Cassia absus-mediated upregulation of IL-4, IL-10 and downregulation of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF- α, NF-κB, IFN-γ in CFA-induced arthritis model.

Traditional use of Cassia absus as an anti-inflammatory in conjunctivitis and bronchitis is well reported. Owing to its anti-inflammatory potential, the current study appraised in vivo anti-arthritic activity of n-hexane and aqueous extracts of Cassia absus seeds (200 mg/kg) using Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) rat model of arthritis. Changes in paw size (mm), joint diameter (mm), and pain response (sec) were recorded at the baseline and then after CFA induction at the interval of 4 days till the 28th day. Blood samples of anesthetized rats were collected for the estimation of hematological, oxidative, and inflammatory biomarkers. Results showed percent inhibition in paw edema (45.09% and 60.79%) with both n-hexane and aqueous extracts, respectively. Significant reduction in paw size and ankle joint diameter (P < 0.01) was seen in extracts treated rats. Erythrocyte Sedimentation rate, C-Reactive Protein, White Blood Cell levels significantly lowered, and Hemoglobin, Platelets and Red Blood Cell count significantly increased post-treatments. Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, and Glutathione were significantly improved (P < 0.0001) in treated groups as compared to CFA induced arthritic control. Real-time polymerase chain reaction investigation showed significant downregulation (P < 0.05) of Interleukin-1ß, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Interleukin-6, Cycloxygenase-2, Nuclear Factor-κB, Prostaglandin E Synthase 2, Interferon Gamma and upregulation of Interleukin-4, Interleukin-10 in both n-hexane and aqueous extract-treated groups. It is thereby concluded that Cassia absus can significantly attenuate CFA-induced arthritis by modulation of oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers.

Preclinical activities of Cassia tora Linn against aging-related diseases.

Globally, an aging population is increasing, and aging is a natural physiological process and a major risk factor for all age-related diseases. It seriously threatens personal health and imposes a great economic burden. Therefore, there is a growing scientific interest in strategies for well-aging with prevention and treatment of age-related diseases. The seed, root, stem or leaves of Cassia tora Linn. are useful for anti-bacteria, anti-hyperlipidemia and anti-obesity due to its pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammation and anti-oxidant both in vitro and in vivo. Nevertheless, no clinical trials have been attempted so far, therefore here we would like to understand the current preclinical activities for aging-related disease models including cataract, metabolic dysfunction and neurodegeneration, then discuss their preparation for clinical trials and perspectives.

Aldose reductase inhibitor form Cassia glauca: A comparative study of cytotoxic activity with Ag nanoparticles (NPs) and molecular docking evaluation.

UPLC-MS/MS profiling of Cassia glauca leaves extract revealed the identification of 10 flavonoids. Kaempferol 3-O-ß-D-rutinoside was isolated and studied for its cytotoxic activity. It showed high cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 (IC50 of 4.6±0.038 µg/ml) and HepG-2 (IC50 of 8.2±0.024 µg/ml) cancer cell lines, compared to the leaves extracts, their Ag nanoparticles, and doxorubicin. Moreover, Kaempferol 3-O-ß-D-rutinoside exerted a synergistic cytotoxic effect with doxorubicin on MCF-7 cell lines. It was discovered as kinases and aldose reductase inhibitor while rationalizing its cytotoxic activity through molecular docking study. Thus, it is expected that the cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin can be also decreased by using Kaempferol 3-O-ß-D-rutinoside due to its aldose reductase inhibitory effect. These findings suggested that Kaempferol 3-O-ß-D-rutinoside could be used in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs to increase the sensitivity to their cytotoxic activity and protect against their side effects.

Full-Length Transcriptome Survey and Expression Analysis of Cassia obtusifolia to Discover Putative Genes Related to Aurantio-Obtusin Biosynthesis, Seed Formation and Development, and Stress Response.

