Protective effect of Indigofera aspalathoides against CCl4-induced hepatic damage in rats.

The alcoholic extract of stem of Indigofera aspalathoides was evaluated for its antihepatotoxic activity against CCl(4)-induced hepatic damage in rats. The activity was evaluated by using biochemical parameters, such as serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin and gama glutamate transpeptidase (GGTP). The histopathological changes of liver sample were compared with respective control. The extract showed remarkable hepatoprotective effect.

Chemoprevention and cytotoxic effect of Bauhinia variegata against N-nitrosodiethylamine induced liver tumors and human cancer cell lines.

The chemopreventive and cytotoxic effect of ethanol extract of Bauhinia variegata (EBV) was evaluated in N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN, 200 mg/kg) induced experimental liver tumor in rats and human cancer cell lines. Oral administration of ethanol extract of Bauhinia variegata (250 mg/kg) effectively suppressed liver tumor induced by DEN as revealed by decrease in DEN induced elevated levels of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, gamma glutamate transpeptidase (GGTP), lipid peroxidase (LPO), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST). The extract produced an increase in enzymatic antioxidant (superoxide dismutase and catalase) levels and total proteins when compared to those in liver tumor bearing rats. The histopathological changes of liver samples were compared with respective controls. EBV was found to be cytotoxic against human epithelial larynx cancer (HEp2) and human breast cancer (HBL-100) cells. These results show a significant chemopreventive and cytotoxic effect of ethanol extract of Bauhinia variegata against DEN induced liver tumor and human cancer cell lines.

Antilithiatic effect of Asparagus racemosus Willd on ethylene glycol-induced lithiasis in male albino Wistar rats.

The ethanolic extract of Asparagus racemosus Willd. was evaluated for its inhibitory potential on lithiasis (stone formation), induced by oral administration of 0.75% ethylene glycolated water to adult male albino Wistar rats for 28 days. The ionic chemistry of urine was altered by ethylene glycol, which elevated the urinary concentration of crucial ions viz. calcium, oxalate, and phosphate, thereby contributing to renal stone formation. The ethanolic extract, however, significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the elevated level of these ions in urine. Also, it elevated the urinary concentration of magnesium, which is considered as one of the inhibitors of crystallization. The high serum creatinine level observed in ethylene glycol-treated rats was also reduced, following treatment with the extract. The histopathological findings also showed signs of improvement after treatment with the extract. All these observations provided the basis for the conclusion that this plant extract inhibits stone formation induced by ethylene glycol treatment.

Antidiabetic and antihyperlipemic effects of Clemeo felina.

Petroleum ether and benzene extracts of Clemeo felina, given orally at doses of 300 mg kg(-1) day(-1) for 30 days, were found to be antidiabetic and antihyperlipemic on alloxan diabetic rats. Moreover, a significant decrease in the activities of serum enzymes like alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and HMGCoA reductase activity in the liver was observed. However, treatment of rats with the extracts as well as standard antidiabetic drugs increased liver hexakinase activity and serum LDH activity.

Antitumour activity of Bauhinia variegata on Dalton's ascitic lymphoma.

The antitumour activity of the ethanol extract of Bauhinia variegata (EBV) has been evaluated against Dalton's ascitic lymphoma (DAL) in Swiss albino mice. A significant enhancement of mean survival time of EBV-treated tumour bearing mice was found with respect to control group. EBV treatment was found to enhance peritoneal cell counts. After 14 days of inoculation, EBV is able to reverse the changes in the haemotological parameters, protein and PCV consequent to tumour inoculation.

Studies on erythrocyte membrane. VII. In vitro haemolytic effect of Sesbania grandiflora leaves.

Aqueous extract of the leaves of Sesbania grandiflora produced haemolysis of human and sheep erythrocytes even at very low concentrations. Haemolysis was greater when the pH was acidic. The liberation of phospholipids and sterols into the supernatant as a result of haemolysis indicated possible damage to the erythrocyte membrane.

Studies on erythrocyte membrane IV: in vitro haemolytic activity of oleander extract.

Aqueous extract of oleander seeds produced haemolysis of both human and sheep erythrocytes, the latter being more sensitive to this effect. The degree of haemolysis is dependent upon the quantity of the extract and the pH of the medium. The haemolytic effect of the extract was due to severe damage to the membrane leading to the release of phospholipids and sterols.