The role of Urtica dioica and Nigella sativa in the prevention of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Anti-diabetic potential of Urtica Dioica: current knowledge and future direction

Aim

This review summarizes studies on the anti-diabetic effect of Urtica Dioica (UD) in Type-2-diabetes.

Materials and methods

We studied worldwide traditional medicines, old texts, and published literature for anti-diabetic effect of UD. Electronic databases comprising PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched to collect articles published between 1990 and 2021 years.

Results

Our literature investigation suggests UD as a glucose lowering, blood lipid regulating, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation plant.

Conclusions

UD's anti-diabetic properties make it potential traditional therapeutics for lowering the clinical manifestations of T2DM through affecting hyperglycemia and therefore suggest it as a proper medication with no or limited side effects.

Effects of resistance training and nigella sativa on type 2 diabetes: implications for metabolic markers, low-grade inflammation and liver enzyme production

CONTEXT

Proper nutrition and exercise are effective strategies to improve overall metabolic health in diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the effects of Nigella sativa (NS) supplementation during resistance training (RT) on some biochemical variables in type 2 diabetes patients.

METHODS

Forty patients were assigned to groups: RT + NS (RN), NS, RT + placebo (RP), and control (CO). RT was performed and NS was consumed for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected at rest immediately before and after the 8 week intervention.

RESULTS

RT or NS by themselves reduced HOMA-IR, insulin, glucose, TG, TC, LDL, ESR, CRP, AST, ALT and ALP, and increased HDL and HOMA-S. The combination of RT and NS, rather than each intervention alone, had significant effects on reduction of HOMA-IR, insulin, ESR and CRP as well as increases in HDL, HOMA-β/S.

CONCLUSION

RT combined with NS is sometimes a better strategy compared to single interventions for improving diabetes related biomarkers in type 2 diabetic patients.

Efficacy of thymoquinone in the treatment of experimental lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury

Introduction

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are acute onset syndromes affecting the lungs, which develop for several reasons and are characterized by hypoxemia and diffuse lung infiltration. The activity of thymoquinone (TQ) is known in acute lung injury. It is considered that it could be effective in ALI/ARDS treatment by ensuring possible COX-2 inhibition.

Aim

By this study was to show the protective activity of TQ in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced acute lung injury.

Material and methods: A total of 28 BALB/c male mice were randomized to 4 groups of 7 as the Control group, TQ group (3 mg/kg), LPS group (5 mg/kg) and TQ treatment group. TQ was administered intraperitoneally 1 hour before the intratracheal administration of LPS (5 mg/kg). The mice were sacrificed 6 hours after the LPS administration and the lungs were extracted for histopathological examination. All experimental procedures complied with the requirements of the Animal Care and Ethics Committee of Dokuz Eylul University.

Results

When all the study groups were compared, significant differences were found between the groups in terms of the degrees of neutrophil migration (p = 0.042), intra-alveolar hemorrhage (p = 0.004) and alveolar destruction (p < 0.0006). A significant recovery was observed in the lung histopathological changes (neutrophil migration, intra-alveolar hemorrhage and alveolar destruction) in the TQ treatment group.

Conclusions

The results of this study showed that TQ may have a protective effect against LPS-induced acute lung injury. The possible mechanism could be considered to be cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibition.

Administration of Nigella sativa during neonatal and juvenile growth period improved liver function of propylthiouracil-induced hypothyroid rats

