Evaluation of Acute and Subacute Oral Toxicity Induced by Ethanolic Extract of Marsdenia tenacissima Leaves in Experimental Rats

Improving the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of felodipine for the control of diabetes-associated atherosclerosis: In vitro and in vivo characterization

Felodipine has proven to be effective as an atherosclerosis therapy because it increases blood flow to the vessel wall. However, the poor solubility, low bioavailability, and hepatic first-pass metabolism of oral felodipine compromise its therapeutic effectiveness. The study's goal is to create a nasal pH-sensitive hydrogel of felodipine-loaded invasomes (IPHFI) that will improve felodipine's release, permeation, bioavailability, and efficacy as a potential diabetes-associated atherosclerosis therapy. According to the pre-formulation study, the felodipine-loaded invasomes formulation composed of phospholipid (3%w/v), cholesterol (0.16%w/v), ethanol (3%v/v) and cineole (1%v/v) was chosen as the optimum formulation. The optimum formulation was characterized in vitro and then mixed with a mixture of chitosan and glyceryl monooleate to make the IPHFI formulation. The IPHFI formulation enhanced the release and permeation of felodipine by 2.99 and 3-fold, respectively. To assess the efficacy and bioavailability of the IPHFI formulation, it was studied in vivo using an experimental atherosclerosis rat model. Compared to oral free felodipine, the nasal administration of the IPHFI formulation increased the bioavailability by 3.37-fold and decreased the serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and calcification score by 1.56, 1.53, 1.80, and 1.18 ratios, respectively. Thus, nasal IPHFI formulation may represent a promising diabetes-associated atherosclerosis therapy.

Functional candesartan loaded lipid nanoparticles for the control of diabetes-associated stroke: In vitro and in vivo studies

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that raises the odds of developing stroke. Candesartan has been used to prevent stroke due to its inhibitory effects on blood pressure, angiogenesis, oxidative damage, and apoptosis. However, oral candesartan has very limited bioavailability and efficacy due to its weak solubility and slow release. The study aimed to develop a nasal formulation of candesartan-loaded liposomes containing ethanol and propylene glycol (CLEP) to improve candesartan's delivery, release, permeation, and efficacy as a potential diabetes-associated stroke treatment. Using design expert software, different CLEP formulations were prepared and evaluated in vitro to identify the optimum formulation, which. The selected optimum formulation composed of 3.3% phospholipid, 10% ethanol, and 15% propylene glycol significantly increased the release and permeation of candesartan relative to free candesartan by a factor of 1.52 and 1.47, respectively. The optimum formulation significantly reduced the infarction after stroke in rats; decreased flexion, spontaneous motor activity, and time spent in the target quadrant by 70%, 64.71%, and 92.31%, respectively, and enhanced grip strength by a ratio of 2.3. Therefore, nasal administration of the CLEP formulation could be a potential diabetes-associated stroke treatment.

Pre-clinical safety and toxicity assessment of Limosilactobacillus fermentum NCDC 400 in murine model

Comprehensive safety assessment of potential probiotic strains is crucial in the selection of risk-free strains for clinical translation. This study aimed to evaluate the biosafety of Limosilactobacillus fermentum NCDC 400, a potential probiotic strain, using oral toxicity tests in a Swiss albino mouse model. Mice were orally gavaged with low (108 CFU/mouse/day) and high (1010 CFU/mouse/day) doses of NCDC 400 for 14 (acute), 28 (subacute), and 90 (subchronic) days to assess behavioral, hematological, biochemical, immunological, and histological effects. The administration of NCDC 400 did not result in any observable adverse effects on general health parameters, including body weight, feed and water intake, and organ indices. Hematological and biochemical parameters, such as glucose, serum enzymes, urea, creatinine, serum minerals, total serum proteins, and lipid profile, remained largely unaffected by the test strain. Notably, NCDC 400 administration led to a significant reduction in harmful intestinal enzymes and improvement in gut health indices, as indicated by fecal pH, lactate, ammonia, and short-chain fatty acids. There were no instances of bacterial translocation of NCDC 400 to blood or extra-intestinal organs. Immune homeostasis was not adversely affected by repeated exposure to NCDC 400 in all three oral toxicity studies. Histopathological examination revealed no strain-related changes in various tissues. Based on these findings, a dose of 1010 CFU/mouse/day was considered as the No Observable Effect Level (NOEL) in healthy mice. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the safe and non-toxic behavior of L. fermentum NCDC 400. The results support and ensure the safety and suitability for clinical trials and eventual translation into clinical practice as potential probiotic.

The beneficial effect of Allium Cepa bulb extract on reproduction of rats; A two-generation study on fecundity and sex hormones

Allium Cepa Linn. (Onions) has extensively been used in traditional medicine, is one of the important Allium species regularly used in our daily diet, and has been the source of robust phenolic compounds. The current study is intended to evaluate the fecundity-enhancing effect of A. Cepa on the reproductive performance of two successive generations of rats; F0 and F1. A. Cepa extract was initially tested for in vitro antioxidant assay via DPPH and ROS, followed by in vivo toxicity testing. In the fecundity assessment, eighteen pairs of male and female rats (n = 36, 1:1, F0 generation) were divided into three groups and dosed with 75mg/kg and 150 mg/kg daily of A. Cepa extract and saline respectively, up to pre-cohabitation, cohabitation, gestation and lactation period. The reproductive performance, including body weight, live birth index, fertility index, and litter size, was assessed. Various parameters like Hematological, Hormonal (FSH, LH, Testosterone, estradiol), antioxidant markers (SOD, Glutathione peroxidase) and lipid profile of F0 and F1 generations were assessed with evaluation of histopathology of male and female organs. Ethanolic extract of A. Cepa showed the greatest antioxidant potential in DPPH and ROS methods. The continued exposure of the F0 and F1 generations to A. Cepa extract did not affect body weight, fertility index, litter size, and survival index. However, semen pH, sperm motility, sperm count, sperm viability, and semen volume were significantly improved in both generations. We have found pronounced fecundity outcomes in both genders of F0 and F1 generations with A. Cepa 150mg/kg/day extract as compared to control. Results showed that A. Cepa significantly increased (P < 0.05) hemoglobin, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), plasma testosterone and glutathione peroxidase activities, while total lipid, LDL, and cholesterol were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in both generations. Histology of both generations of animals reveals enhanced spermatogenesis and enhanced folliculogenesis with improved architecture. Altogether, the present results suggest that A. Cepa extract improved fecundity in both male and female rats by improving hormonal activities and oxidative stress.

Biocompatibility assessment of bovine serum albumin conjugated manganese dioxide nanoparticle and their therapeutic role against microwave radiation induced haematological toxicity in male Wistar rats

Microwave (MW) radiations are widely used in communications, radar and medical treatment and thus human exposure to MW radiations have increased tremendously, raising health concerns as MW has been implicated in induction of oxidative stress condition in our body. Few metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have been shown to mimic the activity of antioxidant enzymes and hence can be applied for the modulation of adverse effects caused by MW. Present study aimed to assess the biocompatibility of Bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugated manganese dioxide nanoparticles (MNP*) and to counteract the impact of MW on the haematological system of male Wistar rats. Experiments were conducted in two sets. Set I involved biodistribution and antioxidant activity evaluation of MNP* at different doses. Results showed a dose-dependent increase in antioxidant potential and significant biodistribution in the liver, spleen, kidney, and testis, with no organ damage, indicating its biocompatibility. Experiment set II constituted the study of separate and combined effects of MW and MNP* on haematological parameters, oxidative status, and genotoxic study in the blood of rats. MW exposure significantly altered red blood cell count, hemoglobin, packed cell volume percentage, monocyte percentage, aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase and uric acid. MW also induced significant DNA damage in the blood. A significant increase in lipid peroxidation and a decrease in antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase was also observed in MW exposed group. However, these alterations were reduced significantly when MNP* was administered. Thus, MNP* showed biocompatibility and modulatory effects against MW-induced alterations in the haematological system of rats.

