Investigation of biochemical and histopathological effects of Mentha piperita L. and Mentha spicata L. on kidney tissue in rats

Amended Safety Assessment of Mentha piperita (Peppermint)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of M piperita (peppermint)-derived ingredients. The Panel reviewed data relevant to the safety of these ingredients. Because final product formulations may contain multiple botanicals, each containing the same constituent(s) of concern, formulators are advised to be aware of these constituents and avoid reaching levels that may be hazardous to consumers. Industry should continue to use good manufacturing practices to limit impurities that could be present in botanical ingredients. The Panel concluded that M piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Extract, Leaf, and leaf-derived ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-sensitizing, and that the available data are insufficient for determining that M piperita (Peppermint) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, M piperita (Peppermint) Flower/Leaf/Stem Water, and M piperita (Peppermint) Meristem Cell Culture are safe under the intended conditions of use in cosmetic formulations.

Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract ameliorates phenylhydrazine-induced anaemia and toxicity in Wistar rats

OBJECTIVES

Ocimum gratissimum L. is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of bacterial infections and anaemia. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of O. gratissimum leaf extract on phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced anaemia and toxicity in rats.

METHODS

The experimental rats were divided into five groups (A-E) (n=6/sex/group). Each rat in groups B-E was intraperitoneally administered 50 mg/kg of PHZ for two consecutive days. Group A (normal control) did not receive any PHZ, group B (negative control), group C received orally 5 mg/kg ferrous sulphate whereas groups D and E received 200 and 400 mg/kg O. gratissimum leaf extract respectively, for 14 days.

RESULTS

Red blood cell count, packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and high-density lipoprotein increased significantly (p<0.05) whereas low-density lipoprotein and very-low-density lipoprotein decreased in extract-treated groups when compared to the negative control. O. gratissimum (400 mg/kg extract) and standard drug (5 mg/kg ferrous sulphate) significantly (p<0.05) reduced the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that O. gratissimum leaf extract has a restorative effect on the phenylhydrazine-induced metabolic distortions in the blood, liver, and kidney, and therefore could be used therapeutically as an anti-anaemic tonic.

Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract ameliorates phenylhydrazine-induced anaemia and toxicity in Wistar rats

OBJECTIVES

Ocimum gratissimum L. is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of bacterial infections and anaemia. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of O. gratissimum leaf extract on phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced anaemia and toxicity in rats.

METHODS

The experimental rats were divided into five groups (A-E) (n=6/sex/group). Each rat in groups B-E was intraperitoneally administered 50 mg/kg of PHZ for two consecutive days. Group A (normal control) did not receive any PHZ, group B (negative control), group C received orally 5 mg/kg ferrous sulphate whereas groups D and E received 200 and 400 mg/kg O. gratissimum leaf extract respectively, for 14 days.

RESULTS

Red blood cell count, packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and high-density lipoprotein increased significantly (p<0.05) whereas low-density lipoprotein and very-low-density lipoprotein decreased in extract-treated groups when compared to the negative control. O. gratissimum (400 mg/kg extract) and standard drug (5 mg/kg ferrous sulphate) significantly (p<0.05) reduced the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that O. gratissimum leaf extract has a restorative effect on the phenylhydrazine-induced metabolic distortions in the blood, liver, and kidney, and therefore could be used therapeutically as an anti-anaemic tonic.

Potential Role of Phenolic Extracts of Mentha in Managing Oxidative Stress and Alzheimer's Disease

With an increase in the longevity and thus the proportion of the elderly, especially in developed nations, there is a rise in pathological conditions that accompany ageing, such as neurodegenerative disorders. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive and memory decline. The pathophysiology of the disease is poorly understood, with several factors contributing to its development, such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, cholinergic neuronal apoptotic death, and the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain. Current medications are only palliative and cannot stop or reverse the progression of the disease. Recent clinical trials of synthetic compounds for the treatment of AD have failed because of their adverse effects or lack of efficacy. Thus, there is impetus behind the search for drugs from natural origins, in addition to the discovery of novel, conventional therapeutics. Mints have been used traditionally for conditions relevant to the central nervous system. Recent studies showed that mint extracts and/or their phenolic constituents have a neuroprotective potential and can target multiple events of AD. In this review, we provide evidence of the potential role of mint extracts and their derivatives as possible sources of treatments in managing AD. Some of the molecular pathways implicated in the development of AD are reviewed, with focus on apoptosis and some redox pathways, pointing to mechanisms that may be modulated for the treatment of AD, and the need for future research invoking knowledge of these pathways is highlighted.

