Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum): a review of its botany, ethnopharmacology and phytochemistry

Photosynthetic, Biochemical and Secondary Metabolite Changes in a Medicinal Plant Chlorophytum borivillianum (Safed musli) against Low and High Doses of UV-B Radiation

Plants are inevitably grown in presence of sunlight, therefore bound to be exposed to natural UV-B radiation. Several studies have already been conducted with UV-B and medicinal plants and only few studies showed dose dependent variation. The present study aims to find out the variations and adaptation in Chlorophytum borivillianum under two different doses of UV-B radiation; ambient + low (3.2 kJm^-2  d^-1 ) and high (7.2 kJm^-2  d^-1 ) UV-B dose, denoted as LD and HD, respectively. Reduction in photosynthetic rate was higher at HD, while plants receiving LD displayed nonsignificant variation. During vegetative and reproductive stage, significant reduction (P ≤ 0.001) in stomatal conductance was obtained when exposed to HD-eUV-B. F_v /F_m showed more reductions in HD-eUV-B (12.6%) followed by LD-eUV-B (7.9%). Low and high doses of UV-B enhanced the anthocyanin content but the increase was significant in HD, indicates epidermal protection strategy by the plants. Under LD-eUV-B, the content of saponin, a major phytochemical constituent was enhanced by 26%. Phytochemical analysis of roots revealed reduction mostly in fatty acid components whereas the steroidal components (stigmasterol and sarsasapogenin) showed enhancement in response to LD. The study suggests the importance of LD-eUV-B in the stimulation of medicinal compounds in C. borivillianum.

Adverse effects associated with use of specific dietary supplements: The US Military Dietary Supplement Use Study

Dietary supplements (DSs) are used by 50% of Americans and 70% of United States military service members (SMs); some have adverse effects (AEs). This cross-sectional investigation examined AEs associated with specific DSs. A stratified random sample of SMs from the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy was obtained. Volunteers completed a questionnaire reporting AEs for 96 generic and 62 specific DSs. The highest prevalence (≥1 AE) in specific DS categories was 35% prohormones, 33% weight loss supplements, 26% pre/post workout supplements, 14% herbal products, 12% multivitamin/multiminerals, 11% protein/amino acids, 9% muscle building supplements, 7% other DSs, 6% joint health products, and 5% individual vitamins/minerals. Specific DSs of concern (with proportion reporting AEs) included: Libido Max® (35%), Hydroxycut Hardcore® (33%), OxyElite® (33%), Roxylean® (31%), Growth Factor 9® (30%), Super HD® (29%), Hydroxycut Advanced® (29%), Lipo 6® (28%), The Ripper® (27%), Test Booster® (27%), Xenadrine Xtreme Thermogenic® (27%), C4 Extreme® (26%), and C4 Origional® (25%). Products marketed for weight loss, use before/after workout, and prohormones had the highest AE prevalence. DSs can contain substances with independent/additive AEs and/or interact with other ingredients or prescribed medications. Methods described here could provide a continuous surveillance system detecting dangerous DSs entering the market.

Scope of herbal mucilage in pharmaceutical formulations. A review

The aim of the article was to obtain maximum information about plant mucilage, its sources and applications in the pharmaceutical industry. This study focuses on the scientific articles and books available in Internet resources and college library that deal with the sources, applications, extraction and isolation of plant mucilage. Mucilage is obtained mainly from plant sources and can be isolated easily. Due to the low cost, easy availability, non-toxicity, non-irritancy, and biocompatibility, mucilage is of great demand in the field of pharmaceuticals. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L., Trigonella foenum-graecum L., Abelmoschus esculentus L, Plantago ovata Forssk. and Aloe barbadensis L. are some common sources of mucilage. The isolation methods vary depending on the part of the plant where mucilage is present. It is commonly used as gelling agent, suspending agent, binder, and disintegrant. Since it is hydrophilic in nature, chances of deterioration are higher. In this review, different mucilage sources and their isolation methods are discussed in detail. Mucilage is used as excipient in many formulations of tablets, suspensions, gels, etc. The study explores the potential of plant mucilage as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations. The biodegradable and biocompatible properties of this inexpensive excipient make it more favourable for the newer formulation development.

