Ileal relaxation induced by Mentha longifolia (L.) leaf extract in rat

Phenolic profile, acute and subacute oral toxicity of the aqueous extract from Moroccan Mentha longifolia L. aerial part in Swiss Albino mice model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Mentha longifolia (L.) (Lamiaceae) is a native plant in Morocco, traditionally used in different countries to treat several disorders notably gastrointestinal illnesses, respiratory disorders, infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases, and menstrual problems. Robust scientific evidence has confirmed multiple pharmacological properties of M. longifolia including antihemolytic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, antidiabetic, gastroprotective effect, and antispasmodic activity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The current study aimed to determine the phytochemical profile and assess the toxic effect of an aqueous extract of the arial parts of M. longifolia in male and female Swiss albino mice during acute and subacute oral toxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

High-performance Liquid Chromatography Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD) was used to provide qualitative and quantitative analyses of phenolic compounds of M. longifolia aqueous extract. In acute toxicity experiments, four distinct groups of mice (n = 5/group/sex) were administered Mentha longifolia aqueous extract at single oral dosages of 0.5; 1; 2; 4, and 8 g/kg BW given by gavage and intraperitoneal for up to 14 days. Regarding the subacute toxicity investigation, Swiss albino mice were given M. longifolia aqueous extract orally at dosages of 100; 500; and 1000 mg/kg BW daily for 28 days. Body weight is measured every 7 days and suggested biochemical and hematological parameters were quantified, at the finish of 28 days of daily administration, sections of the liver, kidney, and spleen were histologically evaluated for showing damage to organs.

RESULTS

The data of High-performance Liquid chromatography analysis revealed that M. longifolia aqueous extract was rich in interesting phytochemical compounds, mainly quercetin, and rutin, followed by a hydroxybenzoic acid-like syringic acid. Regarding the acute test in mice, no mortality or symptoms of toxicity were detected following oral administration with a single dose of M. longifolia aqueous extract at any dosage limit up to 4 g/kg, which was the no-observed side effect threshold (NOAEL). The mortality rate as well as acute toxicity of the M. longifolia aqueous extract delivered intraperitoneally, are increased progressively with increasing dosage. The non-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for the intraperitoneal dosage was 1 g/kg BW, and the lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) was 2 g/kg BW, the estimated acute toxicity (LD50) of intraperitoneally given M. longifolia aqueous extract in mice was 4.800 g/kg BW. Concerning subacute examinations in mice, the M. longifolia aqueous extract did not induce substantial modifications in biochemical or hematological indicators, preserving a slight increase in creatinine and urea levels. At the end of the experiment, a histopathological examination of the kidneys, liver, and spleen revealed normal architecture, suggesting no morphological damage.

CONCLUSION

The data we obtained indicate that acute or subacute administration of Mentha longifolia aqueous extract is relatively non-toxic in male and female Swiss albino mice.

Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Mentha Longifolia L. and its main constituent, menthol

Mentha longifolia (wild mint) is a popular folk remedy. Some parts of this plant have been used in traditional medicine of Iran and other countries. Many studies have shown various pharmacological and therapeutic effects of the plant. Our aim in preparing this study was to review the traditional uses of M. longifolia together with the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of its entire extract and major compounds. Mentha longifolia is an herb with a wide range of pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, gastrointestinal, and nervous system effects. Pulegone is the main compound of the plant responsible for most of its pharmacological effects followed by menthone, isomenthone, menthol, 1, 8-cineole, borneol, and piperitenone. Moreover, the plant may dose-dependently exert toxic effects in different systems of the body. Based on the review of various studies, it can be concluded that M. longifolia is a potential natural source for the development of new drugs. However, further studies are required to determine the precise quality and safety of the plant to be used by clinicians.

Endogenous opiates and behavior: 2008

This paper is the 31st consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2008 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurologic disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration and thermoregulation (Section 16); and immunological responses (Section 17).