Therapeutic potential of second degree's skin burns by topical dressing of Teucrium ramosissimum that promotes re-epithelialization.

The aim of the report is to assess the protective effect of powder aerial part of Teucrium ramosissimum (TS) on the in vivo wound-healing of second-degree burn injuries. Teucrium phytocompounds were characterized by FTIR, HPLC, and GC/MS spectra. Burn wound models were employed to evaluate the in vivo wound-healing activity. Thirty six wistar rats with burn wounds were divided into six groups and treated daily with TS, the mixture of Teucrium and honey (TS-HY), thymol and Dermosalic® (0.05%) (DS) creams. Skin epithelialization was monitored on the 4th, 13th, and 21st days. Proteins and the level of malondialdehyde in the burned skin were assessed. Microscopic and macroscopic investigations of skin wound tissues showed significant wound closure rate via complete epidermal reepithelization and regeneration, higher protein content, collagen synthesis and deposition, hair follicles growth post wounding that were promoted in TS-, thymol-, TS-HY- and DS-treated wound tissues compared to the untreated burned wound tissues that was characterized by the absence of the epithelialization, vascularization and the formation of the epidermis layer. Additionally, the skin healing potential of TS and TS-HY was validated by markedly decreased of lipid peroxidation. Overall, TS was found to possess complete wound closure and improves the healing process.

Gallic acid improves the antioxidant ability against cadmium toxicity: Impact on leaf lipid composition of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seedlings.

In the present work, the effect of seed pre-soaking with gallic acid (GA; 3,4,5-triphydroxyl-benzoic acid) in conferring subsequent tolerance to Cd stress in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seedlings was investigated. Exposing sunflower seedlings to increasing Cd concentrations (5, 10 and 20 µM) caused a gradual decrease in root and shoot biomass and increased the metal accumulation in both organs. Seed pretreatment with 75 µM GA significantly restricted Cd uptake, markedly alleviated Cd-induced plant growth inhibition, and mitigated the oxidative damages caused by this metal, as compared to plants directly exposed to Cd. GA pre-soaking prior to Cd stress also enhanced catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities, while inhibiting that of superoxide dismutase. This was associated with increased levels of total thiols and glutathione along with a decreased level of oxidized glutathione in leaves. Moreover, GA pre-soaking led to changes in leaf fatty acid composition of seedlings challenged with Cd, as evidenced by the higher total lipid content and lipid unsaturation degree. As a whole, this study provides strong arguments highlighting the potential role of GA as a growth promoter for sunflower seedlings submitted to Cd stress, notably by boosting the antioxidant defense system and improving leaf membrane stability.

Brachychiton populneus as a novel source of bioactive ingredients with therapeutic effects: antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, anti-inflammatory properties and LC-ESI-MS profile.

Brachychiton populneus is one of the unexploited Tunisian plants, traditionally eaten as food and used for medicinal purposes. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical components of the seeds, leaves and flowers from B. populneus using three different solvents and to explore their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Further, this study was focused on the identification of phenolic compounds from the most active extract. In vitro, all extracts showed strong antioxidant property by DPPH, ferrous ion chelating and lipid peroxidation-inhibiting assays, noticeable anti-inflammatory activity by protein denaturation and membrane stabilization methods and important neuroprotective effects by acetylcholinesterase inhibitory test. In vivo, B. populneus (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, i.p.) showed significant dose-response anti-inflammatory effects against carrageenan-induced paw edema. With respect to the phenolic profile, the leaf methanol extract presented eight phenolic acids, one flavone and four flavonoids, with salvianolic acid B (820.3 mg/kg), caffeic acid (224.03 mg/kg), syringic acid (100.2 mg/kg) and trans-ferulic acid (60.02 mg/kg) as the major compounds. The results of the current study suggested that B. populneus could be a precious source of health-benefitting biomolecules and may be developed as new antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and AChE inhibitors.

Antioxidant Potential of Four Species of Natural Product and Therapeutic Strategies for Cancer through Suppression of Viability in the Human Multiple Myeloma Cell Line U266.

OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to evaluate the protective effects of bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins present in four species extracted with methanol. METHODS: The total phenolic content of the methanolic extracts was measured spectrophotometrically. The effect of the extracts on cell viability in U266 cells was measured. The effects of extracts on free radical scavenging were assessed by the DPPH test and FRAP assay. Antibacterial effects of the natural products in this report were investigated by using the disc diffusion method. RESULTS: Our results clearly demonstrated that the methanolic extracts were characterized by a high amount of phenolic compounds. It has been speculated that ME-TA and ME-TAl exhibit a significant (P < 0.05) and dose-dependent antiradical potential. The exposure of cells to high doses of extracts almost completely suppressed cell growth in vitro. ME-TA and ME-TAl showed significant cytotoxic effects at a concentration of 100 µg/mL in the U266 cell line. ME-TAl and ME-CF inhibited the growth of B. subtilis and S. aureus, respectively, to the same extent as 10 µg/µL of chloramphenicol at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. CONCLUSION: Overall, these results suggest that plants used in traditional medicine have a novel application as free radical scavengers, bacterial inhibitors and tumor suppressors.

HPLC-DAD identification of polyphenols from ethyl acetate extract of Amaranthus spinosus leaves and determination of their antioxidant and antinociceptive effects.

Amaranthus spinosus has been consumed traditionally to prevent various diseases including abdominal pain. In this study, the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and analgesic activities of an ethyl acetate extract of A. spinosus leaves (ASEA) were evaluated. The ASEA had the highest concentrations of total phenols (462.2 mg GAE/g DW), condensed tannin (5.01 mg CE/g DW) and total flavonoid contents (30.07 mg CE/g DW) compared to the chloroform, n-hexane, n-butanol and water extracts. Similarly, ASEA showed the most effective total antioxidant activity (45.45 µg/mL), DPPH scavenging activity (27.32 µg/mL) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (30.60 µg/mL). ASEA with the doses of 200-600 mg/kg (p.o.) clearly demonstrated antinociceptive effects by reducing acetic acid-induced abdominal contortions with a maximal inhibition of 79.57% at 600 mg/kg and increasing latencies of the hot-plate paw-licking response. The tested doses also significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the reaction time in the formalin test at the neurogenic and inflammatory phases. ASEA contained ten polyphenols with caffeic acid being the predominant polyphenol. Overall, this study gave evidence that A. spinosus is a new antioxidant and analgesic agent, and justified its traditional use for the treatment of pain.

Hepatoprotective activity of white horehound (Marrubium vulgare) extract against cyclophosphamide toxicity in male rats.

The hepatoprotective activity of Marrubium vulgare against cyclophosphamide toxicity in Wistar rats was evaluated. Adult male rats were divided into 4 groups of 6 each: a control group, a group injected with cyclophosphamide (150 mg·kg(-1)) for 3 days, a group orally given a M. vulgare aqueous extract ((500 mg of dry leaves)·kg(-1)·day(-1)) for 30 days then treated with cyclophosphamide, and a group receiving only M. vulgare for 30 days. After 33 days of treatment, activities of alanine amino transferase (ALAT), aspartate amino transferase (ASAT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined in serum. Moreover, lipid peroxidation level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured in liver. Alterations of these hepatic biomarkers and increased lipid peroxidation confirmed cyclophosphamide-induced liver toxicity. Cyclophosphamide also decreased the enzymatic defense system against oxidative stress. However, when this drug was administered in rats given M. vulgare extract, all the biological parameters underwent much less alteration. Administration of M. vulgare extract was found to be beneficial by attenuating cyclophosphamide-induced liver damage. The protective effect of the plant is mainly attributed to its antioxidant properties and the existence of phenolic acids and flavonoids, as highlighted by HPLC-based analysis.

New Medical Herbalism Formulations as a Targeted Therapeutic Strategies Used in Southern Tunisia to Promote Neo-Epithelium, Angiogenesis, and Collagen Biosynthesis and to Impede Scar Formation Post-Third-Degree Burned Skin.

