Volume 8, Issue 1

The anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and antioxidant effect of the methanol extract of Alhgi maurorum, Conyza dioscoridis and Convolvulus fatmensis was investigated. The anti-inflammatory effect was studied using carageenan-induced rat paw edema, while the antipyretic effect was estimated using Brewer's yeast-induced hyperpyrexia in rats. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity method of different concentrations of the plant extracts using ascorbic acid as a standard antioxidant. The results revealed that oral administration of Alhgi maurorum and Convolvulus fatmensis at 1 g/ kg exhibited anti-inflammatory effect comparable to the standard diclofenac sodium (0.03 g/kg). The anti-inflammatory effect of Conyza dioscoridis appeared at lower doses 0.5g/kg. In all cases the maximum effect was obtained 2h after administration. None of the tested plant extracts showed antipyretic effect. The tested plant extracts showed variable degrees of antioxidant activity. Conyza dioscoridis showed the highest antioxidant effect (91.14%) and Alhgi maurorum has the least (28.78%) compared to the standard ascorbic acid (87.8%).

We followed two subjects with resected stage Ta superficial transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder who had not received intravesicle bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and received supplementation with the agent Genistein Combined Polysaccharide (GCP) in an IRB approved study. The observation period was 12 months for both cases. After the yearly oral dosage of GCP, there was no recurrence in either of the subjects as determined by cytoscopy, urine cytology, and fluorescence in-situ hybridization analysis of urine (UrovysionTM FISH Assay). The intravenous pyelogram (IVP), obtained at baseline and after 12 months, was also negative. There were no adverse events over the course of treatment and had full patient compliance and tolerability of the GCP agent in both cases.

Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer often self-administer complementary and alternative medicines to augment their conventional treatments, improve health, or prevent recurrence. Flor-Essence® herbal tonic is a complex mixture of eight herbal extracts used by cancer patients because of anecdotal evidence that it can treat or prevent disease. In this study four experimental groups of female MMTV-Neu mice were left untreated or treated with 3% Flor-Essence® in utero, from birth until 5 weeks of age, or throughout their lifetime. Palpable mammary tumor incidence and body weight was determined weekly for each group. The mice were sacrificed at 28 weeks of age and mammary tumors were enumerated to determine average tumor incidence and multiplicity for each group. Female mice exposed to Flor-Essence® herbal tonic in utero weighed significantly more than the control group (p < 0.001). The average tumor incidence and tumor multiplicity in the experimental mice treated with Flor-Essence® herbal tonic did not differ from the control animals. Flor-Essence® does not inhibit mammary tumor incidence or mammary tumor multiplicity in MMTV-Neu transgenic mice. Flor-Essence® exposure in utero causes increased body weight in experimental animals. This conclusion challenges widely available anecdotal information as well as the hopes of the consumer that this product will inhibit or suppress tumor development.

Roots of Premna integrifolia Linn. Mant. (Verbanacea) are important rasayana (Adaptogenic) drugs and are considered to be useful in the treatment of variety of ailments. The present study was aimed at evaluating the for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Pretreatment with a single dose of methanolic extract of P. integrifolia (PIM) (300 mg/kg b.w.) produced significant inhibition on carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema, histamine induced wheal formation, and acetic acid-induced mouse vascular permeation. In a 7-day study, daily administration of PIM suppressed formalin induced paw edema and cotton pellet-induced rat granuloma formation. The extract also showed significant inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase (COX-I) activity on rat uterus and plasma membrane stabilization. Apart from this, the antioxidant activity (in vitro) of the extracts was evaluated using the anti radical, superoxide scavenging, erythrocyte membrane stability, anti lipid peroxidation, hydroxyl radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging and reducing power (ferric thiocynate method and β-carotene bleaching test) assays. PIM showed significant anti-oxidant activity. In addition, PIM (300mg/kg b.w.) produced no observable sub acute toxicity in mice with in 15 days. The results scientifically demonstrated the anti-inflammatory activity of P. integrifolia roots in various experimental models probably through their antihistaminic, antikinin, COX-inhibitory and antioxidant action. This therefore justifies the folkloric use of the plant.

In a recent study involving normal, juvenile mice, we showed that CVT-E002, a proprietary extract (Afexa Life Sciences, Inc.) of North American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, significantly enhanced the absolute levels of cells acting at the first line of defense in tumor combat, i.e., natural killer (NK) cells. The present study evaluated the effect of CVT-E002, on life span when administered intraperitoneally to leukemic, infant/juvenile mice. The extract was administered to groups of mice daily for 14 days in several dosing groups up to 50mg/day from age 7 to 21 days. The tumor was administered intraperitoneally under sterile conditions, in a laminar flow hood at 7 days of age (0.5 x 106 leukemic cells), immediately preceding the first CVT-E002 injection for each dose group. The data revealed that CVT-E002 significantly extends the life of leukemic, young mice in a dose-specific manner, i.e., 20 mg/day was effective in extending life, while lower doses of 5, 10 mg as well as higher doses of 30, 40, 50 mg per day were completely ineffective. We have already shown that CVT-E002 significantly elevates NK cells in normal and leukemic, adult mice, as well as in normal, infant/juvenile mice, and we have also shown that CVT-E002 significantly extends the life span of leukemic, adult mice. The results of the present study did indeed show that (i) CVT-E002 extends the life span of leukemic, infant/juvenile mice, and (ii) that the dose of CVT-E002 is critical in achieving life span augmentation in these leukemic infant/juvenile mice.

