal medicines therapy is appreciated by many research works because herbal drugs have relatively high therapeutic window, lower side effects and more cost effective. Guggulipid is an ethyl acetate extract of resin known as guggul from the tree Commiphora wightii / mukul (Arn.) Bhandari. Chemical analysis revealed that the compounds responsible for the major activities of gum guggul are the isomers E- and Z-guggulsterone. Guggul has been used for thousands of years in the treatment of arthritis, inflammation, obesity, cardiac protection, anti-ulcer, anti-epileptic and disorders of lipid metabolism. This review is an assortment of available information reported on its chemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties in various research studies. The available therapeutic properties of guggulipid make it suitable natural product for the treatment of various disorders like inflammation, pain, wounds, liver disorder and Acne etc. Graphical Abstract Graphical Abstract.

Comparative Fingerprint Profiling of Unani Polyherbomineral (Safoof-e-Pathar Phori) Formulation by HPTLC, HPLC, and GC-MS.

BACKGROUND: Standardization of Unani formulations is essential to assess the quality and safety of drugs to establish their acceptance internationally as well as in nationally. Safoof-e-Pathar phori is a polyherbomineral formulation that contains six different plant and mineral constituents: Didymocarpus pedicellata, Dolichos biflorus, Rheum emodi, Raphanus sativus, potassium carbonate, and potassium nitrate. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to develop and establish the quality of Safoof-e-Pathar phori, used for antilithiatic activity using chromatographic analysis. METHODS: This study involves comparative fingerprint profiling of an Unani polyherbomineral formulation with its plant constituents by high-performance TLC (HPTLC), HPLC, and GC-MS. The authenticity of the Unani polyherbomineral formulation using comparative HPLC and GC-MS fingerprint profiling was achieved by comparing the retention time of peaks matching with plant drugs. RESULTS: In HPTLC, comparative fingerprinting was done on the basis of retardation factor values of compounds separated on HPTLC plates of the formulation and the single drugs. The relative retention times of the characteristic peaks in the HPLC fingerprinting were established for identification of the Unani poly-herbo-mineral formulation, whereas GC-MS was used for comparative fingerprint profiling of different compounds present in single drugs and in formulation through the National Institute of Standards and Technology and Wiley libraries using mass by charge ration (m/z) of detected compounds. CONCLUSIONS: The fingerprint analysis approach is the most potent tool for quality control of polyherbal medicines because of its accuracy and reliability, and it also helps in identification and authentication and prevents adulteration. HIGHLIGHTS: The developed chromatographic methods enable the quality and safety profile of the products.

Tamarindus indica Fruit: Pharmacognostical Standardization, Detection of Contaminant, and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the current study was to perform pharmacognostical, physiochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant activity of Tamarindus indica Linn. (Family: Fabaceae) fruit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study deals with pharmacognostical characters as identification parameters of the fruit, which were subjected to macro- and microscopical studies. Physiochemical analysis was performed as per World Health Organization-recommended parameters. Toxicological parameters such as heavy metals, aflatoxins, and pesticide residue and presence of microbial count were analyzed. This study also deals with the thin layer chromatography/high performance thin layer chromatography fingerprinting and antioxidant activity. RESULTS: The microscopy study revealed the presence of epidermis, vascular bundles, parenchyma cells, mucilage fiber, starch grain, and nonlignified fibers. Physiochemical parameters such as loss on drying, moisture content, ash value, and extractive value were also determined. Heavy metal, aflatoxin, total microbial load, and pesticide residues were found to be variable but under the permissible limits. CONCLUSION: It is critical to analyze these parameters in each crude herbal drug before further processing to ensure their safety and efficacy for better approval at the international podium. This study revealed precise identification for the meticulous crude drug which will be valuable in detection and manage to adulterations of the raw material.

Ursolic acid rich Ocimum sanctum L leaf extract loaded nanostructured lipid carriers ameliorate adjuvant induced arthritis in rats by inhibition of COX-1, COX-2, TNF-α and IL-1: Pharmacological and docking studies.