Design, optimization, and in vivo evaluation of invasome-mediated candesartan for the control of diabetes-associated atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of arterial plaque. Diabetes mellitus stands out as a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. Candesartan is a potent angiotensin II receptor antagonist that enhances arterial blood flow and reduces insulin resistance. However, oral candesartan has limited activity because of its low bioavailability, water solubility, hepatic first-pass degradation, and efficacy. The current study aims to develop nasal candesartan-loaded invasome (CLI) drops to improve candesartan's permeation, release, and bioavailability as a potential treatment for diabetes-associated atherosclerosis. Design expert software was used to prepare various CLI formulations to determine the impact of the concentrations of ethanol, cineole, and phospholipid. The desirability index was used to estimate the optimized formulation composition to maximize entrapment efficiency and minimize vesicle size. The optimized formulation had a 1% ethanol concentration, a 1.5% cineole concentration, and a 2.32% phospholipid concentration. The selected optimized formulation was then tested in a rat model of diabetes and atherosclerosis to evaluate its activity. The results showed that nasal CLI drops significantly raised serum HDL levels by a ratio of 1.42 and lowered serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL levels by 69.70%, 72.22%, 36.52%, 58.0%, and 65.31%, respectively, compared with diabetic atherosclerotic rats, throwing an insight on the potential for promising anti-diabetic and anti-atherosclerotic activities. Additionally, atherosclerotic lesions were improved in rats treated with CLI, as shown in histopathology. In conclusion, the results of this investigation showed that treatment with nasal CSN-loaded invasome formulation drops prevented the initiation and progression of diabetes-associated atherosclerosis.

Immunomodulatory effects of epiphytic Loranthus micranthus leaf extracts collected from two host plants: Psidium guajava and Parkia biglobosa

BACKGROUND

Immunological abnormalities are implicated in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases. Due to the drug-related adverse effects of currently available orthodox immunomodulators, natural immunomodulators are being looked upon as potential agents to replace them in therapeutic regimens. This research aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory potential of L. micranthus extracts epiphytic on Psidium guajava (LMPGE) and Parkia biglobosa (LMPBE).

METHODS

Phytochemical screening and acute toxicity testing were carried out to identify the phytoconstituents and safety profiles of the extracts. The extracts' innate and adaptive immunomodulatory potentials were determined in experimental animals using in vivo leucocyte mobilization, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, hemagglutination antibody titre, and cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression models. Levamisole was used as the standard drug throughout the study.

RESULTS

Compared to LMPBE, LMPGE contained significantly (p <  0.05) more tannins, cyanogenic glycosides, saponins, reducing sugars, glycosides, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Furthermore, the groups treated with the extracts had a significant (p <  0.05) increase in the total number of leucocytes, neutrophils, basophils, and antibody titers relative to the untreated control. In the same way, the treatment raised TLC in cyclophosphamide-intoxicated rats, with 250 mg/kg b. w. of LMPGE and LMPBE recording 9712.50 ± 178.00 and 8000.00 ± 105.00 ×  109 /L, respectively, compared to 3425.00 ± 2 5.00 × 109 /L in the untreated group. Overall, LMPGE was more effective.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this study suggest that L. micranthus epiphytic in Psidium guajava and Parkia biglobosa has possible immune stimulating potential.

Biological activities of Viscum tuberculatum aqueous leaf extract

CONTENT

Plant-based natural products have served as sources of remedies against pathogenic microorganisms. Although the biological activities of Viscum (Santalaceae) species are widely recognized, there is no scientific evidence for Viscum tuberculatum A. Rich. in Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the antimicrobial, acute toxicity, anti-inflammatory properties and phytochemical constituents of an aqueous extract of V. tuberculatum from Ethiopia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antibacterial activity of the aqueous leaf extract of V. tuberculatum was tested against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of this extract were determined using the broth macrodilution method. The acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of the extract were investigated using standard procedures on female and male white albino mice, aged 8 and 10 weeks, respectively. The phytochemical constituents of V. tuberculatum were determined using LC-MS QTOF.

RESULTS

The MIC and MBC values against S. aureus were found to be 6.25 and 100 mg/mL. The LD₅₀ value was more than 2000 mg/kg body weight of the mouse. The 400 mg/kg dose exerts 87% inhibition after 5 h of carrageenan injection. Twenty-five different metabolites, mainly flavonoids, phenolic acids and alkaloids, were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate the potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potential of the aqueous extract of V. tuberculatum.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antimalarial Properties, and Acute Toxicity of Aqueous Extracts of Trisamo and Jatu-Phala-Tiga Recipes

Drug resistance remains a significant problem that threatens antimalarial drug treatment. Hence, the challenge is to find new effective antimalarial drugs. Based on our previous study, aqueous extracts of trisamo (TSM) and jatu-phala-tiga (JPT) had good in vitro antimalarial activities, and these recipes contain multiple beneficial pharmacological effects that could be useful for malaria therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the antimalarial activity and toxicity of the aqueous extracts of TSM and JPT in mouse models. The aqueous extractions were carried out using the decoction method. Compound identification was conducted using LC-QTOF-MS analysis. The antimalarial activities of TSM and JPT at doses 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg were evaluated against Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection using a four-day suppressive test. The toxic effects of oral administration of the extracts at 2 g/kg dose were determined using an acute toxicity test. The chemical constituents of TSM contained 83 compounds, whereas JPT contained 84 compounds. All doses of the extracts exhibited a significant suppression (p < 0.05) of the parasite compared to the negative control in a four-day test. The maximum activities were observed at 600 mg/kg dose with 67.02% suppression for TSM and 79.34% for JPT, followed by 400 mg/kg dose (57.63% for TSM and 64.79% for JPT) and then 200 mg/kg dose (52.35% for TSM and 54.46% for JPT). In addition, there were no significant differences (p < 0.05) in the RBC, MCV, and MCH levels of mice receiving JPT extract compared to the uninfected control. The WBC level of mice receiving 400 and 600 mg/kg of TSM, and 200 and 400 mg/kg of JPT, was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the infected control, and the extracts did not significantly prevent the loss of platelets. For the acute toxicity test, there were no signs of toxicity or deaths in mice, and there were no differences in the histology, weight, or enzyme biochemistry of the liver and kidney between the extract and vehicle groups. However, the platelet count in the extract-treated mice was significantly higher than that in the control group. In conclusion, this study suggests that aqueous extracts of TSM and JPT have potent antimalarial activities and could be promising as new candidates for antimalarial drug development.

Formulation and Therapeutic Evaluation of Isoxsuprine-Loaded Nanoparticles against Diabetes-Associated Stroke

Ischemic stroke is the second-leading cause of death. Hyperglycemia, which is characteristic of diabetes mellitus, contributes to the development of endothelial dysfunction and increases the risk of stroke. Isoxsuprine is an efficient beta-adrenergic agonist that improves blood flow to the ischemic aria and stops the infarct core from growing. However, low bioavailability, a short biological half-life, and first-pass hepatic metabolism reduce the therapeutic efficacy of oral isoxsuprine. Therefore, the authors focused on developing isoxsuprine-loaded liposomes containing ethanol and propylene glycol (ILEP) formulation as nasal drops for the treatment of ischemic stroke in diabetic patients. Different ILEP formulations were optimized using Design Expert software, and the selected formulation was examined in vivo for its anti-stroke effect using a rat model of diabetes and stroke. The optimized ILEP, composed of 15% propylene glycol, 0.16% cholesterol, 10% ethanol, and 3.29% phospholipid, improved the sustainability, permeation, and targeting of isoxsuprine. Furthermore, the in vivo studies verified the improved neurological behavior and decreased dead shrunken neurons and vascular congestion of the rats treated with the optimized ILEP formulation, demonstrating its anti-stroke activity. In conclusion, our study found that treatment with an optimized ILEP formulation prevented the initiation and severity of stroke, especially in diabetic patients.

