Protective effect of Sida cordata leaf extract against CCl(4) induced acute liver toxicity in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the hepatoprotective potential of Sida cordata (Malvaceae) (S. cordata) in experimental rats to validate its traditional claim. METHODS: Wister albino rats were divided into 6 groups: Group I served as control; Group II served as hepatotoxic (CCl(4) treated) group; Group III, IV and V served as (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w.) S. cordata leaf extract (SCLE) treated groups; Group VI served as positive control (Silymarin) treated group. Liver marker enzymes serum glutamate oxyloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, pancreatic enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxidation, catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured and compared along with histopathological studies. RESULTS: Obtained results show that the treatment with SCLE significantly (P<0.05-<0.001) and dose-dependently reduced CCl4 induced elevated serum level of hepatic enzymes. Furthermore, SCLE significantly (up to P<0.001) reduced the lipid peroxidation in the liver tissue and restored activities of defence antioxidant enzymes GSH, SOD and CAT towards normal levels, which was confirmed by the histopathological studies. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study strongly indicate the protective effect of SCLE against CCl(4) induced acute liver toxicity in rats and thereby scientifically support its traditional use.

Evaluation of anti-fertility activity of Tabernaemontana divaricata (Linn) R.Br. leaves in rats.

The aim of the present study was to assess the anti-fertility activity of ethanolic extracts of Tabernaemontana divaricata (TD) leaves in oestrogenic activity models in immature female rats. Mature green leaves of TD were collected and authenticated. Extractions of the dried leaves were carried out with ethanol in a Soxhlet's apparatus. For oestrogenic activity, the extracts were administered orally once daily at a dose of 200 and 400 mg kg(-1), and the activity was compared with the standard drug ethinyl oestradiol (0.02 mg). The extracts caused significant increase in uterine weight compared to the control. The ethanolic extract exhibited oestrogenic activity. The histological study of epithelium tissues with the 400 mg of TD extract-treated animals showed increases in the height of the luminal epithelium and loose edematous stroma when compared with the 200 mg of TD extract-treated group of animals. However, this was better than the control group of animals. Enhanced uterine weight and increase in the height of luminal epithelium and histological characteristics suggest that TD extract may be useful in anti-fertility therapy.

Antipyretic activity of Radix paeoniae.

The acetone extracts of Radix paeoniae (Paeonaceae) root (100 and 200 mg/kg orally) were tested in brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia in rats to assess their antipyretic activity. The pyrexia in rats was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) compared to that of control. These results indicate that the extracts possess antipyretic properties. The root extract showed significant reduction in normal body temperature and yeast-provoked elevated temperature comparable to that of standard antipyretic drug paracetamol. The antipyretic effect was started at 1h and extended for at least 4h after the drug administration.

Efectos antimicrobianos, antiulcerosos y antidiarreicos de las hojas de buganvilla (Bougainvillea glabra Choisy) / Anti-diarrhoeal, anti ulcer and antimicrobial activities of leaves of Bougainvillea glabra Choisy

Con el fi n de evaluar científi camente algunos de los usos tradicionales de la buganvilla (Bougainvillea glabra Choisy), se realizó el presente estudio para examinar los efectos antidiarreicos, antiulcerosos y antimicrobianos del extracto acuoso, etanólico y acetónico de sus hojas. Se probó la actividad antidiarreica en un modelo de diarrea inducida con aceite de ricino en ratas y se utilizó loperamida (3 mg/kg) como estándar de referencia. Se determinó la acción antiulcerosa mediante un modelo de úlcera inducida con alcohol y se utilizó omeprazol (10 mg/kg) como estándar. Ambos estudios se realizaron con dos niveles de dosis, 200 mg/kg y 400 mg/kg, respectivamente. La actividad antimicrobiana se estudió mediante un método de difusión en disco con una concentración de 500 ìg/disco de extracto, utilizando ofl oxacina (5 ìg/disco) como estándar. Los organismos utilizados fueron Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus y Proteus vulgaris, y se determinó la zona de inhibición. Los extractos de plantas mostraron una signifi cativa acción antidiarreica, antiulcerosa y antimicrobiana en el presente estudio. Los resultados obtenidos corroboran lo sostenido por los profesionales de la medicina locales

In order to scientifi cally appraise some of the folkloric uses of Bougainvillea glabra Choisy, the present study was undertaken to examine the anti-diarrhoeal, antiulcer and antimicrobial activities of acetone, ethanolic and aqueous extract of leaves. Anti-diarrhoeal activity was tested in Castor oil induced diarrhea model using rats and Loperamide (3 mg/kg) was used as reference standard. The antiulcer activity was determined using alcohol induced ulcer model and Omeprazole 10 mg/ kg was used as the standard. Both the studies were carried out at two dose level, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg respectively. Antimicrobial activity was done by disc diffusion method at a concentration of 500 ìg/disc of the extract, using ofl oxacin (5 ìg/disc) as the standard. The organisms used were Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus vulgaris and the zone of inhibition was determined. The plant extracts showed signifi cant anti-diarrhoeal, antiulcer and antimicrobial activities in the present study. The results obtained support the claim of local medical practitioners