The seed is the pharmaceutical and breeding organ of Cassia obtusifolia, a well-known medical herb containing aurantio-obtusin (a kind of anthraquinone), food, and landscape. In order to understand the molecular mechanism of the biosynthesis of aurantio-obtusin, seed formation and development, and stress response of C. obtusifolia, it is necessary to understand the genomics information. Although previous seed transcriptome of C. obtusifolia has been carried out by short-read next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, the vast majority of the resulting unigenes did not represent full-length cDNA sequences and supply enough gene expression profile information of the various organs or tissues. In this study, fifteen cDNA libraries, which were constructed from the seed, root, stem, leaf, and flower (three repetitions with each organ) of C. obtusifolia, were sequenced using hybrid approach combining single-molecule real-time (SMRT) and NGS platform. More than 4,315,774 long reads with 9.66 Gb sequencing data and 361,427,021 short reads with 108.13 Gb sequencing data were generated by SMRT and NGS platform, respectively. 67,222 consensus isoforms were clustered from the reads and 81.73% (61,016) of which were longer than 1000 bp. Furthermore, the 67,222 consensus isoforms represented 58,106 nonredundant transcripts, 98.25% (57,092) of which were annotated and 25,573 of which were assigned to specific metabolic pathways by KEGG. CoDXS and CoDXR genes were directly used for functional characterization to validate the accuracy of sequences obtained from transcriptome. A total of 658 seed-specific transcripts indicated their special roles in physiological processes in seed. Analysis of transcripts which were involved in the early stage of anthraquinone biosynthesis suggested that the aurantio-obtusin in C. obtusifolia was mainly generated from isochorismate and Mevalonate/methylerythritol phosphate (MVA/MEP) pathway, and three reactions catalyzed by Menaquinone-specific isochorismate synthase (ICS), 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (DXS) and isopentenyl diphosphate (IPPS) might be the limited steps. Several seed-specific CYPs, SAM-dependent methyltransferase, and UDP-glycosyltransferase (UDPG) supplied promising candidate genes in the late stage of anthraquinone biosynthesis. In addition, four seed-specific transcriptional factors including three MYB Transcription Factor (MYB) and one MADS-box Transcription Factor (MADS) transcriptional factors) and alternative splicing might be involved with seed formation and development. Meanwhile, most members of Hsp20 genes showed high expression level in seed and flower; seven of which might have chaperon activities under various abiotic stresses. Finally, the expressional patterns of genes with particular interests showed similar trends in both transcriptome assay and qRT-PCR. In conclusion, this is the first full-length transcriptome sequencing reported in Caesalpiniaceae family, and thus providing a more complete insight into aurantio-obtusin biosynthesis, seed formation and development, and stress response as well in C. obtusifolia.

New naphthalene derivative from the leaves of Cassia grandis L.

Cassia grandis is used for the treatment of skin disorders, back pain, aches, etc. in Vietnamese traditional medicine. In this paper, phytochemicals of the leaves were investigated. A new naphthalene derivative (1, cassgranon D) and, seven known compounds rutin (2), afzelin (3), quercitrin (4), epicatechin (5), (-)-epiafzelechin (6), isoquercitrin (7) and aloe emodin (8) were isolated from the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts. Their structures were elucidated by spectral evidences (UV, IR, MS, 1H, 13C, DEPT, HSQC and HMBC NMR), as well as by comparing with published data.

Impact of bio-nanogold on seed germination and seedling growth in Pennisetum glaucum.

Nanotechnology is leading towards the development of low cost applications to improve the cultivation and growth of plants. The use of nanotechnology in agriculture will leads to a significant effect on food industry along with opening a new area of research in agroecosystem. In this paper gold nanoparticles were biosynthesized with Cassia auriculata leaf extract at room temperature and characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The objective of this study was to investigate effect of synthesized bio-nanogold on an important food and biofuel producing plant Pennisetum glaucum. Positive effects were observed on percentage of seed germination and growth of seedlings. Improved germination and increased plant biomass have high economic importance in production of biofuel or raw materials, agriculture and horticulture. Although the impact of nanoparticles on plants depends on concentration, size and shape. The biological synthesized AuNPs can replace the chemically synthesized AuNPs used in gene transfer method. The study gives brief insight on nanoparticles effects on plants, brings attention on both positive and negative side of nanomaterial which can resolve phytopathological infections by stimulating nutrition and growth.

Chemical structures and hepatoprotective effects of constituents from Cassia auriculata leaves.

