In Vitro Antibacterial Evaluation of Terminalia chebula as an Alternative of Antibiotics against Bovine Subclinical Mastitis.

The extent of subclinical mastitis in three breeds of cattle, Kankrej, Gir, and Crossbred, was performed at cattle farms in Anand town of Gujarat State, India. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis in crossbred cattle was higher compared to local breed of cattle. Causative agents identified using 16S rDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular method were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus megaterium. In vitro antibacterial activity of ethyl acetate extract of plant Terminalia chebula (Combretaceae) was checked by agar well diffusion method against four isolated and molecularly identified microorganisms. Ethyl acetate extract shows antimicrobial activity with varying magnitudes against all identified isolates. Among the three different concentrations, 500 µg/mL conc. of extract is as effective as that of standard amoxicillin. In vitro results support the use of plant extract from T. chebula as an alternative to antibiotics therapy against bovine subclinical mastitis.

Ficus recemosa bark extract attenuates diabetic complications and oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Context Ficus recemosa Linn. (Moraceae) has been reported as a natural folk medicine with diverse pathological activities such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, renoprotective and cardioprotective. Objective The present study evaluates the preventive effect of standardised ethanol extract of F. racemosa stem bark (EEFSB) on diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) and diabetic nephropathy (DN). Materials and methods Animals were rendered diabetic by one time administration of STZ (45 mg kg(-1), i.v.) and, after 7 d, diabetic rats were randomised into four groups of eight rats each. EEFSB (200 and 400 mg kg(-1)) was administered to diabetic rats once daily for 8 weeks. Furthermore, the presence of phytochemicals was evaluated by HPTLC. Results Treatment with EEFSB markedly restores the blood glucose and lipid level (p < 0.001), also reduced creatinine kinase (p < 0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.001), C-reactive protein (p < 0.001), creatinine (p < 0.001), blood urea nitrogen (p < 0.001), collagen (p < 0.05) and albumin (p < 0.001) levels. Reduced level of sodium (p < 0.001), creatinine (p < 0.001), albumin (p < 0.001) and malondialdehyde (p < 0.01) in heart and kidney tissue along with enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase (p < 0.001) and reduced glutathione (p < 0.001). Moreover, left ventricular hypertrophic index and cardiac hypertrophic index were markedly reduced by EEFSB treatment. Conclusion The findings of this study provided strong scientific evidence for the traditional use of F. racemosa and postulate protective effects against diabetes and its complications such as DC and DN.

Screening of flavonoids rich fractions of three Indian medicinal plants used for the management of liver diseases

ABSTRACTThe decoctions of the Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub., Fabaceae, Bauhinia variegata L., Fabaceae, and Ocimum gratissimum L., Lamiaceae, are traditionally used for the treatment of various types of hepatic disorder. Phytochemical studies have shown that total flavonoids from these plants were the major constituents of the picked out part of each plant. The present study was planned to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of flavonoid rich fractions of the B. monosperma, B. variegata and O. gratissimum against paracetamol induced liver damage. Flavonoid rich fractions were isolated by solvent fractionation from each plant. Each fraction was subjected to various qualitative chemical tests to findout the metabolites. Flavonoid fractions of each plant were subjected for pharmacological screening. The rats were monitored for change in liver morphology, biochemical parameters like serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin for the groups receiving the flavonoid-rich fractions. All flavonoid rich fractions showed significant hepatoprotective activity. The histological studies supported the biochemical parameters. From the results of biochemical analysis and histopathological studies, it can be accomplished that in the ethyl acetate fraction of O. gratissimum showed highest hepatoprotective activity as compared to other fractions. The present study was the first evidence of flavonoid-rich fractions of each plant have a remarkable hepatoprotective effect. All fractions contain a potent hepatoprotective agent suggested to be a flavone, which may find clinical application in amelioration of paracetamol-induced liver damage.

Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory action of Opuntia elatior Mill fruits.

BACKGROUND: Opuntia elatio Mill is a xerophytic plant with potentially active nutrients. It is traditionally appreciated for its pharmacological properties; however, the scientific information on this plant is insufficient. OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluates the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory action of prickly pear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Writhing and tail-immersion tests were carried out to evaluate analgesic action, while the carrageenan-induced paw edema and neutrophil adhesion tests were conducted in Albino wistar rats to assess anti-inflammatory action. RESULTS: ED50 values of the fruit juice in writhing, tail immersion, and paw edema test were 0.919, 2.77, and 9.282 ml/kg, respectively. The fruits of Opuntia produced analgesic and anti-inflammatory action in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: The results establish the folklore use of prickly pear may be due to the presence of betacyanin and/or other phenolic compounds.

Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Colocasia esculenta on marble-burying behavior in mice: Implications for obsessive-compulsive disorder.