The aim of the study is to assess the suitability of the herbal formulation for topical application as a skin burn dressing on the in vivo wound-closure of third-degree wound injuries. Rat wound models were used to prove the in vivo skin burn-healing process. Body weight gain, food and water intake, and behavior were investigated daily during treatment period. Cutaneous biopsies of the burned wound surfaces were monitored at days 4, 13, and 28. Formulation markedly (P < .05) increased wound repair rate and collagen production compared to untreated burnt skin. Macroscopic and histological analysis of the wound of formula (F)-treated group showed significant skin contraction rate and rapid wound healing without scar through regeneration of epidermis that were approved in formula mixed with honey (F-hY)- and Drs-treated wound compared with thymol, and the untreated wound tissues that were not covered by denuded epithelial. Furthermore, the wound healing efficacy of F-hY, F, and Drs cream was proved by decreased the amount of malondialdehyde compared to untreated rats. In conclusion, F and F-hY was found to promote cutaneous wound repair. In all case, the formula alone or mixed with honeybees was even better than thymol in the repair of cutaneous wound.

Positive effects of leaves of Erodium glaucophyllum on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defence depletion induced by obesity.

Medicinal plants are sources of natural antioxidants thanks to their secondary metabolites. Previous studies showed that administration of Erodium glaucophyllum (EG) (Geraniaceae family) was found to alleviate the deleterious effects of obesity-induced damage on liver, heart and kidney. This study, carried out on adult male Wistar rats, evaluates the inhibitory effects of supplementation with E. glaucophyllum extract on obesity. Under our experimental conditions, administration of Erodium aqueous extract decreased the total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides levels as well as ASAT, ALAT, LDH, PAL levels and TBARS concentration; and increased the (HDL) with the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx) in liver, heart and kidney, compared to HFD group. The anti-obesity effects of the Erodium extract in several organs were mainly due to the interaction of these bioactive molecules (polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannin compounds) and the enzyme system which could be determined by phytochemical analysis.

Grapevine Shoot Extract Rich in Trans-Resveratrol and Trans-ε-Viniferin: Evaluation of Their Potential Use for Cardiac Health.

A grapevine shoot extract (GSE) was obtained using ultrasound-assisted extraction and characterized. The main phenolic constituents were identified as stilbenoids. Among them, trans-resveratrol and trans-ε-viniferin stood out. The GSE was administered to an isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury animal model. The extract alleviated the associated symptoms of the administration of the drug, i.e., the plasma lipid profile was improved, while the disturbed plasma ion concentration, the cardiac dysfunction markers, the DNA laddering, and the necrosis of myocardial tissue were diminished. This effect could be related to the anti-oxidative potential of GSE associated with its antioxidant properties, the increased levels of endogenous antioxidants (glutathione and enzymatic antioxidants), and the diminished lipid peroxidative markers in the heart. The results also revealed angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity, which indicated the potential of GSE to deal with cardiovascular disease events. This work suggests that not only trans-resveratrol has a protective role in heart function but also GSE containing this biomolecule and derivatives. Therefore, GSE has the potential to be utilized in the creation of innovative functional ingredients.

Protective effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) upon dieldrin-induced toxicity in male rat.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) upon dieldrin-induced perturbations of haematological parameters and damages to liver and kidney of male Wistar rats. Under our experimental conditions, dieldrin poisoning resulted in 1) an alteration of several haematological parameters, 2) an oxidative stress evidenced by an increase of lipids peroxidation level associated with an increase of superoxide dismutase activity and a decrease of glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities in hepatic and renal tissues, 3) increased levels of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, urea, uric acid and proteins in blood, 4) increased activities of lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and transaminases in blood. Previous administration of fenugreek was found to hinder these dieldrin-induced damages: all hematological, renal and hepatic biomarkers, level of lipids peroxidation and activities of catalase and glutathione-peroxidase in liver and kidney were kept close to control values. This protective effect is mainly attributed to antioxidant properties of fenugreek.

Therapeutic strategies of Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) for stomach and forestomach ulceration induced by HCl/EtOH in rat model.

