Rat serum electrolytes, lipid profile and cardiovascular activity onNauclea latifolia leaf extract administration

Acanthaster planci Inhibits PCSK9 and Lowers Cholesterol Levels in Rats

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of cardiovascular diseases which in turn, lead to the highest number of mortalities globally. This pathophysiological condition is developed due to a constant elevated level of plasma cholesterols. Statin is currently the widely used treatment in reducing the level of cholesterols, however, it may cause adverse side effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need to search for new alternative treatment. PCSK9 is an enzyme responsible in directing LDL-receptor (LDL-R)/LDL-cholesterols (LDL-C) complex to lysosomal degradation, preventing the receptor from recycling back to the surface of liver cells. Therefore, PCSK9 offers a potential target to search for small molecule inhibitors which inhibit the function of this enzyme. In this study, a marine invertebrate Acanthaster planci, was used to investigate its potential in inhibiting PCSK9 and lowering the levels of cholesterols. Cytotoxicity activity of A. planci on human liver HepG2 cells was carried out using the MTS assay. It was found that methanolic extract and fractions did not exhibit cytotoxicity effect on HepG2 cell line with IC50 values of more than 30 µg/mL. A compound deoxythymidine also did not exert any cytotoxicity activity with IC50 value of more than 4 µg/mL. Transient transfection and luciferase assay were conducted to determine the effects of A. planci on the transcriptional activity of PCSK9 promoter. Methanolic extract and Fraction 2 (EF2) produced the lowest reduction in PCSK9 promoter activity to 70 and 20% of control at 12.5 and 6.25 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, deoxythymidine also decreased PCSK9 promoter activity to the lowest level of 60% control at 3.13 μM. An in vivo study using Sprague Dawley rats demonstrated that 50 and 100 mg/kg of A. planci methanolic extract reduced the total cholesterols and LDL-C levels to almost similar levels of untreated controls. The level of serum glutamate oxalate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) showed that the administration of the extract did not produce any toxicity effect and cause any damage to rat liver. The results strongly indicate that A. planci produced a significant inhibitory activity on PCSK9 gene expression in HepG2 cells which may be responsible for inducing the uptake of cholesterols by liver, thus, reducing the circulating levels of total cholesterols and LDL-C. Interestingly, A. planci also did show any adverse hepato-cytotoxicity and toxic effects on liver. Thus, this study strongly suggests that A. planci has a vast potential to be further developed as a new class of therapeutic agent in lowering the blood cholesterols and reducing the progression of atherosclerosis.

In vitro and in vivo studies of nanoparticles of chitosan-Pandanus tectorius fruit extract as new alternative treatment for hypercholesterolemia via Scavenger Receptor Class B type 1 pathway

Pandanus tectorius fruit, a natural product rich in tangeretin and ethyl caffeate, has been reported to have potential as anti-hypercholesterolemia agent via Scavenger Receptor Class B type 1 (SR-B1) pathway. However, due to its semi-polar properties, P. tectorius extract exhibits poor solubility when used as a medical remedy. The extract’s solubility can potentially be improved through a synthesis of nanoparticles of chitosan-P. tectorius fruit extract. This can also increase the extract’s SR-B1 gene expression activity. To date, no studies of nanoparticles of chitosan-P. tectorius fruit extract and its pathway via SR-B1 have been published anywhere. In this study, cytotoxicity properties against HepG2 were explored by MTT. Then luciferase assay was used to detect their effectiveness in increasing SR-B1 activity. An in vivo study using Sprague dawley was carried out to observe the extract nanoparticles’ effectiveness in reducing the cholesterol levels and the toxicity property in rat’s liver. As the results showed, the extract nanoparticles had no cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cells and exhibited higher SR-B1 gene expression activity than the non-nanoparticle form. As the in vivo study proved, nanoparticle treatment can reduce the levels of TC (197%), LDL (360%), and TG (109%), as well as increase the level of HDL cholesterol by 150%, in comparison to those for the untreated high-cholesterol diet group. From the toxicity study, it was found that there was non-toxicity in the liver. It can be concluded that nanoparticles of chitosan-P. tectorius fruit extract successfully increased P. tectorius fruit extract’s effectiveness in reducing hypercholesterolemia via SR-B1 pathway. Hence, it can be suggested that nanoparticles of chitosan-P. tectorius fruit extract is safe and suitable as an alternative treatment for controlling hypercholesterolemia via SR-B1 pathway.