Effect of Chlorophytum borivilianum supplementation on milk production, composition and fatty acid profile in crossbred cows during hot-humid season

The present investigation was carried out to test the efficacy of Chlorophytum borivilianum (CB) supplementation on milk production, composition, and fatty acid profile in crossbred (KF) cows. Eighteen crossbred cows were selected randomly from the institute herd and divided as control (n = 6), treatment 1 (T1, n = 6) and treatment 2 (T2, n = 6) based on body weight (av. 410.45, 424.47, 414.45 kg) and milk yield (av. 15.17, 15.80, 15.95 kg/d), respectively. The CB was supplemented at low dose at a dose rate of 40 mg/kg BW/day (T1) and high dose at a dose rate of 80 mg/kg BW/day (T2) during hot-humid (HH) season. The parameters like milk yield, dry matter intake (DMI), and body weight were recorded and milk composition viz., milk fat, solid not fat (SNF), protein, and fatty acid profile, somatic cell count (SCC), and plasminogen were estimated. Temperature humidity index (THI) was calculated to assess the level of heat stress on animals during hot-humid (HH) season. Body weight of crossbred cows did not vary between the groups during HH season. C. borivilianum supplementation in higher dose (80 mg/kg BW/day) increased DMI (per 100 kg BW) (p < 0.01) in T2 group KF cows in comparison to T1 and control group. The supplementation of CB in high dose increased milk yield, milk fat, protein, plasminogen and decreased SCC in comparison to low dose and control. Further, ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids (SFAs:UFAs) was significantly reduced (p < 0.01) due to CB supplementation at higher dose in comparison to lower dose. It was concluded that supplementation of C. borivilianum at a dose rate of 80 mg/kg BW/day was found effective to augment milk production. The reduced saturated fatty acid, milk SCC, and the increase in unsaturated fatty acid content of milk, milk plasminogen suggest that its supplementation could be used in improving the mammary health and quality of milk production in dairy animals.

Simultaneous Determination of 6 Antiallergic Components in Asarum sieboldii Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Owing to the side effects of current drugs for treating atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic disease in the skin, traditional herbal medicine is receiving much attention as an alternative treatment. Asarum sieboldii has traditionally been used to treat colds, fevers, headaches, coughs, neuralgia, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and allergies. In this study, 6 compounds (echinacoside, vanillic acid, kakuol, methyl eugenol, sesamin, and asarinin) in A. sieboldii were analyzed simultaneously using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the proposed analytical method was validated. In addition, the inhibitory effects of the A. sieboldii extract and the 6 analyzed compounds on the expression of chemokine were evaluated in HaCaT cells. The HPLC method showed high linearity, with a correlation coefficient of ≥0.9999. The limits of detection for the 6 compounds ranged from 0.00 to 0.02 µg/mL, and the limits of quantification ranged from 0.01 to 0.05 µg/mL. The intraday and interday precisions were 0.15%-1.90%; the accuracy was 97.36%-103.23%, and the recoveries of the 6 compounds were 97.45%-103.93%. The content of each compound in A. sieboldii, as determined using the corresponding calibration curve, was in the range of 0.380-12.062 mg/g. This optimized simultaneous quantification method will be suitable for improving the quality control of A. sieboldii. Moreover, the 6 compounds in A. sieboldii showed an inhibitory effect on the production of chemokines, which suggests that A. sieboldii has an antiallergic effect.

Pre-pubertal cyclophosphamide exposure-induced mutilation in spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis and testicular architecture in SD rat: Protection from an alternative herbal viagra

INTRODUCTION

The children and adolescents with cancer who are getting remission and becoming long-term survivals are at high risk of impaired fertility. Cyclophosphamide (CP), the most frequently used drug for childhood-cancers causes various types of reproductive toxicity. We aimed at evaluating protective role of chlorophytum borivillianum (CB) extract against pre-pubertal CP exposure-induced testicular toxicity in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty male pre-pubertal SD rats aged postnatal day (PND) 24 were divided into 5 groups. Group-I (control), group-II (CP), and group-III (CB) received normal saline (NS), CP15mg/kg/day and CB200mg/kg/day respectively during PND29-42; group-IV and group-V received CB100mg/kg/day and CB200mg/kg/day respectively along with CP15mg/kg/day for the same period. Half of the rats from each group were sacrificed on PND43 (puberty) to evaluate alterations in oxidative stress parameters and histopathology. Remaining rats were sacrificed on PND63 (young adult age) and sperm analysis (density, motility, viability, and morphology), hormonal (Testosterone, Luteinizing hormone, Follicle stimulating hormone) estimation and histomorphometrical evaluation was done. Co-administration of CB have shown a dose-dependent and significant improvement in anomalies caused by CP as compared to rats received CP only.