An 80% aqueous acetone extract of Cassia auriculata leaves was found to show a protective effect on D-galactosamine-induced cytotoxicity in primary cultured mouse hepatocytes. From the 80% aqueous acetone extract, we isolated a new benzocoumarin glycoside, avaraoside I (1), and a new flavanol dimer, avaraol I (2), together with 29 known constituents. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. In addition, three isolated compounds, pseudosemiglabrin (15, 0.0011%), (2S)-7,4'-dihydroxyflavan(4ß→8)-catechin (22, 0.00075%), and (2S)-7,4'-dihydroxyflavan(4ß→8)-gallocatechin (23, 0.092%), displayed hepatoprotective effects equivalent to that of the hepatoprotective agent, silybin.

Repellency of cassia bark, eucalyptus, and star anise oils and their major constituents to Leptotrombidium pallidum (Acari: Trombiculidae).

Leptotrombidium pallidum (Nagoya, Miyagawa, Mitamura & Tamiya) is a primary vector of Orientia tsutsugamushi (Hyashi), the causative agent of scrub typhus. An assessment is made of the repellency to L. pallidum larvae (chiggers) of cassia bark, eucalyptus, and star anise oils and major constituents (E)-cinnamaldehyde, 1,8-cineole, and (E)-anethole of the corresponding oils. Results were compared with those of conventional repellents DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide), IR3535 [(ethyl 3-[acetyl(butyl)amino]propanoate)], and permethrin. Based on the median repellent concentration (RC50) values, (E)-cinnamaldehyde, (E)-anethole, cassia bark oil, and star anise oil (RC50, 0.95-1.52 mg/cm2) exhibited significantly more potent repellency than DEET (3.85 mg/cm2). (E)-cinnamaldehyde, (E)-anethole, cassiabark oil, 1,8-cineole, and star anise oil were approximately 43, 16, 11, 8, and 4 times more effective than IR3535 (CC5, 6.51%) as judged by the median climbing distance-disturbing concentration (CC50) values. The median residual duration time of repellency (RT50) was significantly more pronounced in DEET (RT50, 323 min) than in all essential oils and constituents (108-167 min). In the light of global efforts to reduce the level of highly toxic synthetic repellents, the three essential oils and their major constituents described merit further study as potential biorepellents for the control of L. pallidum populations.

Cassia spectabilis (DC) Irwin et Barn: a promising traditional herb in health improvement.

The genus Cassia, comprising about 600 species widely distributed worldwide is well known for its diverse biological and pharmacological properties. Cassia spectabilis (sin Senna spectabilis) (DC) Irwin et Barn (Fabaceae) is widely grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical areas. C. spectabilis has been commonly used in traditional medicine for many years. Information in the biomedical literature has indicated the presence of a variety of medicinally-important chemical constituents in C. spectabilis. Pharmacological studies by various groups of investigators have shown that C. spectabilis possesses significant biological activity, such as antibacterial, antibiofilm, antifungal and antioxidant properties. Beside this, toxicity studies of this plant have revealed no toxic effect on mice. In view of the immense medicinal importance of C. spectabilis, this review aimed at compiling all currently available information on C. spectabilis's botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and mechanism of actions, toxicology and its ethnomedicinal uses.

[Effect of exogenous carbon monoxide donor hematin on seed germination and physiological characteristics of Cassia obtusifolia seedlings under NaCl stress].

OBJECTIVE: In order to get the method to improve the salt resistance of seeds and seedlings for Cassia obtusbifolia under NaCl stress, seed germination and physiological characteristics of C. obtusifolia seedlings were studied. METHOD: Several physiological indexes of C. obtusifolia seeds treated with exogenous carbon monoxide donor hematin under NaCl stress like the germination vigor, germination rate, germination index and vigor index were measured. And other indexes like the relative water content, the contents of photosynthetic pigment, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, the contents of soluble sugar, protein and proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), the activities of superoxide (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) were also measured. RESULT: The germination indexes of C. obtusifolia seeds under NaCl stress had been inhibited obviously. But after the treatment of hematin, every germination indexes were all increased. The result showed that the treatment of exogenous CO donor hematin obviously improved the germination vigor, germination rate, germination index and vigor index, increased the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, improved the photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), photochemical efficiency (Fv'/Fm'), PS II actual photochemical efficiency (phiPS II), photochemical quench coefficient (qP), decreased non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) , increased the relative water content of leaves and the content of soluble surge, protein and proline. Meanwhile, the results also indicated that CO improved the activities of superoxide (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT). The effects of CO could be reversed when CO scavenger Hb is added. CONCLUSION: Exogenous CO donor hematin with appropriate concentration could significantly alleviate the damages to the seeds and seedlings of C. obtusifolia under NaCl stress and promote the salt resistance of the seeds and seedlings through improving the germination indexes, the photochemical efficiency and the antioxidase activities of the seedlings.