Phytopharmacological Possibilities of Bird Cherry Prunus padus L. and Prunus serotina L. Species and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals

Wild cherry is a plant observed in the form of trees or shrubs. This species comprises about twenty kinds of plants and the most popular are two, Prunus padus L. and Prunus serotina L., whose properties and content of phytochemical compounds are subject to studies. Wild cherry contains many active compounds, including tocopherols, vitamins, polyphenols and terpenes, which can have beneficial effects on health. On the other hand, wild cherry contains cyanogenic glycosides. Nevertheless, current research results indicate pro-health properties associated with both P. serotina and P. padus. The aim of this study was to collect and present the current state of knowledge about wild cherry and to review available in vitro and in vivo studies concerning its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antidiabetic activity. Moreover, the current work presents and characterizes phytochemical content in the leaves, bark and fruits of P. padus and P. serotina and compiles data that indicate their health-promoting and functional properties and possibilities of using them to improve health. We find that the anatomical parts of P. padus and P. serotina can be a valuable raw material used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries as a source of bioactive compounds with multi-directional action.

Inhibitory effects of tangeretin and trans-ethyl caffeate on the HMG-CoA reductase activity: Potential agents for reducing cholesterol levels

One of the pathways to reduce cholesterol production in the liver is through the inhibition of HMG-Coa reductase (HMGCR) by current drugs, statins. However, these have side effects if consumed in prolonged periods. Tangeretin and trans-ethyl caffeate as alternative drugs in reducing hypercholesterolemia and preventing atherosclerosis have never been reported. Their effects on inhibiting HMGCR activity were investigated through enzymatic method (in vitro and in vivo). The toxicity property was analyzed on the Serum Glutamate Oxalate Transaminase (SGOT)/Serum Glutamate Piruvate Transaminase (SGPT) levels and rat liver histology. The results showed that both compounds inhibited HMGCR activity significantly compare to the control simvastatin (p < 0.05). Tangeretin which showed very good activity in inhibiting HMGCR (83.8 of % inhibition, equal to simvastatin) was selected and used for anti-hypercholesterolemia in vivo assessment. Furthermore, tangeretin was shown to effectively reduced Total Cholesterol (TC) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), and increased High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) levels significantly compared to the simvastatin group (p < 0.05). Tangeretin group was also proven to inhibit HMGCR rat liver activity significantly compare to the control simvastatin (p < 0.05). The toxicity study on the SGOT/SGPT levels and liver histology revealed that there were no side effects after administration by tangeretin. Results found that both tangeretin and trans-ethyl caffeate are potent candidates as anti-hypercholesterolemia agent in vitro. In addition, tangeretin was also shown to be safe and suitable as an alternative treatment for controlling hypercholesterolemia in vivo as well as have potency for preventing atherosclerosis.

African Herbal Remedies with Antioxidant Activity: A Potential Resource Base for Wound Treatment

The use of traditional herbal remedies as alternative medicine plays an important role in Africa since it forms part of primary health care for treatment of various medical conditions, including wounds. Although physiological levels of free radicals are essential to the healing process, they are known to partly contribute to wound chronicity when in excess. Consequently, antioxidant therapy has been shown to facilitate healing of such wounds. Also, a growing body of evidence suggests that, at least, part of the therapeutic value of herbals may be explained by their antioxidant activity. This paper reviews African herbal remedies with antioxidant activity with the aim of indicating potential resources for wound treatment. Firstly, herbals with identified antioxidant compounds and, secondly, herbals with proven antioxidant activity, but where the compound(s) responsible for the activity has not yet been identified, are listed. In the latter case it has been attempted to ascribe the activity to a compound known to be present in the plant family and/or species, where related activity has previously been documented for another genus of the species. Also, the tests employed to assess antioxidant activity and the potential caveats thereof during assessment are briefly commented on.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of African Nauclea species: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOALOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Nauclea in Africa comprises seven species. Among them, N. latifolia, N. diderrichii and N. pobeguinii are widely used by the local population in traditional remedies. Preparation from various parts of plants (e.g. roots, bark, leaves) are indicated by traditional healers for a wide range of diseases including malaria, pain, digestive ailments or metabolic diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was conducted on African species of the genus Nauclea using scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Pubmed or SciFinder. Every document of ethnopharmacological, phytochemical or pharmacological relevance and written in English or French were analyzed.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The Nauclea genus is used as ethnomedicine all along sub-Saharan Africa. Several local populations consider Nauclea species as a major source of remedies for malaria. In this regard, two improved traditional medicines are currently under development using extracts from N. latifolia and N. pobeguinii. Concerning the chemical composition of the Nauclea genus, indoloquinolizidines alkaloids could be considered as the major class of compounds as they are reported in every analyzed Nauclea species, with numerous structures identified. Based on traditional indications a considerable amount of pharmacological studies were conducted to ensure activity and attempt to link them to the presence of particular compounds in plant extracts.

