Safety assessment of standardised methanol extract of Cinnamomum burmannii

Antihyperglycemic and Antidyslipidemic Effects of Artemisia arborescens Aqueous Extract on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic activity of Artemisia arborescens.

BACKGROUND

Artemisia arborescens is an aromatic, medicinal, and endemic plant mostly found in the Mediterranean region. This plant is widely used as alternative medicine.

OBJECTIVE

The study was designed to examine the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of Artemisia arborescens aqueous extract (AEAA) in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)- induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

The effect of AEAA (40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg) on plasma glucose levels and plasma lipid profile was investigated in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats. The plasma glucose levels were determined after a single (6 hours) and subchronic oral administration (7 days), and plasma lipid profiles were evaluated after both acute and subchronic oral administration. Additionally, the glycogen content in the liver, extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and soleus muscles was measured using a standard method. Moreover, the aqueous extract was tested for its 1.1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity.

RESULTS

In diabetic rats, AEAA oral administration (40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg) produced a significant decrease in blood glucose levels after 7 days of oral administration (P<0.0001). Moreover, a significant decrease in plasma triglyceride levels was reported on the last day of treatment by AEAA (80 mg/kg) (P<0.05). Furthermore, a significant decrease in total cholesterol levels was observed after 7 days of AEAA oral administration in diabetic rats (P<0.01). Moreover, a significant increase in HDL-c concentration was noted after one week of AEAA (80 mg/kg) oral administration (P<0.001). In addition, AEAA oral administration (80 mg/kg) significantly increased the glycogen content in the liver and extensor digitorum longus (P<0.05). On the other hand, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screenings revealed the presence of various compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the study demonstrates that Artemisia arborescens oral administration exhibited a significant antihyperglycemic effect on diabetic rats and revealed a significant amelioration in lipid profile and glycogen content.

Hedyotis diffusa alleviate aflatoxin B1-induced liver injury in ducks by mediating Nrf2 signaling pathway

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), the most harmful aflatoxins, is a frequent contamination in feed and food items, raising global concerns in animal production and human public health. Also, AFB1 induces oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, mutations, and DNA lesions through its metabolic transformation into aflatoxin B1-8,9-epoxide (AFBO) by cytochrome P450 (CYP450). Hedyotis diffusa (HD) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine known for its multiple pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory. Yet, the influence of HD on AFB1-induced liver injury in ducks is still unknown. Here, we investigated whether HD positively affects AFB1-induced liver injury in ducks. Results revealed that I) AFB1 caused significant changes in serum biochemical indices and decreased growth performance of ducks (such as ALT, AST, ALP, TP, ALB, final body weight, and body weight gain), whereas HD supplementation at 200 mg/kg mitigated these alterations. II) HD alleviated hepatic histopathological changes and liver index induced by AFB1 in ducks. III) HD significantly attenuated AFB1-induced oxidative stress, as measured by increased antioxidant enzyme activities such as SOD, GPx, and T-AOC and decreased MDA levels. Furthermore, HD reduced the level of AFB1-DNA adduct in duck liver. IV) HD significantly promoted the transcriptional expression of NF-E2-related nuclear factor 2 (Nrf2) and associated genes, including heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1 (NQO1), glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic (GCLC). In conclusion, these results demonstrated that HD could activate the Nrf2 pathway in ducks to reduce the hepatotoxicity driven by AFB1. This finding also provides theoretical and data support for a deeper understanding of the toxic mechanisms of AFB1 and its prevention.

Antihyperglycemic and antidyslipidemic Effect of Moricandia suffruticosa in Normal and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

AIMS OF THE STUDY

The present work aimed to assess the antihyperglycemic and antohyperlipidemic effects ofMoricandia suffruticosa.

BACKGROUND

Moricandia suffruticosa (M. suffruticosa) is used in traditional medicine.

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigated the antihyperglycemic and antidyslipidemic effects of M. suffruticosa and its effect on glycogen content in normoglycemic and hyperglycemic rats.

METHODS

The effect of the aqueous extract of M. suffruticosa (AEMS) at a two doses of 100 and 140 mg/kg on blood glucose levels, lipid, lipoprotein profile, and glycogen content was examined in normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats. On the other hand, a preliminary phytochemical screening and quantification of phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents were carried out.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that AEMS exhibits antihyperglycemic activity in diabetic rats during both acute and subchronic essays. Furthermore, AEMS revealed an antidyslipidemic effect concerning the level of triglycerides, total cholesterol, very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL), and non-high density lipoproteins (Non-HDL). In contrast, AEMS has not affected the value of glycemia, lipids, and lipoproteins in normal rats. In addition, AEMS is rich in several phytochemical compounds. Furthermore, AEMS revealed an important in vitro antioxidant activity.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the study demonstrates that M. suffruticosa exhibits an important antihyperglycemic effect in diabetic rats.