Aim: Propylthiouracil (PTU) is frequently used as an antithyroid medication. It is also commonly used to induce hypothyroidism in rodents. PTU administration and hypothyroidism have been shown to affect the liver function. Nigella sativa (NS) has been suggested to have antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of NS extract administration during neonatal and juvenile growth period on liver function of PTU-induced hypothyroid rats.Methods: The pregnant rats were kept in separate cages. After delivery, the mothers and their offspring were randomly divided into five groups and were treated with the following programs: (1) control; (2) PTU, 0.005% in their drinking water (3-5); PTU-plus 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg NS extract. After lactation period, the offspring continued to receive the same experimental treatment for the first 8 weeks of their life. Ten offspring of each group were randomly selected and weighted at days 10, 30, and 60 after delivery. Their blood samples were collected and the liver tissues were removed.Results: Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was increased while, thiol concentration and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity were decreased in the liver tissues of PTU-treated rats. Serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALK-P), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in the PTU group were higher than the control group. Treatment with 200 and 400 mg/kg decreased MDA while increasing thiol concentration in the liver tissues compared to the PTU group. Treatment with all doses of the extract decreased serum ALK-P concentration compared with the PTU group. Treatment with 400 mg/kg NS increased CAT and SOD concentrations in the liver tissues and decreased serum AST and ALT concentrations compared to the PTU group. PTU decreased body weight gain of offspring and while, the extract increased the body weight gain of offspring rats.Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that administration of NS hydroalcoholic extract in the neonatal and juvenile growth period has an improving effect on the liver function of PTU- induced hypothyroid rats.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Essential Oils from Hyptis crenata in Sepsis-Induced Liver Dysfunction

No specific therapeutics are available for the treatment of sepsis-induced liver dysfunction, a clinical complication strongly associated with the high mortality rate of septic patients. This study investigated the effect of the essential oil of Hyptis crenata (EOHc), a lamiaceae plant used to treat liver disturbances in Brazilian folk medicine, on liver function during early sepsis. Sepsis was induced by the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model. Rats were divided into four groups: Sham, Sham+EOHc, CLP, and CLP+EOHc. EOHc (300 mg/kg) was orally administered 12 and 24 h after surgery. The animals were sacrificed for blood collection and liver tissue samples 48 h after surgery. Hepatic function was evaluated by measuring serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. The levels of malondialdehyde and the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and GSH peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured for assessment of oxidative stress. Liver morphology was analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. EOHc normalized serum ALP, ALT, and bilirubin levels and inhibited morphological changes. In addition, we observed that EOHc inhibited elevation in hepatic lipid peroxidation and reduction of the glutathione peroxidase activity induced by sepsis. Our data show that EOHc plays a protective effect against liver injury induced by sepsis.

Herbal remedies for liver fibrosis: A review on the mode of action of fifty herbs

Liver fibrosis is a dynamic pathological condition which can be slowed down in its initial phases. Without proper clinical management of fibrosis, progressive liver damage may lead to cirrhosis and ultimately to liver failure or primary liver cancer, which are irreversible conditions. Therefore, in order to cure fibrotic damage to liver, its early stages should be the centre of attention. In this context, some supplements and ‘complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)’ deserve specific mention, because of their already recognized natural way of healing and long lasting curative effects. Moreover, CAM display negligible side effects and hence it is gaining worldwide importance in clinical practices. In particular, herbal medicines are now replacing synthetic pharmaceuticals and looked upon as the sources of novel bioactive substances. To develop satisfactory herbal combinations for treating liver fibrosis, phytoproducts need to be systematically evaluated for their potency as anti-fibrotic, anti-hepatotoxic and antioxidant agents. More importantly, the identified herb/agent should have the remarkable tendency to stimulate hepatocytes regeneration. The present review is a systematic account of at least fifty medicinal herbs and their products which in experimental models have demonstrated antifibrotic activity and thus, most likely candidates to offer therapeutic protection to liver. Nevertheless, much additional work is still needed to explore molecular pathways to discover potential applications of these medicines so as to open up new vistas in biomedical research.

Protective effect and antioxidant role of sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis) oil against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats

CONTEXT

Sweetgum oil (SO) obtained from the Liquidambar orientalis Mill (Hamamelidaceae) tree has been used in Turkish folk medicine for centuries as an antiulcerigenic. Some studies have reported the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of SO; however, its effect on hepatic and oxidative stress complications is still unexplored.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the hepatoprotective effect and the antioxidant role of SO against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) toxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The experiment included control, CCl4, SO, and CCl4 + SO treatment groups. Control and SO group rats were fed a diet without CCl4. CCl4 and CCl4 + SO treatment groups received 0.5 mL/kg CCl4 diluted in olive oil (1:1 dilution) intraperitonally injection twice per week. The CCl4 + SO group also received 1000 mg/kg SO-supplemented feed for 50 d. Blood and tissue samples were used for the determination of hepatic damage serum biomarkers (HDSBs) levels, antioxidant defense system constituents (ADSCs), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. In addition, the liver was evaluated for histopathological changes.