BACKGROUND: Ursolic acid (UA) is a promising molecule with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and potential anti-arthritic activity. METHODS: This study was undertaken to make formulation and evaluation of Ocimum sanctum L. leaf extract (OLE) loaded nano-structured lipid carriers (OLE-NLCs) for improved transdermal delivery of UA. Different surfactants, solid lipids and liquid lipids were used for the preparation of NLCs. The NLCs were developed using emulsion solvent diffusion and evaporation method. Different physicochemical properties, entrapment efficacy, in vitro release evaluation, and ex vivo permeation studies of the prepared NLCs were carried out. The in vivo anti-arthritic activity of OLE-loaded NLC gel and control gel formulation (OLE free NLC gel) against Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis in wister albino rats was also carried out. RESULTS: OLE-NLCs were composed of spherical particles having a mean particle size of ~120 nm, polydispersity index of ~0.162 and zeta potential of ~ -27 mV. The high entrapment efficiency (EE) of UA ~89.56% was attained. The in vitro release study demonstrated a prolonged release of UA from the NLCs up to 12 h. The developed formulation was found to be significantly better with respect to the drug permeation amount with an enhancement ratio of 2.69 as compared with marketed formulation. The in vivo biological activity investigations, studies showed that the newly prepared NLCs formulation of OLE showed excellent anti-arthritic activity and the results were found at par with standard marketed diclofenac gel for its analgesic and anti-arthritic activities. These results were also supported by radiological analysis and molecular docking studies. CONCLUSION: The overall results proved that the prepared OLE-NLCs were very effective for the treatment of arthritis and the results were found at par with standard marketed the standard formulation of diclofenac gel.

Ameliorating effects of Tamarindus indica fruit extract on anti-tubercular drugs induced liver toxicity in rats.

The study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of aqueous extract of Tamarindus indica fruit against combination of two antitubercular drugs viz. Isoniazid and Rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity in rats. In vitro antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of T. indica by DPPH-HPLC method was found to be 81.48%. Treatment with aqueous extract of T. indica significantly reduced the elevated levels of biochemical markers such as SGOT, SGPT, ALP, bilirubin, TBARS and increased the albumin level as well antioxidant activities of SOD, CAT and GSH in intoxicated rats. The biochemical changes were supported by histological observations. Results of this study clearly demonstrate that aqueous extract of T. indica fruit protects against anti tuberculosis induced oxidative liver damage in rats and thus possess significant hepatoprotective activity. Further, it could be suggested that supplementation with this food extract might prove beneficial in the individuals on anti-TB drugs.

Development of response surface methodology for optimization of extraction parameters and quantitative estimation of embelin from Embelia ribes Burm by high performance liquid chromatography.

BACKGROUND: Embelia ribes Burm is widely used medicinal plant for the treatment of different types of disorders in the Indian traditional systems of medicine. OBJECTIVE: The present work was aimed to optimize the extraction parameters of embelin from E. ribes fruits and also to quantify embelin content in different extracts of the plant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Optimization of extraction parameters such as solvent: drug ratio, temperature and time were carried out by response surface methodology (RSM). Quantitative estimation of embelin in different extracts of E. ribes fruits was done through high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The optimal conditions determined for extraction of embelin through RSM were; extraction time (27.50 min), extraction temperature 45°C and solvent: drug ratio (8:1). Under the optimized conditions, the embelin yield (32.71%) was equitable to the expected yield (31.07%, P > 0.05). These results showed that the developed model is satisfactory and suitable for the extraction process of embelin. The analysis of variance showed a high goodness of model fit and the accomplishment of the RSM method for improving embelin extraction from the fruits of E. ribes. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that this may be a useful method for the extraction and quantitative estimation of embelin from the fruits of E. ribes.

Paederia foetida Linn. inhibits adjuvant induced arthritis by suppression of PGE(2) and COX-2 expression via nuclear factor-κB.

The current investigation was undertaken to determine the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Paederia foetida Linn. (PF) along with its mechanism of action when implemented in tissue protection. HPTLC was used in the identification of the compound quercetin, while in vitro analysis confirmed the significance of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action of PF. We initially demonstrated the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of PF, evaluating it against a variety of phlogistic agents as well as turpentine oil, prostaglandin and arachidonic acid. Groups of rats, fasted overnight, were treated as follows: Group I: normal control (vehicle), Group II: PF (100 mg kg(-1)), Group III: arthritic control (CFA only, 0.05 ml), Group IV, V, VI: CFA (0.05 ml) + PF (25, 50 and 100 mg kg(-1)) and Group VII: CFA (0.05 ml) + indomethacin (10 mg per kg b.w.). PF significantly protected against paw edema, arthritic index and body weight alteration induced by Complete Fruend's Adjuvant (CFA). Other observations, like histological and macroscopic changes, were observed in CFA induced inflammation in knee joints. Subcutaneous administration of CFA was accompanied by proinflammatory cytokine status, as appraised by the amplification of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α); oxidative stress status was estimated by the enhancement of the level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and the depletion of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione (GSH). Pre-treatment with PF significantly (P < 0.001) protected against CFA induced oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines. More prominently, CFA administration augmented tissue and plasma superoxide (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels, while the PF pre-treatment significantly (P < 0.001) reversed all CFA induced intracellular interruption. Following CFA induced arthritis, PF was tested for its free radical scavenging activity against the DPPH and ABTS radicals and its inhibitory proficiency against COX-1 and COX-2 in vitro. Considering the above, the current research confirmed momentous protection against CFA induced arthritis, which could be attributed to its anti-inflammatory and pro-oxidant nature.