Safety evaluation of kaempferol glycosides-rich standardized roasted goji berry leaf extract

Goji berry leaf (GL) has been used for medicinal foods for its pharmacological effects, including anti-oxidative and anti-obesity activities. Nevertheless, toxicological information on GL is limited for developing health functional ingredient. The aim of the research was to evaluate the single dose acute, 14-day repeated oral toxicity, and genotoxicity of standardized roasted GL extract (rGL) rich in kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside-7-O-glucoside. Tested rGL was found to be stable as kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside-7-O-glucoside, showing 0.7-2.1% of analytical standard variance. According to the single dose toxicity for 14 days, the lethal dose of rGL was determined to be ≥ 2000 mg/kg. Repeated doses of 0-1000 mg/kg of rGL per day for 14 days did not show any toxicity signs or gross pathological abnormalities. No genotoxic signs for the rGL treatment appeared via bacterial reverse mutation up to 5000 μg/plate. There was no significant increase in chromosomal aberration of rGL irrespective of metabolic activation by using CHO-K1 cells (p > 0.05). Regarding carcinogenic toxicity, chromosomal aberrations were not induced at 2000 mg of rGL/kg by using the in vivo bone marrow micronucleus test (p > 0.05). Results from the current study suggest that rGL could be used as a functional ingredient to provide various effects with safety assurance.

Phytochemical Analysis and Toxicity Assessment of Bouea Macrophylla Yoghurt

The Bouea macrophylla fruit is native to Malaysia and is known for its many beneficial effects on one's health. Probiotics are well-known for their roles as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumour properties due to their widespread use. As a result, the purpose of this study was to incorporate the ethanolic extract of Bouea macrophylla into yoghurt and then assess the rodents for any toxicological effects. According to the findings of the nutritional analysis, each 100 mL serving of the newly formulated yoghurt contains 3.29 g of fat, 5.79 g of carbohydrates, 2.92 g of total protein, and 2.72 g of sugar. The ability of the newly developed yoghurt to stimulate the growth of Lactobacilli was demonstrated by the fact that the peak intensity of Lactobacillus species was measured at 1.2 × 10⁶ CFU/g while the titratable acidity of the lactic acid was measured at 0.599 CFU/g. In order to carry out the toxicological evaluation, forty-eight male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were utilized. Oral administration of single doses of 2000 mg/kg over the course of 14 days was used for the study of acute toxicity. Subacute toxicity was studied by giving animals Bouea macrophylla yoghurt (BMY) at repeated doses of 50, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day over a period of 28 days, while the control group was given normal saline. The results of the acute toxicity test revealed that rats treated with increasing doses up to a maximum of 2000 mg/kg exhibited no signs of toxicity. After an additional 14 days without treatment, acute toxicity of a single dose (2000 mg/kg) of BMY did not show any treatment-related toxicity in any of the rats that were observed. According to the data from the subacute toxicity study, there were no differences between the treated groups and the control groups in terms of food and water intake, body weight, plasma biochemistry (AST, ALT, ALP, and creatinine), haematological products, or organ weights. The architecture of the liver, heart, and kidney were all found to be normal upon histological examination. This indicates that oral consumption of BMY did not result in any negative effects being manifested in the rodents.

Toxicological Evaluation of Alginic Acid, a Polysaccharide Isolated from <i>Turbinaria conoides</i> (J. Agardh) Kutzing on Wistar Albino Rats

Introduction: Alginic acid, a polysaccharide is one of the important phytochemical ingredients of brown algae, Turbinaria conoides (J. Agardh) Kutzing. T. conoides has been studied for various pharmacological activities, yet no toxicological information found in the literature therefore, preset study aimed at extraction and isolation of alginic acid and to assess the safety profile through acute and sub acute toxicity study in both male and female rats. Materials and Methods: Alginic acid was characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermo gravimetric and differential scanning calorimetric analysis. In acute toxicity study, female rats received 2000 mg/kg of isolated product, at a single dose on oral administration. In subacute toxicity study, both male and female rats were given with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the isolated product, orally, for a period of 28 days consecutively and behavioral changes, hematological, biochemical and histopathological investigations were verified. Results and Discussion: In acute toxicity study, no morbidity or mortality was reported with alginic acid treated animals at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. In sub-acute toxicity study, there were no treatment related abnormalities observed in hematological and biochemical parameters except, decreased red blood cell count (400 mg/kg); increased platelets (200 mg/kg) in female rats and increased levels of liver parameters (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, gamma glutaryl transferase); lipid parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides and blood glucose) in both male and female rats. Histopathology studies revealed a slight infiltration of cells and congestion in blood vessels in the liver; congestion of alveolar tissue in lungs with 400 mg/kg treated animals. No behavioural changes observed. Conclusion: From the obtained results it is indicated that the oral administration of alginic acid (active principle of T. conoides) did not produce any significant adverse effects in rats of both the sex. Hence, alginic acid was considered as safe to use for further therapeutic purpose.

Biological and phytochemical characterization of Phragmanthera regularis (Loranthaceae) from Ethiopia

Phragmanthera regularis is a hemi-parasitic shrub. It is known for treating various health ailments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity, toxicity, and chemical characterization of the leaf extracts of P regularis collected from the Schinus molle host plant in Ethiopia. The antimicrobial properties of crude extracts obtained with chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water solvents were assayed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The methanol extract significantly inhibited the growth of S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa were resistant to any of these solvent extracts. The methanol extract was tested at 175, 550, and 2000 mg/kg body weight doses in white mice and did not reveal any toxicity. The LC-MS qTOF analysis detected flavonoids, phenolic acids, and alkaloids in the crude methanol extract. Further study is needed to investigate the effectiveness of these compounds against S. aureus.

Toxicological evaluation of hydroethanol leaf extract of Pupalia lappacea (Linn.) Juss. (Amaranthaceae) in rodents

OBJECTIVES

Several studies have established the ethnobotanical benefits of Pupalia lappacea (PL) in laboratory animals without extensive toxicological evaluation of its safety profiles. Thus, an extensive toxicological investigation of sub-chronic oral administration of the hydroethanol leaf extract of P. lappacea in rodents was carried out in this study.

METHODS

Different groups of rats were treated orally with the extract (10, 50 and 250 mg/kg) daily for 90 consecutive days. The control group received distilled water (10 mL/kg). After 90 days, some rats were left for additional 30 days without treatment for reversibility study. Blood and organs samples were collected for different evaluations at the end of study periods.

RESULTS

The extract decreased the bodyweights, feeding and water intakes in female rats. PL increased the weights of the liver and kidney in male rats. PL increased the red blood cell (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), triglycerides (TRIG), cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL) contents in rats. PL (250 mg/kg) significantly reduced the sperm motility and serum testosterone level. Cyto-architectural distortions of the testes, liver and spleen were visible.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings showed that P. lappacea is relatively safe at lower doses but cautions should be taken at higher dose.

Aloe vera and Artemisia vulgaris hydrogels: Exploring the toxic effects of structural transformation of the biocompatible materials

OBJECTIVES

This study was aimed to evaluate the toxicity profile of hydrogels of plant-derived mucilage from Aloe vera and Artemisia vulgaris used for various drug delivery applications, yet no such toxicity study has been reported for the toxicity evaluation of 3D structures. New Drug carrier should be harmless for drug delivery applications.

METHODS

Acute and sub-acute (repeated dose) oral toxicity studies were conducted following OECD 407 and 425 guidelines. In vitro toxicity through hemolysis and MTT assay were checked against RBC's and human macrophages respectively.

RESULTS

The hemolysis and MTT assay showed good compatibility of hydrogels with blood components. Mutagenicity testing showed no genotoxic effects of hydrogels. In vivo toxicity evaluation was done in female albino rats and rabbits. General behavior, adverse effects, clinical signs and symptoms, and mortality were recorded for 14 days post-treatment which showed no significant (p < 005) abnormality. Hematological and biochemical parameters including LFTs and RFTs appeared to be normal with slight variations in the treated groups. Normal architecture of kidney, liver, heart, and intestine was evident upon histopathological analyses.

CONCLUSION

Hence, the results suggested that the 3D structure of Aloe vera and Artemisia vulgaris based hydrogels is safe upon ingestion and can be used for drug delivery science being cheap, natural and biocompatible.