Antioxidant potential and health relevant functionality of traditionally processed Cassia hirsuta L. seeds: an Indian underutilized food legume.

The methanolic extract of Cassia hirsuta L. seed materials, an underutilized food legume collected from India, was analyzed for antioxidant activity and health relevant functionality. The methanolic extract of raw seeds contained a total free phenolic content of 15.82 ± 1.69 g catechin equivalent/100 g extract DM. Encouraging levels of ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP, 1,446 mmol Fe[II]/mg extract), inhibition of ß-carotene degradation (48.81%) and scavenging activity against DPPH (64.40%) and superoxide (43.78%) radicals were exhibited by the raw samples. Further, 83.11% of α-amylase and 62.79% of α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition characteristics under in vitro starch digestion bioassay were also recorded. Sprouting + oil-frying caused an apparent increase on the total free phenolic content and a significant improvement in the antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacity of methanolic extract of C. hirsuta seeds, while soaking + cooking as well as open-pan roasting treatments showed diminishing effects. The analysis of the phenolic profile revealed the presence of gallic acid, p-coumaric acid and (+)-catechin in the methanolic extract of these seeds.

Protecting cell walls from binding aluminum by organic acids contributes to aluminum resistance.

Aluminum-induced secretion of organic acids from the root apex has been demonstrated to be one major Al resistance mechanism in plants. However, whether the organic acid concentration is high enough to detoxify Al in the growth medium is frequently questioned. The genotypes of Al-resistant wheat, Cassia tora L. and buckwheat secrete malate, citrate and oxalate, respectively. In the present study we found that at a 35% inhibition of root elongation, the Al activities in the solution were 10, 20, and 50 muM with the corresponding malate, citrate, and oxalate exudation at the rates of 15, 20 and 21 nmol/cm(2) per 12 h, respectively, for the above three plant species. When exogenous organic acids were added to ameliorate Al toxicity, twofold and eightfold higher oxalate and malate concentrations were required to produce the equal effect by citrate. After the root apical cell walls were isolated and preincubated in 1 mM malate, oxalate or citrate solution overnight, the total amount of Al adsorbed to the cell walls all decreased significantly to a similar level, implying that these organic acids own an equal ability to protect the cell walls from binding Al. These findings suggest that protection of cell walls from binding Al by organic acids may contribute significantly to Al resistance.

Insecticidal activity of three plants extracts on the cowpea pod sucking bug, Clavigralla tomentosicollis, STAL (Hemiptera: Coreidae).

In Burkina Faso, farmers commonly use insecticidal plants for crop protection. To understand how insecticidal plant works (their mode of action), we carried out a bioassay on Clavigralla tomentosicollis, the cowpea pod sucking bugs with three insecticidal plants, Cassia nigricans V., Cymbopogon schoenanthus S. and Cleome viscosa L. Three modes of exposures (1) direct contact application, (2) stomach poisoning activity (3) and inhalation toxicity activity, were tested. The results showed a potent contact and stomach toxicity on 1st instars larvae regardless of the three crude extracts. But the plant extracts was less effective with older stages of the insects. A highest effectiveness was recorded with inhalation of vapours of crude extracts regardless of insect stages and type of plants. Implications of these findings are discussed regarding the use of plant extract for controlling pod sucking bugs in cowpea fields.

Chrobisiamone A, a new bischromone from Cassia siamea and a biomimetic transformation of 5-acetonyl-7-hydroxy-2-methylchromone into cassiarin A.