Cleistanthus collinus poisoning affects mitochondrial respiration and induces oxidative stress in the rat kidney

Cleistanthus collinus is a poisonous shrub used for deliberate self-harm in rural areas of South India and intake of boiled decoction of leaves is a common method of self-harm. Distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) is an important clinical symptom observed in C. collinus poisoning, and renal V-ATPases may be potential targets of damage. However, a lack of understanding of molecular mediators involved hampers medical management, which is mainly supportive. We hypothesized that C. collinus poisoning induces renal oxidative stress; probably by inducing mitochondrial uncoupling, which compromises V-ATPase activity to ultimately produce dRTA. This was tested by exposing renal BBMV, kidney cells in culture, and Wistar rats to C. collinus poisoning. Exposure to C. collinus aqueous extract resulted in significant elevations in the lipid peroxidation marker, conjugated dienes, in cell culture and in vivo. A significant decrease in mitochondrial respiratory control ratio was observed in kidneys from C. collinus-treated animals suggesting that mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation is uncoupled. This was accompanied by significant increase in ADP levels and a decrease in proton pump activity. Thus, these results demonstrate that C. collinus poisoning induces oxidative stress which influences proton pump activity, probably due to feedback inhibition by elevated ADP levels because of mitochondrial dysfunction in the rat kidney.

Pharmacological Evaluation of Mentha spicata L. and Plantago major L., Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Anxiety and Insomnia in Colombian Caribbean Coast

Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent, chronic, and disabling conditions that impose enormous health and economic costs both on individuals and on society. Medicinal plants are an invaluable source of bioactive metabolites that can be useful as new pharmacological treatment. Teas from Mentha spicata and Plantago major are employed by Colombian populations to treat stress and insomnia. This work was conducted to evaluate their anxiolytic and hypnotic properties. For this, we employed the Elevated Plus-Maze test and the sodium pentobarbital-induced hypnosis method using Wistar rats. Oral administration of M. spicata extract (1000 mg/Kg) significantly increased the exploration and time spent in the open arms, which indicates its anxiolytic activity. On the other hand, both M. spicata and P. major extracts (1000 mg/Kg) remarkably augmented the sleeping time induced by pentobarbital, suggesting a sedative and hypnotic effect of the plants extracts. In addition, the acute toxicological study demonstrated that the doses used did not induce mortality or toxicity effects at hepatic or renal level. The bioactivity seems to be related to several kinds of constituents, mainly phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and tannins. In conclusion, these results reinforce the potential use of these species in the therapy of anxiety.

Antibacterial activities of medicinal plants used in Mexican traditional medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

We provide an extensive summary of the in vitro antibacterial properties of medicinal plants popularly used in Mexico to treat infections, and we discuss the ethnomedical information that has been published for these species.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We carried out a bibliographic investigation by analyzing local and international peer-reviewed papers selected by consulting internationally accepted scientific databases from 1995 to 2014. We provide specific information about the evaluated plant parts, the type of extracts, the tested bacterial strains, and the inhibitory concentrations for each one of the species. We recorded the ethnomedical information for the active species, as well as their popular names and local distribution. Information about the plant compounds that has been identified is included in the manuscript. This review also incorporates an extensive summary of the available toxicological reports on the recorded species, as well as the worldwide registries of plant patents used for treating bacterial infections. In addition, we provide a list with the top plant species with antibacterial activities in this review RESULTS: We documented the in vitro antibacterial activities of 343 plant species pertaining to 92 botanical families against 72 bacterial species, focusing particularly on Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The plant families Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae and Euphorbiaceae included the largest number of active species. Information related to popular uses reveals that the majority of the plants, in addition to treating infections, are used to treat other conditions. The distribution of Mexican plants extended from those that were reported to grow in just one state to those that grow in all 32 Mexican states. From 75 plant species, 225 compounds were identified. Out of the total plant species, only 140 (40.57%) had at least one report about their toxic effects. From 1994 to July 2014 a total of 11,836 worldwide antibacterial patents prepared from different sources were recorded; only 36 antibacterial patents from plants were registered over the same time period. We offered some insights on the most important findings regarding the antibacterial effects, current state of the art, and research perspectives of top plant species with antibacterial activities in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies of the antibacterial in vitro activity of medicinal plants popularly used in Mexico to treat infections indicate that both the selection of plant material and the investigation methodologies vary. Standardized experimental procedures as well as in vivo pharmacokinetic studies to document the effectiveness of plant extracts and compounds are necessary. This review presents extensive information about the medicinal plants possessing antibacterial activity that has been scientifically studied and are popularly used in Mexico. We anticipate that this review will be of use for future studies because it constitutes a valuable information tool for selecting the most significant plants and their potential antibacterial properties.

