Some clinico-pathological changes associated with the aqueous extract of the leaves ofPhyllanthus amarus in rats

Protective effect of Euphorbia thymifolia and Euphorbia hirta against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats

OBJECTIVES

The present study aims to investigate the protective effect of Euphorbia thymifolia and Euphorbia hirta extracts on in vitro antioxidant activity and in vivo analysis on hepatic marker enzyme levels and histopathological changes in the liver of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatotoxicity rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study includes 42 adult male Albino Wistar rats randomly divided into seven treatment groups, including control (basal diet, G1), CCl₄-induced single dose (1.5 ml/kg, i.p.) as the negative control (G2), G1 supplemented with 300 mg/kg of ethanol extract of E. thymifolia (G3) and E. hirta (G4), G2 supplemented with 300 mg/kg of ethanol extract of E. thymifolia (G5), E. hirta (G6), and silymarin (25 mg/kg b.w.) used as a standard drug (G7) for 21-days experimental period.

RESULTS

The ethanolic extracts of E. thymifolia and E. hirta exhibited potential in vitro antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner (25 μg/ml, 50 μg/ml, 100 μg/ml, 200 μg/ml and 250 μg/ml). Oxidative stress caused by CCl₄-induced the liver damage, including changes in liver marker enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase), enzymatic (superoxide dismutase and catalase), non-enzymatic antioxidants (lipid peroxides and glutathione) and hepatocellular alterations such as hydropic degeneration, irregular hepatocytes, and distention of the vein. Administration of E. thymifolia and E. hirta significantly (p < 0.05) restored the enzyme activity along with the histology of the liver.

CONCLUSION

The results from the current study demonstrate that E. thymifolia and E. hirta have the property of restoring hepatic redox capacity and antioxidant activities against CCl₄-induced acute liver damage.

Evaluation of the ameliorative effects of Phyllanthus niruri on the deleterious insecticide imidacloprid in the vital organs of chicken embryos

Background

Insecticides are widely used in agriculture to curb the loss caused by insects. These insecticides are incorporated into the food chain and accumulate in the human body, as well disturb the various metabolic pathways. Imidacloprid is an insect neurotoxin commonly used in agriculture to control the insect pests. P. niruri is a traditional medicinal shrub widely used as an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and anti-lethality agent.

Objective

The present study is designed to evaluate the ameliorative effects of Phyllanthus niruri (Bhumi amla) on the deleterious Insecticide imidacloprid in the vital organs of Chicken embryos.

Materials and methods

The embryonated chicken eggs were divided into the four groups (one control and three treated groups); the chorioallantoic membranes of control received 200 μl phosphate buffer saline, whereas group I and group II received 100 μg imidacloprid and 200 μl aqueous extract of P. niruri (PNE) respectively. Group III received both 100 μg imidacloprid and 200 μl PNE. The serum was collected on the 18th day its development; which was subjected to the biochemical analysis based on colorimetric assay in semi-automated biochemical analyzer using commercial kits.

Results

We observed significant in ovo effects of imidacloprid on chicken embryos; the values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), were increased in imidacloprid treated group I; histopathology also revealed damage to the liver (necrotic areas and dilated blood sinusoids). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), amylase, cholesterol, triglycerides protein and albumin levels were also altered significantly (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The serum biochemicals were returned back to the nearly normal levels. PNE has ameliorated and overcome the effects of imidacloprid reasonably with the subsequent treatment among group III. Hence, P. niruri may be used to minimize the effects of an accidental exposure of imidacloprid.