Although the popularity of complementary indigenous Malay therapies (CIMT) in general healthcare is undeniable in the Malaysian context today, their usage within the palliative care scenarios remains unexplored. Our study was specifically embarked to determine CIMT’s usage pattern, reasons, attitudes, beliefs, perceptions and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) differences (users vs. non-users) in a sample of hospice-based palliative patients in Selangor, Malaysia. From the 39 consenting patients (mean age = 56 years; female = 56.4 percent; Malay = 53.8 percent), 38.5 percent were users of CIMT. Dried medicinal roots, herbs and sea cucumber products were the most preferred types of CIMT (53.3 percent). The most common reason cited for usage was because these were “easier and simpler to be administered” (46.7 percent). Although users’ attitudes, beliefs and perceptions were more favourable than the non-users, between 30.0-73.3 percent of users remained unsure or had no knowledge regarding CIMT. They also exhibited significantly poorer Physical Symptoms than the non-users (p=0.006), a probable motive for seeking CIMT in the first place. Despite the small sample size, the findings provided some insight into the role of CIMT especially with regard to usage trends and overall well-being among the terminally-ill, of which healthcare professionals should constantly be vigilant of amidst their routine care responsibilities.

In the emerging discipline of wellness, Travis and Ryan (2004) develop a dynamic theory of wellness that while not explicitly stated takes a systems theory approach to health and wellness. As a result, their theory of wellness resonates with many of the concepts and ideals experienced through a meditation practice. It is with this congruence in mind that the current paper explores whether there is any relationship between meditation and high-level wellness and if meditation techniques play an integral role in helping to achieve enhanced levels of wellness. A wide range of research across disciplines is reviewed, and despite controversies in the methodology employed to test meditation’s efficacy, it is readily apparent that numerous benefits or wellness outcomes are derived from a meditation practice. However, it is doubtful that meditation is the only path to deliver high-level wellness, other means exist—some that may be a function of the natural human condition.

This study aimed to test to what extent improvements in self-appraisal and mood factors were associated with changes in body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) and waist circumference. Women with obesity (N=171) completed Physical Self-Concept, Exercise Self-Efficacy, Body Areas Satisfaction, Tension, and Depression scales, and were measured on BMI and waist circumference, at baseline and just after a 24-week supported exercise program. With the exception of Physical Self-Concept, improvements on each psychological factor were associated with significantly greater weight and waist circumference improvements. Multiple regression analyses indicated that improvement/non-improvement on the psychological factors explained a significant 9 to 11 percent of the variance in BMI change, and 13 to 20 percent of the variance in waist circumference change. Significant unique contributions to the explained variance in BMI were made by improvements in Exercise Self-Efficacy and Depression, with improvement in Tension also making significant unique contributions to the explained variance in waist circumference change. Consistent with tenets of social cognitive theory, the association of improvements in self-appraisal and mood factors with weight and waist circumference improvements was supported in obese women. Replications and extensions of this preliminary research to, ultimately, improve weight loss theory and treatment, was suggested.

In present study the methanol extract of Cyperus tegetum rhizome (MECT) was evaluated for its effect on paracetamol-induced liver damage in Wistar rats. Serum biochemical parameters viz. serum glutamine oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamine pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total serum protein, total bilirubin content and liver biochemical parameters such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reduced glutathione content were estimated. Biochemical and histopathological observations indicated that MECT had remarkable hepatoprotective effect against paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether Panax Notoginseng (PNG) taken for 3 days and one 30-min cycling exercise can reduce postprandial hyperglycemia after ingesting a 75-mg oral glucose solution (OGTT) in untrained non-diabetic men, age 20-45 years. We randomly assigned 52 men to: 1) ginseng (G) + exercise (G+Ex, n=14), 2) ginseng (G, n=13), 3) placebo (C) + exercise (C+Ex, n=12), and 4) placebo control groups (C, n=13). The G and C groups took a daily 3g dose of PNG and cornstarch-placebo supplement for 3 days, respectively. The exercise groups also performed a 30-min cycling exercise on day 3 prior to OGTT. The daily 3g-dose of PNG supplementation significantly lowered postprandial plasma glucose (PG) concentration at 30 min post-OGTT in the G group, compared with C (mean Δ±SE: G vs. C = 26.3±11 mg/dl, p<0.05) and PG area under the curve (PG-AUC0-90) in the G and G+Ex groups, relative to the C (G vs. C = 96.5±42 and G+Ex vs. C = 85.2±41 mg/dl, both p<0.05). We conclude that a daily 3g-dose of PNG taken for 3 days, not one acute bout of 30-min cycling exercise at 60% VO2max, lowered postprandial glycemia at 30-min post-OGTT and PG-AUC 0-90 min in non-diabetic men, age 20-45 years.