Safety and tolerability of a dried aqueous spearmint extract

Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) and spearmint extracts are Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use as flavoring in beverages, pharmaceuticals, and confectionaries. Studies of spearmint extracts in humans and animals have reported conflicting results with respect to toxicity. Since the chemical composition of these extracts was not reported and the spearmint source material was different, the relevance of these existing data to evaluating the risks associated with ingestion of a dried aqueous spearmint extract standardized to rosmarinic acid is not clear. Hence, the safety and tolerability of the dried aqueous spearmint extract was evaluated as part of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults with age-associated memory impairment. Ingestion of both 600 and 900 mg/day for 90 days had no effect on plasma levels of follicular stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, or thyroid stimulating hormone, or other safety parameters including vital signs, plasma chemistry or whole blood hematology values. Additionally, there were no reported severe adverse events, no significant between-group differences in the number of subjects reporting adverse effects and the adverse events reported could not be attributed to ingestion of the extract. These results therefore show that ingestion of the aqueous dried spearmint extract is safe and well-tolerated.

Investigation of biochemical and histopathological effects of Mentha piperitaLabiatae and Mentha spicata Labiatae on liver tissue in rats

The plant Mentha piperita, or peppermint, is commonly used in the treatment of loss of appetite, common cold, bronchitis, sinusitis, fever, nausea and vomiting, and indigestion as a herbal agent. In this study, we aimed to investigate biochemical and histological effects of M. piperita Labiatae, growing in the Yenisar Bademli town of Isparta city, and Mentha spicata Labiatae, growing in the Anamas high plateau of the Yenisar Bademli town, on the rat liver tissue. Forty-eight male Wistar albino rats weighing 200-250 g were used for this study. Rats were divided into four groups of 12 animals: Group I received no herbal tea (control group); Group II received 20 g/L M. piperita tea; Group III received 20 g/L M. spicata tea; and Group IV received 40 g/L M. spicata tea. Herbal teas were prepared daily and provided at all times to the rats during 30 days as drinking water. Liver function tests, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST/GOT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT/GPT) activities were measured. To evaluate liver antioxidant defences, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), cata lase (CAT) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) activities were determined in the homogenates of liver tissue. In addition, liver tissues were submitted for histopathologic examination. AST and ALT activities were increased in Group II, Group III and Group IV gradually when compared with the control group. The difference between Group II and the control group was not statistically significant (P > 0.016). Increases in AST and ALT activities of Group III and Group IV were statistically significant when compared with the control group. SOD, GSH-Px and CAT activities were increased in Group II when compared with the control group but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.016). However, SOD, GSH-Px activities and the TBARS level were significantly increased, and CAT activity was significantly decreased in Group III when compared with the control group. In Group IV, while SOD, GSH-Px and CAT activities were decreased, the TBARS level was increased as compared with the control group (P < 0.0016). Histopathological evaluation of experimental groups revealed a mild to severe degree of hepatic damage when compared to the control group. In Group II, there was only minimal hepatocytes degeneration. In Groups III and IV, there were granular or ballooning hepatocyte degeneration and necrosis, sinusoidal and central vein dilatation. It was concluded that lipid peroxidation and hepatic damage occurs after M. piperita and M. spicata administration in rat liver and the damage seems to be dose dependent.