Effect of Pelargonium graveolens on Glucose Metabolism in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

AIMS

The study aimed to assess the antihyperglycemic activity of Pelargonium graveolens.

BACKGROUND

Pelargonium graveolens (P. graveolens) (Geraniaceae) is a medicinal plant frequently used in traditional medicine in Morocco and Algeria as remedy against a multitude of illnesses. Interestingly, it is used in the Moroccan pharmacopeia for managing diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

The current study was carried out in order to assess the antihyperglycemic activity of P. graveolens in normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats, as well as to evaluate the acute toxicity of the leaves aqueous extract of Pelargonium graveolens (PGLAE).

METHODS

The therapeutic effect of PGLAE at a dose of 40 mg/kg on blood glucose levels was investigated in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats after a single oral (6h) and a repeated (15 days) oral administration. The acute toxicity of the PGLAE was examined in accordance the OECD test guideline. Post-treatment, body weight, signs of toxicity, and/or mortality were observed for 14 days. Further assays such as the oral glucose tolerance test, histopathological examination and antioxidant activity was also performed according to standard protocols.

RESULTS

Findings exhibited that both single and repeated oral doses of PGLAE (40 mg/kg) produced significant reduction of blood glucose levels in normal and diabetic rats. All treated animals survived and no apparent adverse effects were observed during the duration of the acute toxicity study. Importantly, oral LD50 of PGLAE was greater than 2000 mg/kg BW. Furthermore, a remarkable influence on glucose tolerance was also noticed after PGLAE treatment. Moreover, PGLAE was able to improve histopathological structure of liver and possesses a potential antioxidant effect in vitro.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study reports the antidiabetic effect of PGLAE in rats supporting then its traditional use for the management of diabetes.

Phytocompounds from Anvillea radiata as promising anti-Covid-19 drugs: in silico studies and in vivo safety assessment

As an alternative strategy in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, phytoconstituents from medicinal plants are getting attention worldwide. The current investigation focused on the efficacy of the essential phytocompounds identified in Anvillea radiata to target the main protease (M^pro) of SARS-COV-2 through molecular docking and dynamic analyses; in addition to the safety assessment of this herb in vivo. In silico, the 6LU7 structure of M^pro was prepared as a target by Discovery Studio 2020. The virtual screening of phytocompounds from Anvillea radiata was performed through iGEMDOCK program, followed by an evaluation of the potential inhibitors based on the docking scores calculated using AutoDock Vina and MGL Tools programs, as well as complexes stability assessment through MD simulation. In vivo toxicity studies of Anvillea radiata aqueous extract were also conducted in Wistar rats. Among the phytocompounds evaluated in this study, 3,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid, Spinacetin, 9α-Epoxyparthenolide, Hispidulin, Quercetin, jaceosidin, Nepetin, and isorhamnetin were predicted to have the highest binding affinity for the Main protease (M^pro) target of SARS-CoV-2. The aqueous extract of Anvillea radiata did not induce any signs of toxicity. 3,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid, Spinacetin, 9α-Epoxyparthenolide, jaceosidin, and isorhamnetin from Anvillea radiata were selected as potential inhibitors of SARS-Cov-2 to develop new drugs anti-COVID-19.

Effect of Calamintha officinalis on Vascular Contractility and Angiotensinconverting Enzyme-2

AIMS

The study aimed to assess the antihypertensive activity of Calamintha officinalis.

BACKGROUND

Calamintha officinalis (CO) is a medicinal and aromatic herb as well as an antihypertensive plant that is widely used for its medicinal properties in several regions.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the aqueous extract of Calamintha officinalis (AECO) on vasorelaxant activity and arterial blood pressure under normal and hypertensive states in rats. Additionally, the effect of AECO on vascular angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) was assessed.

METHODS

In the current study, AECO (100 mg/Kg) was prepared, and its antihypertensive ability was assessed in L-N^G-Nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded for 6 h for the acute experiment and during seven days for the subchronic treatment.

RESULTS

The results indicated that AECO reduced the systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure in hypertensive rats. In addition, the study showed that AECO exerts a vasorelaxant ability through the sGC-cGMP induction pathway, vascular cyclooxygenase pathway, and the opening of K+ channels. However, AECO had no inhibitory effect on aortic ACE-2.