RESULTS

CP treatment led to significant decrease in body weight gain, organ weights, oxidative defense mechanisms, hormone levels, steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, sperm parameters and increase in oxidative stress, percentage of sperm abnormal morphology as compared to control rats. CP-treated rats have shown severe damage in testicular architecture and development as compared to control rats as evidenced by histopathology and morphometric analysis.

CONCLUSION

Co-administration of CB extract significantly reversed the footprints of these effects in dose-dependent manner. These protective effects of CB may be exploited in improving gonadal function in childhood cancer long-term survivals.

Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Chlorophytum comosum and Chlorophytum gallabatense: Genome Structures, Comparative and Phylogenetic Analysis

The genus Chlorophytum includes many economically important species well-known for medicinal, ornamental, and horticultural values. However, to date, few molecular genomic resources have been reported for this genus. Therefore, there is limited knowledge of phylogenetic studies, and the available chloroplast (cp) genome of Chlorophytum (C. rhizopendulum) does not provide enough information on this genus. In this study, we present genomic resources for C. comosum and C. gallabatense, which had lengths of 154,248 and 154,154 base pairs (bp), respectively. They had a pair of inverted repeats (IRa and IRb) of 26,114 and 26,254 bp each in size, separating the large single-copy (LSC) region of 84,004 and 83,686 bp from the small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,016 and 17,960 bp in C. comosum and C. gallabatense, respectively. There were 112 distinct genes in each cp genome, which were comprised of 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. The comparative analysis with five other selected species displayed a generally high level of sequence resemblance in structural organization, gene content, and arrangement. Additionally, the phylogenetic analysis confirmed the previous phylogeny and produced a phylogenetic tree with similar topology. It showed that the Chlorophytum species (C. comosum, C. gallabatense and C. rhizopendulum) were clustered together in the same clade with a closer relationship than other plants to the Anthericum ramosum. This research, therefore, presents valuable records for further molecular evolutionary and phylogenetic studies which help to fill the gap in genomic resources and resolve the taxonomic complexes of the genus.

Identification of novel microRNAs and their targets in Chlorophytum borivilianum by small RNA and degradome sequencing

Plant specific miRNAs (Novel miRNAs) are well known to perform distinctive functions in biological processes. Identification of new miRNAs is necessary to understand their gene regulation. Degradome provides an opportunity to explore the miRNA functions by comparing the miRNA population and their degraded products. In the present study, Small RNA sequencing data was used to identify novel miRNAs. Further, degradome sequencing was carried out to identify miRNAs targets in the plant, Chlorophytum borivilianum. The present study supplemented 40 more novel miRNAs correlating degradome data with smallRNAome. Novel miRNAs, complementary to mRNA partial sequences obtained from degradome sequencing were actually targeting the later. A big pool of miRNA was established by using Oryza sativa, Arabidopsis thaliana, Populus trichocarpa, Ricinus communis, and Vitis vinifera genomic data. Targets were identified for novel miRNAs and total 109 targets were predicted. BLAST2GO analysis elaborate about localization of novel miRNAs’ targets and their corresponding KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia for Genes and Genomes) pathways. Identified targets were annotated and were found to be involved in significant biological processes like Nitrogen metabolism, Pyruvate metabolism, Citrate cycle (TCA cycle), photosynthesis, and Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis. The present study provides an overall view of the miRNA regulation in multiple metabolic pathways that are involved in plant growth, pathogen resistance and secondary metabolism of C. borivilianum.

In the Back Drop of Overuse of Synthetic Drugs, can Botanicals be One of the Answers: A Pilot Study on the Medicinal Use of Chlorophytum and Curcuma by Tribals of Central India

Background:

In several recent surveys, it has been found that more people suffer because of over and indiscriminate use of synthetic drugs, chemicals and antibiotics, particularly with regard to issues like drug sensitivity, resistance, immune disturbances, and economic burdens, ultimately leading to a weak prognosis of a large number of diseases, eventually defeating the purpose of medicinal efficacy. We propose the old age use of scientifically validated natural compounds of plants and their products for a strong immune system along with a successful treatment regimen which can be effective as well as safe without side effects.

Objective:

The aim of the present work is to evaluate the various medicinal uses and applicability of Chlorophytum borivilianum, Chlorophytum tuberosum and Curcuma longa as natural plant-based ingredients by tribal communities.