RESULTS

According to the results, the HDSBs levels of the CCl4 group were significantly (p < 0.05) increased compared with the control, whereas the HDSB levels of the CCl4 + SO group resulted in marked decreases (p < 0.05) compared with the CCl4 group. In addition, the results showed that SO-supplemented diet restored the CCl4-induced MDA and ADS towards to control. Hepatoprotection of SO is further substantiated by the almost normal histologic findings in the CCl4 + SO group against degenerative changes in the CCl4 group.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

It was concluded that SO has a hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant capacity against CCl4 toxicity.

Nigella sativa L. seeds modulate mood, anxiety and cognition in healthy adolescent males

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Previous studies conducted on animals linked consumption of Nigella sativa L. seeds (NS) to decreased anxiety and improved memory. The present study, which was carried out at a boarding school in Bangladesh, was designed to examine probable effect of NS on mood, anxiety and cognition in adolescent human males.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-eight healthy adolescent human males aged between 14 to 17 years were randomly recruited as volunteers and were randomly split into two groups: A (n=24) and B (n=24). The treatment procedure for group A and B were one capsule of 500 mg placebo and 500 mg NS respectively once daily for four weeks. All the volunteers were assessed for cognition with modified California verbal learning test-II (CVLT-II), mood with Bond-Lader scale and anxiety with State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at the beginning and after four weeks of either NS or placebo ingestion.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

No parameter showed statistically significant variation between A and B in measurements in the beginning, but after 4 weeks of one capsule of NS 500 mg intake, there was statistically significant variation of mood within group B but there was not statistically significant variation between group A and B. No significant variation was found in state anxiety within groups and between group A and B but in case of trait anxiety, significant variation was found within group B but not between group A and B. In case of CVLT II, there was significant variation within B in immediate short-term recall at trial 4 and 5 whereas this difference was found only in case of trial 5 between group A and B. Within group B, short term-free recall, long-term free recall and long-term cued recall had statistical difference whereas between group A and B long-term free recall and long-term cued recall had statistical difference. No parameters had significant variation within group A after placebo intake for 4 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the 4 weeks study period, the use of NS as a nutritional supplement been observed to- stabilize mood, decrease anxiety and modulate cognition positively. However, long term study is suggested before using NS extensively.

Perceived health properties of wild and cultivated food plants in local and popular traditions of Italy: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Many wild and cultivated plants are rich in mineral elements and bioactive compounds and are consumed for health purposes. Studies have demonstrated the curative properties of many of these food plants. In this paper, we discuss the properties of several plants with potential health benefits that have previously received little attention.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review provides an overview and critical discussion of food plants perceived by informants (emic view) as healthy or used as 'food medicine' in Italy. Pharmacological activity of these plants is explored, based upon published scientific research (etic view). Preparation methods, taste perception, toxicity and various potentialities of some food plants are also discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present review includes literature available from 1877 to 2012. The information was collected from books, scientific papers, and abstracts that reported any plants used as food medicine in Italy. The perceived health properties were analyzed in the framework of recent international phytochemical and phytopharmacological literature.

RESULTS

A total of 67 edible wild plants and 18 cultivated vegetables, distributed into 20 families, were reported by informants (in literature). Several plants were highly cited (e.g., Taraxacum officinale Webb., Crepis vesicaria L., Allium cepa L., Allium sativum L.). The most frequent health properties attributed to edible plants by the informants were: laxative (22 species), diuretic (15), digestive (11), galactagogue (8), antitussive (cough) (8), hypotensive (7), tonic (7), sedative (7), hypoglycemic (6).

