Dairy curd coagulated by a plant extract of Calotropis procera: Role of fat structure on the chemical and textural characteristics

Milk is often subjected to technological treatments which have impacts on the structure of milk constituents and the characteristics of rennet curds. In this paper, the influence of the dairy fat structure on the biochemical and textural characteristics of curds coagulated by an extract of Calotropis procera leaves was studied. Standardized milks were reconstituted with the same contents in protein (35g·kg^-1) and fat (35g·kg^-1) but with different structures of fat i.e. homogenized anhydrous milk fat (HAMF), homogenized cream (HC) and non-homogenized cream (NHC). As expected, the size distributions of fat globules in the different milks were different. After their coagulations by the plant extract, the physico-chemical characteristics of the curds and respective wheys were determined. No difference was observed in the coagulation time between the three milks but the whey removed more quickly from HAMF and HC curds than NHC-curd. The biochemical analyses of curds revealed a lower content in dry matter and fat in the NHC-curd compared to HAMF- and HC-curds. Otherwise, the NHC-whey exhibited the highest amount of fat. Observations by confocal microscopy showed that the fat globules were homogenously distributed and well trapped in the protein networks of HAMF- and HC-curds. In the NHC-curd, the fat globules were located in whey pockets, with less connectivity with the protein network. The textural analysis showed that the NHC-curd was more elastic, soft and adhesive than HAMF- and HC-curds. Homogenization significantly reduced the loss of fat during cheese manufacturing and conferred specific textural characteristics to the curds coagulated by an extract of Calotropis procera.

Anti-ulcerative colitis activity of Calotropis procera Linn

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-ulcerative colitis activity of Calotropis procera. Different extracts of the investigated plant were evaluated; total alcohol extract, polar extract and non-polar extract. All the investigated extracts at doses 200 &400 mg/kg possessed a dose-dependent anti-ulcerative colitis potential when administrated for 5 consecutive days after colitis induction by acetic acid in rats. They reduced different parameters of UC. Only polar extract at both doses (200, 400 mg/kg) was more effective than the standard drug Prednisolone (50 mg/kg), it produced percent protection of control colitis by 63.8% and78.4% respectively, while the standard drug Prednisolone produced 54.9% protection. The anti-ulcerative colitis activity may be attributed to the active principles i.e. flavonoids. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed that the plant contains flavonoids, unsaturated sterols and/or triterpenoides, cardiac glycosides, carbohydrates or glycosides, proteins and/or amino acids, tannins and coumarins. The total alcohol extract was safe up to 4000 mg/kg and there were no side effects reported on liver and kidney functions.

AGAINST Macrophomina phaseolina

BACKGROUND

Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is an important pulse crop globally. This imperative crop is severely affected by charcoal rot disease caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. In the present study, the leaves of Calotropis procera L. were tested for their antifungal potential against M. phaseolina.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Various concentrations i.e. 1%, 2.5%, 4%, 5.5% and 7% of methanolic extract of C. procera leaves were prepared and their in vitro bioactivity was examined against the test fungus. Methnolic leaf extract was partitioned using n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol and antifungal activity of each fraction was evaluated. n-Hexane fraction was subjected to GC-MS analysis.

RESULTS

The higher concentration of methanolic leaf extract (7%) caused maximum inhibition in the diameter of M. phaseolina i.e. 38%. The n-hexane fraction of methanolic leaf extract was found to be the most effective against M. phaseolina. Seven compounds belonging to classes of chlorocarbon, aromatic hydrocarbon, azocompounds, aromatic carboxylic acids and fatty acids were identified in GC-MS analysis of n-hexane fraction.

CONCLUSION

Antifungal activity of the methanolic leaf extract of C. procera might be due to the presence of the identified compounds in n-hexane fraction of methanolic leaf extract.

Effect of Calotropis procera (madar) and amprolium supplementation on parasitological parameters of broilers during mixed Eimeria species infection

AIM

An experiment was conducted on day old 168 broiler chicks to study the effect of 0.4% as well as 0.2% Calotropis procera (madar) leaf powder and 0.0125% amprolium supplementation on parasitological parameters of broilers during mixed Eimeria species infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chicks were randomly divided into seven groups (I-VII) each with two replicates of 12 chicks. On 15^th day of experiment, broilers of Group II, IV, VI, and VII were infected with 50,000 sporulated oocysts of mixed Eimeria species. To evaluate the anticoccidial effect of different feed supplements percent fecal score, percent survival, percent weight gain, performance index (PI), average oocyst production, and percent reduction in oocyst production were calculated.