Plant extract-based diets differently modulate immune responses and resistance to bacterial infection in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus)

A feeding trial was performed to compare the effects of five ethanol herbal extracts (bhumi amla, Phyllanthus amarus Schum and Thonn [Pa]; guava, Psidium guajava L. [Pg]; sensitive plant, Mimosa pudica L. [Mp]; neem, Azadirachta indica A. Juss [Ai] and asthma plant, Euphorbia hirta L. [Eh]) on the immune response and disease resistance against Edwardsiella ictaluri infection of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). Fish were fed diets supplemented with two doses of each plant extract (0% [basal diet], 0.4% Eh [Eh0.4], 2.0% Eh [Eh2.0], 0.2% Pa [Pa0.2], 1.0% Pa [Pa1.0], 0.2% Pg [Pg0.2], 1.0% Pg [Pg1.0], 0.4% Mp [Mp0.4], 2.0% Mp [Mp2.0], 0.4% Ai [Ai0.4], 2.0% Ai [Ai2.0]) for 8 weeks. Results showed that hematological parameters (total red blood cells, white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils) of fish fed extract-based diets were significantly higher than in those fed the control diet (p < 0.05) after 4 and 8 weeks. Plasma lysozyme activity increased in fish whose diets contained both doses of Eh (p < 0.05) in week 4 (W4), whereas lysozyme activity increased in fish fed 0.2% Pa and Pg, and 2.0% Ai and Eh (p < 0.05) in week 8 (W8). The lysozyme levels in skin mucus did not significantly differ between treatments (p > 0.05) in W4 and after the bacterial challenge test. At the end of the feeding trial, levels of ACH50 significantly increased in most of extract groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Total immunoglobulin increased considerably in both the plasma and skin mucus of fish fed extract-supplemented diets after 8 weeks. In addition, dietary supplementation with Pg, Mp, Pa0.2, Eh2.0, and Ai0.4 for 8 weeks considerably reduced the cumulative mortality against E. ictaluri infection in striped catfish. The results suggest that plant extracts possibly modulate the striped catfish immune response in a time and dose dependent manner. Specifically, diets enriched with extracts of P. guajava at 0.2 and 1.0%, or M. pudica at 2.0% for 8 weeks, have great potential for improving striped catfish health by enhancing the immune system and reducing mortality against bacterial challenges.

The evaluation of the hypoglycemic effect of soft drink leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus (Euphorbiaceae) in rats

BACKGROUND

Phyllanthus amarus has been used in traditional medicine in Nigeria to treat some disease conditions. This study evaluated the soft drink extract (SDE) of the plant for antidiabetic activities in rats.

METHODS

Standard phytochemical methods were used to test for the presence of phytoactive compounds in the plant. Acute toxicity was carried out in mice to determine safe doses for this plant extract. The antidiabetic activities of the SDE of the plant were assessed using some standard tests as well as histological changes in liver, kidney and pancreas. Diabetes mellitus was induced in rats using alloxan, whereas glibenclamide at 0.2 mg/kg was the reference drug used in this study.

RESULTS

The SDE at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight caused a significant reduction of fasting blood glucose, a significant change in the oral glucose tolerance test, a marked effect in the hypoglycemic activity test, and a pronounced reduction in the glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels of diabetic rats. Histopathologically, the liver of the diabetic nontreated and glibenclamide-treated groups showed widespread vacuolar change in the hepatocytes, but there was no visible lesion seen in the kidney and pancreas of extract-treated and glibenclamide-treated groups. No lesion was also seen in the liver of the SDE-treated group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this study may have validated the traditional basis for the use of P. amarus as antidiabetic agent with the pharmacological activities attributed to the presence of flavonoids and other phenolics contained in this plant. At the doses used, SDE also appeared safer than glibenclamide even though the latter is more potent.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the aqueous leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus Schum (Euphorbiaceae) in some laboratory animals

BACKGROUND

Phyllanthus amarus has a history of use in Ayurvedic medicine for over 2000 years as well as a wide variety of traditional applications and has gained popularity in many continents as a herbal remedy; hence, it is being assessed for its safety potential and anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in some laboratory animals.