CONCLUSIONS

Some edible plants are promising for their potential health properties, such as Crepis vesicaria L., Sanguisorba minor Scop. and Sonchus oleraceus L. Several wild species were perceived by informants to maintain health but have never been studied from a phytochemical or pharmacological point of view: e.g., Asparagus albus L., Crepis leontodontoides All., Hyoseris radiata L. subsp. radiata, Phyteuma spicatum L.

Effect of thymoquinone on hepatorenal dysfunction and alteration of CYP3A1 and spermidine/spermine N-1-acetyl-transferase gene expression induced by renal ischaemia-reperfusion in rats

OBJECTIVES

Renal ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) is a well-characterised model of acute renal failure that causes both local and remote organ injury. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of thymoquinone, the main constituent of the volatile oil extracted from Nigella sativa seeds, on renal and hepatic changes after renal ischaemia-reperfusion.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham I/R vehicle-treated groups, and I/R thymoquinone-treated groups. Thymoquinone (10 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered for ten consecutive days to the I/R thymoquinone group before injury. I/R and I/R thymoquinone groups were subjected to 30-min ischaemia followed by 4-h reperfusion.

KEY FINDINGS

I/R resulted in a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level and decreases in glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in liver and kidney tissues. Thymoquinone treatment caused the reversal of I/R-induced changes in MDA as well as GST and SOD activity. Moreover, I/R caused a significant rise in creatinine and alanine aminotransferase serum levels. CYP3A1 mRNA expression was induced significantly by I/R in both liver and kidney tissues compared with sham group. Thymoquinone reduced significantly this increase. I/R caused induction of mRNA expression of spermidine/spermine N-1-acetyl-transferase (SSAT), a catabolic enzyme that participates in polyamine metabolism, in liver and kidney tissues. Thymoquinone reduced SSAT mRNA expression significantly in liver and markedly in kidney.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that thymoquinone protected against renal I/R-induced damage through an antioxidant mechanism as well as the decrease of CYP3A1 and SSAT gene expression.

Antimalarial and antioxidant activities of methanolic extract of Nigella sativa seeds (black cumin) in mice infected with Plasmodium yoelli nigeriensis

The antimalarial and antioxidant activities of methanolic extract of Nigella sativa seeds (MENS) were investigated against established malaria infection in vivo using Swiss albino mice. The antimalarial activity of the extract against Plasmodium yoelli nigeriensis (P. yoelli) was assessed using the Rane test procedure. Chloroquine (CQ)-treated group served as positive control. The extract, at a dose of 1.25 g/kg body weight significantly (p<0.05) suppressed P. yoelli infection in the mice by 94%, while CQ, the reference drug, produced 86% suppression when compared to the untreated group after the fifth day of treatment. P. yoelli infection caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in the levels of red cell and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), an index of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the mice. Serum and hepatic LPO levels were increased by 71% and 113%, respectively, in the untreated infected mice. Furthermore, P. yoelli infection caused a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and the level of reduced glutathione in tissues of the mice. Treatment with MENS significantly (p<0.05) attenuated the serum and hepatic MDA levels in P. yoelli-infected mice. In addition, MENS restored the activities of red cell antioxidant enzymes in the infected mice to near normal. Moreover, MENS was found to be more effective than CQ in parasite clearance and, in the restoration of altered biochemical indices by P. yoelli infection. These results suggest that N. sativa seeds have strong antioxidant property and, may be a good phytotherapeutic agent against Plasmodium infection in malaria.

The effects of Nigella sativa on bile duct ligation induced-liver injury in rats

Nigella sativa (NS) has been shown to have antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities in different conditions. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of NS on cholestatic liver injury in rats. Thirty rats were recruited in the study as follows: Group 1, Bile duct ligation (BDL) (n = 10); Group 2, BDL plus NS (n = 10); and Group 3, Sham (n = 10). Bile duct ligated group received 0.2 mL kg(-1) dose of NS intraperitoneally daily throughout 14 days. Liver damage and cholestasis were determined by the biochemical and the pathologic examination. Data showed a decrease in gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities of the NS treated rats when compared with BDL group (p < 0.001 for GGT and p < 0.05 for others). The NS treated rats' tissue levels of total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were significantly lower than that of the BDL group (p < 0.01 for all). Increases in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and catalase (CAT) levels were statistically significant in the NS treated rats compared to BDL group (p < 0.01 for both). On the other hand, administration of NS in the rats with biliary obstruction resulted in inhibition of necro-inflammation. These results indicate that NS exerts a therapeutic effect on cholestatic liver injury in bile duct ligated rats possibly through attenuation of enhanced neutrophil infiltration and oxidative stress in the liver tissue.

