Ameliorative effects of herbal combinations in hyperlipidemia

Antihyperlipidemic effect and GC-MS analysis of phytoconstituents from Laurus nobilis essential oil in rat

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Laurus nobilis (L. nobilis) essential oil (EOs) (80 mg/kg) on Triton WR-1339-induced dyslipidemia in Wistar rats. The effect of L. nobilis essential oil (80 mg/kg) on lipid and lipoprotein profile was examined on Triton WR-1339-induced dyslipidemia in rats. Furthermore, the phytochemical evaluation was performed by GC-MS. In Addition, the acute toxicity of this EO was evaluated at a dose of 2 g/kg. The results revealed that the main constituents of L. nobilis EO were 1,8-cineole (39.5%), linalool (13.09%), and a-terpineol (11.55%). Furthermore, the EO did not cause any signs of toxicity or mortality, and the acute lethal dose 50 (LD50) was estimated to be higher than 2 g/kg. L. nobilis EO ameliorated lipid parameters and atherogenic indices. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that L. nobilis essential oils possess antidyslipidemic activity in acute model of hyperlipidaemia.

Sesamum indicum diet prevents hyperlipidemia in experimental rats

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Sesamum indicum administration reverses the dyslipidemia in hyperlipidemic rats.

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Hypolipidemic potency of Sesamum indicum is due to inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase activity.

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Our findings lend credence to the use of Sesamum indicum as a therapeutic remedy in traditional medicine for hyperlipidemia and associated morbidities.

Cardiovascular diseases and metabolic complications caused by hyperlipidemia are the leading cause of death globally. In this study, the hypolipidemic potency of Sesamum indicum (SI) seeds was investigated. Of the thirty-five (35) male rats used in the study, five (5) were randomly selected for baseline measurements and thirty (30) were fed high fat diet (HFD) for four (4) weeks before random assignment into three (3) groups. The experimental group was treated with 50% SI seed, the positive control group was given a hypolipidemic drug, atorvastatin (5 mg/kg/day) while the untreated group served as the negative control. With SI administration, the dyslipidemia induced by the HFD consumption in the plasma and the investigated body organs was reversed to a comparable degree with that of atorvastatin treatment. Taken together, this study demonstrates the hypolipidemic potency of SI in ameliorating hyperlipidemia and its associated complications, facilitated by the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase activity.

Investigation of the Crosstalk between GRP78/PERK/ATF-4 Signaling Pathway and Renal Apoptosis Induced by Nephropathogenic Infectious Bronchitis Virus Infection

This study aims to explore the crosstalk between GRP78/PERK/ATF-4 signaling pathway and renal apoptosis induced by nephropathogenic infectious bronchitis virus (NIBV). Hy-Line brown chickens were divided into two groups (Con, n = 100 and Dis, n = 200). At 28 days of age, each chicken in the Dis group was intranasally injected with SX9 strain (10-5/0.2 ml). Venous blood and kidney tissues were collected at 1, 5, 11, 18 and 28 days postinfection. Our results showed that NIBV infection upregulated the levels of creatinine, uric acid, and calcium (Ca2+) levels. Histopathological examination revealed severe hemorrhage and inflammatory cell infiltration near the renal tubules. Meanwhile, NIBV virus particles and apoptotic bodies were observed by ultramicro electron microscope. In addition, RT-qPCR and Western blot showed that NIBV upregulated the expression of GRP78, PERK, eIF2α, ATF-4, CHOP, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, P53, Bax, and on the contrary, downregulated the expression of Bcl-2. Furthermore, immunofluorescence localization analysis showed that the positive expression of Bcl-2 protein was significantly decreased. Correlation analysis indicated that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress gene expression, apoptosis gene expression, and renal injury were potentially related. Taken together, NIBV infection can induce renal ER stress and apoptosis by activating of GRP78/PERK/ATF-4 signaling pathway, leading to kidney damage. IMPORTANCE Nephropathogenic infectious bronchitis virus (NIBV) induced renal endoplasmic reticulum stress in chickens. NIBV infection induced kidney apoptosis in chickens. GRP78/PERK/ATF-4 signaling pathway is potentially related to renal apoptosis induced by NIBV.

Effect of co-administration of metformin and extracts of Costus pictus D.Don leaves on alloxan-induced diabetes in rats

Background and aim

The present study evaluates the antidiabetic effects of aqueous (CPAQ) and methanolic (CPME) extract of Costus pictus D. Don singly and/or in combination with metformin in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Experimental procedure

CPAQ and CPME (400 mg/kg dose), metformin (120 mg/kg) and two different combinations of plant extracts and metformin (200 + 60 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg + 60 mg/kg) were orally given to alloxan-induced diabetic rats for 21 days. At 0, 7, 14, and 21 days, body weight and blood glucose levels were measured.