CONCLUSION

The study illustrates the beneficial action of AECO as an antihypertensive and vasorelaxant agent.

Cinnamomum Species: Bridging Phytochemistry Knowledge, Pharmacological Properties and Toxicological Safety for Health Benefits

The genus Cinnamomum includes a number of plant species largely used as food, food additives and spices for a long time. Different traditional healing systems have used these plants as herbal remedies to cure diverse ailments. The aim of this comprehensive and updated review is to summarize the biodiversity of the genus Cinnamomum, its bioactive compounds, the mechanisms that underlie the pharmacological activities and molecular targets and toxicological safety. All the data in this review have been collected from databases and recent scientific literature including Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect etc. The results showed that the bioactive compounds of Cinnamomum species possess antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and neuroprotective effects. The preclinical (in vitro/in vivo) studies provided the possible molecular mechanisms of these action. As a novelty, recent clinical studies and toxicological data described in this paper support and confirm the pharmacological importance of the genus Cinnamomum. In conclusion, the obtained results from preclinical studies and clinical trials, as well as reduced side effects provide insights into future research of new drugs based on extracts and bioactive compounds from Cinnamomum plants.

Acute and 28-Day Repeated-Dose Oral Toxicity Assessment of Abelmoschus moschatus Medik. in Healthy Wistar Rats

Abelmoschus moschatus Medik. (family: Malvaceae) has a long history of being used as a folk medicine in Sri Lanka. Despite the therapeutic use of this plant in traditional medicine, leaves of A. moschatus have not been subjected to scientific evaluation of toxicity/adverse effects in vivo. Thus, the present study was aimed to assess the acute and 28-day repeated-dose oral toxic effects of hexane (55 mg/kg), ethyl acetate (75 mg/kg), butanol (60 mg/kg), and aqueous (140 mg/kg) leaf extracts of A. moschatus in Wistar rats. Furthermore, identification of phytochemical constituents and determination of in vitro total antioxidant activity of the selected leaf extracts of A. moschatus were carried out. Repeated-dose oral administration of hexane and aqueous plant extracts produced no significant changes in the hematological profile and in selected biochemical parameters compared to the untreated healthy rats (p > 0.05). The administration of ethyl acetate and butanol extracts resulted in significant changes in some of the hematological parameters (p < 0.05), whereas biochemical parameters were not changed (p > 0.05). No significant changes in the relative organ weight of treated rats were observed (p > 0.05) except in the kidneys of Wistar rats treated with the ethyl acetate extract of A. moschatus (p < 0.05). Normal morphology with no signs of hemorrhages, necrosis, or inflammatory cell infiltrations was observed in the vital organs selected during the assessment of histopathology on H and E-stained tissue sections upon the treatment of selected extracts. Alkaloids were absent in the selected leaf extracts excluding the health risk for harmful alkaloids. The highest total antioxidant activity was reported in the butanol extract. In conclusion, the hexane and aqueous extracts of A. moschatus were completely nontoxic, whereas butanol and ethyl acetate extracts showed statistically significant changes in some hematological parameters and in relative organ weight of kidneys in healthy Wistar rats.

Cinnamomum verum Bark Extract Mediated Green Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles and Their Antibacterial Potentiality

Cinnamomum verum plant extract mediated propellant chemistry route was used for the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles. Prepared samples were confirmed for their nano regime using advanced characterization techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction and microscopic techniques such as scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The energy band gap of the green synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO)-nanoparticles (NPs) were found between 3.25-3.28 eV. Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy shows the presence of Zn-O bond within the wave number of 500 cm-1. SEM images show the specific agglomeration of particles which was also confirmed by TEM studies. The green synthesized ZnO-NPs inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 125 µg mL-1 and 62.5 µg mL-1, respectively. The results indicate the prepared ZnO-NPs can be used as a potential antimicrobial agent against harmful pathogens.