The use of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) is prevalent among People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) in Denmark as well as in other Western countries. Many PwMS combine conventional treatments and CAM; however there is little research-based knowledge about the outcomes that PwMS achieve from combined treatments. The purpose of this article is to describe which outcomes PwMS have experienced from combination treatment based on collaboration between conventional healthcare providers and CAM practitioners. A second purpose is to identify and study aspects of the courses of treatment that have generally characterized the achieved outcomes. During the course of their treatment, 59 PwMS participated in semi-structured individual or group interviews. The analyses show that the participants’ experienced outcomes can be classified in four ways 1) short-term positive outcomes; 2) long-term positive outcomes in specific areas; 3) long-term positive outcomes on the patient’s overall life situation; 4) no and/or negative outcomes. The analyses also show that two aspects of the courses of treatment have generally characterized the outcomes achieved: a) participants’ perception of the patient’s role; b) participants’ perception of treatment function. Outcomes are shown to differ for different PwMS, and results indicate that the combined interventions have played a role in a dynamic and process-oriented interaction with the entire life situation of the individual patient. The results described in the article further suggest that physical as well as cognitive learning constitutes an important element in understanding the dynamics of complex courses of treatment.

Psacalium decompositum (Gray) H.E. Rob. & Brett (Asteraceae), popularly known as “matarique,” is a medicinal plant used in Mexico for the empirical treatment of diabetes mellitus. Previous studies with P. decompositum roots demonstrated that an aqueous fraction containing carbohydrates (WMP-fraction) exhibited a notable hypoglycemic effect in experimental animals. However, studies to identify these carbohydrates have not yet been performed. The goal of this investigation was to isolate and characterize the principal compounds in the WMP-fraction by spectroscopic and spectrometric analysis. Additionally, we sought to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of these compounds in healthy and alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The results show that the chemical structures of the major compounds in the WMP-fraction correspond with fructan-type oligosaccharides and have a hypoglycemic effect in healthy and diabetic mice.

Annually, thousands of individuals purchase oxygen (O2) by the minute or use an O2 device for recreation. Manufacturers state the benefits as a decrease in stress and increase in relaxation and energy. The purpose was to determine if increased O2 administered via O2 bars had an effect on energy, relaxation, and stress levels. This study was a quantitative experimental design and subjects were randomized in two groups. All subjects completed a Likert scale questionnaire that measured their energy, relaxation and stress levels. Baseline O2 saturation and heart rate were obtained using a pulse oximeter. Group 1 (n=15) received O2 via nasal cannula for the first 10 minutes and then again completed the questionnaire. During the following 10 minutes, the O2 bar remained on without O2 being administered to the subject. Afterwards, the same questionnaire was administered to the participants. Group 2 (n=15) followed the same protocol as above, except the experimental protocol was reversed. Using a repeated measures analyses of variance there were no significant differences between and within groups at each time period for all variables. The use of O2 bars was found not to have an effect on subject’s energy, relaxation or stress levels.

Erythrocytes are excellent model to study the xenobiotic induced oxidative changes. Pyrethroid pesticides are increasingly being used in insecticidal preparations from the simple mosquito coils to house hold aerosols to sophisticated ultra low volume foggers and sprays. Cypermethrin a Type II pyrethroid pesticide is used widely in pest control. Fenugreek is a potent antioxidant. We have evaluated the potential of aqueous extract of germinated fenugreek seeds in counteracting cypermethrin induced oxidative changes in erythrocytes of male Wistar rats. Male Wistar rats were treated with 1/10 LD50 (25mg/kg body weight) of cypermethrin and 10 percent aqueous extract of germinated fenugreek for 60 days. Cypermethrin treatment caused significant decrease in non enzymatic antioxidants, glutathione (GSH), vitamin E, vitamin C, increased methemoglobin formation in erythrocytes and increased their mechanical fragility. Treatment with fenugreek reversed the cypermethrin induced oxidative changes in erythrocytes and restored all the parameters to near normal levels. The overall results reveal the ameliorating effect of aqueous extract of germinated fenugreek on cypermethrin induced toxicity in erythrocytes.