Formulation and evaluation of SGLT2 inhibitory effect of a polyherbal mixture inspired from Ayurvedic system of medicine

Background and aim

The ingredients viz., Artemisia roxburghiana, Cissampelos pareira, Stephania glabra, Drimia indica, Roylea cinerea, Tinospora sinensis and Curcuma longa of the present formulation are used to treat diabetes in the Indian traditional medical system. Adopting the concept of multiple herbal mixtures for better therapeutic effects from the ancient Ayurvedic text Sarangdhar Samhita, the present study aimed to develop a polyherbal formulation (PHF) of seven herbs and to evaluate its sodium-glucose cotransporter protein-2 (SGLT2) inhibitory effect on type 2 diabetic rats.

Experimental procedure

Streptozotocin (STZ) (60 mg/kg) and nicotinamide (NAM) (120 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally administered to induce type 2 diabetes in Wistar rats. The animals were divided into 5 groups viz. normal control, diabetic control, positive control (dapagliflozin at 0.1 mg/kg) and two test groups (PHF at 250 and 500 mg/kg). Various parameters including blood glucose, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), bilirubin, triglycerides and creatinine were measured.

Results and conclusion

The treatment with PHF (250 and 500 mg/kg) showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in blood glucose levels by 56.37% and 58.17%, respectively. The levels of SGOT, SGPT and bilirubin were significantly reduced in PHF-fed diabetic rats. Histopathological examination revealed no major changes in the treated groups as compared to the normal control. The molecular docking study showed strong binding of β-sitosterol, insulanoline, warifteine, dehydrocorydalmine, taraxerol acetate, lupeol, corydalmine and luteolin to SGLT2 protein. The present study concludes that PHF has promising antidiabetic activity via inhibiting SGLT2 protein without showing any adverse effects.

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Polyherbal formulation is prepared with seven traditional herbs used in diabetes.

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It showed antihyperglycemic effect in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats.

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Liver and kidney functions were found normal in the treated diabetic rats.

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Histopathology of the liver, kidney and pancreas did not show any toxic sign after the treatment.

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Molecular docking study showed the SGLT2 inhibitory activity of bioactive compounds.

Standardization, in-silico and in-vivo safety assessment of methanol extract of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam leaves

Ziziphus mauritana Lam leaves were used to treat asthma, diabetes, pain, and inflammation in the Indian traditional system of medicine. The leaves of the Ziziphus mauritiana Lam were consumed as a vegetable in Indonesia and India. The present study aims to predict the pharmacokinetic properties of flavonoids identified & quantified through U(H)PLC and to evaluate the safety of methanol extract of Ziziphus mauritana Lam leaves (MEZ) in rats. A U(H)PLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS was performed to identify flavonoids present in MEZ and quantified using U(H)PLC method. The in-silico ADME properties of the flavonoids were analyzed using Schrodinger Maestro software. The acute oral toxicity study was performed by administering a single dose of MEZ (5000 mg/kg) in female rats and observed for 14 days. The sub-chronic studies were carried out by oral administration of MEZ at 500, 750, and 1000 mg/kg daily for 90 days. The changes in hematological parameters, clinical biochemistry, and histopathology were observed after the treatment period. Eight flavonoids rutin, kaempferol, luteolin, myricetin, catechin, and apigenin were identified from were identified in UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis. These results showed the highest amount of luteolin (5.41 μg/ml) and kaempferol (4.02 μg/ml) present in MEZ. No signs of toxicity or mortality were observed in acute toxicity studies. In the sub-chronic studies, data showed that MEZ does not produce any changes in hematological and clinical biochemical parameters compared to control rats. MEZ (1000 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, in male rats, which was more prominent on day 90. The histopathological analysis also revealed no changes in the vital organs. These results conclude that MEZ was considered safe and well-tolerated in rats.

Antihyperglycemic Effects of Salvia polystachya Cav. and Its Terpenoids: α-Glucosidase and SGLT1 Inhibitors

The antihyperglycemic activity of ethanolic extract from Salvia polystachya (EESpS) and its products was evaluated using in vivo, ex vivo and in silico assays; additionally, an acute toxicity assay was evaluated. EESpS was classified as a nontoxic class 5 drug. EESpS, ethyl acetate fraction (EtOAcFr), secondary-6-fraction (SeFr6), ursolic acid (UA), and oleanolic acid (OA) reduced the hyperglycemia in DM2 mice. α-glucosidase inhibition was evaluated with oral sucrose and starch tolerance tests (OSuTT and OStTT), an intestinal sucrose hydrolysis (ISH) assay and molecular docking studies using acarbose as control. SGLT1 inhibition was evaluated with oral glucose and galactose tolerance tests (OGTT and OGaTT), an intestinal glucose absorption (IGA) assay and molecular docking studies using canagliflozin as the control. During the carbohydrate tolerance tests, all the treatments reduced the postprandial peak, similar to the control drugs. During the ISH, IC₅₀ values of 739.9 and 726.3 µM for UA and OA, respectively, were calculated. During the IGA, IC₅₀ values of 966.6 and 849.3 for UA, OA respectively, were calculated. Finally, during the molecular docking studies, UA and OA showed ∆G values of -6.41 and -5.48 kcal/mol^-1, respectively, on α-glucosidase enzymes. During SGLT1, UA and OA showed ∆G values of -10.55 and -9.65, respectively.

Toxicological evaluation of hydroethanol leaf extract of Pupalia lappacea (Linn.) Juss. (Amaranthaceae) in rodents

OBJECTIVES

Several studies have established the ethnobotanical benefits of Pupalia lappacea (PL) in laboratory animals without extensive toxicological evaluation of its safety profiles. Thus, an extensive toxicological investigation of sub-chronic oral administration of the hydroethanol leaf extract of P. lappacea in rodents was carried out in this study.

METHODS

Different groups of rats were treated orally with the extract (10, 50 and 250 mg/kg) daily for 90 consecutive days. The control group received distilled water (10 mL/kg). After 90 days, some rats were left for additional 30 days without treatment for reversibility study. Blood and organs samples were collected for different evaluations at the end of study periods.

RESULTS

The extract decreased the bodyweights, feeding and water intakes in female rats. PL increased the weights of the liver and kidney in male rats. PL increased the red blood cell (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), triglycerides (TRIG), cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL) contents in rats. PL (250 mg/kg) significantly reduced the sperm motility and serum testosterone level. Cyto-architectural distortions of the testes, liver and spleen were visible.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings showed that P. lappacea is relatively safe at lower doses but cautions should be taken at higher dose.

Safety studies of Nexrutine, bark extract of Phellodendron amurense through repeated oral exposure to rats for 28 days

Nexrutine (NX), a marketable herbal extract from a traditional Chinese herbal plant, Phellodendron amurense, is majorly used for the resolution of inflammation, gastroenteritis, and some tissue-specific cancer. Strategies for the identification of the safety of anticancer solutions of plant origin are an important area of study. The present investigation assesses the single and repeated dose (28 days) toxicity of NX following OECD guidelines 425 and 407, respectively. Briefly, to identify acute toxic properties of NX, a dose of 2000 mg/kg b. wt was administered once orally. Simultaneously, repeated dose toxicity was evaluated through daily administration of the three different doses (250, 500, 750 mg/kg b. wt) of NX for 28days. The single administration of NX showed no signs of toxicity and morbidity, suggesting LD50 of NX more than 2000 mg/kg b. wt. Furthermore, repeated dose exposure of NX for 28 days did not show any sign of toxicity. Hematology, serum biochemistry, and histopathological analysis also did not show any significant abnormalities. However, a marginal decrease in triglyceride, cholesterol, and glucose levels along with mild tubular degeneration in the kidney was also noticed in the high dose NX treatment group. Overall, the findings of the study suggest that NX is safe for use up to 500 mg/kg b.wt.

•

Single dose toxicity confirms LD₅₀ of NX to be greater than 2000 mg/kg b. wt.

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Repeated dose toxicity study used three doses of NX (250, 500, 750 mg/kg b. wt).

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Minimal aberrations in hematology and biochemical parameters.

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Histopathology depicts mild tubular degeneration at a high dose in the kidney.

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No morbidity or mortality was recorded in both the experimental setups.