Optimization of choline chloride-glycerol based natural deep eutectic solvent for extraction bioactive substances from Cinnamomum burmannii barks and Caesalpinia sappan heartwoods

Indonesian cassia (Cinnamomum burmannii Blume) is commonly used as a condiment. It reportedly contains a number of major phytochemical constituents such as trans-cinnamaldehyde and coumarin. Sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan) is a native plant of Southeast Asia that contains brazilin, a widely known red pigment. This study aimed to determine the optimal extraction conditions using a choline chloride-glycerol (ChCl-glycerol)-based natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) to obtain greater trans-cinnamaldehyde and brazilin levels from Indonesian cassia and sappan wood. The powders of Indonesian cassia and sappan wood were extracted using ChCl-glycerol-based NADES varied at three different levels: ratio of ChCl to glycerol, ratio of powder to NADES, and the amount of water in NADES. All variables were designed using the Box-Behnken design of response surface methodology to provide 15 extraction conditions. The extraction was performed using ultrasonication-assisted extraction for 30 and 50 min for Indonesian cassia and sappan wood, respectively. Determination of the active compound contents was performed using a high-performance liquid chromatography system equipped with a UV-VIS detector at λmax = 280 nm. The optimization results revealed that the highest levels of trans-cinnamaldehyde, coumarin, and brazilin in NADES extracts were 1907.32, 1735.68, and 368.67 μg/ml, respectively, whereas the lowest levels of these compounds were 453.59, 616.76, and 74.21 μg/ml, respectively. The maximal levels exceeded those obtained using a conventional extraction method, in which 5000 μg/ml Indonesian cassia reflux extract contained only 108.45 μg/ml trans-cinnamaldehyde. Similarly, 1000 μg/ml sappan wood contained only 124.64 μg/ml brazilin. ChCl-glycerol-based NADES was suitable for extracting active compounds from Indonesian cassia and sappan wood; moreover, this solvent is more effective than organic ethanolic coventional solvent.

Pharmacological properties and their medicinal uses of Cinnamomum: a review

OBJECTIVES

Cinnamomum (Family Lauraceae) is traditionally used for flavouring food and in pharmaceutical preparations against various ailments. Detailed literature on the ethnobotanical and pharmacological properties of Cinnamomum is segregated and not present in well-documented form. In the present review, we have been trying to gather its detailed medicinal as well as pharmacological properties. The ethnobotanical and pharmacological properties of Cinnamomum were collected by searching several scientific databases, that is PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Scopus.

KEY FINDINGS

The plant extracts have been reported to possess astringent, warming stimulant, carminative, blood purifier, digestive, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties and also help to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels. A wide range of phytochemical compounds including aldehydes, acetate, alcohol, terpinenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, anthraquinones, coumarins, phenols, saponins, tannins, carboxylic acid, hydrocarbons, camphene, spathulenol, fatty acids, actinodaphnine, butanolides, lignans, steroids, propenoids and kaempferol glycosides are found in various parts of plant.

SUMMARY

This review provides detailed information about history, traditional uses, phytochemistry and clinical impacts of cinnamon as a spice and medicine. So we recommend further study on the clinical, medicinal, purification and identification of the most effective antibacterial activity of cinnamon to cure various infectious diseases.

Usnic Acid Potassium Salt: Evaluation of the Acute Toxicity and Antinociceptive Effect in Murine Model

To obtain usnic acid potassium salt (PS-UA), the usnic acid (UA) was extracted and purified from the lichen Cladonia substellata, and modified to produce PS-UA. The structure was determined by ¹H-NMR, IR and elemental analysis, ratified through computational models, as well as identification the site of K⁺ insertion in the molecule. Antinociceptive activity was detected through contortions in mice induced by acetic acid and formalin (phases I and II) after treatments with 10 and 20 mg/kg of PS-UA, indicating interference in both non-inflammatory and inflammatory pain. After oral administration at doses of 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, no deaths of mice with treatments below 2000 mg/kg were observed. Except for body weight gain, food and water consumption decreased with treatments of 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, and the number of segmented leukocytes was higher for both treatments. Regarding serum levels, cholesterol and triglycerides decreased, however, there was an increase in hepatic transaminases with both treatments. Liver and kidney histological changes were detected in treatments of 2000 mg/kg, while the spleen was preserved. The PS-UA demonstrated antinociceptive activity while the acute toxicity at the concentration of 2000 mg/kg was the only dose that presented morphological changes in the liver and kidney.

Lactobacillus bulgaricus or Lactobacillus rhamnosus Suppresses NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Protects against AFB₁-Induced Hepatitis: A Novel Potential Preventive Strategy for Aflatoxicosis?