CONTEXT: Over the past decades, the inhibition of spontaneous burying of glass marbles by mice has been used as an index of anxiolytic drug action in the so-called marble-burying test. Although Colocasia esculenta Linn. (Araceae), commonly known as elephant ear (English), possesses several medicinal properties, little is known for its use in neurological activity. OBJECTIVE: The current research evaluated the anti-obsessive-compulsive disorder (anti-compulsive) activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Colocasia esculenta (HECE) for the first time using the marble-burying behavior test in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, the effect of HECE (25 and 50 mg/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p.) was examined using the marble-burying behavior test, which is an animal model of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), using Swiss albino mice. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The acute toxicity studies showed that the LD50 value of the HECE in mice was 1000 mg/kg by i.p. route. The effect of HECE (25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) was characterized by significant reduction in the number of buried marbles as compared with the control group (p < 0.001). The effect of HECE was comparable with that of fluoxetine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) - a reference standard drug used in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (p < 0.001). Fluoxetine and HECE do not produce any overt motor dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study for the first time show that the plant possesses anti-compulsive activity, confirming the traditional claims. Future research should focus on the identification and the anti-compulsive activity of the constituents from this plant.

Hematinic effect of fruits of Opuntia elatior Mill. on phenylhydrazine-induced anemia in rats.

INTRODUCTION: The fruits of Opuntia elatior Mill. are known as prickly pear and folkloric use as hematinic, anti-inflammatory and antiasthmatic action. Previously, the fruit juice of prickly pear was evaluated in reversed anemia induced by HgCl2 in a dose dependant manner and present study revealed about its effect in acute hemolytic anemia. AIM: To evaluate the hematinic activity of fruits of Opuntia elatior Mill. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hematinic activity of an orally administered fruit juice was studied on phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced anemic rats. The hematological parameters such as hemoglobin (Hb) content, red blood cell (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), and reticulocyte count were analyzed as indices of anemia. RESULTS: PHZ altered the hematological parameters by hemolysis characterized by a decrease in Hb content, total RBC counts and PCV (P < 0.001) on day 3. The Hb content (g%) was significantly increased (P < 0.05) at day 7 in 10 and 15 ml/kg fruit juice treated rats, which was a good improvement compared to the standard. CONCLUSION: The speedy and progressive recovery of anemic rats responding to treatment of the O. elatior Mill. fruits may be due to increased erythropoiesis and/or antioxidant property of betacyanin.

Design and evaluation of herbal hepatoprotective formulation against paracetamol induced liver toxicity.

AIM: To isolate and identify the quercetin from polyherbal hepatoprotective formulation. Polyherbal formulations were developed by using five bioactive fractionated extracts of Butea monosperma, Bauhinia variegata and Ocimum gratissimum for treatment of liver disorders by exploiting the knowledge of traditional system of medicine and evaluated for hepatoprotective activity using acute liver toxicity model of paracetamol induced liver damage in rats. METHODS: Major active fractions were isolated by solvent fractionation and quantified by HPTLC method. Two polyherbal tablet formulations were developed by the wet granulation method using microcrystalline cellulose, aerosil and other excipients and subjected for physicochemical evaluation to assess physical stability followed by pharmacological screening. The prepared tablets were finally subjected to stability testing to assess its shelf-life. The rats were monitored for change in liver morphology, biochemical parameters like serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin for polyherbal tablet formulation at 50 mg/kg and polyherbal tablet formulation at 100 mg/kg. RESULTS: Active principle was isolated, quantified by HPTLC and characterized with IR. Both formulations showed significant hepatoprotective activity. The histological studies were also support the biochemical parameters. From the results of biochemical analysis and histopathological studies, it can be accomplished that polyherbal tablet formulation at 100 mg/kg can be effectively formulated into a suitable dosage form with added benefit of no side effects for control and cure of chronic ailments like liver disorders. A comparative histopathological study of liver exhibited almost normal architecture as compared to toxicant group. CONCLUSION: Biochemical marker showed improved results for polyherbal tablet formulation at 100 mg/kg. Polyherbal tablet formulation contains a potent hepatoprotective agent suggested to be a flavone concentrated in polyherbal formulation which may find clinical application in amelioration of paracetamol induced liver damage.

Neuroprotective activityof Cymbopogon martinii against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced oxidative stress in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) Watson (Family: Graminae), commonly known as Palmarosa, is traditionally prescribed for central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as neuralgia, epileptic fits and anorexia. Although the plant possesses diverse pharmacological actions, the neuroprotective action has got little attention. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study evaluated neuroprotective effect of essential oil of Cymbopogon martinii (EOCM) against global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced oxidative stress in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Global ischemic brain damage was induced by bilateral common carotid artery (BCCA) occlusion for 30 min, followed by 60 min reperfusion on Wistar albino rats. The biochemical levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total thiols and glutathione (GSH) were estimated and brain coronal sections and histopathological studies were performed. RESULTS: BCCA occlusion, followed by reperfusion caused varied biochemical/enzymatic alterations viz. increase in LPO and decrease in SOD, CAT, total thiols and GSH. The prior treatment of EOCM (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, p.o. for 10 days) markedly reversed these changes and restored to normal levels as compared to I/R groups. Moreover, brain coronal sections and histopathological studies revealed protection against ischemic brain damage in the EOCM-treated groups. CONCLUSION: This study, for the first time, shows potent neuroprotective effect of EOCM against global cerebral I/R-induced oxidative stress in rats, suggesting its therapeutic potential in cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) including stroke.