RESULTS

It was observed that amprolium supplementation had maximum anticoccidial effect as it gave the best efficacy in terms of all parameters, whereas supplementation of 0.4% madar leaf powder showed nonsignificant difference with amprolium for some parameters such as percent survival, percent weight gain, and PI.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that madar (C. procera) leaf powder and amprolium had comparable activity against coccidiosis. Hence, madar leaf powder may be used for the prevention and control of mixed Eimeria spp. infection prevalent in field conditions.

Cardiac and testicular toxicity effects of the latex and ethanolic leaf extract of Calotropis procera on male albino rats in comparison to abamectin

The present study aims to assess the toxic effect of latex and ethanolic leaf extract of Calotropis procera (C. procera), in comparison to abamectin, on serum biomarkers of function and histological integrity of heart and testis in male albino rats. To achieve this aim, the albino rats were separately administered 1/20 and 1/10 of LD₅₀ of C. procera latex, ethanolic C. procera leaf extract and abamectin respectively by oral gavage for 4 and 8 weeks. C. procera latex and leaf extract as well as abamectin markedly elevated the activities of serum CK-MB, AST and LDH at the two tested periods in a dose dependent manner. Lipid peroxidation was significantly increased while GSH level and GPx, GST and SOD activities were significantly depleted in heart and testis of all treated rats. All treatments also induced a marked increase in serum TNF-α and decrease in serum IL-4, testosterone, FSH and LH levels in a dose dependent manner. The latex seemed to be more effective in deteriorating the testicular function and sex hormones’ levels while the ethanolic leaf extract produced more deleterious effects on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense system in both heart and testis. The normal histological architecture and integrity of the heart and testis were perturbed after treatments and the severity of lesions, which include odema, inflammatory cell infiltration, necrosis and degeneration, is dose and time dependent. In conclusion, the findings of this study indicated that C. procera latex and ethanolic extract of leaves could induce marked toxicity in heart and testis and these toxic effects may be more or less similar to those of abamectin. The cardiotoxicity and testicular toxicity may be mediated via stimulation of inflammation, increased oxidative stress and suppression of antioxidant defense system.

Chemical composition and in vitro activity of Calotropis procera (Ait.) latex on Haemonchus contortus

Calotropis procera is among the species of medicinal plants that have traditionally been used for the treatment of parasites in small ruminants, stimulating the scientific validation of anthelmintic effects. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of ethyl acetate extract of Calotropis procera latex (EAECPL), assess the in vitro effect against Haemonchus contortus and the structural changes caused in the adult worm. The latex was collected, lyophilized and subjected to washing with the ethyl acetate solvent to obtain EAECPL. The constituents of the extract were isolated by column chromatography and identified by (13)C and (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The egg hatching test (EHT), larval development test (LDT) and adult worms motility test (WMT) were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of EAECPL on eggs, larvae and adult of H. contortus, respectively. The worms obtained from the WMT, after 24h exposure to EAECPL or controls were observed on a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results were analysed by variance analysis and compared with Tukey's test (P<0.05). Three compounds were isolated from EAECPL and identified as urs-19(29)-en-3-yl acetate, (3β)-Urs-19(29)-en-3-ol, and 1-(2',5'-dimethoxyphenyl)-glycerol. In the EHT, EAECPL inhibited larval hatching by 91.8% at dose of 4mg/ml. In the LDT 1mg/ml inhibited 99.8% larval development. In the WMT, EAECPL in the concentration of 100μg/ml inhibited 100% motility of worms, 12h post-exposition. In the SEM, obvious differences were not detected between the negative control worms and the worms treated with EAECPL. In this study, EAECPL showed an effect on inhibition egg hatching, larval development and motility of the adult worms of H. contortus. This should be related both to the identified compounds, as well as the other compounds present in the EAECPL, acting alone or synergistically.

Antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities of Calotropis procera latex on Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) exposed to toxic 4-nonylphenol

Calotropis procera L. is known as medicinal plant. The Phytochemical analyzes of its latex revealed that it possessed antioxidants, namely terpenes, phenolic compounds and cardenolides, flavonoids and saponins, while tannins, alkaloids and resin were absent in moderate to high concentration. In the present study, the role of latex of Calotropis procera as antioxidant and antiapoptotic was reported. To carry out this aim, fishes were exposed to 100 µg l(-1) 4-nonylphenol as chemical pollutant. The enzymes, superoxidase dismutase, catalase, acetlycholinstrase (AchE), glutathione s-transferase, cortisol, G6PDH) and apoptotic cells increased significantly (p<0.05) accompanied by irregular disturbance of (Na(+), K(+)) ions in the presence of 4-nonylphenol. On the other hand, these enzymes, ions, and apoptotic cells decreased normally and significantly (p<0.05) in the presence of latex. Total phenol content, total capacity antioxidant, reducing power decrease significantly (p<0.05) in the presence of 4-nonylphenol and increase normally in the presence of latex. Latex was used for the first time to protect catfish after 4-nonylphenol exposure. Our study confirms that crude latex of Calotropis procera possessed antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities against the toxicity of 4-Nonylphenol.

Anti-hyperbilirubinemic and wound healing activity of aqueous extract of Calotropis procera leaves in Wistar rats

Aims:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bilirubin lowering and wound healing property of aqueous extract of Calotropis procera (AECP) leaves in Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods:

Albino Wistar rats of either sex were used for the study. Bilirubin lowering property of C. procera leaves was evaluated using phenylhydrazine and paracetamol as inducing agents followed by measuring the concentration of serum total bilirubin in hyperbilirubinemic rats. Wound healing property was evaluated using incision and excision models by measuring tensile breaking strength, percentage wound contractions, and epithelization days, respectively.

Statistical Analysis:

Statistical comparison between groups in each experiment was done with one-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett's test.

Results:

AECP showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in concentrations of serum total bilirubin in hyperbilirubinemic rats as well as significant (P < 0.05) increase in breaking strength and percentage wound contractions with decreased epithelization period when compared to control groups.

Conclusions:

AECP showed significant bilirubin lowering and wound healing property in Wistar rats.

Lipoxygenase inhibitors from the latex of Calotropis Procera

A radical-scavenging, guided phytochemical study of the latex of Calotropis Procera afforded five lignans (1-5), including a new one (4). The structural determination was accomplished using 1D- and 2D-NMR, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS), and correlation with known compounds. Among the isolated compounds, acylated lignans (3-5) showed stronger antioxidant activity than non-acylated derivatives (1,2). Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by determining the inhibitory potential against 5- and 15-lipoxygenase enzymes. The highest anti-inflammatory activity was observed in compound 4, with IC50s values of 7.6 µM and 2.7 µM against 5-LOX and 15-LOX, respectively.

In-vitro Studies on Calotropis procera Leaf Extracts as Inhibitors of Key Enzymes Linked to Diabetes Mellitus

The side effects associated with the usage of synthetic antidiabetic drugs make it imperative to search for alternative drugs from medicinal plants. Therefore, this study was aimed at evaluating the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of Calotropis procera leaf, as well as its possible mode of inhibiting these enzymes. Acetone, aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C. procera leaf was subjected to standard enzymes' inhibitory assay in-vitro using porcine pancreatic α-amylase and rat intestinal α-glucosidase. Results obtained showed that out of all the extracts tested, ethanolic and aqueous extracts possessed the best inhibition of α-amylase (IC₅₀ 7.80 mg/mL) and α-glucosidase (3.25 mg/mL) respectively. The kinetic analysis of the mode of inhibition of these enzymes by the leaf extracts of C. procera, revealed that these extracts inhibited both enzymes in a non-competitive manner. It is speculated that the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory properties of leaf extracts of C. procera may be due to the presence of some phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins and saponins in the plant. It can be concluded from this study that the Calotropis procera extracts could serve as source of antidiabetic agents which may act through the inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, α-amylase and α-glucosidase.