Evaluation of the toxic potential of the aqueous extract from Mangifera indica Linn. (Anacardiaceae) in rats submitted to experimental models of acute and subacute oral toxicity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The population has traditionally used the Mangifera indica plant leaves to treat diseases such as Diabetes Mellitus and alleviate signs and symptoms such as inflammation, diarrhea, and dysentery. In a previous study, we demonstrated that the flavonoids present in the aqueous extract from M. indica leaves (EAMI) exhibited a potent hypoglycemic effect in diabetic rats, promoting the widespread use of the plant by the population and highlighting the importance of investigating its oral toxicity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to assess the toxic potential of EAMI in rats submitted to experimental models of acute and subacute (short-term) oral toxicity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

For the acute toxicity test, female Wistar rats received a single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight of EAMI and were observed for 14 days. In the short-term toxicity test, male and female Wistar rats received repeated oral EAMI doses of 125, 250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg body weight and observed for 28 days.

RESULTS

The phytochemical analysis of EAMI demonstrated that the extract has high levels of flavonoids. No animals died in the acute toxicity test, and no clinical changes were observed that show signs of toxicity in the animals. There was no significant change in the weight of the organs of the animals submitted to tests with the EAMI, suggesting that LD50 is greater than 2000 mg/kg. In the conditions and doses tested in the short-term toxicity experiments, the treatment did not produce significant changes in the physiological, biochemical, hematological, and histopathological parameters in the animals evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that high doses of EAMI administered acutely, as well as all doses evaluated in the short-term oral toxicity model, should be considered safe during traditional therapeutic use.

Molecular toxicological alterations in the mouse hearts induced by sub-chronic thiazolidinedione drugs administration

Thiazolidinediones are well-known anti-diabetic drugs. However, they are not widely used due to their cardiotoxic effects. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the molecular toxicological alterations induced in the mouse hearts after thiazolidinedione administration. Balb/c mice received doses clinically equivalent to those given to humans of the most commonly used thiazolidinediones, pioglitazone, and rosiglitazone for 30 days. After that, RNA samples were isolated from the hearts. The mRNA expression of cytochrome (cyp) p450 genes that synthesize the cardiotoxic 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) in addition to 92 cardiotoxicity biomarker genes were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction array technique. The analysis demonstrated that thiazolidinediones caused a significant upregulation (p < 0.5) of the mRNA expression of cyp1a1, cyp4a12, itpr1, ccl7, ccr1, and b2 m genes. In addition, thiazolidinediones caused a significant (p < 0.05) downregulation of the mRNA expression of adra2a, bsn, col15a1, fosl1, Il6, bpifa1, plau, and reg3b genes. The most affected gene was itpr1 gene, which was upregulated by pioglitazone and rosiglitazone by sevenfold and 3.5-fold, respectively. In addition, pioglitazone caused significant upregulation of (p < 0.05) hamp, ppbp, psma2, sik1, timp1, and ucp1 genes, which were not affected significantly (p > 0.05) by rosiglitazone administration. In conclusion, this study showed that thiazolidinediones induce toxicological molecular alterations in the mouse hearts, such as the induction of cyp450s that synthesize 20-HETE, chemokine activation, inflammatory responses, blood clotting, and oxidative stress. These findings may help us understand the mechanism of cardiotoxicity involved in thiazolidinedione administration.

Oral toxicity evaluation of gokshuradi guggulu, an ayurvedic formulation

Gokshuradi guggulu is an important classical polyherbal formulation used in Ayurvedic system of medicine for the treatment of various chronic diseases like kidney stones and diabetes. However, no scientific attempts were made to evaluate its oral toxicity. Hence, the present study evaluated the acute and 28 days repeated dose sub-acute oral toxicities of gokshuradi guggulu in rats. Gokshuradi guggulu was tested for its compliance using physicochemical and analytical parameters as per standards prescribed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India. In acute oral toxicity study, Wistar rats were orally administered a single dose of gokshuradi guggulu (2700 mg/kg) and clinical signs and mortality or moribund stage were observed for 14 days along with weekly body weight. On day 15, the rats were euthanized and the gross morphology was carried out during necropsy. In sub-acute (repeated dose) oral toxicity study, the rats were orally administered gokshuradi guggulu (270, 1350 and 2700 mg/kg) once daily up to 28 days. Clinical signs and mortality or moribund stage, weekly body weight, weekly feed and water consumptions, biochemical and hematological investigations, urine analysis, and major organ weights and histopathology were carried out. In acute and sub-acute toxicity studies, gokshuradi guggulu administration did not show any alteration in parameters or any adverse effect as compared to vehicle treated group. There was no mortality or moribund state observed in any group in both studies. Administration of gokshuradi guggulu in acute and 28 days repeated doses did not exhibit any toxicity or adverse effect at the doses used and NOAEL was found to be 2700 mg/kg.

Intranasal delivery of Naloxone-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles as a promising simple and non-invasive approach for the management of opioid overdose

Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist that can eradicate all pre-indications of the toxicity and inverse the opioid overdose. However, oral administration of naloxone offers limitations such as its extensive first-pass metabolism that results in poor therapeutic effects. In order to resolve this issue, we developed intranasal solid-lipid nanoparticles in which naloxone was incorporated for the higher brain disposition of naloxone with superior therapeutic effects for the reversal of toxicity of opioid overdose. The preparation of naloxone loaded solid-lipid nanoparticles was done by employing the solvent evaporation method. Later, the designed formulation was optimized by Quality by Design approach, specifically, Box-Behnken method. The composition of optimized formulation was Glyceryl monostearate as a solid lipid (40 mg), Pluronic127 (0.5%) and Tween 80 (0.1%) as a surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively. Furthermore, the characterization of optimized formulation was achieved in terms of particle size, PDI, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and drug loading which were 190.2 nm, 0.082, -16 mV, 95 ± 0.532% and 19.08 ± 0.106%, respectively. Afterwards, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo experiments were performed in which higher drug release and superior drug uptake by nasal membrane were observed for naloxone-loaded solid-lipid nanoparticles, later it was confirmed by confocal microscopy of ex vivo nasal membrane tissue. The findings of gamma scintigraphy investigation exhibited better deposition of naloxone-loaded solid-lipid nanoparticles as compared to naloxone solution. Also, the better deposition of naloxone by gamma scintigraphy was further validated by the investigation through the biodistribution study. Additionally, the key findings of the pharmacokinetic study revealed C_max, T_max, AUC_0-t, AUC_0-∞, T_1/2 and K_e was found to be 163.95 ± 2.64 ng/ml, 240 ± 2.1 min, 17.75 ± 1.08 ng.hr/ml, 18.82 ± 2.51 ng.hr/ml, 70.71 ± 0.115 min, 0.098 ± 0.01 h^-1 respectively. Lastly, investigations such as weight variation and histopathological proved the plausible potential of naloxone-loaded solid-lipid nanoparticles in terms of safety as no toxicity was noticed even after the administration of the three-folds dose of the normal dose. Therefore, considering all these findings, it could be easy to say that these developed naloxone-loaded solid-lipid nanoparticles could be administrated via intranasal route and can act as successful novel nanoformulation for the effective treatment of opioid overdose.

Effect of spexin on renal dysfunction in experimentally obese rats: potential mitigating mechanisms via galanin receptor-2

This study declared effect of spexin (SPX) on renal dysfunction in obese rats and its potential mitigating mechanisms which could mediated via galanin receptor-2 (GALR-2). Thirty two 32 Wistar male rats were arranged into four groups: control, high fat/fructose diet (HFFD), HFFD + SPX and HFFD + M871 (galanin receptor 2 antagonist)+SPX. At the termination of the experiment, urine volume, body mass index, Lee index and mean arterial blood pressure were assessed. Renal function was evaluated. Lipid profile, fasting glucose, insulin, insulin resistance and SPX levels were estimated. Also, renal histopathological, immunohistochemical and relative gene expression of renal tissue were done. Also, renal protein carbonyl, reduced glutathione, interferon gamma, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukin-10 and hydroxyproline were determined.Our results explored that SPX treatment prominently mitigated the metabolic changes and renal dysfunction induced by HFFD via GALR-2. SPX improved insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, renal oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis. So, SPX can be considered as prospective therapeutic agent for treating renal dysfunction.