METHODS

Standard phytochemical methods were used to test for the presence of phytoactive compounds in the plant. Acute toxicity testing was carried out in mice to determine safe doses for the extract. The anti-inflammatory activity of the leaf extract of this plant was assessed using carrageenan-induced and histamine-induced paw edema. The analgesic effect was determined using the acetic acid writhing method as well as formalin test.

RESULTS

The extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight reduced significantly, the formation of edema induced by carrageenan and histamine. In the acetic acid-induced writhing model, the extract showed a good analgesic effect characterized by reduction in the number of writhes when compared to the control. The extract caused dose-dependent decrease of licking time in rats injected with 2.5% formalin, signifying its analgesic effect. These results were also comparable to those of ibuprofen, the reference drug used in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

The plant extract reduced significantly the formation of edema induced by carrageenan and histamine as well as reducing the number of writhes in acetic acid-induced writhing models and dose-dependent decrease of licking time in rats injected with 2.5% formalin. The results have validated the basis for the traditional use of P. amarus as a medicinal plant.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the methanol leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus in some laboratory animals

BACKGROUND

Phyllanthus amarus is used in Nigeria and other parts of the world as a medicinal plant. The plant has a history of use in Ayurvedic medicine for over 2000 years as well as a wide variety of traditional applications. It is being evaluated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential because these phenomena have assumed a worldwide dimension as a result of their implications in a variety of diseases.

METHODS

The methanol extract of the leaves of P. amarus was investigated for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in Wistar strain albino rats and mice using carrageenan-induced inflammation as well as histamine-induced edema. The analgesic effect was determined using acetic acid writhing method and formalin-induced paw lick test. Standard phytochemical analysis was carried out to determine the active constituents responsible for biological effects.

RESULTS

The extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg reduced significantly (p<0.05) the formation of edema induced by histamine and carrageenan. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the extract showed good analgesic activity characterized by a significant reduction in the number of writhes with 100 and 200 mg/kg doses used when compared to the control group. In the formalin-induced paw lick test, the extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg doses exhibited good analgesic activity characterized by a significant reduction in the number of paw licks at both the early and the late phases of the induced pain when compared with the untreated control group. Ibuprofen at 10 mg/kg served as the reference drug in all these tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggested that methanol extract of the leaves of P. amarus has great anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential. These biological effects exhibited by the extract of this plant may be attributed to the presence of flavonoids and other phenols contained therein.

Histological effects of chronic administration of Phyllanthus amarus on the kidney of adult Wistar rat

BACKGROUND

Phyllanthus amarus is commonly used for treatment such as in gastro, urogenital diseases and infection. However, it is speculated to have some toxic effects such as renal tubular damage.

AIMS

This study was to investigate the histological effects of chronic administration of the herb on kidney of adult Wistar rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Rats of both sexes (n = 24), with average weight of 200g were randomly assigned into two treatments (A and B) and control (C) groups of 8 rats each. Rats in treatment groups (A) and (B) respectively received daily administration of 400mg and 800mg of aqueous Phyllanthus amarus, per 70kg body weight for 30days through the orogastric tube. The control group received distilled water through the same route. All rats were fed with grower's mash and given water liberally. The rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation on the thirty-first day of the experiment and the kidneys were carefully dissected out and quickly fixed in 10% formal saline for histological study.

RESULTS

The observations indicate that rats in the treated groups showed some varying degree of distortion and disruption in microanatomy of the kidney including interstitial oedema and tubular necrosis, when compared to the control section.

CONCLUSION

This report provides further evidence that medicinal use of Phyllanthus amarus has a potential adverse effect. This warrants further studies to establish or rule out any untoward side-effect of chronic renal dysfunctions.