Crystal structure of an antifungal osmotin-like protein from Calotropis procera and its effects on Fusarium solani spores, as revealed by atomic force microscopy: Insights into the mechanism of action

CpOsm is an antifungal osmotin/thaumatin-like protein purified from the latex of Calotropis procera. The protein is relatively thermostable and retains its antifungal activity over a wide pH range; therefore, it may be useful in the development of new antifungal drugs or transgenic crops with enhanced resistance to phytopathogenic fungi. To gain further insight into the mechanism of action of CpOsm, its three-dimensional structure was determined, and the effects of the protein on Fusarium solani spores were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The atomic structure of CpOsm was solved at a resolution of 1.61Å, and it contained 205 amino acid residues and 192 water molecules, with a final R-factor of 18.12% and an Rfree of 21.59%. The CpOsm structure belongs to the thaumatin superfamily fold and is characterized by three domains stabilized by eight disulfide bonds and a prominent charged cleft, which runs the length of the front side of the molecule. Similarly to other antifungal thaumatin-like proteins, the cleft of CpOsm is predominantly acidic. AFM images of F. solani spores treated with CpOsm resulted in striking morphological changes being induced by the protein. Spores treated with CpOsm were wrinkled, and the volume of these cells was reduced by approximately 80%. Treated cells were covered by a shell of CpOsm molecules, and the leakage of cytoplasmic content from these cells was also observed. Based on the structural features of CpOsm and the effects that the protein produces on F. solani spores, a possible mechanism of action is suggested and discussed.

Cytotoxic cardenolides from the latex of Calotropis procera

Three new cardenolides (3, 9 and 10), along with eight known ones, were isolated from the latex of Calotropis procera. The structural determination was accomplished by the 1D- and 2D-NMR spectra as well as HRESIMS analysis. The growth inhibitory activity of the latex and its sub-fractions as well as isolated compounds was evaluated against human A549 and Hela cell lines. The results exhibited that latex had strong growth inhibitory activity with IC50s of (3.37 μM, A-549) and (6.45 μM, Hela). Among the four extracts (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous), chloroform extract displayed the highest potential cytotoxic activity, with IC50s of (0.985 μM, A-549) and (1.471 μM, Hela). All the isolated compounds displayed various degrees of cytotoxic activity and the highest activity was observed by calactin (1) with IC50s values of (0.036 μM, A-549) and (0.083 μM, Hela). None of these isolated compounds exhibited good antimicrobial activity evaluated by determination of their MICs using the broth microdilution method against various infectious pathogens. The structure-activity relationships for cytotoxic activity were also discussed.

Protective effect of proteins derived from Calotropis procera latex against acute inflammation in rat

The non-dialysable proteins present in the latex of plant Calotropis procera possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of latex proteins (LP) on the level of inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress markers and tissue histology in the rat model of carrageenan-induced acute inflammation. This study also aimed at evaluating the anti-inflammatory efficacy of LP against different mediators and comparing it with their respective antagonists. Paw inflammation was induced by subplantar injection of carrageenan, and the effect of LP was evaluated on oedema volume, level of TNF-α, PGE(2), myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, reduced glutathione, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and tissue histology at the time of peak inflammation. Paw inflammation was also induced by histamine, serotonin, bradykinin and PGE(2), and the inhibitory effect of LP against these mediators was compared with their respective antagonists at the time of peak effect. Treatment with LP produced a dose-dependent inhibition of oedema formation, and its anti-inflammatory effect against carrageenan-induced paw inflammation was accompanied by reduction in the levels of inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress markers and normalization of tissue architecture. LP also produced a dose-dependent inhibition of oedema formation induced by different inflammatory mediators, and its efficacy was comparable to their respective antagonists and more pronounced than that of diclofenac. Thus, our study shows that LP has a potential to be used for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions where the role of these mediators is well established.

Calotroposides H-N, new cytotoxic oxypregnane oligoglycosides from the root bark of Calotropis procera

As a part of our continuing interest in identifying anticancer drug leads from natural sources, we have investigated the n-BuOH fraction of the root bark of Calotropis procera (Ait) R. Br. Seven new oxypregnane oligoglycosides: calotroposides H-N (1-7) were isolated and identified. Their structures were established on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR studies, HRMS, and GCMS spectral data. The in vitro growth inhibitory activity of the n-BuOH fraction and compounds 1-7 was evaluated against A549 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), U373 glioblastoma (GBM), and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines. Compounds 4 and 6 showed subnanomolar growth inhibition activity with IC50 ranging from 0.5 to 0.7μM against U373 glioblastoma (GBM) and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines. These results provide further insight into the chemical diversity and biological activities of this class of compounds.