Glucose uptake-enhancing activity of the ethyl acetate extract of Dennettia tripetala (EDT) was investigated using 3T3-L1 adipocytes. EDT yielded 4.43 percent w/w dry matter, showed the presence of alkaloids and flavonoids, contained calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper and manganese. Out of the five extracts of D. tripetala, EDT gave the highest activity (75 percent) in enhancing glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, which was not significantly (p > 0.05) different from insulin (340 nM), the standard drug. EDT caused concentration-dependent increase in glucose uptake with maximal effect at 5 µg/ml, but further increase beyond 10 µg/ml caused a shut down in glucose uptake. Optimal effect was achieved at 16 h post incubation. There was no synergistic effect with increasing doses (2.5, 5.0, 10 µg/ml) of sub maximal concentrations of insulin, rather there was significant (p < 0.05) decrease compared with insulin (340 nM) alone. Unlike other protein inhibitors used, brefeldin significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited EDT-induced glucose uptake by more than 40 percent. In conclusion, EDT enhanced glucose uptake partly by the mobilization of glucose uptake proteins from the interior of the cell to plasma membrane via the Golgi apparatus. Therefore, this mechanism may be responsible for the antihyperglycaemic effect of EDT reported in our previous study.

The in vitro oxidative stress induced by ethanol/Fenton’s reaction in rat liver homogenates decreased significantly in the presence of Syzygium cumini seed extract, suggesting the protective effect of the seed extract against the oxidative stress in liver. To corroborate the in vitro effects by an in vivo experiment, 24 rats were divided into four groups: control, S. cumini seed-extract-administered (SE), 15% ethanol-fed (Alc) and Alc+SE rats. The oral administration of the extract (400 mg/kg BW.day) for 7 weeks significantly decreased the levels of liver LPO in the Alc+SE rats, suggesting that S. cumini seed not only obstructed the in vitro free radical production and subsequent oxidative stress, but also inhibited their in vivo formation. The oral administration of extract also reduced the enzyme activities of serum gammaglutamyl transferase, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase and the levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, serum/liver triglycerides and total cholesterol of the alcoholic rats. The levels of fecal cholesterol were increased by the extract. Fatty degenerations in liver and kidney were absent with S. cumini seed extract treatment. The results suggest that S. cumini seed may be a potential therapy for alcoholics and related dysfunctions by restraining oxidative stress.

Mind body therapies appear to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular diseases, but there is limited understanding of the mechanisms that mediate this effect. Vascular endothelial dysfunction is a central feature of atherogenesis that is adversely impacted by mental stress. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of mind body therapies on peripheral endothelial function in patients with and without established cardiovascular disease. The search included Medline, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Embase to identify studies up to November 2009. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials that compared the effects of mind body therapies and placebo on endothelial function. Two reviewers extracted data on study characteristics, methods, and outcomes. Disagreement was resolved by consensus. Three eligible trials enrolled a total of 258 patients. Sixty one (24 percent) were women and 53 percent had established cardiovascular disease. The trials had good methodological quality. Meta-analysis using random-effects model showed a non significant improvement of endothelial function by mind body therapies (standardized mean difference 0.15; 95% CI, -0.36 to 0.67, P=0.56). The analysis was underpowered due to small sample size. Circumstantial evidence indicates that mind body therapies may have a therapeutic benefit on endothelial dysfunction, however, the aggregate data from the three small randomized trials to date do not support this hypothesis. This biologically plausible effect requires additional investigation in adequately powered studies.

The hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant role of ethanol extract of Scutia myrtina (EESM) was evaluated against paracetamol induced liver damage in rats. The degree of protection was measured by using biochemical parameters such as serum transaminase (SGPT and SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, total protein and uric acid. Further, the effects of the extract on lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), Vitamin C and Vitamin E, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were estimated. The ethanol extract of Scutia myrtina (EESM) (100 and 200 mg/kg) produced significant (P < 0.05) hepatoprotective effect by decreasing the activity of serum enzymes, bilirubin, and lipid peroxidation, while it significantly increased the levels of protein, uric acid, GSH, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, SOD and CAT (P < 0.05). The effects of EESM were comparable to that of standard drug Silymarin. The results indicate that EESM shows hepatoprotective effects on paracetamol-induced liver damage in rat this may due to antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of EESM.

Objective: Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common neuropsychiatric condition. Many herbs with psychotropic effects exist which can have fewer side effects compared to more conventional medications. Valeriana Officinalis L. is a well-known medicinal plant with a long history of usage in the world with an effect on GABA. This plant is reported to be safe on humans. Our objective in this study was to compare the efficacy of the extract of Valeriana Officinalis L. with placebo in the treatment of OCD.Methods: The study was an 8-week pilot double-blind randomized trial. Thirty-one adult outpatients who met the DSM-IV-TR criteria for OCD based on the structured clinical interview participated in the trial. In this double-blind and randomized trial, patients were randomly assigned to receive either capsule of the extract (765 mg/day) or placebo (30 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Results: The results showed significant difference between the extract and placebo in the end of treatment (P=0.000). Somnolence was the only significant difference between the two groups in terms of observed side effects (P=0.02). Conclusion: The results suggest that Valeriana Officinalis L. has some antiobsessive and compulsive effects. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings. Psychiatrists often find that many patients cannot tolerate the side effects of psychiatry medicine Valeriana Officinalis L. is a well-known medicinal plant with a long history of usage in world with effect on GABA.The results showed significant difference between the extract and placebo in the treatment of OCD. There was also no significant difference between the two groups in terms of observed side effects.