Methods:

A survey was carried on the rural folks who used natural botanicals for alleviating their several common disorders successfully. Chlorophytum species of Liliaceae and Curcuma of Zingiberaceae are traditional rare Indian medicinal herbs widely used in the indigenous system of medicine since ancient time. A total number of 196 individuals were interviewed which included both men and women, in which the main objective was to explore the different forms of these medicinal plant species used with water or with milk by tribal folk for their wide range of common ailments such as pain in joints, loss of appetite, cold, sore throat, fever and general weakness.

Results:

The tribal people were found to use these plants for many of their problems such as physical weakness, natal and postnatal problems, lactation problems, cold and fever, sore throat, inflammation, joint pain, etc. Many of them (60-80%) were able to overcome their varied health problems to a great extent such as inflammation (69.4%), joint pain and arthritis (66.6%), sore throat and cold (87.5%), physical weakness (66%), natal and postnatal problems (75%).

Conclusion:

The findings strongly support the use of natural compounds for a safe and effective means of treating loss of appetite, general weakness, pain of the joints, inflammation and other related ailments by the people of tribal areas of Border States of MP and Maharashtra, having little access to modern health care facilities.

Protective efficacy of Chlorophytum borivilianum root extract against murine visceral leishmaniasis by immunomodulating the host responses

BACKGROUND

The available drugs for treating visceral leishmaniasis are limited. Moreover, the disease is associated with suppression of immune function. Therefore, therapies with effective immunomodulatory agents are needed which can decrease parasitic burden and enhance adaptive immunity.

OBJECTIVES

The present study was planned to evaluate the antileishmanial efficacy of crude ethanolic extract of roots of Chlorophytum borivilianum (CBREE) against murine visceral leishmaniasis through immunomodulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The in vitro studies were carried out to check leishmanicidal activity against promastigote form and cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. The parasite load in liver smears, immunological and biochemical changes induced by 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.wt. of CBREE were assessed on 1, 7, 14 and 21 post treatment days in infected and treated BALB/c mice.

RESULTS

CBREE showed inhibitory effect on growth of promastigotes with IC50 of 28.25 μg/mL and negligible cytotoxicity. The extract was toxicologically safe in BALB/c mice when administered orally with 5 g/kg b.wt. of extract. A significant reduction in parasite load was observed along with active immunomodulation through enhanced Th1 type of immune responses and suppressed Th2 type of immune responses.

CONCLUSION

The treatment with both doses showed no toxic effect as evidenced by normal liver and kidney function tests and normal histological observations of liver and kidney. Therefore, it should be further explored for its active components in pursuit of the new effective antileishmanial agents in the plant kingdom.

Pharmacological evaluation of phytochemicals from South Indian Black Turmeric (Curcuma caesia Roxb.) to target cancer apoptosis

Curcuma caesia Roxb. (Black turmeric), a perennial herb of the family Zingiberaceae is indigenous to India. C. caesia is used as a spice, food preservative and coloring agent commonly in the Indian subcontinent. Functional parametric pharmacological evaluations like drug ability and toxicity profile of this endangered species is poorly documented. In our present study, among all the extracts of dried C. caesia rhizome viz- hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water tested for free radical scavenging capacity by total antioxidant activity (TAO) method, Hexane Rhizome Extract (HRE) was found to possess remarkable activity (1200mg ascorbic acid equivalent/100g). In MTT assay across three cancer cell lines and a control cell line, HRE exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition only in cancer cells, with notable activity in HepG2 cell lines (IC50: 0976µg/mL). Further, western blotting and flow cytometry experiments proved that HRE induces cell arrest at G2/M phase along with cellular apoptosis as suggestive by multiple-point mitochondrial mediated intrinsic pathway of Programmed Cell Death (PCD). Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometry (GC-MS) analysis of HRE suggested twenty compounds that when docked in silico with Tubulin (1SA0) and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor/ EGFR (1XKK) showed very intimate binding with the original ligands. Our results provided significant evidence of the toxicity mechanisms of HRE that may be beneficial for more rational applications of drug discovery for slowing down cancer progression.