Determination of Curcuminoids in Curcuma longa Linn. by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS: An Application in Turmeric Cultivation.

Cucuma longa Linn. (Fam-Zingiberaceae) is a valued medicinal plant contains curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin) as major bioactive constituents. Previously reported analytical methods for analysis of curcuminoids were found to suffer from low resolution, lower sensitivity and longer analytical times. In this study, a rapid, sensitive, selective high-throughput ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS) method was developed and validated for the quantification of curcuminoids with an aim to reduce analysis time and enhance efficiency. UPLC/Q-TOF-MS analysis showed large variation (1.408-5.027% w/w) of curcuminoids among different samples with respect to their occurrence of metabolite and their concentration. The results showed that Erode (south province) contains highest quantity of curcuminoids and concluded to be the superior varieties. The results obtained here could be valuable for devising strategies for cultivating this medicinal plant.

Rapid preparative isolation of erythrocentaurin from Enicostemma littorale by medium-pressure liquid chromatography, its estimation by high-pressure thin-layer chromatography, and its α-amylase inhibitory activity.

Erythrocentaurin is a relatively simple natural product present among the members of Gentianaceae. A preparative method for the isolation of erythrocentaurin from the ethyl acetate fraction of Enicostemma littorale using medium-pressure liquid chromatography has been reported. The method consisted of a simple step gradient from 10 to 20% ethyl acetate in n-hexane. Using a 70 × 460 mm Si60 column, this method is capable of processing 20 g of material in <3 h (purity ≈ 97%). The recovery of erythrocentaurin was 87.77%. Estimation of erythrocentaurin in extracts and fractions based on high-pressure thin-layer chromatography was carried out on silica gel 60 F(254) plates with toluene/ethyl acetate/formic acid (80:18:2 v/v/v) as the mobile phase. The densitometric analysis was performed at 230 nm. A well-separated compact band of erythrocentaurin appeared at R(f )0.54 ± 0.04. The analytical method showed good linearity in the concentration range of 200-1500 ng/band with a correlation coefficient of 0.99417. The limits of detection and quantification were found to be ≈60 and ≈180 ng/band, respectively. Erythrocentaurin exhibited a concentration-dependent α-amylase inhibition (IC(50) 1.67 ± 0.28 mg/mL). The outcome of the study should be considered for pharmacokinetic and biotransformation studies involving E. littorale.

Physicochemical and phytochemical standardization with HPTLC fingerprinting of Nigella sativa L. seeds.

This study was designed to perform the physicochemical and phytochemical standardization with HPTLC fingerprinting of Nigella sativa seeds in order to establish the standard pharmacognostical parameters of this miracle herb. Different parameters like extractive values; total ash value, acid insoluble ash value and water soluble ash value, moisture content, loss on drying, pH values of Nigella sativa seeds were performed. Preliminary phytochemical screening was done to detect different phytoconstituents by using the Harborne's phytochemical methods. Quantification of phenolic and flavonoid contents, determination of pesticides residues, aflatoxin and heavy metals were also carried out. HPTLC fingerprinting of methanolic extract was performed using CAMAG-HPTLC system connected with win CAT software. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts in different solvent revealed the presence of carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, proteins, saponins, lipids, sterols and tannins. Total flavonoid and phenolic contents in methanolic extract was found to be 1.4 mg/gm and 9.8 mg/gm extract respectively. Concentrations of heavy metals were found within acceptable limits. Pesticides residues and aflatoxins were not detected. The physicochemical and phytochemical standards along with HPTLC fingerprint profile established as an outcome of this research may be utilized as substantial data for identification, purification and standardization of Nigella sativa seeds.