Evaluation of piperine against cancer stem cells (CSCs) of hepatocellular carcinoma: Insights into epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are involved in recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), yet there is a lack of effective treatment that targets these CSCs. CD44+ and CD133+ CSCs are markedly expressed in HepG2 cells and were isolated and characterized using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. Since piperine is known as an effective molecule against metastasis, we thought to investigate the effect of piperine against CD44+/CD133+ CSCs. Herein, piperine was found to be active against these CSCs. Also, it was found appropriate to respite at the 'subG₀/G₁ and G₀/G₁' phase of the cell cycle analysis, respectively. TGF-β activated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been involved in the invasion and metastasis of HepG2 cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, we next investigated the effect of piperine on different biomarkers that remarkably takes part in the process of EMT using flow cytometric analysis. Piperine was found able to repress the epithelial marker (E-cadherin) but was unable to restore the level of Vimentin (mesenchymal marker) and SNAIL (EMT-inducing transcription factor). Therefore, the findings of this study revealed that piperine could be an effective treatment strategy for recurrent hepatocarcinogenesis.

Antihyperglycemic and Lipid Profile Effects of Salvia amarissima Ortega on Streptozocin-Induced Type 2 Diabetic Mice

Salvia amarissima Ortega was evaluated to determinate its antihyperglycemic and lipid profile properties. Petroleum ether extract of fresh aerial parts of S. amarissima (PEfAPSa) and a secondary fraction (F6Sa) were evaluated to determine their antihyperglycemic activity in streptozo-cin-induced diabetic (STID) mice, in oral tolerance tests of sucrose, starch, and glucose (OSTT, OStTT, and OGTT, respectively), in terms of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In acute assays at doses of 50 mg/kg body weight (b.w.), PEfAPSa and F6Sa showed a reduction in hyperglycemia in STID mice, at the first and fifth hour after of treatment, respectively, and were comparable with acarbose. In the sub-chronic test, PEfAPSa and F6Sa showed a reduction of glycemia since the first week, and the effect was greater than that of the acarbose control group. In relation to HbA1c, the treatments prevented the increase in HbA1c. In the case of TG and HDL, PEfAPSa and F6Sa showed a reduction in TG and an HDL increase from the second week. OSTT and OStTT showed that PEfAPSa and F6Sa significantly lowered the postprandial peak at 1 h after loading but only in sucrose or starch such as acarbose. The results suggest that S. amarissima activity may be mediated by the inhibition of disaccharide hydrolysis, which may be associated with an α-glucosidase inhibitory effect.

Nutritional and 13-Week Subchronic Toxicological Evaluation of Lignosus rhinocerotis Mycelium in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Lignosus rhinocerotis (Tiger's Milk mushroom) is a novel mushroom with sclerotium belonging to the Polyporaceae family and has been reported widely to possess anti-cancer, anti-cough, antioxidant, gastro-protective, immuno-modulating, and neurite-stimulating properties. As numerous studies have proven the tremendous medicinal values of L. rhinocerotis, it is necessary to understand its nutrition as well as its safety for the recipient. Previous research on L. rhinocerotis has mainly focused on the naturally occurring sclerotium and may have overlooked mushroom mycelia from submerged liquid fermentation, which ensures a high uniform quantitative biomass production as well as a high biological value. Hence, this is the first report on the evaluation of nutrition and 13-week repeated oral toxicity of L. rhinocerotis mycelium (LRM). The LRM powder contained 9.0 ± 4.2% moisture, 1.9 ± 1.3% ash, 1.6 ± 2.2% crude lipid, 8.4 ± 5.3% crude protein, 79.3 ± 4.6% carbohydrate, and 364 kcal/100 g energy. The total free amino acid ranged from 349 to 5636 mg/100 g and the umami index of freeze-dried LRM powder was 0.37. For safety assessment, ninety-six rats were divided into four groups, each consisting of twelve male and twelve female rats. Test articles were administered by oral gavage to rats at 850, 1700, and 3400 mg/kg body weight/day for 13 weeks and reverse osmosis water was used as the control. All animals survived to the end of the study. During the experiment period, no abnormal changes were observed in clinical signs, body weight, or ophthalmological examinations. No adverse or test article-related differences were found in urinalysis, hematology, or serum biochemistry parameters between the treatment and control groups. Necropsy and histopathological examination indicated no treatment-related changes. According to the above results, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of L. rhinocerotis was identified to be greater than 3400 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Effects of subacute oral administration of aqueous extract of Macaranga barteri Müll.Arg (Euphorbiaceae) leaf on anthropometric and haematological parameters in rats

Macaranga barteri is a plant used in traditional medicine to treat many illnesses. Previous studies showed the efficacy of the aqueous extract of leaf of this plant (AEMb) in the treatment of gastric ulcer within the dose range of 125-500 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). This study aims at evaluating the safety of AEMb on anthropometric and haematological parameters in wistar rats. Seventy rats were divided into seven groups of ten rats each, including five males and five females. The control group was repeatedly administered by gavage with distilled water at 1 ml/100 g for 28 days while test groups 2, 3, 4 and 5, were repeatedly gavaged with AEMb at the doses of 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w. respectively. As for satellites (groups 6 and 7), they received daily and respectively distilled water at 1 ml/100 g b.w. and AEMb at the dose of 1000 mg/kg b.w. The results showed that AEMb caused no significant changes in the behaviour of rats and the weight of the organs removed (kidneys, liver, spleen, and heart) and their relative weights at the end of the 28 days of treatment. However, the body weight and the amount of food consumed by animals treated with AEMb at the doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w. increased significantly (p < 0.05) from the third week compared to control group. Haematological analysis revealed a non-significant increase (p > 0.05) in leukocyte lineage and platelet level in female rats at the studied doses. However, a significant (p < 0.05) increase in platelet level was recorded in male rats at 1000 mg/kg b.w. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in erythrocyte and hemoglobin levels at the doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w. in treated animals was also revealed. In conclusion, repeated administration of AEMb over 28 days to rats was safe on leucocyte lineage and most of erythrocyte indices at doses ranging from 125 to 1000 mg/kg b.w. Nevertheless, the use of this extract caused a transient increase of erythrocyte, hemoglobin and platelet levels 2 weeks after the end of AEMb administration, but these effects disappeared. So, the subacute oral administration of AEMb revealed few potential toxic effects overall.

The in vivo toxicity evaluation of leaf and root methanolic extracts of Tephrosia vogelii Hook.f using animal model

Background

Traditionally, herbal medicines are commonly used to cure several diseases since immemorial of human life. Nevertheless, the safety of some traditionally used medicinal plants is uncertain. Since Tephrosia vogelii Hook.f is a traditionally used medicinal plant, the effects of its extracts were evaluated on lethality (LD50) and sub-acute toxicity in this study.

Methods

Phytochemistry screening and an in vivo toxicity evaluation of leaf and root methanolic extracts of T. vogelii using laboratory albino rats were conducted. Methanolic extracts of doses 600, 1200, 2000 and 5000 mg/kg body weights were administered single dose in rats to observe deaths within 72 h in order to determine the LD50. Methanolic extracts doses of 600, 1200 and 2000 mg/kg body weights were consecutively administered for 14 days in order to evaluate sub-acute toxicity.

Results

Tannins, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids and saponins were identified in the phytochemical screening. The LD50 experiments revealed zero deaths of rats for the administered doses, 600 to 5000 mg/kg body weight. Histopathological examination of liver and kidney for sub-acute toxicity test showed safety at all doses except root methanolic extracts dose of 2000 mg/kg which exhibited necrosis and vacuolation of liver cells on the 14th day. Nonetheless, hepatic necrosis and hepatic vacuolation disappeared upon time elongation without dose administration to 28th day.

Conclusion

The conducted toxicity evaluation of methanolic leaf and root extracts in albino rats revealed no deleterious effects, henceforth, suggesting that T. vogelii could be safe to users using it as a medicinal plant.