CONCLUSION

Many experimental studies using plant extracts of the African species of the genus Nauclea validate traditional indications (e.g. malaria and pain). However, bioactive compounds are rarely identified and therefore, there is a clear need for further evaluations as well as for toxicity experiments. The sustainability of these plants, especially of N. diderrichii, a threatened species, should be kept in mind to adapt local uses and preparation modes of traditional remedies.

Terminalia arjuna bark extract improves diuresis and attenuates acute hypobaric hypoxia induced cerebral vascular leakage

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex DC.) Wight & Arn. (T. arjuna) has been widely used in the traditional ayurvedic system of medicine as a cardioprotectant and for acute and chronic renal diseases supporting its ethnopharmacological use.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed at evaluating the diuretic action of an alcoholic extract of T. arjuna and its possible use as a prophylactic to prevent vascular leakage during acute mountain sickness at high altitude.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were exposed to hypobaric hypoxia simulated to an altitude of 27,000 ft. in a decompression chamber for 12h. T. arjuna bark extract was administered at a single dose of 150 mg/kg (p.o.) to male Sprague Dawley rats (200 ± 20 g) 30 min prior to exposure. Total urine volume was measured during exposure to hypobaric hypoxia. The animals were then investigated for cerebral vascular leakage and serum concentration of sodium, potassium, renin, angiotensin-II, aldosterone and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP).

RESULTS

T. arjuna ameliorated acute hypobaric hypoxia induced decrease in glomerular filtration rate (p<0.5), increased total urine output (p<0.5) and prevented cerebral vascular leakage in hypoxic rats. T. arjuna treated animals also showed decrease in serum levels of renin (p<0.001) and angiotensin-II (p<0.5) as compared to placebo treated animals. Administration of T. arjuna attenuated acute hypobaric hypoxia induced oxidative stress, improved aldosterone levels and altered electrolyte balance in animals through ANP dependent mechanism.

CONCLUSION

Results of the present study indicate towards diuretic potential of hydro-alcoholic extract of T. arjuna bark and provide evidence for its novel application as a prophylactic to attenuate acute hypobaric hypoxia induced cerebral vascular leakage through ANP mediated modulation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

Dietary Consumption of Virgin Coconut Oil Ameliorates Lipid Profiles in Diabetic Rats

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is a saturated fat with promising antidiabetic properties but its ameliorative effect on lipid profiles in diabetics is rarely reported. Therefore, in this study, a total of fifteen (15) male rats weighing 200–250 g were divided into 3 experimental groups (n=5). Group I (control) and Group II (diabetic control group) were fed a normal rat chow while Group III (diabetic test group) was fed a 10% VCO diet for 3 weeks. Group II and Group III were made diabetic by intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg of alloxan. After 72 hours of injection, blood glucose was tested to confirm diabetes mellitus. After 3 weeks, the animals were sacrificed to collect blood samples for lipid profile analysis. The results showed a significant increase in concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, and very low density lipoprotein and decrease in concentration of high density lipoprotein in Group II when compared to Group I. Also, the concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, and very low density lipoprotein except high density lipoprotein significantly reduced in Group III when compared to Group II (P<0.01, 0.001). VCO consumption can be claimed to ameliorate lipid levels in diabetes mellitus.

Virgin Coconut Oil: Remedial Effects on Renal Dysfunction in Diabetic Rats

Renal dysfunction is now a prevalent complication of diabetes mellitus. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the remedial effects of virgin coconut oil (VCO) on renal dysfunction in diabetic rats. Fifteen albino Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups that comprise normal control group (Group I) and diabetic control group (Group II) fed with normal rat chows and a diabetic test group (Group III) fed with 10% VCO diet. Group II and Group III were made diabetic by single intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg of freshly prepared alloxan monohydrate. After 72 hours of alloxan injection, fasting blood glucose was tested to confirm diabetes mellitus. After 3 weeks, the animals were anaesthetized and sacrificed to collect blood samples for renal function analysis. The creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen values of Group II were significantly different from those of Group I and Group III at P<0.001. Also, there was significant difference (P<0.05) in total protein value between Group II (4.42  ±  0.47 mg/dL) and Group I (5.78  ±  0.12 mg/dL) as well as Group III (5.86  ±  0.19 mg/dL), but there was no significant difference between that of Group I and Group III (5.78  ±  0.12 mg/dL and 5.86  ±  0.19 mg/dL, resp.). Thus, VCO is effective in preventing renal damage in diabetic patients.