Background: The drumstick tree Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae), distributed in many parts of the world, is an important food plant with high nutritional value and used in medical applications and pharmaceutical industries. The aim of this study was to highlight the gastroprotective effect of Moringa oleifera in hydrochloric acid/Ethanol (HCl/EtOH) in a rat model. Methods: Moringa phytocompounds were characterized by infrared spectra (FTIR). Rats were induced for gastric ulcer with 150 mmol/L HCl/60% EtOH solution and pretreated orally with the edible infusion extract of the leaves of Moringa oleifera at a single dose of 100 mg/kg body weight (bw). Antioxidant parameters and lipid peroxide levels were measured and the pathological damage was histologically analysed. Results: The FTIR analysis showed the presence of several chemical biocompounds. The methanolic extract is the potent radical-scavengers with an estimated value of 87.54% at the higher concentration used (500 µg/ml) and antibacterial agent. Further, the DPPH inhibition value of the M. oleifera infusion was 80.58%. For in vivo analysis, mucus was highly produced in gastric mucosa of plant-treated rats, thereby pH were elevated in rats pretreated with M. oleifera compared to ulcerated animals. Whereas, lesion index was markedly reduced (79%) in stomach protected with plant. Interestingly, oral administration of M. oleifera protected gastric mucosa through decreasing MDA levels as well as increasing antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, GPx). Conclusion: Overall, the therapeutic value against acidified ethanol induced gastric and ulcer ability of M. oleifera might be due to its biocompounds.

Compared ability of garlic (Allium sativum) extract or α-tocopherol + magnesium association to reduce metabolic disorders and oxidative stress in diabetic rats.

Since some complications of diabetes mellitus may be caused or exacerbated by an oxidative stress, the protective effects of (1) a garlic (Allium sativum) aqueous extract or (2) a combination of α-tocopherol and magnesium were investigated comparatively in alloxan-diabetic rats. Garlic extract (1 mL of extract corresponding to 300 mg fresh garlic/kg) or α-tocopherol (100 mg/kg) + MgCl(2) (200 mg/kg body weight) were i.p. injected to rats, once a day for 4 weeks. Lipid peroxidation levels and the activities of superoxide-dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were then measured in liver and pancreas. Under our experimental conditions, garlic extract or α-tocopherol + Mg were found to (1) significantly reduce the plasma levels of glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride and (2) lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and transaminase activities in blood of diabetic animals. In addition, treatment with garlic extract or α-tocopherol + magnesium appeared to exert an antioxidative activity demonstrated (1) by the increase of catalase, superoxide-dismutase and glutathione-peroxidase activities in liver and pancreas, and (2) a lowering of lipid peroxidation level in these organs. In conclusion, both garlic extract and α-tocopherol + magnesium association were found to alleviate diabetes-associated metabolic disorders and oxidative stress in rats.

Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrum Structure Profile Characterisation, and in vitro Biological Effect of Salvia officinalis L. Phytocompounds.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this research is to investigate the potential activity of Salvia officinalis and various hair samples responsible for secretion of essential oil. In Tunisia, biological activity of Salvia officinalis is poorly recorded. Salvia leaves contain various types of hairs (glandular and nonglandular). METHODS: The investigation of different trichomes was carried out by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) apparatus. Antiradical potential was assessed using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. Antimicrobial activity was analysed using disc diffusion assay. The extracts of Salvia officinalis (SvOf), showed the following order of richness in phenolic contents: methanolic (70.76 mg GAE/g DW), aqueous (43.76 mg GAE/g DW) and infusion (9.42 mg GAE/g DW). The methanolic fraction records the highest levels of flavonoids (77 mg QE/g DW) compared with the aqueous extracts (33.19 mg EQ/g DW) and infusion (26.25 mg EQ/g DW). MESvOf showed higher value of free radical scavenging activity towards DPPH free radical and ferric reducing power. RESULTS: The results revealed that the main bioactive constituents in the methanolic fractions of sage leaves generally exhibited higher antibacterial effects. Overall, sage phytocompounds constitute a promising approach for the treatment of infectious diseases. DISCUSSION: Functional groups detected in S. officinalis by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FT-IR) were mainly phenols, saccharides, amine and Aromatic (Ar-H). CONCLUSION: Antiradical and antibacterial activities of Salvia officinalis are mainly due to phenolic content and other bioactive compounds. Non-glandular hairs are the most important trichomes in the Salvia leaves.