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), a mycotoxin found in food and feed, is immunotoxic to animals and poses significant threat to the food industry and animal production. The primary target of AFB₁ is the liver. To overcome aflatoxin toxicity, probiotic-mediated detoxification has been proposed. In the present study, to investigate the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of Lactobacillus bulgaricus or Lactobacillus rhamnosus against liver inflammatory responses to AFB₁, mice were administered with AFB₁ (300 μg/kg) and/or Lactobacillus intragastrically for 8 weeks. AML12 cells were cultured and treated with AFB₁, BAY 11-7082 (an NF-κB inhibitor), and different concentrations of L. bulgaricus or L. rhamnosus. The body weight, liver index, histopathological changes, biochemical indices, cytokines, cytotoxicity, and activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway were measured. AFB₁ exposure caused changes in liver histopathology and biochemical functions, altered inflammatory response, and activated the NF-κB pathway. Supplementation of L. bulgaricus or L. rhamnosus significantly prevented AFB₁-induced liver injury and alleviated histopathological changes and inflammatory response by decreasing NF-κB p65 expression. The results of in vitro experiments revealed that L.rhamnosus evidently protected against AFB₁-induced inflammatory response and decreased NF-κB p65 expression when compared with L. bulgaricus. These findings indicated that AFB₁ exposure can cause inflammatory response by inducing hepatic injury, and supplementation of L. bulgaricus or L. rhamnosus can produce significant protective effect against AFB₁-induced liver damage and inflammatory response by regulating the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

GSPE reduces lead-induced oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2 pathway and suppressing miR153 and GSK-3β in rat kidney

Lead (Pb) is a global environmental health hazard that leads to nephrotoxicity. However, the effective treatment of Pb-induced nephrotoxicity remains elusive. Grape seed procyanidin extract (GSPE) has beneficial properties for multiple biological functions. Therefore, the present study investigated whether GSPE reduced Pb-induced nephrotoxicity as well as the protective mechanism of GSPE in a well-established 35-day Pb induced nephrotoxicity rat model. The results showed that GSPE normalized Pb-induced oxidative stress, histological damage, inflammatory, apoptosis, and changes of miR153 and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) levels in rat kidney. Moreover, GSPE enhanced the induction of phase II detoxifying enzymes (heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1) by increasing nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression. This study identifies for the first time that Pb-induced oxidative stress in rat kidney is attenuated by GSPE treatment via activating Nrf2 signaling pathway and suppressing miR153 and GSK-3β. Nrf2 signaling provides a new therapeutic target for renal injury induced by Pb, and GSPE could be a potential natural agent to protect against Pb-induced nephrotoxicity.

Acute Toxicity and Cytotoxicity Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Spondias tuberosa Arruda Bark: Hematological, Biochemical and Histopathological Evaluation

Spondias tuberosa Arruda, popularly named as umbu, is native from savanna-like vegetation and widely used for medicinal purposes, however, the toxicological profile is not available yet. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and acute toxicity and citoxicity of Ethanolic Extract of Spondias tuberosa Arruda Bark (EEStb) in hematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters. Female Wistar rats were divided into: control (C) and animal treated single doses of 300mg/Kg (EEStb300) or 2.000mg/kg body weight (ESStb2.000) of the EEStb. After 24 hours and 14 days from gavage, the behavior, hematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters were assayed. Cytotoxicity effect was evaluated on HEp-2 cell lines. Neither EEStb300 nor EEStb2.000 produced mortality nor changes in body weight during the 14-days of observation, but EEStb2.000 reduced quietly the food and water intake as well as locomotor activity at first day. There were no changes in macroscopic, histopathological, biochemical and hematological parameters. EEStb in concentrations of 6.25- 50μg ml-1 on HEp-2 cell did not produce cytotoxic effect. These results suggest that EEStb did not cause acute toxicity and cytotoxic, suggesting a good safety rate for Spondias tuberosa Arruda.

Acute and sub-chronic (28 days) oral toxicity evaluation of tincture Baccharis trimera (Less) Backer in male and female rodent animals

The infusion of Baccharis trimera (Less) DC, popularly known as "carqueja" (broom), is popularly used in the treatment of hepatic and digestive problems. In this study, we evaluated the acute and sub-chronic oral toxicities of B. trimera tincture on male and female Wistar rats according to Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD, guidelines 423 e 407, respectively). The B. trimera tincture was administered by oral gavage in a single dose (2000 mg/kg) in doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg daily for 28 days. Blood was collected to analyze hematological and biochemical parameters. Kidneys and liver were homogenized to determine lipid peroxidation and δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities. In acute treatment, tincture did not induce any signs of toxicity or mortality. Daily oral administration produced no significant changes in the hematological and biochemical parameters, except for the hepatic enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) that showed a reduction in both sexes. Moreover, the B. trimera tincture did not increase lipid peroxidation or affected ALA-D and CAT activities. In conclusion, the tincture of B. trimera may be considered relatively safe in this protocol.