Longevity effect of a polysaccharide from Chlorophytum borivilianum on Caenorhabditis elegans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda, provides insights and practical solutions towards a healthy life style. Rasayana is a branch of Ayurveda known for preserving and promoting health, enhancing the quality of life and delaying the aging process. In the traditional knowledge, the Rasayana herb, Chlorophytum borivilianum (C. borivilanum) is regarded as a general health promoting tonic that delays aging and increases lifespan, cognitive function and physical strength. Aging is a complex and multifactorial physiological phenomenon that manifests itself over a wide range of biological systems, tissues, and functions. Longevity is an obvious marker of physiological aging. Simple model systems such as the single-cell budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) and the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) are widely used to study the aging process and longevity. Here, we show that a polysaccharide fraction obtained from C. borivilianum increases the lifespan of S. cerevisiae and C. elegans, using an automated screening platform (Chronoscreen^TM). Chemical analysis of this extract revealed a low molecular weight polysaccharide of 1000 Da, predominantly comprising Glu1→6Glu linkage. This polysaccharide showed significant dose-dependent extension of the median lifespan of S. cerevisiae by up to 41% and of the median lifespan of C. elegans by up to 10%. Taking cue from these results and the traditionally described benefits of Rasayanas on skin rejuvenation, we tested in vitro the polysaccharide for potential skin benefits. In a keratinocyte culture, we observed that this polysaccharide increased cell proliferation significantly, and induced synthesis of hyaluronic acid (HA), a well-known extracellular matrix component. Furthermore, when added to culture medium of human reconstructed epidermis, we observed an enhanced production of epidermal markers, e.g. CD44 and HA that are otherwise diminished in aged skin. Together, these results suggest that in addition to life-span extension of S. cerevisiae and C. elegans, a polysaccharide from the Rasayana herb, C. borivilianum may have beneficial effects on skin aging parameters.

Induction, Subculture Cycle, and Regeneration of Callus in Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) using Different Types of Phytohormones

Background:

Chlorophytum borivilianum is an industrially valued medicinal crop. Propagation through seeds is not feasible because of low germination percentage and long dormancy period. Therefore, callus culture and plant regeneration can be an alternative to improve this crop production. Also, callus can serve as an alternative source of bioactive compounds.

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of different phytohormones on callus induction, subculture cycle, and regeneration studies of callus in C. borivilianum.

Materials and Methods:

Young shoot buds of C. borivilianum were inoculated on Murashige and Skoog medium fortified with 3% sucrose and different concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, and 15 mg/L) of either naphthalene acetic acid or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or indole-3-acetic acid and callus induction was evaluated up to four subcultures cycles. Shoot regeneration from callus was studied on Murashige and Skoog media fortified with 6-benzylaminopurine andkinetin or thidiazuron at varied levels (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mg/L). Microshoots were rooted on Murashige and Skoog media supplemented with 1.0 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid and plantlets were acclimatized before transferred to the natural conditions.

Results:

Callus induction was better evidenced on Murashige and Skoog media containing 5 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid up to fourth subculture. Callus differentiated into shoots on Murashige and Skoog media fortified with 6-benzylaminopurine or kinetin, whereas thidiazuron completely failed to regenerate shoots. Furthermore, microshoots rooted on 1.0 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid containing Murashige and Skoog media. The rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized and established in soil with 88.3% survivability.

Conclusion:

The type of auxins played an important role in inducing callus tissue from shoot bud explants of Safed musli. In future, this in vitro protocol could benefit in crop improvement programs and serve as a new source of bioactive compounds from Safed musli callus tissue for various therapeutic applications.

SUMMARY

Explants de-differentiated to form callus on Murashige and Skoog media containing 5 mg/L 2,4-D up to fourth subculture.

Callus re-differentiated into shoots on Murashige and Skoog media fortified with 0.5 mg/L BAP.

In vitro rooting of shoots was achieved on 1.0 mg/L IBA containing Murashige and Skoog media.

The rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized and established in soil with 88.3% survivability.

Abbreviations used: MS: Murashige and Skoog, NAA: naphthalene acetic acid, 2,4-D: 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, IAA: indole-3-acetic acid, BAP: 6-benzylaminopurine, Kn: Kinetin, TDZ: thidiazuron, IBA: indole-3-butyric acid, RCBD: Randomized Complete Block Design, DMRT: Duncan's Multiple Range Test

Chlorophytum borivilianum Polysaccharide Fraction Provokes the Immune Function and Disease Resistance of Labeo rohita against Aeromonas hydrophila