A new bischromone, chrobisiamone A (1) with an antiplasmodial activity has been isolated from the leaves of Cassia siamea and the structure was elucidated by 2D NMR analysis. Cyclization of 5-acetonyl-7-hydroxy-2-methylchromone (2) in the presence of ammonium acetate resulted in generation of cassiarin A (3) with an unprecedented tricyclic skeleton, supporting a biogenetic pathway proposed for 3.

Pest-managing activities of plant extracts and anthraquinones from Cassia nigricans from Burkina Faso.

Insecticidal activity of eight plants collected from Burkina Faso was studied using mosquito (Ochlerotatus triseriatus), Helicoverpa zea and Heliothis virescens larvae and adult white fly (Bemisia tabaci). The n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Pseudocedrela kotschyi, Strophantus hispidus, Securidaca longepedunculata, Sapium grahamii, Swartzia madagascariensis, Cassia nigricans, Jatropha curcas and Datura innoxia were used in this study. Extracts were tested at 250 microg/mL concentration. All three extracts of C. nigricans, J. curcas (skin and seeds) and D. innoxia exhibited 100% mortality on fourth instar mosquito (O. triseriatus) larvae. In addition, the n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of S. hispidus, S. longepedunculata, S. grahamii showed 100% mortality. The ethyl acetate extract of S. madagascariensis was the most active on adult white fly and exhibited 80% mortality. Extracts of all other plants exhibited 30-50% mortality on B. tabaci. In the antifeedant assays against H. zea and H. virescens, the MeOH extracts of C. nigricans, S. madagascarensis and S. hispidus were more effective against H. zea as indicated by 74% larval weight reduction as compared to the control. Since C. nigricans is commonly used in West Africa to protect grain storage from insects, we have characterized the insecticidal components present in its extract. Bioassay directed isolation of C. nigricans leaf extract yielded anthraquinones emodin, citreorosein, and emodic acid and a flavonoid, luteolin. Emodin, the most abundant and active anthraquinone in C. nigricans showed approximately 85% mortality on mosquito larvae Anopheles gambiaea and adult B. tabaci at 50 and 25 microg/mL, respectively, in 24 h. These results suggest that the extract of C. nigricans has the potential to be used as an organic approach to manage some of the agricultural pests.

A trypsin inhibitor from Cassia obtusifolia seeds: isolation, characterization and activity against Pieris rapae.

A trypsin inhibitor was isolated from Cassia obtusifolia by ammonium sulfate precipitation, Sepharose 4B-trypsin affinity and Sephadex G-75 chromatography. The inhibitor consisted of a single polypeptide chain with a molecular mass of 19, 812.55 Da. It was stable from pH 2 to 12 for 24 h, whereas it was unstable either above 70 degrees C for 10 min or under reduced conditions. The inhibitor, which inhibited trypsin activity with an apparent Ki of 0.3 microM, had one reactive site involving a lysine residue. The native inhibitor was resistant to pepsin digestion, whereas the heated inhibitor produced 40% degree of susceptibility. The disulfide linkage and lysine residue were important in maintaining its conformation. Partial amino acid sequence of the purified protein showed a high degree of homology with various members of the Kunitz inhibitor family. Moreover, the inhibitor showed significant inhibitory activity against trypsin-like proteases present in the larval midgut on Pieris rapae and could suppress the growth of larvae.

Comparative studies on the effect of a protein-synthesis inhibitor on aluminium-induced secretion of organic acids from Fagopyrum esculentum Moench and Cassia tora L. roots.