Results and conclusion

After 21 days of treatment, biochemical profiling and histopathology analysis were carried out. CPAQ and CPME, when administrated separately, could decrease blood glucose levels (P ≤ 0.05). CPME showed more promising results (P ≤ 0.05) compared to the diabetic control group. Extracts co-administrated with metformin showed dose-dependent significant recovery of hypoglycemic activity of metformin. Fasting blood glucose levels, body weight, protein, and lipid profile of the treatment group were compared to the diabetic and normal control groups. Animal groups co-administered with CPME and metformin showed more significant effects on the recovery of tissue damages. The synergistic effect of plant extracts with metformin has positive effects on all the parameters and enhanced the efficiency and reduction of blood glucose levels.

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Costus pictus D. Don. Leaves used traditionally in mulching also treats diabetes.

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Methanolic extract of the plant has potent antihyperglycaemic activity compared to aqueous extract.

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Simultaneous oral administration of the C. pictus methanolic extract with metformin positively affected the blood-glucose-lowering activity.

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There was a synergistic effect between standard drugs, Metformin and CPAQ and CPME.

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C. pictus and metformin have a great influence on the recovery of damaged tissues of the experimental animals.

Cinnamomum burmannii (Nees & T. Nees) Blume and Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr. extract combination ameliorate lipid profile and heart oxidative stress in hyperlipidemic mice

Background and Aim:

Hyperlipidemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The use of statins has adverse side effects that result in oxidative stress disorders. The objective of this study was to investigate the antihyperlipidemic effect of a combination of Cinnamomum burmannii and Eleutherine palmifolia extract in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemia mice.

Materials and Methods:

Mice were divided into eight groups (n=4): Control group or healthy mice (normal), HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice without any treatment (CE0), HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice treated with 3.6 mg/kg body weight (BW) atorvastatin (atorvastatin), and HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice treated with a combination of C. burmannii and E. palmifolia in the following ratios: 300:0 (C300), 225:75 (C225), 150:150 (CE150), 75:225 (E225), and 0:300 (E300). Mice were fed a HFD for 4 months to induce hyperlipidemia. Total cholesterol, cholesterol oxidase-peroxidase aminophenazone (CHOD-PAP), triglyceride-glycerine, and fat serum were analyzed with colorimetric method. The measurement of superoxide dismutase was done with the xanthine oxidase method and malondialdehyde measurement was done with the thiobarbituric acid method.

Results:

Results showed an increase in antihyperlipidemic characteristics as the concentration of E. palmifolia extract (p<0.05) increased. Duncan’s multiple range test also showed an increase in anti-stress oxidation as the concentration of C. burmannii extract (p<0.05) increased.

Conclusion:

The E225 group showed the most potential as a safe, antihyperlipidemic agent characterized by improvement in lipid profile and antioxidant balance.

Antidyslipidemic and Antioxidant Activities of Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Shultz. in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

AIMS

The study aimed to evaluate the antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of Matricaria pubescens.

BACKGROUND

Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Shultz belongs to Asteraceae family and it is commonly used traditionally for handling diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the antioxidant activity of Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Shultz and its effect on lipid and lipoprotein profile in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

The effect of repeated (7 days of treatment) oral administration of the aqueous extracts of aerial part of Matricaria pubescens (MPAE) at a dose of 40 mg/kg on lipid and lipoprotein profile was examined in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, a preliminary phytochemical screening and the quantification of phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents as well as the antioxidant activity using two methods (FRAP and ABTS) were carried out.

RESULTS

MPAE demonstrated a potent antidyslipidemic effect in diabetic rats by reducing serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL). In addition, the results showed that the extract is rich in several phytochemical compounds and revealed an important antioxidant activity.

CONCLUSION

In summary, this study proved that Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Shultz. has a favorable effect on diabetic dyslipidemia.

Cinnamomum burmannii (Nees & T. Nees) Blume and Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr. extract combination ameliorate lipid profile and heart oxidative stress in hyperlipidemic mice

Background and Aim: Hyperlipidemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The use of statins has adverse side effects that result in oxidative stress disorders. The objective of this study was to investigate the antihyperlipidemic effect of a combination of Cinnamomum burmannii and Eleutherine palmifolia extract in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemia mice. Materials and Methods: Mice were divided into eight groups (n=4): Control group or healthy mice (normal), HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice without any treatment (CE0), HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice treated with 3.6 mg/kg body weight (BW) atorvastatin (atorvastatin), and HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice treated with a combination of C. burmannii and E. palmifolia in the following ratios: 300:0 (C300), 225:75 (C225), 150:150 (CE150), 75:225 (E225), and 0:300 (E300). Mice were fed a HFD for 4 months to induce hyperlipidemia. Total cholesterol, cholesterol oxidase-peroxidase aminophenazone (CHOD-PAP), triglyceride-glycerine, and fat serum were analyzed with colorimetric method. The measurement of superoxide dismutase was done with the xanthine oxidase method and malondialdehyde measurement was done with the thiobarbituric acid method. Results: Results showed an increase in antihyperlipidemic characteristics as the concentration of E. palmifolia extract (p<0.05) increased. Duncan's multiple range test also showed an increase in anti-stress oxidation as the concentration of C. burmannii extract (p<0.05) increased. Conclusion: The E225 group showed the most potential as a safe, antihyperlipidemic agent characterized by improvement in lipid profile and antioxidant balance.