Phyllanthus amarus: ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology: a review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Phyllanthus amarus Schum. & Thonn. belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae is a small herb well known for its medicinal properties and widely used worldwide. P. amarus is an important plant of Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine which is used in the problems of stomach, genitourinary system, liver, kidney and spleen. It is bitter, astringent, stomachic, diuretic, febrifuge and antiseptic. The whole plant is used in gonorrhea, menorrhagia and other genital affections. It is useful in gastropathy, diarrhoea, dysentery, intermittent fevers, ophthalmopathy, scabies, ulcers and wounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present review covers a literature across from 1980 to 2011. Some information collected from traditional Ayurvedic texts and published literature on ethanomedicinal uses of Phyllanthus amarus in different countries worldwide.

RESULTS

Phytochemical studies have shown the presence of many valuable compounds such as lignans, flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins (ellagitannins), polyphenols, triterpenes, sterols and alkaloids. The extracts and the compounds isolated from P. amarus show a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities including antiviral, antibacterial, antiplasmodial, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective nephroprotective and diurectic properties.

CONCLUSION

The present review summarizes information concerning the morphology, ecology, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities, clinical applications and toxicological reports of P. amarus. This review aims at gathering the research work undertaken till date on this plant in order to provide sufficient baseline information for future works and commercial exploitation.

Effects of oral administration of Phyllanthus amarus leaf extract on the kidneys of adult wistar rats: a histological study

Histological studies of the effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus commonly used in ethno medical practice in Africa for the management of various ailments such as kidney stones, dysentery, jaundice, diarrhoea and urogenital diseases on the kidney of adult Wistar rats were carefully studied. Rats of both sexes (n=24), average weight of 260g were randomly assigned into three groups: A, B and C of (n=8) in each group. Group A and B served as treatment groups (n=16) while group C (n=8) served as the control. The rats in the treatment groups (A & B) received 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg body weight respectively of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus orally through orogastric tube for twenty-eight days, while the control rats received equal volume of distilled water without the extract of Phyllanthus amarus added for the same period. The rats were fed with growers' mash purchased from Edo feeds and Flour Mill Ltd, Ewu, Edo state and were given water liberally. The rats were sacrificed on day twenty-nine of the experiment. The kidneys were carefully dissected out and quickly fixed in 10% formal saline for routine histological study after H&E method. The histological findings indicated that the treated sections of the kidneys showed hypertrophy of blood vessels, mild-severe infiltrate of chronic inflammatory cells and varying degrees of tubular necrosis when compared to the control sections. The findings indicated that the administration of Phyllanthus amarus extract has some adverse effects on the kidneys of adult Wistar rats. It is recommended that further studies aimed at corroborating these observations be carried out.

Protective effect of the aqueous leaf and seed extract of Phyllanthus amarus on gentamicin and acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxic rats

AIM OF THE STUDY

In African traditional medicine, different parts of Phyllanthus amarus Schum. and Thonn. (family: Euphorbiaceae) are highly valued for the treatment of array of human diseases including hepatic and urolithic and/or other renal diseases. In the present study, single oral 100-400mg/kg/day of the leaf and seed aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus (PA) were studied for their protective effects in acetaminophen- and gentamicin-induced nephrotoxic Wistar rats for 14 days.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In each model of nephrotoxicities, thirty adult male Wistar rats were evenly divided into 5 groups. Groups I and II served as untreated and model controls, respectively while groups III-V were the treatment groups which were pretreated with 100-400mg/kg/day of PA 1hr before each dose of the nephrotoxicants for 14 days. On the 15th day, blood samples for serum urea and creatinine while the rat kidneys for histology were obtained under inhaled diethyl ether anesthesia.

RESULTS

In the acetaminophen nephrotoxic rats, 100-400mg/kg/day significantly (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.001) attenuated elevations in the serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels in dose related fashion, as well as, attenuation of acetaminophen-induced tubulonephrosis. Similar effects were also recorded in the gentamicin model of acute renal injury. Results suggest that the nephroprotective effect of PA could be due to the inherent antioxidant and free-radical-scavanging principle(s) contained in the extract.

CONCLUSIONS

In the near future, PA could constitute a lead to discovery of a novel drug for the treatment of drug-induced nephrotoxicity.