Effects of Urtica dioica on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of Urtica dioica on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

METHODS

Thirty adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: sham group (group 1), control group (group 2), and Urtica dioica group (group 3). All the rats were exposed to hepatic ischemia for 60 min, followed by 60 min of reperfusion. In group 2, a total of 2 ml/kg 0.9% saline solution was given intraperitoneally. In group 3, a total of 2 ml/kg Urtica dioica was given intraperitoneally. At the end of the procedure, liver tissue and blood samples were taken from all rats. Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, ceruloplasmin, catalase, paraoxonase, arylesterase, and lipid hydroperoxide levels were measured. Liver tissue histopathologies were also evaluated by light microscopy.

RESULTS

Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase levels were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1, and significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2. Also, group 2 had higher serum lipid hydroperoxides and ceruloplasmin levels but lower catalase, paraoxonase, and arylesterase levels than group 1. In group 3, serum lipid hydroperoxides and ceruloplasmin levels were significantly lower, and catalase, paraoxonase, and arylesterase levels were higher than those in group 2. Histopathological examination showed that liver tissue damage was significantly decreased in group 3 compared with group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Urtica dioica has a protective effect on the liver in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion-injured rats.

Effects of Urtica dioica L. seed on lipid peroxidation, antioxidants and liver pathology in aflatoxin-induced tissue injury in rats

This study was carried out to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of Urtica dioica L. seeds (UDS) extract against aflatoxin (AF)-exposure in rats. The preventive potential and antioxidant capacity of the plant's extract was evaluated by liver histopathological changes, measuring serum marker enzymes, antioxidant defense systems and lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde, MDA) content in some tissues of rats. Eighteen rats were randomly divided into one of three experimental groups: control, AF-treated group and AF+UDS-treated group. Rats in control group were fed with a diet without AF. Rats in AF-treated group and AF+UDS-treated group received approximately 25 microgr of AF/rat/day. AF+UDS groups also received 2 mL of UDS oils/rat/day by gavage for 90 days. Administration of UDS extract restored the AF-induced imbalance between MDA and antioxidant system towards near normal particularly in liver. Hepatoprotection by UDS is further substantiated by the almost normal histologic findings in AF+UDS-treated group as against degenerative changes in the AF-treated rats. It is concluded that UDS has a hepatoprotective effect in rats with aflatoxicosis, probably acting by promoting the antioxidative defense systems.

Transplantation of urokinase-type plasminogen activator gene-modified bone marrow-derived liver stem cells reduces liver fibrosis in rats

BACKGROUND

Bone marrow-derived liver stem cells (BDLSCs) are very robust cells that can differentiate into liver epithelial cells. These stem cells are promising targets for gene therapy treatment of liver diseases. Liver fibrosis results from chronic liver damage characterized by an accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and levels of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) play an important role in ECM degradation. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of uPA gene-modified BDLSC transplantation on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats.

METHODS

BDLSCs were obtained from the bone marrow of cholestatic rats. These stem cells were selected and proliferated in medium containing 5% cholestatic serum. BDLSCs transfected with adenovirus-mediated human urokinase-plasminogen activator were transplanted into rats with CCl(4)-induced hepatic fibrosis. Liver function and the area of hepatic fibrosis were correlated with the development and prognosis of hepatic fibrosis.