Antiedematogenic and antioxidant properties of high molecular weight protein sub-fraction of Calotropis procera latex in rat

Objectives:

The aim was to evaluate the effect of high molecular weight protein fraction of Calotropis procera latex on edema formation and oxidative stress in carrageenan-induced paw inflammation.

Methods:

A sub-plantar injection of carrageenan was given to induce edema in the hind paw of the rat. The inhibitory effect of high molecular weight protein fraction of C. procera latex was evaluated following intravenous administration (5 and 25 mg/kg body weight) and was compared with that of diclofenac given orally (5 mg/kg). The levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured in the inflamed paw tissue at the end of the study.

Results:

The high molecular weight protein fraction obtained from the latex of C. procera produced a dose-dependent inhibition of edema formation that was accompanied by normalization of levels of oxidative stress markers (GSH and TBARS) and MPO, a marker for neutrophils in the paw tissue.

Conclusions:

The high molecular weight protein fraction of C. procera latex ameliorates acute inflammation in the paw through its antioxidant effect.

Calotropis procera mediated combustion synthesis of ZnAl2O4:Cr(3+) nanophosphors: structural and luminescence studies

ZnAl2O4:Cr(3+) nanophosphors were synthesized for the first time by a simple and environment friendly route using Calotropis procera milk latex as fuel. The structural and surface morphological studies were carried out using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The photoluminescence (PL) properties of ZnAl2O4:Cr(3+) as a function of dopant concentration and calcination temperature was studied in detail. The PXRD patterns and Rietveld confinement confirmed the cubic crystal system with space group Fd-3m. The crystallite size estimated from Scherrer's and W-H plots was found to be in the range of 16-26 nm. The PL spectrum shows an intense peak at ∼688 and ∼699 nm assigned to spin-forbidden (2)Eg→(4)A2g transition of Cr(3+) ions. The PL measurements for two excitations (∼410 and 527 nm) and with respect to calcination temperature indicated no significant change in the shape and position of emission peak except PL intensity. The CIE chromaticity coordinates lies well within the white region. Thermoluminescence (TL) studies revealed well resolved glow peak at ∼212°C with a small shoulder at 188 and 233°C. The glow peak intensity at ∼212°C increases linearly with γ-dose which suggest ZnAl2O4:Cr(3+) is suitable candidate for radiation dosimetric applications. The activation energy (E in eV), order of kinetics (b) and Frequency factor (s) were estimated using glow peak shape method.

Calotropis procera extract induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in human skin melanoma (SK-MEL-2) cells

Calotropis procera (family: Asclepiadaceae) contains cardiac glycosides which are cytotoxic to cancer cells. The extracts of C. procera have been reported to be cytotoxic to many cancer cell lines and this is the first report against the human skin melanoma cells (SK-MEL-2). The SK-MEL-2 cells treated with C. procera methanolic extract (CPME) were analysed for growth inhibition and apoptosis. The exposure of phosphatidylserine in apoptotic SK-MEL-2 was analysed by using the Annexin-V FITC flow cytometry method. In CPME-treated SK-MEL-2 cells, 19.6% of apoptotic and 58.3% dead cells were observed. The 15.97% and 15.85% of early apoptotic cells were found at 20 μg/mL of the ouabain and paclitaxel, respectively. Active caspases, nuclear degradation confirmed apoptotic SK-MEL-2 cells in time- and dose-dependent manner. The cell cycle analysis shows that CPME treated cells halt at G2/M phase. Significant cytotoxic activity of CPME against SK-MEL-2 may be attributed to its high cardenolide content.

