In vitro antioxidant and anti-lipoperoxidative activities of bark extracts of Xylopia aethiopica against ion-mediated toxicity on liver homogenates

Pterocarpus soyauxii (Fabaceae) aqueous extract to prevent neuropsychiatric disorders associated with menopause by triggering ROS-dependent oxidative damage and inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, GABA-transaminase, and monoamine oxidase A: In vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches

Pterocarpus soyauxii (PS) is traditionally used in Cameroon medicine to alleviate postmenopausal symptoms. Previous research has shown that it has tissue-selective potential and estrogen-mimetic effects on vaginal atrophy. Phytoestrogens like 7-O-acetyl formononetin, khrinone A, and 3',5'-dimethoxy-4-stilbenol were found in its water extract by UHPLC, but there is no evidence of its effects on neurological disorders linked to post-menopause (ND-PO). The study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile of PS aqueous extract, assess its neuroprotective potential in rats, and explore possible underlying pathways. We used colorimetric assays to study the phytochemical profile of PS extract. Effects of the extract on behavioral parameters, neuronal signaling, and integrity in an 84-day ovariectomized rat model. Molecular docking was performed to assess the ability of 7-O-acetyl formononetin, an isoflavone contained in PS, to cross the BBB and its binding affinity to the active sites of AChE, MAO-A, and GABA-T. Besides, the anti-AChE/BChE, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of PS were assessed by in vitro tests. PS aqueous extract contains polyphenols (656.58 ± 9.18 mgEAG/100gMS), flavonoids (201.25 ± 5.52 mgEQ/100gDW), and tannins (18.42 ± 1.25 mg/100gDW). It slows down anxiety, depressive disorders, cellular disorganization, and neuronal death in the hippocampus, dentate gyrus, and neocortex. In silico modeling was a powerful tool to assess the 7-O-acetylformononetin's ability to cross the BBB and strongly bind and inhibit AChE, MAO-A, and GABA-T. Thus, by combining GABAergic, cholinergic, and serotoninergic modulation, PS aqueous extract also possesses remarkable anti-AChE/BChE in vitro and induces antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential in macrophages. Such estromimetics, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cholinergic, and monoaminergic modulators represent promising activities to develop neuroprotective drugs with optimal therapeutic profiles for menopausal women.

Phenolic Compounds from Water-Ethanol Extracts of Tetrapleura tetraptera Produced in Cameroon, as Potential Protectors against In Vivo CCl4-Induced Liver Injuries

Background

Liver diseases are a global health problem. Medicinal plants are being increasingly used to manage a wide variety of diseases including liver disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant properties and hepatoprotective activity of polyphenolic extract from the fruits of Tetrapleura tetraptera (T. tetraptera).

Results

The extract of T. tetraptera was administered at doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg for 07 per os to rats before the induction of hepatotoxicity with of 2 ml/kg of 1:1 (v/v) carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) and olive oil through intraperitoneal route. The in vitro antioxidant and radical scavenging properties of T. tetraptera were conducted by the FRAP method, the phosphomolybdate method, and the inhibition potential of DPPH, ABTS, OH, and NO radicals. The extraction yield of T. tetraptera was 19.35%. This extract contains polyphenols (273.48 mg CAE/g DM), flavonoids (5.2549 mg SE/g DM), and flavonols (1.615 mg SE/g DM). This extract showed in vitro antioxidant activity, an inhibitor power of various free radicals, and radical scavenging potential dose-dependent. The fifty-percent inhibitory concentration of the extract (IC₅₀) for the studied radical varied from 28.16 to 136 μg/L. In rats treated with the extract of T. tetraptera, in a dose-dependent manner, the levels of hepatotoxicity markers such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) significantly increased while the enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and the level of reduced glutathione (GHS) significantly increased compared to the control group.

Conclusions

The extracts from the fruit of T. tetraptera demonstrate antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effects.

Zanthoxylum heitzii Modulates Ferric Nitrilotriacetate-Dependent Oxidative Alterations in Four Vital Organs: An In Vitro Organoprotective Model

Ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) is a highly reactive compound used to induce degenerative disorders through oxidative stress (OS). Zanthoxylum heitzii (Z. heitzii) is a spice used as a medicinal plant to treat a variety of illnesses. This study investigated the ability of extracts from the leaves, fruits, roots, and barks of Z. Heitzii to inhibit Fe-NTA mediated oxidative damage in rats. The supernatant of rat liver homogenates was pretreated with the extracts for one hour before the induction of oxidative damage using a solution of Fe-NTA (400 mM). The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and peroxidases were measured together with the marker of lipid peroxidation and the level of glutathione. The pretreated groups showed a significant increase in the activity of SOD, catalase, and peroxidases. The methanolic extract from the leaves of Z. heitzii (36.78 ± 3.30) and aqueous extract from the fruits (37.01 ± 2.52) showed the highest activities of SOD in the liver. The lowest concentration of MDA was found in the liver, and the glutathione was greater in the brain. Conclusively, these results suggest that Z. heitzii might be a chemoprotector which may be used in for prevention of distinct types of diseases induced by oxidative stress.

Antioxidant and Synergistic Antidiabetic Activities of a Three-Plant Preparation Used in Cameroon Folk Medicine

Introduction. Several plant preparations like a mixture of aqueous extracts of Spilanthes africana; Portulaca oleracea; and Sida rhombifolia are currently utilized in Foumban (West Cameroon) to manage diabetes. The aim of this study is to investigate the antidiabetic property of the aqueous mixture of three plant extracts (1 : 1 : 1) on streptozotocin induced diabetes rats. Methods. Diabetes was induced to rats by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. The diabetic rats received different dosages of the mixture of extracts for 21 days and glibenclamide 6.5 mg/kg b.w. as positive control. Results. The results showed that the mixture of extracts significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the level of the glycaemia, the total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL-cholesterol as well as MDA, AST, ALT, and creatinine levels. It also increased significantly the concentration of HDL-cholesterol, glutathione, and TAOS. A great reduction of the atherogenic indexes CT/HDL and LDL/HDL of the treated groups was observed. Each extract and the mixture demonstrated significant scavenging property on DPPH and OH radicals and present a good antioxidant property. Conclusion. The mixture of plant extracts has hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic properties and can be used for the management of diabetes mellitus.