Ellagic acid, an NF-κB inhibitor, ameliorates renal function in experimental diabetic nephropathy.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complication confronted by diabetic patients. Available data indicate that the development of DN is linked to inflammation. In this context, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) has received much attention. Ellagic acid (2,3,7,8-tetrahydroxy-chromeno[5,4,3-cde]chromene-5,10-dione), found abundantly in plant extracts and fruits, possesses numerous medicinal properties. We investigated the nephroprotective effects of oral treatment of ellagic acid in high fat diet/low dose streptozotocin (HFD/STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic Wistar albino rats. Ellagic acid treatment for 16weeks post induction of diabetes significantly attenuated renal dysfunction and oxidative stress. Ellagic acid significantly inhibited the renal NF-кB activation. Moreover, ellagic acid significantly lowered renal pathology and suppressed transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) and fibronectin expressions in renal tissues. Ellagic acid also significantly reduced the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). In cultured rat NRK 52E proximal tubular epithelial cells, ellagic acid treatment inhibited high glucose-induced activation of NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis. These results suggest that ellagic acid exhibited renal protective effect in diabetic rats partly through antihyperglycemia which was accompanied by attenuation of inflammatory processes via inhibition of NF-κB pathway.

Neuroprotective effect of guggulipid alone and in combination with aspirin on middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of focal cerebral ischemia in rats.

This study was designed to test the pre-treatment doses of guggulipid (50 mg/kg), aspirin (100 mg/kg) per orally and co-administration of both drugs for 28 days followed by middle cerebral artery occlusion - a model of focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Middle cerebral artery was occluded for two hours, followed by reperfusion for 22 hours for the induction of focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Neurobehavioral tests like locomotor activity and grip strength tests were performed before sacrificing the animal. After neurobehavioral tests, the animals were sacrificed for the measurement of infarction areas and biochemical estimations in brain. Locomotor activity and grip strength were significantly improved in guggulipid and aspirin pre-treated rats. Guggulipid and aspirin pre-treatment reduced the infarction areas as compared with middle cerebral occluded (MCAO) rats. An elevation of nitrite, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), acetylcholine esterase activity (AchE) and reduction in antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and catalase were observed following MCAO. Pre-treatment with guggulipid and aspirin caused a reduction in TBARS and nitrite levels, AchE, but elevated GSH level, SOD and catalase activities as compared with MCAO rats. The protective effects observed in this study were due to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperlipidemic properties of guggulipid. The protective effect of guggulipid in cerebral ischemia, that it may have a role in reversing the symptoms and may offer significant neuroprotection in stroke.

Chrysin, an anti-inflammatory molecule, abrogates renal dysfunction in type 2 diabetic rats.

Diabetic nepropathy (DN) is considered as the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide, but the current available treatments are limited. Recent experimental evidences support the role of chronic microinflammation in the development of DN. Therefore, the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) pathway has emerged as a new therapeutic target for the treatment of DN. We investigated the nephroprotective effects of chrysin (5, 7-dihydroxyflavone) in a high fat diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic Wistar albino rat model. Chrysin is a potent anti-inflammatory compound that is abundantly found in plant extracts, honey and bee propolis. The treatment with chrysin for 16weeks post induction of diabetes significantly abrogated renal dysfunction and oxidative stress. Chrysin treatment considerably reduced renal TNF-α expression and inhibited the nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-кB) activation. Furthermore, chrysin treatment improved renal pathology and suppressed transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß), fibronectin and collagen-IV protein expressions in renal tissues. Chrysin also significantly reduced the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß) and IL-6. Moreover, there were no appreciable differences in fasting blood glucose and serum insulin levels between the chrysin treated groups compared to the HFD/STZ-treated group. Hence, our results suggest that chrysin prevents the development of DN in HFD/STZ-induced type 2 diabetic rats through anti-inflammatory effects in the kidney by specifically targeting the TNF-α pathway.

