Exploring the effect of Crinum latifolia in obesity: possible role of oxidative, angiogenic, and inflammatory pathways.

Obesity is a multifaceted disease encompassing deposition of an unnecessary amount of fat which upsurges the possibility of other complications, viz., hypertension and certain type of cancers. Although obesity results from combination of genetic factors, improper diet and inadequate physical exercise also play a major role in its onset. The present study aims at exploring the anti-obesity activity of Crinum latifolia leaf extract in obese rats. The leaves were extracted using hydroalcoholic extraction which was later diluted with water and given to obese rats. The dosing was started from the 4th week (by oral administration of extract of Crinum latifolia (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) and combination of Crinum latifolia leaf extract 200 mg/kg and orlistat 30 mg/kg) till the 10th week. Various angiogenic, antioxidant, biochemical, and inflammatory biomarkers were assessed at the end of the study. The obese symptoms were progressively reduced in treatment groups when compared to disease control groups. The angiogenic parameters and inflammatory parameters were consequently reduced in treatment groups. The oxidative parameters superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were gradually increased, while levels of TBARS were reduced in treatment groups showing antioxidant nature of leaf hydroalcoholic extract. The Crinum latifolia leaf extract possesses anti-obesity properties and therefore can be used as a therapeutic option in the management of obesity.

Emerging Therapeutic Effects of Herbal Plants in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by the failure of spontaneous resolution of inflammation with lifetime perseverance, becoming one of the major causes of disability in millions of people. It is mainly characterized by progressive erosion of cartilage in response to the formation of pannus leading to chronic polyarthritis and joint distortion. Early diagnosis and advances in molecular biology undoubtedly revolutionized therapeutic interventions in the past decade for better disease management. Despite favorable prospects, many patients still fail to respond to the current therapies urging a burning need to develop newer and safer medications. Herbal plants have been utilized since the ancient era and provided the base for massive bioactive compounds with flaunting therapeutic potential, many being advanced to drugs that are consumed worldwide for treating countless ailments. Scientific studies showed the involvement of several cellular mechanisms like oxidative stress suppression, downregulated synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines namely interleukins (IL-1, IL-6), TNF-α, NF-κB, demoted metalloproteinases induced cartilage destruction and augmentation of free radical scavenging and antioxidant activity in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. A plethora of active phytoconstituents like flavonoids, saponins, terpenes, alkaloids, lactones, etc, have been isolated from herbal plants with proven curative actions. The present review enlists some of the herbal drugs that can be used to amend the effects of rheumatoid arthritis and impart symptomatic relief to patients.