RESULTS

Hepatocyte-like colony-forming units were formed by bone marrow cells after 2 weeks in culture. In the uPA gene-modified BDLSC group, the areas of hepatic fibrosis were smaller and liver function was markedly ameliorated compared to controls. The expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin protein, transforming growth factor-beta1 protein and collagen types I and III mRNA were downregulated. By contrast, the levels of matrix metalloproteinases-2, -3 and -9 mRNA, hepatic growth factor mRNA and proliferating cell nuclear antigen protein increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Transplantation of uPA gene-modified BDLSCs may suppress hepatic fibrosis and ameliorate liver function.

Nigella sativa relieves the deleterious effects of ischemia reperfusion injury on liver

AIM: To determine whether Nigella sativa prevents hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury to the liver.

METHODS: Thirty rats were divided into three groups as sham (Group 1), control (Group 2), and Nigella sativa (NS) treatment group (Group 3). All rats underwent hepatic ischemia for 45 min followed by 60 min period of reperfusion. Rats were intraperitoneally infused with only 0.9% saline solution in group 2. Rats in group 3 received NS (0.2 mL/kg) intraperitoneally, before ischemia and before reperfusion. Blood samples and liver tissues were harvested from the rats, and then the rats were sacrificed. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were determined. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), total oxidative status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in hepatic tissue were measured. Also liver tissue histopathology was evaluated by light microscopy.

RESULTS: The levels of liver enzymes in group 3 were significantly lower than those in the group 2. TAC in liver tissue was significantly higher in group 3 than in group 2. TOS, OSI and MPO in hepatic tissue were significantly lower in group 3 than the group 2. Histological tissue damage was milder in the NS treatment group than that in the control group.

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that Nigella sativa treatment protects the rat liver against to hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Determination of chemopreventive role of Foeniculum vulgare and Salvia officinalis infusion on trichloroacetic acid-induced increased serum marker enzymes lipid peroxidation and antioxidative defense systems in rats

Today's world is increasingly seeking ways to replace the synthetic drugs with the therapeutic power of natural products. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Foeniculum vulgare (FV) and Salvia officinalis (SO) waters infusions against carcinogen chemical trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-exposure in rats. The chemopreventive potential of the plant infusions were evaluated by measuring levels of serum marker enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanin aminotransferase (ALT), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)], antioxidant defense systems [Reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT)] and lipid peroxidation level (Malondialdehyde = MDA) in various tissues of rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 150-200 g, were randomly allotted into four experimental groups. While the control group (A) received only natural spring water, the treatment B group (0.2% TCA) supplied with the drinking water containing 0.2% TCA, the treatment C (TCA + FV infusion) and D (TCA + SO infusion) groups drank the drinking water containing 0.2% TCA and 2.5% the plant grains and leaves ad libitum for 50 days during experiment. At the end of the 50 days experiment, TCA and the plant's infusions caused different affect on the serum marker enzymes, tissues antioxidant defense systems and lipid peroxidation against TCA-exposed in rats with comparison to those of TCA exposed and control rats. According to the results, both TCA and TCA + plants infusions caused a significant increase in serum AST, ALT and CPK activity. Non-enzymic antioxidant GSH level significantly increased in the brain whereas reduced in the erythrocytes and kidney of TCA + FV and TCA + SO as compared to TCA group and control. While MDA content slightly increased in tissues of TCA group in comparison to those of control, significantly decreased in the brain, liver and kidney of rats of TCA + FV and TCA + SO groups as compared to TCA group and control. Antioxidative enzyme activity such as CAT and SOD significantly increased in the brain, liver and kidney tissues of TCA induced group whereas reduced the same enzymes activities as compared to TCA group. The ancillary enzyme GR activity significantly depleted in the brain and kidney of TCA + FV and TCA + SO groups in comparison to those of TCA exposed and control rats. In addition, the drug metabolizing enzyme GST activity significantly declined in the brain and kidney of TCA + FV and TCA + SO groups in comparison to those of TCA exposed and control rats, whereas, also reduced in the liver of TCA + FV and TCA + SO groups in comparison to those of TCA exposed rats. It was concluded that the levels of serum marker enzymes were found not to be decreased in plants treated groups due to hepatic damage induced by TCA. Also the four antioxidant enzymes were found to be activated in different degrees following TCA treatment and declined the activation of the enzymes the plant infusions accompanied by significant reduction in MDA concentration in the tissues. The observations, along with changes, might suggest that the both FV and SO may possess antioxidant properties during the period of a 50-day protective exposure.