Umbelliferone (7-hydroxycoumarin): A non-toxic antidiarrheal and antiulcerogenic coumarin

Gastrointestinal diseases are very common problems; available treatments are very limited and come with a range of side effects. Coumarins are an extensive class of phenolic compounds that can be found in plants, fungi and bacteria. The 7-hydroxycoumarin, also known as umbelliferone (UMB), is a compound that comes from coumarin and has been showing biological activities in other studies. As of this scenario, the present study was designed to evaluate the acute oral toxicity, mutagenic, antidiarrheal, anti-bacterial, and antiulcerogenic effects, and antioxidant capacity of UMB. An investigation was conducted through the hippocratic screening method and through histopathological analysis in animals to evaluate the effects of acute oral administration of a dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of UMB. A micronucleus test on peripheral blood of Swiss mice, which were orally treated with three doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg), was conducted to evaluate mutagenic activities. The antiulcerogenic activity was accomplished through the ethanol-induced damage method. Antidiarrheal activities were tested for inducing diarrhea with castor oil and evaluating intestinal transit duration; additionally, the antimicrobial effect against some enteropathogenic bacteria was analyzed. Finally, the antioxidant capability was determined by the capacity of the UMB sample to kidnap the stable radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. Of the evaluated doses, signs of toxicity after acute administration of the compound were not observed. UMB presented antiulcerogenic activity (100 and 200 mg/kg), which was explained because of its antioxidant capacity. A gastro protective effect was similar to the positive control, and the UMB was able to significantly reduce intestinal transit, and also diarrheal symptoms. Furthermore, UMB had an anti-bacterial effect with minimum inhibitory concentration fluctuating between 62.5 and 1000 μg/mL. Based on these findings, we can suggest that UMB has important biological activities in vivo and in vitro and is not toxic under the evaluated circumstances, which demonstrates its large potential for pharmacological use.

Acute and subchronic toxicity study of nonpolar extract of licorice roots in mice

Licorice is used as a medicinal plant, and several studies have shown that licorice has beneficial effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of nonpolar licorice extract using toxicity experiments. Nonpolar extract from the root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (NERG) was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antioxidant ability was determined by method of TPC and DPPH. Blood pressure was monitored by using blood pressure meter. In the acute study, a single dose (2,000 mg/kg) was orally administered to mice. In the subchronic study, mice were treated with extract at doses (50, 100, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg) for 120 days. Significantly difference was not shown at blood pressure, hematological, and biochemical parameters, and histopathology on mice. The results suggested that at acute and subchronic toxicity, each levels of nonpolar licorice extract administration in experiments did not cause toxicity effects or death on mice.

Food additive "lauric acid" possess non-toxic profile on biochemical, haematological and histopathological studies in female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats

Background

Lauric acid (LA), a common constituent of coconut oil, is used as food additives and supplements in various formulations. Despite various potential pharmacological properties, no scientific evidence on its dose-related toxicity and safety is available till date.

Objective

The current study was conducted to evaluate acute oral toxicity of LA on normal rats.

Methods

The study was conducted in accordance with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines (OECD 423) with slight modifications. LA was administered orally to female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (n = 6/group) at a single dose of 300 and 2,000 mg/kg body weight, respectively, while normal control received vehicle only. Animals from all the three groups were monitored for any behavioural and toxicological changes and mortality for two weeks. Food and fluid consumption, body weight was monitored on daily basis. At the end (on day 15th) of the experimental period, blood was collected for haematological and biochemical analysis. Further, all the animals were euthanized, and internal organs were harvested for histopathological investigation using four different stainings; haematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome, Periodic Acid Schiff and Picro Sirius Red for gross pathology through microscopical observation.

Results

The study results showed no LA treatment-related mortality and morbidity at two different dosages. Daily food and water consumption, body weight, relative organ weight, haematological, and biochemical analysis were observed to be normal with no severe alterations to the internal tissues.

Conclusion

The current finding suggests that single oral administration of LA, even up to 2,000 mg/kg body weight, did not exhibit any signs of toxicity in SD rats; thus, it was safe to be used on disease models in animals.

Acute and sub-acute toxicity study of the root extracts of Fagaropsis hildebrandtii in mice and evaluation of their antimicrobial effects

Background: Among the Kamba community of Kenya, roots of Fagaropsis hildebrandtii (FH) are boiled and used in managing cough, fertility problems, and microbial infections. The safety of this plant in oral administration and the validity of the ethnomedical claims are unverified. This study evaluated the toxicity of the aqueous and hexane root extracts of FH in mice and antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium and Candida albicans. Methods: Doses (300 and 2000 mg/kg) of the extracts were administered orally to mice for 14 days. The weight, feed, and water consumption, organ weight of mice and gross macroscopy of the liver were used in evaluating acute toxicity. Mice were additionally treated with 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body-weight doses of the extracts for 28 days and haematological, biochemical, and histological parameters noted. The minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations (MIC; MBC/MFC) of the extracts against the aforementioned pathogens were determined by broth dilution. Results: Acute oral toxicity of the extracts was >2000 mg/kg, there were dose dependent changes in haematological and biochemical parameters, all female mice died when treated with doses of 1000mg/kg and doses ≥500 mg/kg caused tubular degeneration and haemorrhage of the kidney, cloudy swelling of hepatocytes, and multifocal necrosis and pyknosis in the liver. The MBC/MIC ratio of each of the extracts against Staph. aureus and S. typhimurium was 2, while C. albicans was not sensitive to any of the extracts. Conclusions: Long term use of FH root extracts was associated with dose-dependent changes in the mice kidney, liver and in biochemical and haematological parameters. Root extracts of FH are bactericidal against Staph. aureus and S. typhimurium but have no effect on C. albicans. Future work should aim at identifying the metabolites responsible for the observed toxic and bactericidal effects of the FH root extracts.

Safety Evaluations of Single Dose of the Olive Secoiridoid S-(-)-Oleocanthal in Swiss Albino Mice

Epidemiological and clinical studies compellingly showed the ability of Mediterranean diet rich in extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) to reduce multiple diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and aging cognitive functions decline. The S-(-)-Oleocanthal (OC) is a minor phenolic secoiridoid exclusively found in extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO). OC recently gained notable research attention due to its excellent in vitro and in vivo biological effects against multiple cancers, inflammations, and Alzheimer's disease. However, OC safety has not been comprehensively studied yet. This study reports for the first time the detailed safety of oral single OC dose in Swiss albino mice, applying the OECD 420 procedure. Male and female Swiss albino mice (n = 10) were orally treated with a single OC dose of either 10, 250, or 500 mg/kg bodyweight or equivalent volumes of distilled water. Mice fed a regular diet, and carefully observed for 14 days. Further, mice were then sacrificed, blood samples, and organs were collected and subjected to hematological, biochemical, and histological examinations. OC 10 mg/kg oral dose appears to be without adverse effects. Further, 250 mg/kg OC, p.o., is suggested as a possible upper dose for preclinical studies in the future.

Oral and injectable Marsdenia tenacissima extract (MTE) as adjuvant therapy to chemotherapy for gastric cancer: a systematic review

Background

Marsdenia tenacissima extract (MTE) is a phytochemical widely used as complementary therapy in cancer care. This systematic review was conducted to investigate the anticancer and detoxification effects of MTE, as an adjuvant therapy to chemotherapy, for treating gastric cancer.

Methods

Ten databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing oral or injectable MTE plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone for treating gastric cancer up to May 1, 2019. In meta-analyses, proportional odds ratios (PORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled for the ordinal outcomes using the generalized linear model, and risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs were pooled for dichotomous outcomes using the Mantel-Haenszel method.