Protective effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra roots extract on bone mineral density of ovariectomized rats

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effect of the methanolic extract of plant Glycyrrhiza glabra roots on bone mineral density and femoral bone strength of ovariectomized rats.

Methods: Thirty 10-month-old Wistar rats were randomly separated into three groups of ten, Control, Ovariectomy and Ovariectomy-plus-Glycyrrhiza in their drinking water. Total and proximal tibial bone mineral density was measured in all groups before ovariectomy (baseline) and after 3 and 6 months post ovariectomy. Three-point-bending of the femurs and uterine weight and histology were examined at the end of the study.

Results: No significant difference was noted in bone density percentage change of total tibia from baseline to 3 months between Control and Ovariectomy-plus-Glycyrrhiza groups (+5.31% ± 4.75 and +3.30% ± 6.31 respectively, P = non significant), and of proximal tibia accordingly (+5.58% ± 6.92 and +2.61% ± 13.62, P = non significant) demonstrating a strong osteoprotective effect. There was notable difference in percentage change of total tibia from baseline to 6 months between groups Ovariectomy and Ovariectomy-plus-Glycyrrhiza (−13.03% ± 5.11 and −0.84% ± 7.63 respectively, P < 0.005), and of proximal tibia accordingly (−27.9% ± 3.69 and −0.81% ± 14.85 respectively, P < 0.001), confirming the protective effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract in preserving bone density of the Ovariectomy-plus-Glycyrrhiza group. Three-point-bending did not reveal any statistically significant difference between Ovariectomy and Ovariectomy-plus-Glycyrrhiza groups. Uterine weights of the Ovariectomy-plus-Glycyrrhiza group ranged between the other two groups with no statistically significant difference to each.

Conclusions: Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract notably protected tibial bone mineral density loss in Ovariectomy-plus-Glycyrrhiza rats in comparison with ovariectomized rats, but did not improve biomechanical strength.

α-Amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitor effects and pancreatic response to diabetes mellitus on Wistar rats of Ephedra alata areal part decoction with immunohistochemical analyses

Ephedra alata, known as a medicinal plant in China, was used in this study as aqueous extract from aerial parts, for diabetes mellitus treatment. This study was carried out on two parts, in vitro, we tested the effect of the studied extract on the inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities, and in vivo on Wistar male rats receiving alloxan intraperitoneally at a rate of 125 mg/kg. Extract (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of body weight) was administrated for 28 days by oral gavage. Blood glucose, amylase, lipase, and lipid profile level were determined. Oxidative stress was evaluated by enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and by estimation of lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl (PC) level. Histopathological changes in pancreas were investigated under photonic microscopy using immunohistochemical procedure. Our findings showed that aqueous extract inhibited in vitro both α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities and its use in vivo at 300 mg/kg of body weight restored pancreas weight and weight gain, ameliorated significantly (p ˂ 0.05) biochemical parameters; it prevented the increase in lipid and protein oxidation and the decrease in enzymatic and non-enzymatic defense system. Histological study of treated animals showed a comparable healed regeneration of beta cells.

Hypolipidemic effects of total flavonoide extracted from the leaves of Actinidiakolomikta in rats fed a high-fat diet

OBJECTIVES

This study was to investigate the antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effect of total flavonoid extract from Actinidiakolomikta (TFAK) in hyperlipidemia induced by a high-fat diet.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: normal group, model (hyperlipidemic diet) group, hyperlipedemic diet supplemented with TFAK (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) and simvastatin (30 mg/kg) groups. The rats were administrated TFAK by oral for 28 days. Body weight, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase(CAT), glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. The atherogenic index (AI) and coronary risk index (CRI) were calculated. The activity of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase in hepatic tissue was examined. Histopathologic changes were also checked.

RESULTS

The levels of TC, TG and LDL-c were increased in model group. Compared to the model group, TFAK reduced significantly the body weight, TC, TG, LDL-c, AI, CRI and elevated the level of HDL-c. Moreover, the activity of SOD was elevated significantly, whereas the content of MDA decreased. The activity of HMG-CoA reductase was also decreased. Morphological evaluation found that rats in model group developed a severe steatosis, but the severity of liver steatosis was ameliorated in TFAK treated groups. The possible mechanism may be associated with decrease HMG-CoA reductase activity.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that TFAK exerts strong antioxidant and lipid-lowering effects, prevents hepatic fatty deposition and regulates the HMG-CoA reductase.