Evaluation of the antioxidant activity and the healing action of the ethanol extract of Calotropis procera bark against surgical wounds

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential and the wound healing effect of the ethanolic extract of the bark of Calotropis procera. The antioxidant study was evaluated in vitro, using 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and deoxyribose degradation assays. Wound healing was studied using excision and incision wound on normal and dexamethasone-suppressed wound healing rodent models. Alkaloids, flavonoids, proteins and phenols were screened in the extract used whereas saponins and true tannins were absent. The extract contains only 12.5 gallic acid equivalent and 399.54 rutin equivalent. It was found to inhibit DPPH and deoxyribose oxidation (IC₅₀ = 24.24 and 5.40 respectively). In vivo study demonstrated a significant reduction in the epithelialization time (P < 0.001) to 17-18 days in normal and dexamethasone treated rats following the ethanolic extract of the bark of C. procera application. The same extract also significantly increased the breaking strength in dexamethasone treated rats. Histological examination of incision wounds of treated group showed matured extracellular matrix, numerous fibroblasts. This study illustrated an excellent potential of the bark of C. procera therapy on dermal wound healing, with a tentative mechanism of action related to improved collagen deposition and reduced inflammatory reaction.

Two novel cardenolides from Calotropis procera

Two new cardenolides, named ischarin and ischaridin in addition to 10 known compounds, were isolated from Calotropis procera Ait. (Asclepiadaceae), growing wild in Jordan. Their structures were established mainly by the extensive application of one- and two-dimensional (1)H and (13)C-NMR spectroscopy.

Proceraside A, a new cardiac glycoside from the root barks of Calotropis procera with in vitro anticancer effects

We have studied the ethyl acetate fraction of the methanolic extract of the root barks of Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae) from Egypt. Bioassay-directed fractionation and final purification of the extract resulted in the identification of a new cardenolide glycoside named proceraside A (1) together with two known compounds, frugoside (2) and calotropin (3). Their structures were elucidated by extensive NMR studies and mass spectrometric data. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the isolated compounds was evaluated against A549 non-small cell lung cancer, U373 glioblastoma and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines. They showed potent activity against the tested cancer cell lines with IC50 ranging from 0.005 to 0.3 μg/mL. Cisplatin was used as positive control.

Pharmacological characterization of different fractions of Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae) in streptozotocin induced experimental model of diabetic neuropathy

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br. is one of an ancient traditional shrub, which has been used for the treatment of diabetes, pain and inflammation for thousands of years in India. The root extract of Calotropis procera has been widely used by the tribal׳s of district Udaipur, Rajasthan (India) for treatment of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications like diabetic neuropathy. The present study was performed to explore the protective effect of root, stem and leaf extracts of Calotropis procera in diabetes and diabetic neuropathy against tactile allodynia, mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal hyperalgesia in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Diabetes and peripheral neuropathy were induced in Wistar rats by injection of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg/intraperitoneally). The roots, stem and leaves of Calotropis procera were sequentially extracted with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol. All the extracts were assessed by oral administration at 100 and 250 mg/kg in streptozotocin diabetic rats. The following compounds were used as positive controls: insulin NPH (1 IU/kg/day), metformin (500 mg/kg/day), glibenclamide (2.5 mg/kg/day) and a combination of acarbose (20 mg/kg/day) with methylcobalamine (500 µg/kg/day). In contrast, the streptozotocin induced untreated diabetic rats termed as negative control. Thermal hyperalgesia, mechanical hyperalgesia and tactile allodynia were evaluated in all groups of streptozotocin diabetic rats to assess the extent of neuropathy by Eddy׳s hot plate, tail immersion, Randall-Selitto and Von Frey hair tests. The basal nociceptive thresholds were assessed in week 4 of post streptozotocin injection. All groups received their treatment on a regular basis from 28 to 42 days following a confirmation of diabetic neuropathy. The nociceptive thresholds were assessed in all groups in week 5 and 6. The histopathology of pancreas and biochemical estimations of plasma insulin and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C%) levels were also performed in week 6 of post streptozotocin injection.

RESULTS

The negative control rats developed diabetes and diabetic neuropathy after 6 week of streptozotocin administration distinguished by significant (p<0.01) hyperalgesia and tactile allodynia with enhanced HbA1C% level compared to normoglycemic rats. Chronic administration of root methanol, stem methanol and leaf ethyl-acetate extracts of Calotropis procera for 2 weeks at 100 and 250 mg/kg doses significantly (p<0.01) attenuated the diabetes induced mechanical hyperalgesia, thermal hyperalgesia, tactile allodynia and HbA1C% level in streptozotocin diabetic rats as compared to negative control rats. Further, the root methanol extract of Calotropis procera in 100mg/kg dose showed the regeneration capability of β cells in the histology of pancreas with significant (p<0.01) improvement in plasma insulin level in streptozotocin diabetic rats compared to negative control rats.