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Chlorophytum borivilianum polysaccharide (CBP), as a dietary supplement administered at varying concentrations with feed (basal diet), on various cytokine-related responses in Labeo rohita fingerlings. Immune parameters and immune-related gene expressions were measured at 3rd, 4th, and 5th week after feeding. The results revealed that dietary administration of CBP at 0.2% and 0.4% for 4 weeks significantly upregulated serum lysozyme and phagocytic activity. Complement C3 and respiratory burst activity (RBA) were significantly higher after 4 weeks of CBP feeding. The immune related genes IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, and iNOS were downregulated (P < 0.05) in groups with 0.2% and 0.4% CBP supplemented diets at week 4. Expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β) was also downregulated (P < 0.5) after 4 weeks of feeding with 0.2% to 0.8% CBP. However, five weeks of CBP administration had no significant effect on immune gene expression, except TNF-α and IL-8. Fish fed with 0.4% CBP for 4 weeks showed maximum resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila (73.3% survival) compared to control. From these results, we recommend that CBP administration at 0.4% for 4 weeks could effectively improve immune response and disease resistance in L. rohita.

Chlorophytum borivilianum (Safed Musli) root extract prevents impairment in characteristics and elevation of oxidative stress in sperm of streptozotocin-induced adult male diabetic Wistar rats

Background

We hypothesized that C. borivilianum root, known to improve male reproductive performance, prevents impairment in characteristics, morphology and elevation of oxidative stress in sperm of diabetics. We therefore investigated the effect of aqueous root extract of C. borivilianum on these parameters in diabetic rat model.

Methods

C. borivilianum root aqueous extract (250 and 500 mg/kg/day) or glibenclamide (600 μg/kg/day) were administered to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male rats for 28 consecutive days. At the end of treatment, animals were sacrificed and sperm were collected. Sperm count and percentages of forward motility, viability, hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) tail-coiled and abnormal sperm were evaluated. Sperm lipid peroxidation product (LPO), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), activity levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase-SOD, catalase-CAT and glutathione peroxidase-GPx), epididymal sperm density, serum fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c levels were measured. The expression of sperm caspase-3 was assessed. Meanwhile, in-vitro free radical scavenging activity of C. borivilianum root extract was determined and the root extract was analyzed for the presence of bioactive compounds by FTIR spectroscopy.

Results

C. borivilianum root aqueous extract prevents the decrease in sperm count, percentages of forward motility, viability, HOS and the increase in abnormal sperm percentage and caspase-3 level in diabetic rats. Sperm LPO, H₂O₂ and NO levels, FBG and HbA1c were lower while TAC, SOD, CAT, GPx and epididymal sperm density were higher in diabetic rats receiving C. borivilianum root extract treatment. C. borivilianum root exhibited strong in-vitro free radical scavenging activity which may be due to the phenolic compound.

Conclusions

C. borivilianum root extract prevents impairment in sperm characteristics and morphology via preventing elevation of oxidative stress, apoptosis and free radicals levels of the sperm in diabetes. These effects may be achieved through maintaining sperm antioxidant level which could be related to free radical scavenging activity of the root extract by phenolic compounds. These effects could also be due to ability of the extract to maintain near normal serum FBG and HBA1c levels in diabetes.

Chlorophytum borivilianum root extract maintains near normal blood glucose, insulin and lipid profile levels and prevents oxidative stress in the pancreas of streptozotocin-induced adult male diabetic rats

The effect of C. borivilianum root on blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbAIc), insulin and lipid profile levels in diabetes mellitus are not fully understood. This study therefore investigated the effect of C. borivilianum root on the above parameters and oxidative stress of the pancreas in diabetes.

METHODS

C. borivilianum root aqueous extract (250 and 500 mg/kg/day) was administered to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced male diabetic rats for 28 days. Body weight, blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin, lipid profile levels and glucose homeostasis indices were determined. Histopathological changes and oxidative stress parameters i.e. lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant enzymes activity levels of the pancreas were investigated.

RESULTS

C. borivilianum root extract treatment to diabetic rats maintained near normal body weight, blood glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile and insulin levels with higher HOMA-β cell functioning index, number of Islets/pancreas, number of β-cells/Islets however with lower HOMA-insulin resistance (IR) index as compared to non-treated diabetic rats. Negative correlations between serum insulin and blood glucose, HbA1c, triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels were observed. C. borivilianum root extract administration prevented the increase in lipid peroxidation and the decrease in activity levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) with mild histopathological changes in the pancreas of diabetic rats.

CONCLUSIONS

C. borivilianum root maintains near normal levels of these metabolites and prevented oxidative stress-induced damage to the pancreas in diabetes.