Leaves of Lavender Protect Adult Mice from Hydrogen Peroxide-induced Injury: Evidence fromin vitro and in vivo Tests.

Medicinal plants and their secondary metabolites have long been a rich source of biologically active compounds that can prevent many diseases. In this context, we investigated the antioxidant activities of the essential oil of Lavandula officinalis and tested its potency against hepatic and renal toxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide in adult male mice based on measurements of biochemical parameters, oxidative stress, and tissue damage in both organs. We proved a remarkable antioxidant power of this plant (in vitro) by correcting the harmful effects of the prooxidant (in vivo). It can be concluded that lavender is an aromatic plant capable of reducing the stress caused by reactive oxygen species.

The aqueous extract of Olea europaea leaves protects from haematotoxicity and kidney damage induced by diclofenac in Swiss albino mice.

Olea europaea leaves are one of the most widely used by-products in traditional medicine due to their biological properties. This study evaluated the antioxidant activities, and the beneficial effects of the aqueous extract of "Sahli" Olea europaea leaves on diclofenac-induced haematotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. The mice were divided into four groups of seven each: a control group, a diclofenac-treated group, a group orally gavaged with the extract of olive leaves, and a group pre-treated with the extract of olive leaves and then injected with diclofenac. The results obtained indicated that the injection of the mice with diclofenac alone caused an extensive change in their haematological and biochemical parameters, such as red and white blood cells (RBC and WBC, respectively), platelet count (PLT), and creatinine and urea levels, a significant increase in lipid peroxidation level (TBARS) and a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) levels. Olive leaf extract administration in the diclofenac-treated mice was found to correct and restore all the investigated parameters and protect the kidney histology by minimizing the oxidative stress induced by diclofenac in the mice tissues.

Structural characterization of water-soluble polysaccharides from Nitraria retusa fruits and their antioxidant and hypolipidemic activities.

The structure, antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic activities of polysaccharides from Nitraria retusa fruits (named as NRFP) were investigated. The NRFP fraction, with a molecular weight of 66.5 kDa, was composed of a ß-(1 → 3)-glucan, containing neutral sugars (69.1%) but also uronic acids up to 23.1% due to pectin structure. The monosaccharide composition highlighted a polymer composed of glucose (41.4%), galacturonic acid (30.5%), galactose (12.6%), arabinose (11.8%) and rhamnose (3.70%). In the antioxidant assays, NRFP exhibited effective total antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 7.82 mg/ml), scavenging activities on DPPH radical (IC50 = 0.87 mg/ml) and hydrogen peroxide (IC50 = 2.03 mg/ml). In addition, NRFP proved protective effects on H2O2 induced hemolysis (IC50 = 66.2 µg/ml). In vivo NRFP reduced the hyperlipidemia, hepatotoxicity, cardiovascular and coronary diseases induced by Triton X-100.

Novel Antioxidant, Anti-α-Amylase, Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Water-Soluble Polysaccharides from the Aerial Part of Nitraria retusa.

In this paper, water-soluble polysaccharides (named as NRLP) were extracted from Nitraria retusa leaves. The main structural features of NRLP were determined by High-pressure size exclusion chromatography, Fourier transform infrared and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry-Electronic Impact analysis. The in vitro and in vivo biological potential of NRLP were evaluated by measuring its antioxidant (•OH and DPPH• scavenging, total antioxidant capacity), anti-α-amylase as well as anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities in a mice model. NRLP was composed of Rha (33.7%), Gal (18.1%), GalA (15.0%), Glc (13.3%), Ara (13.3%), Xyl (3.8%), and GlcA (2.8%) and showed a Molecular Weight (Mw) of 23.0 kDa and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 1.66. The investigations highlighted a significant antioxidant activity (IC50 = 2.4-2.6 mg/mL) and an inhibition activity against α-amylase (IC50 = 4.55 mg/mL) in a dose-dependent manner. Further, NRLP revealed interesting anti-edematous effects and antinociceptive activities (both > 70%). These results open up new pharmacological prospects for the water-soluble polysaccharides extracted from Nitraria retusa leaves.