CONCLUSION

Root methanol extract of Calotropis procera (100mg/kg) has shown ameliorative effect in diabetic neuropathy which may be attributed by its multiple actions including potent hypoglycemic and antioxidant.

Saponins-rich fraction of Calotropis procera leaves elicit no antitrypanosomal activity in a rat model

OBJECTIVE

To examine the in vitro and in vivo anti-Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi ) activity of saponins-rich fraction of Calotropis procera (cpsf) leaves as well as the effect of the fraction on the parasite-induced anemia.

METHODS

A 60-minutes time course experiment was conducted with various concentrations of the fraction using a 96-well microtiter plate technique, and subsequently used to treat experimentally T. evansi infected rats at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. Index of anemia was analyzed in all animals during the experiment.

RESULTS

The cpsf did not demonstrate an in vitro antitrypanosomal activity. Further, the cpsf treatments did not significantly (P>0.05) keep the parasites lower than the infected untreated groups. At the end of the experiment, all T. evansi infected rats developed anemia whose severity was not significantly (P>0.05) ameliorated by the cpsf treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that saponins derived from Calotropis procera leaves could not elicit in vitro and in vivo activities against T. evansi.

Crystallization and X-ray diffraction analysis of an antifungal laticifer protein

An osmotin (CpOsm) from the latex of Calotropis procera has been crystallized in both tetragonal and trigonal forms suitable for structure determination. Crystallographic studies of CpOsm are of great interest because limited information is available concerning the structure of latex proteins and CpOsm has previously been shown to interact with the spore membranes of some plant pathogenic fungi, thus impairing spore germination and hyphal growth. CpOsm crystals were grown using 0.1 M HEPES buffer pH 7.5, 26% PEG 4000, 0.2 M ammonium sulfate (space group P4(3)) or using 0.1 M HEPES buffer pH 7.5, 35% MPD, 0.7 M ammonium sulfate (space group P3(1)12). X-ray diffraction data were collected to 2.17 Å (P4(3)) and 1.80 Å (P3(1)12) resolution and molecular-replacement analyses produced initial phases for both crystal forms.

Wound-healing and potential anti-keloidal properties of the latex of Calotropis procera (Aiton) Asclepiadaceae in rabbits

Calotropis Procera (CP) has been used in the management of toothache, fresh skin burns, gum bleeding as well as others to make it qualify as a medicinal plant. This study was designed to assess its wound-healing property in rabbits and its potentials for anti keloidal activity.Fresh latex of Calotropis were obtained and evaluated phytochemically. Fifteen male rabbits were used and four excisional wounds were created on each rabbit. The rabbits were divided into five groups of three each. Group 1 was the negative control and received no treatment. The wounds of group 2 animals were treated with 2mL of Calotropis latex; group 3 with 2mL honey; and group 4 with a mixture of 1ml honey and 1 mL of the latex. The animals in group 5 were given 2mg triamcinolone intramuscularly. All the groups had their wounds treated daily for 21 days. The wounds' diameters were measured on the day of wound creation, thereafter on days 7, 14 and 21 post wound creation. Biopsies of the wounds were taken on days 3 and 21 and viewed histologically. Phytochemical study of the latex revealed the presence of glycosides, tannins and alkaloids. The wounds were found to be significantly (p<0.05) reduced in groups treated with 50% latex in honey and triamcinolone, respectively, on day 7 post wound creation while there was a significant (p<0.05) reduction in wound surface area in all treated groups on days 14 and 21 post wound creation. Histological findings in untreated group showed thick bundle of collagen fibres some of which had broad based configurations, reminiscent of keloid. The group treated with 2mL of Calotropis latex revealed the presence of florid granulation tissues on day 3 while there was a marked reduction in quantity and size of collagen fibres on day 21 post wound creation which was comparable with what was seen for the triamcinolone-treated group.The general effect of Calotropis latex on wound-healing was noted. Likewise it's similarity to that of triamcinolone, an anti-keloidal agent; this makes it a probable candidate for future anti-keloidal study using a suitable model.