The effect of Mentha spicata Labiatae on uterine tissue in rats

The plant Mentha spicata, or peppermint, is commonly used in the treatment of loss of appetite, common cold, bronchitis, sinusitis, fever, nausea and vomiting, and indigestion as a herbal agent. In this study, we aimed to investigate the biochemical and histological effects of M. spicata Labiatae, growing on the Anamas high plateau of Yenisarbademli town, on rat uterine tissue. Twenty female Wistar albino rats weighing 160±10 g were used for this study. Rats were divided into two groups of ten animals: group I received no herbal tea (control group) and group II received 20 g/L M. spicata tea. Control group rats were given commercial drinking water (Hayat DANONESA water). Herbal tea was prepared daily and provided at all times to the rats over 30 days as drinking water. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined. In addition, uterine tissues were submitted for histopathologic examination. MDA levels were increased in group II when compared with the control group. The difference between group II and the control group was statistically significant ( P < 0.01). In the M. spicata Labiatae-treated group, histopathological changes like apoptosis and diffuse eosinophil leucocyte infiltration in surface and stromal glandular epithelium were observed in both endometrium and endocervix. It was concluded that lipid peroxidation and uterine damage occurs after M. spicata administration in rat uterus. Despite the beneficial effects of M. spicata Labiatae in indigestion, we should also be aware of the toxic effects when it is not used in the recommended fashion, at the recommended dose.

The effects of different levels of peppermint alcoholic extract on body-weight gain and blood biochemical parameters of adult male Wistar rats

Introduction

Peppermint is an efficient medicinal plant for the treatment of diseases, and it also can be used to produce raw materials in the pharmaceutical industry. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of various levels of peppermint alcoholic extract on body-weight gain and blood biochemical parameters in adult male Wistar rats.

Methods

This experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD). Fifty adult, healthy, male Wistar rats (ages of 2.5–3 months; weights of 190–210 g) were allocated randomly into five groups. T1 was the control group in which the rats received 0.3 ml of distilled water). Groups T2, T3, T4, and T5 received 75, 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg of peppermint extract, respectively. The rats received daily pretreatment by oral gavages for 21 days. We recorded body weights at the beginning and at the end of the study to determine the changes in the body weights. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, albumin, globulin, and total protein. Statistical analysis of the data was done by SAS software. The data statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), which was conducted through Dennett’s multiple comparison post-test.

Results

The results indicated that the rats treated with peppermint gained more weight (p < 0.05) and also decreased the serum concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and glucose in T3, T4 and T5 than the other groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Peppermint extract had a positive effect on body-weight gain and some blood parameters in adult male Wistar rats. The findings showed that peppermint is a crucial substance at high temperature, and future research should be focused on determining the details of the mechanisms involved in producing the observed effects of peppermint extract.

Mentha piperita in nephrotoxicity--a possible intervention to ameliorate renal derangements associated with gentamicin

OBJECTIVE

Free radical generation has a strong role in the pathogenesis of renal damage associated with the use of gentamicin. Therefore, the present study was carried out to evaluate the renoprotective effect of Mentha piperita against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 24 male rabbits were divided into 4 groups receiving normal saline, gentamicin, M. piperita extract and co-therapy of extract and gentamicin respectively. Gentamicin was provided as 80 mg/kg/day intramuscularly and extract was given 200 mg/kg/day orally for a period of 21 days. Serum and urinary biochemical parameters and histological changes were studied for each group. The impact of the extract on the antibacterial action of gentamicin was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Animals treated with gentamicin showed derangements in serum and urinary biochemical parameters. These alterations were reversed by treatment with M. piperita extract. The histological changes showed in gentamicin group were also reverted by treatment with the extract. Further the plant did not influence the efficacy of gentamicin with respect to its antimicrobial properties.

CONCLUSION

Co-therapy of M. piperita with gentamicin successfully attenuated biochemical kidney functioning derangements and morphological changes associated with gentamicin.

Safety assessment of the standardized extract of Carissa edulis root bark in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Preparations of Carissa edulis (Vahl) have been used in the Nigerian traditional medicine for the management of fever, sickle cell disease, epilepsy, pain and inflammation for many years and their efficacy is widely acclaimed among the Hausa communities of northern Nigeria.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present studies aimed at evaluating the toxicological properties of the standardized ethanol extract of C. edulis root bark in rats, in order to determine its safety and to complement earlier efficacy studies on this widely used medicinal plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and preliminary phytochemical analysis of the extract were conducted and its oral median lethal dose (LD50) determined. Signs of toxicity, body weight changes, relative organs weight, feed and water consumption were monitored following 28 days of daily oral administration of graded doses of the extract in rats. Effects of the extract on sex hormones, low- and high-density lipids, hematological and biochemical parameters were examined and pathological changes of the vital organs after treatment with the extract were also investigated.