Elevation protective role of Camellia sinensis and Urtica dioica infusion against trichloroacetic acid-exposed in rats

This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of two traditionally used Turkish medicinal plants, Camellia sinensis (CS) and Urtica dioica L. (UD), beverages used against chemical carcinogen trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-exposure in rats. The preventive potential of the plant infusions was evaluated by measuring the level of serum marker enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH); antioxidant defense systems, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT); and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA) content in various organs of rats. Twenty four healthy rats were randomly allotted into four experimental groups: A (untreated control), B (only TCA-treated), C (TCA+CS treated) and D (TCA+UD treated). At the end of the 50 days, the plant infusions possessed chemoprotective effects, deduced by the remaining TCA-induced increased serum damage marker enzyme, lipid peroxidation and antioxidative system in rats compared with those of the control and TCA-exposed rats. According to the results, while the levels of AST, ALT and CPK increased in group B, no significant changes were observed in groups C and D. The MDA content slightly increased in tissues of all groups, being higher in group B. Antioxidant enzyme activities such as SOD and CAT increased significantly in the brain, liver and kidney of group B while they did not change significantly except for in the kidney in groups C and D. The GSH level and the ancillary enzyme GR activity did not change significantly in organs of all groups. On the other hand, the drug metabolizing enzyme, GST, activity decreased significantly in the brain, liver and kidney of group D while slight changes were observed for the other groups. The results revealed that TCA exposure induced oxidative stress in rat tissues, however, in plant beverage supplemented groups, a significant protective effect of CS and UD against TCA-induced oxidative injury was recorded. Hence, the study revealed that the constituents present in CS and UD impart protection against carcinogenic chemical induced oxidative injury that may result in the development of cancer. Also the observations, along with changes, suggest that both CS and UD may possess preventive potential during a 50-day protective exposure.

A comprehensive review on nettle effect and efficacy profiles, Part I: herba urticae

Nettle herb is recommended for complaints associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and urinary tract infections. We therefore conducted a comprehensive review of the literature to summarize the pharmacological and clinical effects of this plant material. Although clinical and experimental studies suggest that nettle herb has some anti-inflammatory properties, clinical evidence beyond doubt is lacking. Nettle preparations exert a number of promising in vitro and in vivo effects, however, further studies are needed to support these results and to find out if these effects are surrogates for clinical relevant effects in humans.

Antihypercholesterolaemic and antioxidant activity assessment of some plants used as remedy in Turkish folk medicine

Ethanolic and aqueous extracts from five plant species used in Turkish traditional medicine were evaluated for in vivo hypercholesterolaemic and antioxidant activities: Agrostemma githago L., Potentilla reptans L., Thymbra spicata var. spicata L., Urtica dioica L. and Viscum album var. album L. We assayed the effects of the administration of plant extracts on serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C, LDL-C, glucose, AST and ALT concentrations in mice fed with cholesterol-rich diet. In addition, plasma TAA, MDA and NO(x) levels in the same animals were assayed. All the aqueous plant extracts did not affect the serum cholesterol concentration. However, the ethanolic extracts of Agrostemma githago, Thymbra spicata and Viscum album decreased the serum cholesterol concentration in the mice fed with high-cholesterol diet without inducing any gastric damage. The ethanolic extracts of Thymbra spicata, Viscum album, Potentilla reptans and Urtica dioica and the aqueous extract of Agrostemma githago increased the serum HDL concentration, whereas the ethanolic extracts of Agrostemma githago, Thymbra spicata, Viscum album and Urtica dioica decreased the serum LDL-C concentration. Thymbra spicata and Viscum album were observed to decrease the serum triglyceride concentration. Among the plant extracts studied, the ethanolic extracts of Thymbra spicata significantly decreased the MDA level in mice. The ethanolic extract of Potentilla reptans increased in NO(x). None of these plants showed statistically prominent activity on plasma TAA. Results of the present study indicated that the ethanolic extracts of Agrostemma githago, Thymbra spicata and Viscum album showed potent hypocholesterolaemic activity in the mice fed with a diet containing high-cholesterol.

Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa L and Urtica dioica L on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme systems and liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of Nigella sativa L (NS) and Urtica dioica L (UD) on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme systems and liver enzymes in CCl₄-treated rats.

METHODS: Fifty-six healthy male Wistar albino rats were used in this study. The rats were randomly allotted into one of the four experimental groups: A (CCl₄-only treated), B (CCl₄+UD treated), C (CCl₄+NS treated) and D (CCl₄+UD+NS treated), each containing 14 animals. All groups received CCl₄ (0.8 mL/kg of body weight, sc, twice a week for 60 d). In addition, B, C and D groups also received daily i.p. injections of 0.2 mL/kg NS or/and 2 mL/kg UD oils for 60 d. Group A, on the other hand, received only 2 mL/kg normal saline solution for 60 d. Blood samples for the biochemical analysis were taken by cardiac puncture from randomly chosen-seven rats in each treatment group at beginning and on the 60^th d of the experiment.

RESULTS: The CCl₄ treatment for 60 d increased the lipid peroxidation and liver enzymes, and also decreased the antioxidant enzyme levels. NS or UD treatment (alone or combination) for 60 d decreased the elevated lipid peroxidation and liver enzyme levels and also increased the reduced antioxidant enzyme levels. The weight of rats decreased in group A, and increased in groups B, C and D.

CONCLUSION: NS and UD decrease the lipid per-oxidation and liver enzymes, and increase the anti-oxidant defense system activity in the CCl₄-treated rats.

Protective effect of a 50% hydroalcoholic fruit extract of Emblica officinalis against anti-tuberculosis drugs induced liver toxicity

The present report showed the hepatoprotective property of a 50% hydroalcoholic extract of the fruits of Emblica officinalis (fruit) (EO-50) against antituberculosis (anti-TB) drugs-induced hepatic injury. The biochemical manifestations of hepatotoxicity induced by rifampicin (RIF), isoniazid (INH) and pyrazinamide (PZA), either given alone or in combination were evaluated. In vitro studies were done on suspension cultures of rat hepatocytes while sub-acute studies were carried out in rats. The hepatoprotective activity of EO-50 was found to be due to its membrane stabilizing, antioxidative and CYP 2E1 inhibitory effects.

Systemic infusion of FLK1(+) mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice

BACKGROUND

Fibrosis is the common end stage of most liver diseases, for which, unfortunately, there is no effective treatment available currently. It has been shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from bone marrow (BM) could engraft in the lung after bleomycin exposure and ameliorate its fibrotic effects. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Flk1 MSCs from murine BM (termed here Flk1 mMSCs) on fibrosis formation induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).

METHODS

A CCl(4)-induced hepatic fibrosis model was used. Flk1 mMSCs were systemically infused immediately or 1 week after mice were challenged with CCl(4). Control mice received only saline infusion. Fibrosis index and donor-cell engraftment were assessed 2 or 5 weeks after CCl(4) challenge.

RESULTS

We found that Flk1 mMSCs transplantation immediately, but not 1 week after exposure to CCl(4), significantly reduced CCl(4)-induced liver damage and collagen deposition. In addition, levels of hepatic hydroxyproline and serum fibrosis markers in mice receiving immediate Flk1 mMSCs transplantation after CCl(4) challenge were significantly lower compared with those of control mice. More importantly, histologic examination suggested that hepatic damage recovery was much better in these immediately Flk1 mMSCs-treated mice. Immunofluorescence, polymerase chain reaction, and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed that donor cells engrafted into host liver, had epithelium-like morphology, and expressed albumin, although at low frequency.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that Flk1 mMSCs might initiate endogenous hepatic tissue regeneration, engraft into host liver in response to CCl(4) injury, and ameliorate its fibrogenic effects.