Paederia foetida Linn. leaf extract: an antihyperlipidemic, antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activity.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of the present investigation is to evaluate the antidiabetic, antihyperlidemic and antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of the Paederia foetida Linn. (PF) leaf extract in the streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Single intraperitoneal injection (IP) of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg body weight) was used for induction of diabetes is swiss albino (wistar strain) rats. The induction of diabetes was confirmed after 3 days as noticing the increase in blood sugar level of tested rats. PF at a once a daily dose of 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, p.o. along with glibenclamide 10 mg/kg, p.o. was also given for 28 days. On the 28th day rats from all the groups fasted overnight fasted and the blood was collected from the puncturing the retro orbit of the eye under mild anesthetic condition. There collected blood sample was used to determine the antihyperlipidemic, hypoglycemic and antioxidant parameters. RESULTS: The oral acute toxicity studies did not show any toxic effect till the dose at 2000 mg/kg. While oral glucose tolerance test showed better glucose tolerance in tested rats. The statistical data indicated that the different dose of the PF significantly increased the body weight, hexokinase, plasma insulin, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxides. It also decreases the level of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, malonaldehyde, glucose-6-phosphate, fructose-1-6-biphosphate and glycated hemoglobin in STZ induced diabetic rats. The histopathology of STZ induce diabetic rats, as expected the test dose of PF extract considerably modulates the pathological condition of various vital organ viz. heart, kidney, liver, pancreas as shown in the histopathology examinations. CONCLUSIONS: Our investigation has clearly indicated that the leaf extract of Paederia foetida Linn. showed remarkable antihyperglycemic activity due to its possible systematic effect involving in the pancreatic and extra pancreatic mechanism. Forever, the antihyperlipidemic activity was exerted possible by lowering the higher level of lipid profile and decreasing the intercalated disc space in the heart. The antioxidant activity of extract was due to inhibition of lipid peroxidation and increasing the SOD, GPx and CAT. It was corroborate that the extract shown the Paederia foetida Linn leaves potential to be act as antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant properties.

HPLC and HPTLC methods by design for quantitative characterization and in vitro anti-oxidant activity of polyherbal formulation containing Rheum emodi.

Safoof-e-Pathar phori (SPP) is a traditional polyherbal formulation and has been used since long time for its anti-urolithiatic activity. It contains three plant constituents Didymocarpous pedicellata, Dolichous biflorus and Rheum emodi. Emodin and chrysophanic acid were selected as chemical markers for SPP and quantified using simultaneous HPTLC and RP-HPLC methods in R. emodi and in SPP. The simultaneous methods were found linear r(2) = 0.991 in a wide range (10-800 ng spot(-1) with HPTLC, 5-500 µg mL(-1) with HPLC) precise, accurate and robust for both the drugs. Anti-oxidant activity of SPP, R. emodi as well as standard emodin and chrysophanic acid were determined by using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl radical), which showed better activity of R. emodi (IC50 = 12.27) extract when compared with SPP (IC50 = 32.99) and standard drugs (IC50 = 66.81). The robustness of methods were proved by applying the Box-Behnken response surface design software and other validation parameters evaluated were satisfactorily met; hence, the developed method found suitable for application in the quality control of several formulations containing emodin and chrysophanic acid.

Umbelliferone ß-D-galactopyranoside from Aegle marmelos (L.) corr. an ethnomedicinal plant with antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidative activity.

BACKGROUND: Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. (Rutaceae), commonly known as bael, is used to treat fevers, abdomen pain, palpitation of the heart, urinary troubles, melancholia, anorexia, dyspepsia, diabetes and diarrhea in Indian traditional systems of medicine. The object of the present study was to evaluate the antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant oxidative stress of umbelliferone ß-D-galactopyranoside (UFG) from stem bark of Aegle marmelos Correa. in STZ (streptozotocin) induced diabetic rat. METHODS: Diabetes was induced in rat by single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). The rat was divided into the following groups; I - normal control, II - diabetic control, III - UFG (10 mg/kg), IV - UFG (20 mg/kg), V - UFG (40 mg/kg), VI - Glibenclamide (10 mg/kg, p.o., once a daily dose). Diabetes was measured by change the level blood glucose, plasma insulin and the oxidative stress were assessed in the liver by estimation of the level of antioxidant markers i.e. superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) and antihyperlipidemic effect was measured by estimation of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol, HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol, VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) cholesterol. However in a study, the increased body weight was observed and utilization of glucose was in the oral glucose tolerance test. RESULT: Daily oral administration of different dose of UFG for 28 days showed significantly (P < 0.001) decreased in fasting blood glucose level and improve plasma insulin level as compared to the diabetic control group. Also it significantly (P < 0.001) decreased the level of glycated hemoglobin, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1-6-biphosphate and increased the level of hexokinase. UFG treatment decreased liver MDA and increased the level of SOD, GPx and CAT. UFG treatment of lipids it's increased the level of cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL, LDL cholesterol and decreased the level of HDL cholesterol. Histologically, inflammatory cell in blood vessels, intercalated disc, fat degeneration and focal necrosis observed in diabetic rat organ but was less obvious in UFG treated groups. The mechanism of action of UFG may be due to the increased level of pancreatic insulin secretion and effect on the antioxidant marker. CONCLUSION: UFG posses an antidiabetic, antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic effect on the STZ induced diabetic rat. Hence it could be the better choice to cure the diabetes.