RESULTS

The oral LD50 of the extract was estimated to be >5000 mg/kg. The body weights of treated rats increased progressively, but the changes were not significantly different from the control groups. The extract neither produces significant changes in feed and water consumption nor affected the relative organs weight. Although some variations were observed in hormonal and lipid profiles hematological and biochemical indices, these important parameters were normal and within acceptable limits. No lesions or pathological changes of the organs attributable to treatment with the extract were observed from the pathological examinations. The HPLC fingerprint of the extract shows a spectrum profile characteristic of C. edulis, while the preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, anthraquinones and cardiac glycosides.

CONCLUSION

Our results provided evidence that short-term administration of the standardized ethanol extract of C. edulis root bark at doses lower than 1000 mg/kg is safe in rats and may not exert severe toxic effects.

A brief study of toxic effects of some medicinal herbs on kidney

Increased use of complementary and alternative herbal medicines in the treatment of various diseases.Some herbal therapies may be causes of potential toxicity that may be renal toxicity caused by the ingestion of herbs. The goal of this study is the toxic and beneficial effects of medicinal herbs on renal health by which evidence for benefit or toxicity has been found. Included are nephrotoxicity from aristolochic acid and other components within herbs, herb-drug interactions, heavy metal toxicity in herbs and adulterants during careless preparation of herbal medicine, resulting in adverse renal effects and renal toxicity from contaminants within the extracts. The review aims to provide knowledge and guide to encourage future toxicity studies on the kidney by medicinal herbs.

An evidence-based systematic review of spearmint by the natural standard research collaboration

An evidence-based systematic review of spearmint (Mentha spicata, Mentha viridis) including written and statistical analysis of scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.

Effect of peppermint oil on serum lipid peroxidation and hepatic enzymes after immobility stress in mice

This study was undertaken to determine the influences of various doses of peppermint oil on the hepatic en-zymes, alanine transaminase, apartate tranaminase, alkaline phosphotase and gamma glutamyl transferase and the level of malondialdehyde in the serum of mice with and without immobility stress. The mice exposed to drink water, 0.9, 27 and 60 mg/kg peppermint oil from the days 1 to 5 for a period of 4 h before and after immobility stress. Serum MDA in-creased in treatment group II, III and IV after immobility stress. There was a significant decrease in ALT in treatment group III and IV after immobility stress. There were also significant decreases in ALP and GGT in treatment group IV af-ter immobility stress. This result may suggest that, MDA level is higher in immobilization stress group than in the un-immobilized animals in serum and this results show that enzyme activities decreased after immobilization stress.

Biocompatibility of Fe₃O₄@Au composite magnetic nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo

PURPOSE

This research was conducted to assess the biocompatibility of the core-shell Fe(3)O(4)@ Au composite magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), which have potential application in tumor hyperthermia.

METHODS

Fe(3)O(4)@Au composite MNPs with core-shell structure were synthesized by reduction of Au(3+) in the presence of Fe(3)O(4)-MNPs prepared by improved co-precipitation. Cytotoxicity assay, hemolysis test, micronucleus (MN) assay, and detection of acute toxicity in mice and beagle dogs were then carried out.

RESULTS

The result of cytotoxicity assay showed that the toxicity grade of this material on mouse fibroblast cell line (L-929) was classified as grade 1, which belongs to no cytotoxicity. Hemolysis rates showed 0.278%, 0.232%, and 0.197%, far less than 5%, after treatment with different concentrations of Fe(3)O(4)@Au composite MNPs. In the MN assay, there was no significant difference in MN formation rates between the experimental groups and negative control (P > 0.05), but there was a significant difference between the experimental groups and the positive control (P < 0.05). The median lethal dose of the Fe(3)O(4)@Au composite MNPs after intraperitoneal administration in mice was 8.39 g/kg, and the 95% confidence interval was 6.58-10.72 g/kg, suggesting that these nanoparticles have a wide safety margin. Acute toxicity testing in beagle dogs also showed no significant difference in body weight between the treatment groups at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after liver injection and no behavioral changes. Furthermore, blood parameters, autopsy, and histopathological studies in the experimental group showed no significant difference compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that Fe(3)O(4)@Au composite MNPs appear to be highly biocompatible and safe nanoparticles that are suitable for further application in tumor hyperthermia.

