Antiarthritic Activity of Achyranthes Aspera on Formaldehyde - Induced Arthritis in Rats.

AIM: To determine the ameliorative potential of aqueous extract of Achyranthesaspera(AEAA) against arthritis using swiss albino mice and Wistar rats, and its possible mechanism of action. METHODS: Swiss albino mice (25-30 g) and Wistar rats (150-180 g) under standard controlled conditions (24 ± 2°C, 50-70 humidity and 12 h light/dark cycle). The groups were divided into 6 groups (n = 6/group) and assigned as control, negative control, standard and, formaldehyde supplemented with two different test dose groups of A. aspera for 4 weeks. Arthritis induced by subplantar administration of 0.1 ml formaldehyde (2% v/v) into the left hind paw in all groups except normal control. Arthritis was assessed using serum Hb, ESR, paw volume, joint diameter, radiological and histopathological investigation. RESULTS: Oral administration of AEAA shown a significant (p < 0.01) dose-dependent protection against formaldehyde induced arthritis. At 21st day, A.asperashown an inhibition of paw volume in the different doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg were found to be 30% and, 38.33% respectively. At 14th day the joint swelling was found to be 27.2% and 36.36 respectively. Diclofenac (10 mg/kg) had an effect of 36.61% inhibition of arthritis and joint swelling at 21st and 14th day. CONCLUSION: Thus, the present study revealed that the aqueous extract of A. aspera offered significant protection against arthritis and joint inflammation.

Potential action of Rumex vesicarius (L.) against potassium dichromate and gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in experimental rats.

To determine the ameliorative potential of the active fraction from different extracts of Rumex vesicarius against potassium dichromate and gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in experimental rats and its possible mechanism of action. Both sex wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (n=6/group) were fed with a control, potassium dichromate and gentamicin supplemented with different extracts at the doses of 200 and 400mg/kg respectively. Oral administration of EERV offered a significant (p<0.01 and p<0.001) dose dependent protection against PD and GN induced nephrotoxicity. Potassium dichromate and gentamicin nephrotoxicity assessed in terms of body weight, kidney weight, creatinine, urea, uric acid, BUN, albumin and total protein. Thus the present study revealed that EERV phytochemical constituents play an important role in protection against kidney damage.

Anti-oxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic activity of Hemidesmus indicus in rats fed with high-fat diet.

OBJECTIVE: Dietary changes play major risk roles in oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease and modulate normal metabolic function. The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorative potential of different extracts of Hemidesmus indicus to experimental high-fat diet in wistar rats, and their possible mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (n=6/group) and fed with a standard diet (control), high-fat diet (HFD), high-fat diet supplemented with different extracts and positive control for 9 weeks. High-fat diet induced changes in average body weight and oxidative stress and elevated levels of plasma lipid profile in rats. RESULTS: Oral administration of methanolic extract of H. indicus (200 mg/kg) offered a significant dose-dependent protection against HFD-induced oxidative stress, as reflected in the levels of catalase (p<0.001 in the aorta, heart and liver), superoxide dismutase (p<0.001 in the aorta, heart and liver), and glutathione peroxidase (p<0.001 in the aorta, heart and liver). Hyperlipidemia condition assessed in terms of body weight, total cholesterol, free cholesterol, ester cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, and atherogenic index and the results showed significant differences between HFD and non-HFD fed rats (p<0.001). High-fat diet treated rats showed changes in hepatic tissue architecture such as micro and macrovascular steatosis, increased fatty infiltration, and inflammation. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that the methanolic extract of H. indicus protects against oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia and liver damage.