The provision in hospitals of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM), as recognized by the World Health Organization, is now widespread in many of the world’s healthcare systems. As a significant part of integrative medicine (IM) or healthcare (IHC), research has now begun to focus on the varied parameters of hospital-based TCAM, however, little research has been conducted on the topic in the Canadian context. Drawing on a multi-site case study of four Canadian hospitals, qualitative observation was conducted at hospital sites, and interviews were conducted with senior hospital leaders and biomedical and TCAM hospital practitioners. The main focus of inquiry was to obtain the views of hospital leaders on the topic of incorporating TCAM, and to examine the motivations for TCAM inclusion, economic dimensions and level of integration between TCAM and biomedicine. Hospital leaders were both highly critical of TCAM and cautiously supportive. Inclusion of TCAM was directly related to hospital leadership and institutional relationships, while TCAM practitioners remained marginalized due to economic, geographical, political and epistemological barriers. Although signs of integration were apparent, significant challenges remained that prevented TCAM practitioners from operating as fully-fledged hospital providers. An integrated change strategy is needed that engages the TCAM professions in mainstream interprofessional education and training opportunities, and that also addresses wider structural and political barriers.

Ficus deltoidea Jack (Moraceae) leaf extract is used as an antidiabetic in traditional medicine. Its widespread usage is reflected by the available preparations in the present commercial market. The efficacy of other Ficus species has not been entirely satisfactory and many antidiabetic herbs have demonstrated poor safety profiles. This study examined hypoglycemic and toxicity profiles of F. deltoidea leaf extract in rodent models. Extracts of dried powdered leaves were obtained using methanol solution, n-hexane, chloroform, and n-butanol. These extracts were orally administered to rodents. Their blood glucose and insulin levels, acute and subchronic toxicity, biochemical and histological profiles of liver and kidney were determined. Methanol extract exhibited blood glucose lowering activity in mildly insulin resistant diabetic rats as well as in normoglycemic mice unlike hydrophilic butanol subextract which only expressed its activity in normoglycemic mice. Methanol extract could contain both insulin receptor sensitization and secretagogue constituents. Different from toxic chloroform and hexane subextracts, hydrophilic methanol extract gave zero percent mortality up to 6400 mg/kg in 14 days. It did not induce liver and kidney toxicity upon four-week consumption at 200 mg/kg. The methanol extract possessed mixed antidiabetic actions and exhibited a low level of oral toxicity.

The objective of this paper was to investigate the phytochemistry and hypoglycemic activities of aqueous extracts of Anisopus mannii, Daniella olivieri, Detarium macrocarpum, Leptedenia hastate and Mimosa invisa, traditionally prescribed for diabetes mellitus. The aqueous extracts were tested for phytochemicals and free radical scavenging activity by the DPPH assay. The anti-diabetic tests were performed in normoglycemic and alloxan induced diabetic mice. High intensity of saponins, xanthones, tannins and glycosides were detected in A. mannii, D. macrocarpum and M. invisa, respectively. For the free radical scavenging activity, D. macrocarpum showed the highest activity with an IC50 of 0.027 mg/ml which was 2.1 folds of ascorbic acid. All extracts showed potent hypoglycemic effects in alloxan induced diabetic mice with the highest fasting blood glucose reduction of 70.39 percent in A. mannii which was 1.54 and 0.98 fold of glibenclamide and human insulin, respectively. A. mannii showed the potent hypoglycemic activity which was 1.54 and 0.98 fold of glibenclamide and insulin, respectively. This study confirmed the traditional use of these Nigerian medicinal plants in diabetes treatment. These plants showed high potential for further investigation to novel anti-diabetic drugs.