Metabolic Profile of Offspring from Diabetic Wistar Rats Treated with Mentha piperita (Peppermint)

This study aimed at evaluating glycemia and lipid profile of offspring from diabetic Wistar rats treated with Mentha piperita (peppermint) juice. Male offspring from nondiabetic dams (control group: 10 animals treated with water and 10 treated with peppermint juice) and from dams with streptozotocin-induced severe diabetes (diabetic group: 10 animals treated with water and 10 treated with peppermint juice) were used. They were treated during 30 days, and, after the treatment period, levels of glycemia, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and fractions were analyzed in the adult phase. The offspring from diabetic dams treated with peppermint showed significantly reduced levels of glucose, cholesterol, LDL-c, and triglycerides and significant increase in HDL-c levels. The use of the M. piperita juice has potential as culturally appropriate strategy to aid in the prevention of DM, dyslipidemia, and its complications.

Subchronic toxicity and plasma pharmacokinetic studies on wogonin, a natural flavonoid, in Beagle dogs

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate subchronic toxicity and pharmacokinetic of wogonin using Beagle dog and to provide foundation for clinical applications of this promising anticancer agent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Wogonin was administered via intravenous infusion at dosages of 60, 30 and 15 mg/kg per day for 90 days followed by subchronic toxicity studies including general body parameters, hematological, plasma biochemical, histopathological, and viscera examinations. Dogs were given single intravenous injection of 20mg/kg wogonin followed by pharmacokinetic parameters estimating.

RESULTS

Dogs treated with wogonin showed no significant changes in organs compared with controls in the toxicological study. An innocuous dose was established to be 60 mg/kg, which was approximately 38.5 (body surface area) times higher than the dose (50mg/60 kg) used for human trials. The area under concentration-time curve (AUC(infinity)) was estimated to be 2137.9+/-231.4 ngh/ml, while the elimination half-life (t(1/2)) was 1.51+/-0.43 h in dogs treated with 20mg/kg wogonin.

CONCLUSIONS

Wogonin offered a wide margin of safety and had no organ toxicity for a long time intravenous administration in dogs.

Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Evaluation of Mentha x Piperita L. (Peppermint) Extracts

Seven extracts were prepared from Mentha x piperita (peppermint) leaves in sequence using a Soxhlet apparatus, viz. (40-60°) light petroleum (PE), dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), acetonitrile (ACN), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), methanol (MeOH), n-butanol and water (H2O) extracts. The phenolic and flavonoid content of each extract were estimated using spectrophotometric methods whilst a qualitative-quantitative analysis was made by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection (HPLC-PDA). Each extract was assessed in a battery of six antioxidant-related assays so as to determine their iron(III) reductive, iron(II) chelating and free radical scavenging abilities. The MeOH-soluble extract contained the greatest content of total phenols and flavonoids based upon the Folin-Ciocalteu and 2-aminoethyl diphenylborate reagent data and HPLC-PDA analysis. Based upon the chromatographic and UV-spectral data, the leaves principally contained the cinnamic acid caffeic acid, the depside rosmarinic acid and flavonoids (flavones and flavanones). Eriocitrin (383.3 ± 2.2 mg/g extract) and rosmarinic acid (381.2 ± 1.9 mg/g extract) were the most abundant components identified within the leaves, whilst naringenin-7- O-glucoside (0.8 ± 0.01 mg/g extract) was the least abundant component identified being found only in the EtOAc-soluble extract. The EtOAc, ACN and H2O-soluble extracts demonstrated the most potent iron(III) reductive and 1,1′-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrayl, 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) and hydroxyl free radical scavenging properties; however, the H2O and CH2Cl2-soluble extracts were the most potent extracts in the β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching inhibition assay. In terms of iron(II) chelation – an important antioxidant property - the PE, MeOH and H2O extracts demonstrated moderate iron(II) chelating activity.

Studies on the toxicity of gambogic acid in rats

AIM

To study the chronic toxicity of gambogic acid (GA), the major active ingredient of gamboges, a brownish to orange resin extracted from the Garcinia hanburyi (family Guttiferae) in Southeast Asia, using Sprague-Dawley rat as an animal model and provide further theoretical support for clinical applications of this promising natural anticancer agent.

METHODS

GA was administered orally at dosages of 120, 60 and 30 mg/kg once every other day for a total of 13 weeks. Then we carried out the chronic toxicity studies including general body parameters, hematological, serum biochemistry, histopathological, and viscera examination.