Sub-acute effects of ethanol extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius root on some physiologically important electrolytes in serum of normal Wistar albino rats

Sarcocephalus latifolius (Synonym, Nauclea latifolia) is a shrub commonly seen in the South East of Nigeria. It is widely applied as herbal remedy in the treatment of various illnesses. The effect of ethanol extract of the root of the plant on some serum electrolytes was studied. A total of thirty Wistar albino rats were used to determine serum concentrations of K+, Ca2+, Cl- and HCO3-. The animals were divided into six groups of five rats each. Five groups labeled A, B, C, D and E, were administered orally with graded doses of root extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius at concentration of 300, 350, 400, 450 and 500 mg kg(-1) body weight, respectively. The sixth group (Group F) was used as the control and its animals were simply sustained on normal diet and water. Administration of the extract lasted for twenty-one days after which the animals were sacrificed by cardiac puncture. K+, Ca2+, Cl- and HCO3- were determined from each sample and the mean concentration was calculated for each dose and the control. Potassium, calcium and chloride determination were done by colorimetric methods while determination of bicarbonate concentration was done by simple titration. Na+ was separately assayed, by flame photometer, from a set of 18 rats of six animals in each of three groups. For K+, non dose dependent increases were observed which was non-significant (p > 0.05), for A, D and E but significant (p < 0.05) for B and C. Ca2+ showed a dose dependent and significant (p < 0.05) decreases, except for A (p > 0.05). Decreases (p < 0.05) for C, D, E and (p > 0.05) for A and B were observed for Cl-. Serum bicarbonate appeared almost completely unaffected by the extract, showing no significant changes. Na+ levels were depressed for the two test groups, A and B compared with the control (group C), with test group B showing a significant decrease (p < 0.05). From the analysis, it could be concluded that Sarcocephalus latifolius has the capacity to influence various electrolytes to physiologically important degrees. Significant reductions in sodium and calcium levels indicate the usefulness of the plant in treatment of hypertension and pain/fever, respectively. However, significant reductions in chloride may negatively affect the normal balance of fluid in the body. Therefore, more scientific research is needed to establish the best approach to optimizing the numerous medicinal potentials of the plant.

Antipyretic and antinociceptive effects of Nauclea latifolia root decoction and possible mechanisms of action

CONTEXT

 Nauclea latifolia Smith (Rubiaceae) is a small tree found in tropical areas in Africa. It is used in traditional medicine to treat malaria, epilepsy, anxiety, pain, fever, etc.

OBJECTIVE

 The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Nauclea latifolia roots decoction on the peripheral and central nervous systems and its possible mechanisms of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 The analgesic investigation was carried out against acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced pain, hot-plate and tail immersion tests. The antipyretic activity was studied in Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia in mice. Rota-rod test and bicuculline-induced hyperactivity were used for the assessment of locomotor activity.

RESULTS

 Nauclea latifolia induced hypothermia and had antipyretic effects in mice. The plant decoction produced significant antinociceptive activity in all analgesia animal models used. The antinociceptive effect exhibited by the decoction in the formalin test was reversed by the systemic administration of naloxone, N(ω)-L-nitro-arginine methyl ester or glibenclamide. In contrast, theophylline did not reverse this effect. Nauclea latifolia (antinociceptive doses) did not exhibit a significant effect on motor coordination of the mice in Rota-rod performance. Nauclea latifolia protected mice against bicuculline-induced behavioral excitation.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

 Overall, these results demonstrate that the central and peripheral effects of Nauclea latifolia root decoction might partially or wholly be due to the stimulation of peripheric opioid receptors through the action of the nitric oxide/cyclic monophosphate guanosin/triphosphate adenosine (NO/cGMP/ATP)-sensitive- K(+) channel pathway and/or facilitation of the GABAergic transmission.