Phytic acid, inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) a natural plant constituent and antioxidant exhibits protective action in carcinogenesis, Alzheimer’s, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and inflammations when taken in diet. The aim of this study is to evaluate effect of phytic acid in streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetes in rats. The STZ-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats were orally treated with vehicle (2%w/v Tween 80), glimepiride (2.5 mg/kg) and IP6 (650 mg/kg) for 28 days. The blood glucose level, body weight, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C), lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status (liver and small intestine) was measured and compared with control. Xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and xanthine (XO) activity was measured in small intestine of diabetic rats. In vitro inhibition of carbohydrate digestive enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) was also determined. IP6, significantly (P<0.01) reduced glucose level, HbA1C, lipid profile and lipid peroxidation, and increased body weight, high density lipoprotein level and antioxidant status in liver and small intestine. Decrease in XO and increase in XDH activity was observed in treatment groups compared to diabetic control. Dose dependent inhibition of α-glucosidase and (α-amylase activity was observed for phytic acid when compared to standard drug acarbose. These results clearly indicate that IP6 possess promising in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic activity.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antihypertensive and vasorelaxant effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume stem bark aqueous extract in rats. The in vivo activities of the extract were evaluated on normotensive and three rat models of hypertension while the in vitro tests were assayed on rat isolated aorta rings. Acute intravenous injection of the extract (5, 10 and 20mg/kg) induced a significant reduction in mean arterial blood pressure in anaesthetised normotensive Wistar rats, salt-loaded hypertensive, L-NAME hypertensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats. Pre-treatment of rats with either propranolol or atropine significantly inhibited the hypotensive effects of the plant extract suggesting its possible action through the interferences with both cholinergic and sympathetic transmissions. Moreover, pre-treatment of rats with L-NAME inhibited the sustained plant antihypertensive effects, suggesting a possible active vasodilatation, which might be partly mediated by an endothelial l-arginine/nitric oxide pathway. In isolated rat aortic rings pre-contracted with KCl (60mM), the extract exhibited cumulative vasodilating effects, which were attenuated with either L-NAME, vascular endothelium removal or both tetraethylammonium and glibenclamide pre-treatments. The vasorelaxant effects may be involved in the extract antihypertensive mechanism, partially by increasing the endothelial nitric oxide and by activating the KATP channels in vascular smooth muscle.

The hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and water extracts of Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn. (Asteraceae) were assessed for their antibacterial and antioxidant capacities. The antioxidant capacities were evaluated using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and β-carotene bleaching assays. The antimicrobial activities were assessed using the classical pour-plate disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and death kinetic assays, against six bacterial strains. The ethanol extract displayed significant antioxidant capacities both in the FRAP and β-carotene bleaching assays. The ethanol extract abrogated the growth of all the bacteria tested. Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride spectrometry assays indicated the presence phenolic compounds, including flavonoids in the ethanol extract.

The antiulcer and gastrointestinal effects of methanol stem bark extract (BFME) of Bridelia ferruginea Benth. (Euphorbiaceae) and its solvent fractions—dichloromethane (DCMF) and methanol (MF)—were studied using indomethacin- and ethanol-induced ulcers in rats, small intestinal transit of charcoal meal in mice, and the effects on acetylcholine-induced contractions of the isolated guinea pig ileum. The extract and fractions significantly (P<0.05) protected the rats against ethanol and indomethacin-induced ulcers and inhibited small intestinal propulsion in the order of magnitude: DCMF>MF>BFME. On the guinea pig ileum, MF (0.05 – 6.40 mg/ml) elicited no inhibition, DCMF (5 – 40 μg/ml) antagonized acetylcholine-induced contractions of the guinea pig ileum with IC50 of 10.47μg/ml, while BFME (0.05 – 12.80 mg/ml) contracted the guinea pig ileum with EC50 of 1 mg/ml. Oral LD50 of BFME in mice was estimated to be 2,154 mg/kg. Phytochemistry tests revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids and resins in BFME, MF tested positive for tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, and flavonoids, while DCMF gave positive reactions for flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids and resins. These findings suggest that constituents of the stem bark of B. ferruginea possess antiulcer properties. In addition, some non-polar constituents possess spasmolytic activity while spasmogenic activity is likely associated with some polar constituents.

Grapes seeds are rich source of polyphenolic compounds with potent antioxidant and have been reported beneficial for several health ailments. In the present study, the anti-obesity effect of grape seed extract in an animal model of high fat diet-induced obesity was investigated. Analysis of physiological parameters of high fat diet fed rats when treated with ethanol and water grape seeds extracts revealed significant (P<0.01) decrease in weight gain and food intake when compared with high fat diet rats. The results showed that the organ weight of the liver and adipose tissue weights of mesenteric, perirenal and uterine tissues in the HFD + GSAE and HFD + GSWE groups were significantly decreased as compared with the HFD group. Serum TG, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, glucose levels in the HFD + GSAE and HFD + GSWE groups were significantly decreased as compared with the HFD group. Histological study showed that the lipid droplets of heart and liver of rats with HFD + GSAE and HFD + GSWE diets were significantly smaller than those with HFD diets. These results demonstrate that intake of GSE can be beneficial for the suppression of HFD-induced obesity.