RESULTS

The results from the studies demonstrated that rats treated with high dose (120 mg/kg) of GA for a long time can lead to the damage on the kidney and liver. An innocuous dose was established to be 60 mg/kg after administration to rats for a total of 13 weeks at a frequency of one administration every other day. This dose was approximately 18.0 (body weight) or 9.6 (body surface area) times higher then that of the dose (200mg/60 kg, every other day) used for human trials.

CONCLUSIONS

The studies demonstrated that the toxicity targets in the rats were the kidney and liver. These results provide further theoretical support for clinical applications of this promising natural anticancer agent.

Effect of oral administration of aqueous whole extract of cassytha filiformis on haematograms and plasma biochemical parameters in rats

INTRODUCTION

We evaluated the sub-chronic toxicity of the aqueous herbal extract prepared from Cassytha filiformis and administered daily for 28 days at dose levels (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg bw) in male wistar albino rats. The LD50 of the aqueous extract was determined.

METHODS

The effects on body weights, organ weights, and certain haematological and plasma biochemical parameters were measured as indices of organ toxicity.

RESULTS

The aqueous extract did not affect plasma glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT); however, a significant reduction in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level occurred in all the treated groups. It also did not affect the electrolytes (Na , Cl and K ), total and direct bilirubin, creatinine, and glucose level. The aqueous extract elicited hypercholesterolaemic effects, but it did not affect the Hb, WBC, RBC, PVC, platelets, MCH, MCHC, MCV levels and differential counts (lympocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils). It also reduced the body weight gain and absolute weight of the kidneys. The relative weights of the heart and lungs in some animal groups were equally reduced. The acute toxicological evaluation of the plant extract revealed an oral LD50 value greater than 500 mg/kg bw.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that aqueous extract of C. filiformis administered at normal therapeutic doses is not likely to produce severe toxic effects on some organs or haematological and biochemical indices in rats.

Effect of spearmint (Mentha spicata Labiatae) teas on androgen levels in women with hirsutism

Mentha spicata Labiatae, known as spearmint and Mentha piperita Labiatae, known as peppermint can be used for various kinds of illnesses in herbal medicine and flavoring in industry. M. spicata Labiatae grows on the Anamas plateau of Yenithornarbademli town of Isparta, located in southwest part of Turkey. In this town, clinicians thought that consumption of tea steeped with M. spicata or M. piperita caused a diminished libido. Because antiandrogenic effects of spearmint and peppermint were found previously in rats, it was decided to observe the effect of this herbal tea on the androgen levels in hirsute women.Twenty-one female hirsute patients, 12 with polycystic ovary syndrome and 9 with idiopathic hirsutism were included to the study. They were took a cup of herbal tea which was steeped with M. spicata for 5 days twice a day in the follicular phase of their menstrual cycles. After treatment with spearmint teas, there was a significant decrease in free testosterone and increase in luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol. There were no significant decreases in total testosterone or dehydroepiandrostenedione sulphate levels. Spearmint can be an alternative to antiandrogenic treatment for mild hirsutism. Further studies are needed to test the reliability of these results and the availability of spearmint as a drug for hirsutism.

Toxicological studies of gambogic acid and its potential targets in experimental animals

Acute and chronic toxicity of gambogic acid, a promising novel anticancer agent, was determined using albino mice and Beagle dogs as model animals. Histopathological examination and viscera parameter investigation were also carried out after autopsy. The LD50 of gambogic acid was found to be 45 approximately 96 mg/kg and the 95% confidence limit was determined to be 43.18 approximately 48.45 mg/kg. The results from the chronic toxicity studies demonstrated that the toxicity targets in the experimental animals were liver and kidney. The innocuous dose was established to be 4 mg/kg after administration to dogs for a total of 13 weeks at a frequency of one injection every other day. This dose (4 mg/kg) was approximately 9.6 (body weight) or 5.1 (body surface area) times the dosage (25 mg/60 kg, every other day) recommended for human trials. Our results provide the theoretical foundation for clinical applications of this promising natural anticancer agent and will likely bring about considerable economic and social benefits.

A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.)

Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) is one of the most widely consumed single ingredient herbal teas, or tisanes. Peppermint tea, brewed from the plant leaves, and the essential oil of peppermint are used in traditional medicines. Evidence-based research regarding the bioactivity of this herb is reviewed. The phenolic constituents of the leaves include rosmarinic acid and several flavonoids, primarily eriocitrin, luteolin and hesperidin. The main volatile components of the essential oil are menthol and menthone. In vitro, peppermint has significant antimicrobial and antiviral activities, strong antioxidant and antitumor actions, and some antiallergenic potential. Animal model studies demonstrate a relaxation effect on gastrointestinal (GI) tissue, analgesic and anesthetic effects in the central and peripheral nervous system, immunomodulating actions and chemopreventive potential. Human studies on the GI, respiratory tract and analgesic effects of peppermint oil and its constituents have been reported. Several clinical trials examining the effects of peppermint oil on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms have been conducted. However, human studies of peppermint leaf are limited and clinical trials of peppermint tea are absent. Adverse reactions to peppermint tea have not been reported, although caution has been urged for peppermint oil therapy in patients with GI reflux, hiatal hernia or kidney stones.

Kidney injury from alternative medicines

In the developing world, up to 80% of the population uses traditional medicine for primary health care. In industrialized countries, adaptations of traditional medicine, termed "complementary" or "alternative" medicine (CAM), are used by a growing number of patients for preventive or palliative care. However, alternative medicine (AM) may be an important risk for the development of acute and chronic kidney injury because of several factors: nonconventional preparations rarely meet the required essential standards of consistency in composition and biological activity; many of these products contain undisclosed over-the-counter or prescription drugs or can be adulterated with hormones and glandular extracts; herbal preparations can be contaminated by pesticides and heavy metals; and because of errors in plant identification and confusing terminology, opportunities for mistakes and deliberate substitution can occur. Furthermore, there is a lack of reports of adverse events and drug interactions because of a lack of professional surveillance, and specific data on systemic and kidney toxicity are not easily available. Kidney injury/kidney syndromes caused by AM consist of acute tubular necrosis/toxicity (eg, Fanconi's syndrome), acute interstitial nephritis, papillary necrosis, hypertension, kidney stones, urinary retention, chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis with fibrosis, urinary tract carcinoma, and acute rejection of the kidney transplant. To improve the care for patients using AM, extension of physicians' knowledge about its possible hazards and toxicity is essential. This review deals with acute and chronic kidney toxicity caused by animal-, plant-, and mineral-based, nonconventional medicine and kidney failure caused by drug interactions with AM.

Medicinal herbal extracts -- renal friend or foe? Part one: the toxicities of medicinal herbs

In recent years, an increasing percentage of people from industrialized countries have been using complementary and alternative medicines (CAM). This, combined with numerous warnings regarding the potential toxicity of these therapies, suggests the need for practitioners to keep abreast of the reported incidence of renal toxicity caused by the ingestion of medicinal herbs. The goal of the present two-part series, on the toxic or beneficial effects of medicinal herbs on renal health, is to provide practitioners with a summary of the most recent information as well as the means by which evidence for benefit or toxicity has been found. In this first article, we explore in vivo evidence of toxicity. Included are nephrotoxicity from aristolochic acid and other components within herbs, herb--drug interactions resulting in adverse renal effects, and renal toxicity from contaminants within the extracts. The review aims to provide a guide to encourage future toxicity studies and rigorous clinical trials.

Subchronic toxicity studies of the antidiabetic herbal preparation ADD-199 in the rat: absence of organ toxicity and modulation of cytochrome P450

The subchronic toxicity of the aqueous antidiabetic herbal extract ADD-199, prepared from Maytenus senegalensis, Annona senegalensis, Kigelia africana and Lanneawelwitschii, and administered at a daily dose of 100 or 500 mg/kg body weight over 30 days, was investigated in male Wistar albino rats. Certain haematological, urine and plasma biochemical parameters, and modulation of some hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes were measured as indices of organ specific toxicity or potential for drug interactions. ADD-199 did not affect plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and albumin or creatinine kinase (CK) levels. It also did not affect plasma creatinine and urea levels. Furthermore, ADD-199 neither affected PCV nor blood Hb, RBC, reticulocytes, platelets, lymphocytes and granulocyte levels. It, however, caused significant dose-dependent reductions in WBC counts at day 15 with varying degrees of recovery by day 30. It also reduced the rate of body weight increases after week 3. However, no changes were observed in organ weights at termination. ADD-199 did not significantly affect zoxazolamine-induced paralysis and pentobarbital-induced sleeping times as well as certain CYP isozyme activities in rats. These findings suggest that ADD-199 had no overt organ specific toxicity and did not demonstrate a potential for drug interactions via CYP-mediated metabolism in the rat on subchronic administration.