Chemical composition and hepatoprotective effect of essential oil from Myrtus communis L. flowers against CCL4-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats.

Myrtus communis L. (Myrtle) is one of the most important aromatic and medicinal species from the Myrtaceae family. It is traditionally used as antiseptic, disinfectant drug and hypoglycemic agent. The aim of our study was to evaluate the protective effect of Myrtus communis essential oil (McEO) on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rat. Thirty two adult Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 8 each: (1) a control group; (2) was given a single dose of CCl4 (1 mL kg-1 in 1% olive oil. ip) on the 14th day (3) were given during 15 days a daily i.p. injection of McEO at 250 mL kg-1 b.w (4) a group was pretreated with McEO and intoxicated with CCl4 on the 14th day. The major components of McEO are α-pinene (35.20%), 1,8-cineole (17%), linalool (6.17%) and limonene (8.94%) which accounted for 67.31% of the whole oil. The antioxidant activity of McEO was evaluated using DPPH scavenging ability, ß-carotene bleaching inhibition and hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity. Moreover, the effect of McEO (250 mg kg-1 body weight BW) administrated for 14 consecutive days was evaluated in wistar rat. Administration of a single dose of CCl4 caused hepatotoxicity as monitored by an increase in lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) as well in protein carbonyl level but decreased in antioxidant markers in the liver tissue. The McEO pre-treatment significantly prevented the increased plasma levels of hepatic markers and lipid levels induced by CCl4 in rats. Furthermore, this fraction improved biochemical and histological parameters as compared to CCl4-treated group. Our results suggest that M. communis contains promising substances to counteract the CCl4 intoxication and which may be efficient in the prevention of hepatotoxicity complications.

Protective effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) against PCB-induced acute hepatotoxicity in male rats.

After absorption by the organism, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) cross cellular membranes and pass into blood vessels and the lymphatic system. It is generally in the liver, adipose tissues, brain and skin that we find the strongest concentrations of PCBs. Herbal medicine remains as a discipline intended to treat and to prevent certain functional disorders and/or pathologies caused by oxidative stress, which can be induced by pesticides, medicines or pollutants. The objective of this study is to verify the toxic and oxidative effects of PCBs and to investigate the protective effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in the liver of male rats of the "Wistar" strain. These rats are divided into 6 groups: a control group (T), two groups treated with PCB at two different concentrations (P1 and P2), a group treated with ginger extract (G), a group pretreated with ginger extract and then injected with the first concentration of PCBs (P1G), and a group pretreated with ginger and then injected with the second concentration of PCBs (P2G). The results showed that the administration of PCBs led to an increase in the relative weight of the liver, and a significant increase in all of the hepatic biomarker levels (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, AST, ALT, and LDH) in the serum. Furthermore, an increase in the rate of lipid peroxidation and a decrease in the antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) were observed under the influence of PCBs in the liver. The histological test showed that the PCBs induced hepatocyte vacuolization, prominent and peripheralized nuclei, hepatocellular hypertrophy and turgor of the vein in the centriacinar regions. Pretreatment with ginger extract restored all of the biochemical and oxidative parameters to the normal values and reduced the injuries caused by the PCBs. In conclusion, in our experimental conditions, ginger effectively protects the liver against the hepatotoxic effects induced by PCBs.

Protective effect of cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) cladode extract upon nickel-induced toxicity in rats.

The purpose of this study carried out on male Wistar rats, was to evaluate the protective effects of regular ingestion of juice from the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) cladodes against nickel chloride toxicity. Rats were given either normal tap water or water containing 25% of cactus juice for one month. Then, rats of each group were injected daily, for 10 days, with either NiCl(2) solution (4mg (30micromol)/kg body weight) or with the same volume of saline solution (300mM NaCl). Significant increases of lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase activities and of cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose levels were observed in blood of nickel-treated rats. In the liver, nickel chloride was found to induce an oxidative stress evidenced by an increase in lipid peroxidation and changes in antioxidant enzymes activities. Superoxide-dismutase (SOD) activity was found to be increased whereas glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities were decreased. These changes did not occur in animals previously given cactus juice, demonstrating a protective effect of this vegetal extract.