Protective effect of proteins derived from the latex of Calotropis procera against inflammatory hyperalgesia in monoarthritic rats

Calotropis procera (family: Apocynaceae) is a plant growing in the wild and has been used in the traditional medicinal system for the treatment of various diseases. The plant produces milky latex that possesses potent antiinflammatory and analgesic properties. In present study the non-dialysable protein fraction isolated from the latex (LP) of this plant was evaluated for its efficacy against inflammation in rats where paw edema was induced by sub-plantar injection of carrageenin or monoarthritis was induced by intra-articular injection of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). The effect of LP was evaluated on edema volume in the paw model and on joint diameter, stair climbing ability, motility, dorsal flexion pain, levels of oxidative stress markers and joint histology in arthritis model. The protection afforded by LP was compared with that of standard antiinflammatory drug, diclofenac (5 mg/kg). LP exhibited a dose-dependent antiinflammatory effect and produced 32% and 60% inhibition of paw edema at 10 and 25 mg/kg doses and 12% and 36% inhibition of joint inflammation at 50 and 150 mg/kg doses. The protective effect of LP was associated with normalization of joint functions, histology and levels of oxidative stress markers in joint tissue. The findings of this study suggest that the protein fraction of latex of Calotropis procera has the potential to relieve inflammation and pain associated with various arthritic conditions.

Effect of Cuscuta reflexa stem and Calotropis procera leaf extracts on glucose tolerance in glucose-induced hyperglycemic rats and mice

Cuscuta reflexa (whole plant) and Calotropis procera (leaves) are used in folk medicine of Bangladesh to control blood sugar in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. The hypoglycemic effects of methanol and chloroform extracts of whole plants of Cuscuta reflexa, and methanol extract of leaves of Calotropis procera were investigated in oral glucose tolerance tests in Long Evans rats and Swiss albino mice, respectively. Both methanol and chloroform extracts of Cuscuta reflexa whole plant demonstrated significant oral hypoglycemic activity in glucose-loaded rats at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. The methanol extract of leaves of Calotropis procera, when tested at doses of 100 and 250 mg/kg body weight did not demonstrate any oral hypoglycemic effect when tested in glucose-loaded mice.

(Asclepiadaceae) in controlling Anopheles arabiensis and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes

The present study aimed to investigate, the larvicidal, adult emergence inhibition and oviposition deterrent activity of aqueous leaves extract of Calotropis procera against Anopheles arabiensis and Culex quinquefasciatus as natural mosquito larvicide. The larvicidal activity was monitored against 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar larvae of each mosquito species 24 h post-treatment. Adult emergence inhibition activity was tested by exposing 3rd instar larvae of each mosquito species to different concentrations of extracts (200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 ppm for An. arabiensis and 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 ppm for Cx. quinquefasciatus). Probit analysis was used to analyze data from bioassay experiments. The oviposition deterrent activity was tested by using three different concentrations of extracts (1000, 500 and 200 for An. arabiensis, and 1000, 500 and 100 for Cx. quinquefasciatus) that caused high, moderate and low larval mortality in the larvicidal experiment against 3rd instar larvae. It was found that, LC50-LC90 values calculated were 273.53-783.43, 366.44-1018.59 and 454.99-1224.62 ppm for 2nd, 3rd and 4th larval instars, respectively, of An. arabiensis and 187.93-433.51, 218.27-538.27 and 264.85-769.13 ppm for 2nd, 3rd and 4th larval instars, respectively, of Cx. quinquefasciatus. Fifty percent of adult emergence inhibition (EI50) was shown at 277.90 and 183.65 ppm for An. arabiensis and Cx. quinquefasciatus, respectively. The pupal stage was not affected till a concentration of 5000 ppm. The extract showed oviposition deterrence and effective repellence against both mosquito species at different concentrations, with the observation on that maximal eggs were laid in low concentration of extract. These results suggest that the leaves extract of C. procera possess remarkable larvicidal, adult emergence inhibitor, repellent and oviposition deterrent effect against both An. arabiensis and Cx. quinquefasciatus, and might be used as natural biocides for mosquito control.