The purpose of the study was to explore the influence of perceived benefits, barriers, and cues to action on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use among university students. This was a prospective, cross sectional questionnaire-based study conducted at a large urban university in Houston, Texas. Of the 400 students surveyed, 143 (35.8%) were current CAM users (used CAM in the past 12 months). Biologically based medications such as herbs, vitamins, supplements and natural products were found to be most profoundly used among students (42%). Perceived benefits (OR 9.14, 95% CI 4.64-18), barriers to CAM use (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.27-0.89) and cues to action (OR 5.21, 95% CI 1.02-26.51) were significant determinants of CAM use among students. Perceived ability of CAM to improve body defenses was found to be the major perceived benefit for CAM use while lack of sufficient scientific testing was found to be the major barrier. Recommendation by health care provider and CAM use by parents and grandparents significantly (p < 0.0001) influenced current CAM use among students. Thus, perceived benefits and cues to action for CAM use significantly promoted CAM usage while perceived barriers were found to hinder CAM use among students.

Phenols, a major group of antioxidant phytochemicals, have profound importance due to their biological and free radical scavenging activities. To identify their potential sources extracts of some fruits and their different parts were studied for total phenolic contents (TPC), antioxidant (AOA) and free radical scavenging activities (FRSA). The amount of TPC varied from 10.5 (Carissa carandus, fruit peel) to 343.2 mg/g (Caesalpinia Mexicana, fruits) and AOA from 20.3% (Musa paradisiacal, fruits) to 96.7% (Caesalpinia Mexicana, fruits). Fruits of Caesalpinia Mexicana, Acacia auriculiformis, fruit pericarp green fibres of Cocus nucifera, and fruits of Emblica officinalis were found to have high TPC (73.1-343.2 mg/g) and high AOA (68.5-96.7%). Promising fruits were studied for their FRSA and reducing power (RP) measured by DPPH assay where the fruits of Caesalpinia mexicana, fruit pericarp fibres of Cocus nucifera, fruits of Emblica officinalis showed very low IC50 ranging from 0.009 to 0.016 mg/ml, EC50 from 0.39 to 0.70 mg/mg DPPH and reasonably high values (142.1-256.3) of anti radical power (ARP), indicating their strong FRSA and reducing power (RP) as evident by their low ASE/ml values (0.42-1.08). They also showed better inhibition of lipid peroxidation measured by using ferric thiocyanate assay and by using egg yolk compared to the reference standard quercetin. The ferrous and ferric ion chelating capacity of the promising fruits and their underutilized parts in terms of IC50 varied from 0.12 (Emblica officinalis, fruits) to 2.44 mg/ml (Mangifera indica, Seed kernel) and 0.22 (Caesalpinia Mexicana, fruits) to 2.59 mg/ml (Litchi chinensis, fruit peel) respectively. Fruit pulp, peel and seeds of Litchi chinensis with reasonable amount of phenols (48.3, 43.9, 50.1 mg/ml) showed low ARP (23.5, 38.3, 33.8) and ASE/ml (3.13, 2.18, 2.62) respectively in contrast to Aegle marmelos with comparatively lower phenols (35.1 mg/g) exhibited good ARP (57.4) and RP (1.67 ASE/ml). Extracts (20 µg/ml) of fruits of Acacia auriculiformis, Caesalpinia Mexicana, Emblica officinalis, fruit pericarp fibres of Cocus nucifera, were found effective in protecting plasmid DNA nicking induced by Fenton’s reagent generated hydroxyl radicals. They were further assayed for their specific phenolic composition through HPLC and MS/MS where the amount of caffeic acid varied from 48.5 to 2231 µg/g, chlorogenic acid 63.8 to 912.1 µg/g, ellagic acid 46.4 to 1429.1 µg/g, ferulic acid 36.7 to 762.9 µg/g, gallic acid 181.6 to 2831.6 µg/g, protocatechuic acid 41.7 to 322.8 µg/g, and quercetin 44.6 to 367.6 µg/g.

Pycnogenol (PYC), polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant activity, acted as a prooxidant. PYC caused oxidative stress in human fibrosarcoma cells (HFS) when administered following pre-treatment with iron chloride. The generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused the formation of 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in DNA and resulted in more apoptosis in HFS cells than in the human fibroblastoma (HFB) cells. DNA damage and cellular viability at different PYC concentrations were closely consistent with cell growth, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and assays of two major antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Although the presence of PYC induced total SOD and catalase activities under oxidative stress in dose dependent fashion, more apoptotic cells were induced in HFS cells with increased [8-OHdG] than in HFB cells. The results suggest that PYC selectively induced cell death in HFS cells. This further confirmed that PYC–induced apoptosis is mediated primarily through the activation of caspase-3 apoptotic marker in HFS cells but not in HFB cells. We conclude that PYC would behave as either antioxidant or prooxidant dependant upon the cellular types.

