Attenuation of lipid metabolic abnormalities, proinflammatory cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinase expression by biochanin-A in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

In the present study, we assessed the therapeutic potential of Biochanin-A (BCA) (10 mg/kg BW/day) pretreatment for 30 days on lipid metabolic abnormalities, proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinase expression in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. We measured the potential role of BCA on tissue and circulatory lipid profiles as well as on lipid metabolic enzymes: serum inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and MCP1) and serum Matrix Metalloproteinases (particularly, MMP-2 and MMP-9) together with mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-2 and MMP-9 by RT-PCR analysis. Administration of ISO to rats significantly distorted their lipid metabolism and augmented inflammatory process, MMP expression and proteolytic activity. In addition, pretreatment with BCA of ISO-induced MI rats significantly reestablished the altered lipid metabolism and concealed the inflammation of cytokines. BCA suppressed the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines and MMPs in ISO-induced MI in rats when compared to normal untreated MI rats. Hence, these results established that BCA could improve the pathological processes of myocardial remodeling which was confirmed by histopathology of heart in MI rats and might be an effective beneficial ingredient for the management of heart failure disorders.

Characterization of partially purified alkaloids from Cucurbita maxima seed and evaluation of their antioxidant activity in human erythrocytes and leukocytes.

Cucurbita maxima, is a therapeutic plant spread all over the world. The seed of C. maxima constitutes a large amount of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, Vitamin E, and other secondary metabolites. The experiment was performed in four setups (Control, Only H2 O2 , H2 O2  + 25 mg of alkaloid, H2 O2  + 50 mg of alkaloids). The enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were determined to analyze the antioxidant effect of partially purified alkaloids. The results showed that partially purified alkaloids from C. maxima seed reacts effectively on the erythrocytes and leukocytes antioxidant enzyme system when compared to the hydrogen peroxide group. The present results indicate that the alkaloids present in this plant can be used as a natural antioxidant for the pharmacological purposes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The C. maxima seed constitutes rich source of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, Vitamin E, and other secondary metabolites. The results obtained revealed that the purified alkaloids from C. maxima seed acts as natural antioxidants, which enhanced the potential to scavenge H2 O2 and aids in protecting the RBC and WBC cells. The presence of 27 alkaloids of which seven major alkaloids possessing higher medicinal properties like antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-aging, anti-diabetic, anticancer, anti-malarial, analgesic, nematicide, pesticide, and hemolytic activity were determined from the GC-MS analysis of the extract. Alkaloids acts as major constituent in phytotheraphy and has wide range of clinical application in humans and animals. In conclusion, alkaloids from C. maxima seed may have several properties that leading to the opening of new avenues in the natural product for the therapeutic purpose.

Anti obese potential of Cucurbita maxima seeds oil: effect on lipid profile and histoarchitecture in high fat diet induced obese rats.

In this study, we made an attempt to evaluate the potential of Cucurbita maxima seeds oil (CSO) against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in rats. We investigated the effect of CSO (100 mg/kg body weight) supplementation over 30 days on the changes of HFD-induced obese rats in body weight, biochemical parameters and lipid profile as well as investigated the effects of CSO on the histopathological changes. Oral administration with CSO revealed significant diminution in body weight gain, glucose and insulin levels, which altered the activity of lipid profile and restored the pathological alterations. It demonstrated that CSO had considerably altered these parameters when evaluated with HFD control rats. In conclusion, this study established that CSO prevents the HFD-induced obesity by altering the markers important to lipid metabolism.