Results

Seventeen RCTs with 1329 individuals were included, with a moderate to high risk of selection and performance bias. Compared to chemotherapy alone, MTE adjuvant therapy significantly improved the response to anticancer treatment (POR 2.01, 95% CI 1.60–2.53) and patients’ performance status (POR 3.15, 95% CI 2.22–4.48) and reduce the incidences of chemotherapy-induced leukopenia (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.56–0.78), thrombocytopenia (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.48–0.86), anemia (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.72–1.10), nausea/vomiting (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.69–0.91), hepatic injury (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.61–0.96), and peripheral neurotoxicity (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.59–1.01). However, MTE did not significantly alleviate anemia, diarrhea, constipation, kidney injury, and oral mucosal lesions after chemotherapy. Incidence of nausea/vomiting was lower in patients receiving oral MTE than those receiving injectable MTE (RR 0.47 vs. 0.82, interaction P = 0.04). Heterogeneity was generally low among these outcomes. Three out of five RCTs that reported survival data supported the effects of MTE for prolonging progression-free and/or overall survival. No studies reported safety outcomes of MTE.

Conclusions

The current evidence with limitations of risk of selection and performance bias suggests that MTE, as an adjuvant therapy to chemotherapy, is effective for inhibiting cancer growth and reducing incidences of multiple chemotherapy side effects. Oral MTE may be a better choice. Uncertainty remains regarding the effects of MTE on survival endpoints and the subgroup differences between acute and chronic use of MTE and between different chemotherapy regimens.

Safety Assessment of Methanol Extract of Melastoma malabathricum L. Leaves following the Subacute and Subchronic Oral Consumptions in Rats and Its Cytotoxic Effect against the HT29 Cancer Cell Line

Methanol extract of Melastoma malabathricum (MEMM) has been traditionally used by the Malay to treat various ailments. In an attempt to develop the plant as an herbal product, MEMM was subjected to the subacute and subchronic toxicity and cytotoxicity studies. On the one hand, the subacute study was performed on three groups of male and three groups of female rats (n = 6), which were orally administered with 8% Tween 80 (vehicle control group) or MEMM (500 and 1000 mg/kg) daily for 28 days, respectively. On the other hand, the subchronic study was performed on four groups of rats (n = 6), which were orally administered with 8% Tween 80 (vehicle control group) or MEMM (50, 250, and 500 mg/kg) daily for 90 days, respectively. In the in vitro study, the cytotoxic effect of MEMM against the HT29 colon cancer cell line was assessed using the MTT assay. MEMM was also subjected to the UHPLC-ESI-HRMS analysis. The results demonstrated that MEMM administration did not cause any mortality, irregularity of behaviour, modification in body weight, as well as food and water intake following the subacute and subchronic oral treatment. There were no significant differences observed in haematological parameters between treatment and control groups in both studies, respectively. The in vitro study demonstrated that MEMM exerts a cytotoxic effect against the HT29 colon cancer cell line when observed under the inverted and phase-contrast microscope and confirmed by the acridine orange/propidium iodide (AOPI) staining. The UHPLC-ESI-HRMS analysis of MEMM demonstrated the occurrence of several compounds including quercetin, p-coumaric acid, procyanidin A, and epigallocatechin. In conclusion, M. malabathricum leaves are safe for oral consumption either at the subacute or subchronic levels and possess cytotoxic action against the HT29 colon cancer cells possibly due to the synergistic action of several flavonoid-based compounds.

WITHDRAWN: Soy isoflavones (from Glycine max) preserves hepatocellular free radical defense system potential and ameliorates inflammatory response in high fat fed ovariectomised Wistar rats: The molecular mechanisms

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Alterations of Antioxidant Status and Mitochondrial Succinate Dehydrogenase Activity in the Liver of Wistar Strain Albino Rats Treated with by Ethanol Extracts of Annona senegalensis Pers (Annonaceae) Stem Bark

Numerous ethnomedicinal uses have been attributed to different parts of Annona senegalensis (ASE), including its uses as food and food additives. The present study investigated toxicological and antioxidant effects of 28 days administration of ethanol extracts of ASE stem bark to Wistar strain albino rats. Acute toxicity test was done to determine lethal dose in Wistar rats while sub-acute toxicity test was conducted on rats divided into four groups (A - control, B - 50 mg/kg, C - 100 mg/kg, D - 150 mg/kg, respectively and treated for 28 days. Oxidative stress markers in liver and kidney as well as hepatic succinate dehydrogenase activity in the mitochondrial and post mitochondrial fractions (PMF) were evaluated. The LD₅₀ value of ASE was > 2,000 mg/kg. White blood cell counts gradually increased, but red blood cell counts and haematocrits level decreased significantly (p < 0.05) by about 50%. Liver enzymes in the serum and mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase activity increased significantly (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities also increased in liver mitochondria and PMF while malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione levels increased only in the PMF. Furthermore, only MDA levels increased significantly in the kidney after 28 days extract administration. Histopathological examination showed hepatic necrosis and no obvious signs of nephrotoxicity. Anona senegalensis is relatively safe, but prolonged ingestion could induce oxidative stress and impair ATP synthesis through the modulation of the activity of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase.

The Antitumor Activities of Marsdenia tenacissima

Marsdenia tenacissima (MT), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has long been used for thousands of years to treat asthma, tracheitis, rheumatism, etc. An increasing number of recent studies have focused on the antitumor effects of MT. The effects of MT on cancer are the result of various activated signaling pathways and inhibiting factors and the high expression levels of regulatory proteins. MT can inhibit different cancer types including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), malignant tumors, hepatic carcinoma, and so on. This article mainly focuses on the activities and mechanisms of MT. In addition, the efficacy and toxicity of MT are also discussed. Further studies of MT are required for improved medicinal utilization.

Marsdenia tenacissima: A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

The stems and roots of Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Wight et Arn., a traditional Chinese medicine and Dai herbal medicine, have been widely used for the treatment of asthma, trachitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, cystitis, pneumonia and drug or food poisoning. Nowadays, the extract of Marsdenia tenacissima, under the trademark of "Xiao-ai-ping", is widely used in clinic for the treatment of different cancers in China. To date, approximately 196 chemical ingredients covering steroids, triterpenes and organic acids have been identified from different parts of this plant. Steroids are the major characteristic and bioactive constituents of this plant. Modern pharmacology has demonstrated that the crude extracts and steroids have various in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities, such as multidrug resistance reversal, antitumor, anti-angiogenic, immunomodulation and anti-HIV activities. The multidrug resistance reversal of steroids provided evidence for the use of this herb in clinic. However, despite wide clinical application, clinical trials, quality control method, pharmacokinetic and toxicity research on Marsdenia tenacissima were seldom reported and deserved further efforts. The present review aimed to achieve a comprehensive and up-to-date investigation in ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical study, pharmacokinetics, toxicology and quality control of Marsdenia tenacissima. In addition, the possible perspectives and trends for future studies of Marsdenia tenacissima have also been put forward. It is believed that this review would provide a theoretical basis and valuable data for future in-depth studies and applications.

Validation of a clinically-relevant rodent model of statin-associated muscle symptoms for use in pharmacological studies

Various rodent models of statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) have been used to investigate the aetiology of statin myotoxicity. Variability between these models, however, may be contributing to the ambiguity currently surrounding the pathogenesis of SAMS. Furthermore, few studies have assessed the reproducibility of these models. The aim of this study was to compare two established rodent models of statin myotoxicity, differing in treatment duration and dose, to determine which reproducibly caused changes characteristic of SAMS. Isolated skeletal muscle organ bath experiments, biochemical analyses, real-time quantitative-PCR and biometric assessments were used to compare changes in skeletal muscle and renal integrity in statin-treated animals and time-matched control groups. The SIM80 model (80 mg kg^-1 day^-1 simvastatin for 14 days) produced fibre-selective skeletal muscle damage characteristic of SAMS. Indeed, fast-twitch gastrocnemius muscles showed increased Atrogin-1 expression, reduced peak force of contraction and decreased Myh2 expression while slow-twitch soleus muscles were unaffected. Contrastingly, the SIM50 model (50 mg kg^-1 day^-1 simvastatin for 30 days) produced little evidence of significant skeletal muscle damage. Neither statin treatment protocol caused significant pathological changes to the kidney. The results of this study indicate that the SIM80 model induces a type of SAMS in rodents that resembles the presentation of statin-induced myalgia in humans. The findings support that the SIM80 model is reproducible and can thus be reliably used as a platform to assess the aetiology and treatment of this condition.