The present study was undertaken to explore the antihyperlipidemic effect of ethanolic extract of seeds of Apium graveolens L. and its chloroform and aqueous basic fraction in olive oil induced hyperlipidemic rats. The antihyperlipidemic activity of Apium graveolens was compared with a standard drug Atrovastatin (50mg/kg). The study involved phytochemical screening and chromatographic studies of extract and fractions. The ethanolic extract and its fractions were administered orally at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight in rats. Olive oil (5ml/kg oral dose) was administered 30 min after treatment. Blood was collected by ocular puncture 2 and 4 h after olive oil treatment and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 15-20 min. Serum samples were further subjected to biochemical analysis. The study dose dependently inhibited the total cholesterol (TC) triglycerides (TG), low density lipoproteins (LDL) level, and significantly increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) level. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of terpenoid, tannin, alkaloid, glycoside, flavanoid and sterols. UV λmax was found to be 206 nm with a melting point of 137-138°C for the isolated component. The antihyperlipidemic effect was evaluated in olive oil loaded rats. Acute treatment caused stimulatory effect on HDL level and inhibition in TC and TG elevation induced by olive oil.

The present study evaluates the efficacy of ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa L (BD) administered orally at a dose of 500mg/kg body weight for a period of 30 days to alloxanized diabetic rats and its efficacy compared with the standard hypoglycaemic drug metformin. Diabetic animals showed glycemic dysregulation, altered ionic balance, increased levels of serum markers of kidney function, and reduced Na+-K+ ATPase activity and endogenous antioxidant status. Administration of BD not only maintained the ionic balance and renal Na+-K+ ATPase activity but also significantly minimized diabetic hyperglycaemia. The renal antioxidant status (GPx, Catalase, SOD and GSH) remained in the near normal range and LPO level lower than the non-diabetic level. These effects are comparable to the changes brought about by metformin treatment and even better. Over all, the present study provides evidence for BD to be a potent renoprotective and antihyperglycaemic agent in diabetic animals.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of two Indian Ayurvedic herbs using an oral glucose tolerance test and blood insulin levels to understand the mechanism of action using the Zucker diabetic rat model. Herbal extracts of Wrightia tinctoria and Parthenocissus quinquefolia at a dose of (250 mg/kg body weight) were used throughout the study. Following a glucose challenge of 2 gm/kg using oral gavage, a timed glucose tolerance test was used to determine the ability of these extracts to alter glucose levels in diabetic animal model. The glucose lowering activities of these extracts were then compared to the controls. Both tested herbal extracts have shown to exhibit significant (P < 0.05) hypoglycemic activity compared to the control. W. tinctoria and P. quinquefolia have an antidiabetic activity which reduced the blood glucose level in oral glucose tolerance test significantly compared with the control. To further understand their mechanism of action, blood insulin levels were also studied using an insulin Elisa assay. These studies revealed that the herbal extract of P. quinquefolia has direct correlation between glucose and insulin levels. However, W. tinctoria significantly lowered blood glucose levels (P< 0.05), while it did not show any correlation between blood glucose and insulin levels. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that hypoglycemic effects of W. tinctoria are more complicated than P. quinquefolia, and may involve other possible mechanism of action.

The in-vitro free radical scavenging efficacy of the combined ethanolic Biherbal extract (BHE) from equal quantities of the leaves of Eclipta alba and seeds of Piper longum was investigated. This was compared with its individual preparation of ethanolic extract of Eclipta alba (EAE) and ethanolic extract of Piper longum (PLE). The 1, 1, diphenyl -2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), super oxide, nitric oxide, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and reducing power from BHE, EAE, and PLE were investigated employing various established in vitro systems. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were also determined. The results revealed that BHE has notable activity in quenching of DPPH, super oxide, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl radicals when compared to its individual preparation of EAE and PLE. The BHE at 1000μg/ml showed maximum scavenging of DPPH (88.75%) super oxide (84.78%) nitric oxide (89.02%) and hydroxyl (82.82%) against the scavenging of EAE and PLE which showed DPPH (81.77%,83.54%) super oxide (79.88 ± 1.84, 80.88 ± 1.44%) nitric-oxide (76.14 ± 1.80, 77.2 ± 1.18%) and hydroxyl (79.86%, 74.64%) radicals respectively at the same concentration. A linear correlation between BHE and reducing power was also observed. The quantitative estimation of the extract revealed the considerable amount of phenols and flavonoids. The results of this study strongly indicate that the BHE has more potent antioxidant potential action than its individual preparation EAE or PLE.

The protective effect of licorice and diclofenac sodium in doses of 50 mg/kg bwt. and 5 mg/kg bwt. respectively against liver toxicity induced by CCl4 (1ml/kg bwt.) in olive oil [1:1 (v/v)] every other day for 8 weeks and by hepatic ischemia/reperfusion in adult male albino rats was studied. Different antioxidant and liver function parameters were reported to find the protective effect of both licorice and diclofenac sodium against hepatotoxicity. Results showed that licorice protected against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity as well as ischemia/reperfusion-induced liver injury. On the other hand, diclofenac sodium caused deleterious effects, especially in presence of CCl4, where a high mortality rate was observed.