The role of cepharanthine as an anti-atherosclerotic agent in rats.

This investigation assessed the potential of cepharanthine (CEP), a compound from Stephania cepharantha Hayata, in mitigating atherosclerosis in a hyperlipidemic rat model. Using Wistar rats, four distinct diet and drug treatment groups were established: a high-fat high sucrose diet (HFHS), HFHS supplemented with intraperitoneal cepharanthine (HFHS-C) or oral atorvastatin (HFHS-A) from the 8th week, and a normal-fat diet (NFD). The study aimed to evaluate diet and drug impact on aortic histopathological changes over 16 weeks. Our results revealed significant atherosclerosis prevention in the aorta of the HFHS-C group, marked by preserved endothelial integrity, absence of inflammation, and lack of atherosclerotic plaques. Additionally, CEP demonstrated a crucial role in preventing the emergence of cholesterol clefts and foamy macrophages. These findings suggest that CEP effectively curbs atherosclerosis progression in hyperlipidemic rats, reducing arterial fat deposition and offering a potential natural preventative strategy against this disease.

Hepatoprotective potential of Anagallis arvensis (L.) extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic injury and oxidative stress in rabbits.

Anagallis arvensis L. has several health benefits, such as it is an effective remedy for epileptic disorders, leprosy, rheumatism, and hepatic and renal dysfunctions. However, scientific evidence of the plant against liver disease is not reported so far. Thus, the aim of the present study was to highlight the hepatoprotective and hepatocurative effect of extract on hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The extract was investigated for its effect on hematological parameters, liver enzymes regulation, and anti-oxidant markers (SOD & CAT). In addition, histopathological investigations were performed. This extract displayed significant reversion of WBCs, RBCs, platelets count, hemoglobin, ALT, AST, ALP and albumin levels towards the normal level as compared with control. Therefore, there was significant rise in level of SOD and CAT in both groups (hepatocurative and protective). Furthermore, histological investigation demonstrated the preventive effect. The presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, protein, phenolic compounds, tannins and saponins in the extract was confirmed by the preliminary phytochemical studies. Thus, based on all these facts, it can be concluded that Anagallis arvensis extract has restorative capability against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity and could be used as the hepatocurative and hepatoprotective agent, which could be attributed to the reported secondary metabolites.