Aluminium (Al)-induced secretion of organic acids from plant roots is considered a mechanism of Al resistance, but the processes leading to the secretion of organic acids are still unknown. In the present study, a protein-synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide (CHM), was used to investigate its effect on Al-induced organic acid secretion in a pattern I (rapid exudation of organic acids under Al stress) plant buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) and a pattern II (exudation of organic acids was delayed by several hours under Al stress) plant Cassia tora L. A dose-response experiment showed that the secretion of oxalate by buckwheat roots was not affected by CHM when added in the range from 0 to 50 microM, with or without exposure to 100 microm Al, but the secretion of citrate was completely inhibited by 30 microM CHM in C. tora. A time-course experiment showed that even prolonged exposure to 20 microM CHM did not affect oxalate secretion in buckwheat, but significantly inhibited citrate secretion in C. tora. However, citrate synthase (CS) activity in C. tora was not affected during 12 h exposure to 100 microM Al when compared with that in control roots, although CHM can inhibit CS activity effectively. These results indicated that CS activity was not related to Al-regulated citrate efflux in C. tora. The total protein was decreased by 14.0% and 32.3% in C. tora and buckwheat root tip, respectively, after 3-h treatment with 20 microM CHM. A 3-h pulse with 20 microM CHM completely inhibited citrate efflux in C. tora during the next 6-h exposure to Al, although a small amount of citrate was exuded after 9-h exposure. However, oxalate efflux in buckwheat was not influenced by a similar treatment. In buckwheat, a 3-h pulse with 100 microM Al maintained oxalate secretion at a high level during the next 9 h, with or without CHM treatment. Conversely, in C. tora a 6-h pulse with 100 microM Al induced significant secretion of citrate which was inhibited by the CHM. Taken together, these findings suggest that both de novo synthesis and activation of an anion channel are needed for Al-induced secretion of citrate in C. tora, but in buckwheat the plasma membrane protein responsible for oxalate secretion pre-exists.

Separation and determination of anthraquinones in Cassia obtusifolia (Leguminosae) by micellar electrokinetic capillary electrophoresis.

An MEKC method was developed for the determination of the five pharmaceutically important anthraquinones: chrysophanol (1), physcion (2), emodin (3), aloe-emodinin (4), and rhein (5) in Cassia obtusifolia (Leguminosae). A buffer solution (pH 9.00) composed of 20 mM sodium borate, 20 mM sodium deoxycholate (DOC), and 15% ACN was found to be the most suitable electrolyte for this separation. Regression equations revealed linear relationships (correlation coefficients: 0.9993, 0.9992, 0.9996, 0.9989, and 0.9991) between the peak area of each compound (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) and its concentration. The RSDs of migration times and peak areas were <1.23 and 2.72% within 1 day, respectively. The effects of pH value, surfactant (DOC) concentration, and organic modifier on the migration were also studied. By this way, the contents of five anthraquinones in the extracts of the seed of C. obtusifolia (Leguminosae) from different sources were successfully determined within 14 min.

Effect of pretreatment of Cassia fistula Linn. leaf extract against subacute CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

CCl4 alone treatment (0.lml of liquid paraffin/100g body weight, ip) for 7 days followed by 0.l ml of CCl4 (in liquid parafiin/100g body weight, ip) from day 8 till day 14, caused a 16 fold increase in lipid peroxidation and a 50% reduction in catalase and glutathione reductase in liver tissue of rats accompanied by an increase in the activities of transaminases. alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and gamma - glutamyl transpeptidase in serum as compared to liquid paraffin treated control. Pretreatment of ethanolic leaf extract of C. fistula (500mg/kg body weight/day for 7 days) followed by CCl4 treatment (0.1 ml/100g body weight from day 8 till day 14) completely reversed back lipid peroxidation and the activities of catalase and glutathione reductase in the liver tissue towards normalcy. This treatment also reversed the elevated levels of the enzymes in the serum. Ethanolic leaf extract alone treatment did not produce any change in all the parameters studied. The results suggest antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of C. fistula during its pretreatment against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity.

Preventive effects of Cassia auriculata L. flowers on brain lipid peroxidation in rats treated with streptozotocin.

The effect of aqueous extract of the flowers of Cassia auriculata were examined on antioxidants and lipid peroxidation in the brain of streptozotocin diabetic rats. Significant increase in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and reduced glutathione were observed in brain on treatment with Cassia auriculata flower extract (CFEt) and glibenclamide. Both the treated groups showed significant decrease in thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) and hydroperoxide formation in brain, suggesting its role in protection against lipid peroxidation induced membrane damage. Since the study of induction of the antioxidant enzymes is considered to be a reliable marker for evaluating the antiperoxidative efficacy of medicinal plant, these findings are suggestions of possible antiperoxidative role played by Cassia auriculata flower extract.