Antiobesity effect of Stellaria media against drug induced obesity in Swiss albino mice.

The whole plant of Stellaria media (family: Caryophyllaceae) has been tested for its antiobesity activity by using progesterone-induced obesity model in female albino mice. The effect of S. media on food consumption pattern, change in body weight, thermogenesis, lipid metabolism, and histology of fat pad. were examined. Methanolic and alcoholic extracts of the S. media were used in the study. Methanolic extract of S. media (MESM) have prevented the increase in body weight, adipose tissue weight and size, and upturned obesity and associated complications. MESM has also shown promising effects compared with alcoholic extract of S. media may be because of its multiple mechanisms. These findings suggest that antiobesity activity produced by MESM is because of its anorexic property mediated by saponin and flavonoid and partly of by its ß-sitosterol content. ß-Sitosterol in the plant extract was confirmed by thin-layer chromatography study. ß-sitosterol is plant sterol having structural similarity with dietary fat which do the physical competition in the gastrointestinal tract and reduces fat absorption. Before carrying in vivo activity detail pharmacognostic and phytochemical analysis of the extracts was carried out. The plant has shown the presence of saponin, flavonoids, steroids and triterpenoids, glycosides, and anthocynidine. By this study, it can be concluded that, MESM is beneficial in suppression of obesity induced by progesterone.

Anticonvulsant activity of solasodine isolated from Solanum sisymbriifolium fruits in rodents.

CONTEXT: Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. (Solanaceae), commonly known as sticky nightshade, is traditionally used for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Although solasodine has been isolated from this plant, little is known about its anticonvulsant and CNS depressant actions. OBJECTIVE: We investigated anticonvulsant and CNS depressant effects of solasodine isolated from S. sisymbriifolium using several experimental models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Swiss albino mice (n=6) were employed for pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and picrotoxin (PCT)-induced convulsions and thiopental-induced sleep time. Different groups of Wistar albino rats (n=6) were subjected to maximal electroshock (MES) test. Solasodine, a steroidal glycoalkaloid, was isolated from dried fruits of S. sisymbriifolium and identified by GC-MS. RESULTS: The results showed that intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of solasodine (25 mg/kg) significantly delayed (p < 0.01) latency of hind limb tonic extensor (HLTE) phase in the PCT-induced convulsions. In the MES model, solasodine significantly reduced (p < 0.001) duration of HLTE at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p. in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, solasodine did not produce any significant reduction in PTZ-induced convulsions. Prior treatment of solasodine (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly potentiated thiopental-provoked sleep in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our study, for the first time, shows potent anticonvulsant and CNS depressant activities of solasodine. It is likely that solasodine, in part, is responsible for the anticonvulsant and sedative properties of S. sisymbriifolium. The future study should focus on the exact mechanism of action of solasodine.

Neuropharmacological activity of hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Colocasia esculenta.

CONTEXT: Although Colocasia esculenta Linn. (Araceae), commonly known as elephant ear (English), possesses diverse pharmacological activities in animals, little is known about its neuropharmacological activity. OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the neuropharmacological activities of hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Colocasia esculenta (HECE) using several experimental models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult Wistar albino rats were subjected to behavior despair and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. Thiopental-induced sedation and rotarod tests were conducted on Swiss albino mice. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The effects of HECE on anxiety, depression, thiopental-induced sleeping time, and rotarod performance were evaluated. The anxiolytic activity of HECE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) per os (p.o.) was characterized by increased time spent and number of entries in open arms in the EPM paradigm as compared to control group (p < 0.001). The HECE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) showed dose-dependent significant reduction in duration of immobility (p < 0.01) in the behavior despair test. The HECE at the doses 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p. was found to produce a significant reduction in motor coordination (p < 0.001) and prolongation of thiopental-induced sleeping time (p < 0.001). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, ß-sitosterol, and steroids. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study for the first time show that the plant possesses neuropharmacological activity, confirming the traditional claims. Future research should focus on the identification and the neurobehavioral activity of the constituents from this plant.

Phytochemical and pharmacological review of Lagenaria sicereria.

Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) standley (LS) (Family: Cucurbitaceae) is an annual herbaceous climbing plant with a long history of traditional medicinal uses in many countries, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Since ancient times the climber has been known for its curative properties, and has been utilized for treatment of various ailments, including jaundice, diabetes, ulcer, piles, colitis, insanity, hypertension, congestive cardiac failure (CCF), and skin diseases. Its fruit pulp is used both as an emetic and purgative, and for its cooling, diuretic, antibilious, and pectoral properties. Boiled in oil this pulp is used to treat rheumatism and insomnia. A wide range of chemical compounds including sterols, terpenoids, flavonoids, and saponins have been isolated from the species. Its extracts have been found to possess various pharmacological activities. Below, we give a comprehensive review of its ethnomedical uses, chemical constituents, and pharmacological profile as a medicinal plant. Particular attention is given to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, diuretic, hepatoprotective, anthelmintic, and antibacterial effects so that its potential uses in pharmaceutics can be better evaluated.