Anti-oxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic activity of Hemidesmus indicus in rats fed with high-fat diet

OBJECTIVE

Dietary changes play major risk roles in oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease and modulate normal metabolic function. The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorative potential of different extracts of Hemidesmus indicus to experimental high-fat diet in wistar rats, and their possible mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (n=6/group) and fed with a standard diet (control), high-fat diet (HFD), high-fat diet supplemented with different extracts and positive control for 9 weeks. High-fat diet induced changes in average body weight and oxidative stress and elevated levels of plasma lipid profile in rats.

RESULTS

Oral administration of methanolic extract of H. indicus (200 mg/kg) offered a significant dose-dependent protection against HFD-induced oxidative stress, as reflected in the levels of catalase (p<0.001 in the aorta, heart and liver), superoxide dismutase (p<0.001 in the aorta, heart and liver), and glutathione peroxidase (p<0.001 in the aorta, heart and liver). Hyperlipidemia condition assessed in terms of body weight, total cholesterol, free cholesterol, ester cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, and atherogenic index and the results showed significant differences between HFD and non-HFD fed rats (p<0.001). High-fat diet treated rats showed changes in hepatic tissue architecture such as micro and macrovascular steatosis, increased fatty infiltration, and inflammation.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that the methanolic extract of H. indicus protects against oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia and liver damage.

Blood glucose level and lipid profile of alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats treated with single and combinatorial herbal formulations

The current study sought to investigate the capacities of single and combinatorial herbal formulations of leaf extracts of Acanthus montanus, Asystasia gangetica, Emilia coccinea, and Hibiscus rosasinensis to reverse hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in alloxan-induced diabetic male rats. Phytochemical composition of the herbal extracts, fasting plasma glucose concentration (FPGC), and serum lipid profile (SLP) of the rats were measured by standard methods. The relative abundance of phytochemicals in the four experimental leaf extracts was in the following order: flavonoids > alkaloids > saponins > tannins. Hyperglycemic rats (HyGR) treated with single and combinatorial herbal formulations showed evidence of reduced FPGC compared with the untreated HyGR and were normoglycemic (FPGC < 110.0 mg/dL). Similarly, HyGR treated with single and combinatorial herbal formulations showed evidence of readjustments in their SLPs. Generally, HyGR treated with triple herbal formulations (THfs) exhibited the highest atherogenic index compared with HyGR treated with single herbal formulations (SHfs), double herbal formulations (DHfs), and quadruple herbal formulation (QHf). The display of synergy or antagonism by the composite herbal extracts in ameliorating hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia depended on the type and number of individual herbal extract used in constituting the experimental herbal formulations. Furthermore, the capacities of the herbal formulations (SHfs, DHfs, THfs, and QHf) to exert glycemic control and reverse dyslipidemia did not follow predictable patterns in the animal models.

Antidiabetic and antilipidemic effects of Manilkara zapota

Manilkara zapota is a tropical evergreen tree belonging to the Sapotaceae family; its parts are used in alternative medicine to treat coughs and colds and possess diuretic, antidiarrheal, antibiotic, antihyperglycemic, and hypocholesterolemic effects. There are no studies on metabolic profile after using the fruit, and this study aimed at evaluating the effects of the leaf and pulp of M. zapota fruit on the metabolic profile of Wistar rats. Male rats were treated for 50 days with M. zapota leaf juice or fruit juice, after which their biochemical and body composition profiles were analyzed (glycemia, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), insulin, leptin, aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, Lee Index, and body mass index). Our results indicate significantly lower levels of glycemia, insulin, leptin, cholesterol, and triglycerides and augmented levels of HDL-c in animals treated with the leaves or fruit of this plant. The percentage of weight gain also declined in animals treated with M. zapota fruit pulp. The use of the M. zapota may be helpful in the prevention of obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and their complications.

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.

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

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) is an eminent medicinal plant of India and considered as a 'white gold' or 'divya aushad' in Indian systems of medicine. In Ayurveda, Chlorophytum borivilianum belongs to the group of "Vajikaran Rasayana" corroborated to its rejuvenating, aphrodisiac, natural sex tonic properties and effective in alleviating sexual disorders. It is largely used as ethnic medicine by local healers of indigenous communities of India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A thorough bibliographic investigation was carried out by analyzing worldwide accepted scientific data base (Pub Med, SciFinder, Scopus and Web of Science), thesis, recognized books, non impact and non indexed journals.

RESULTS

Traditionally, Chlorophytum borivilianum is well known for treating male impotency in India. The multi therapeutic and nutritional importance of Chlorophytum borivilianum is attributed to the rich source of phytochemicals particularly saponins. Recently, Chlorophytum borivilianum has gained a well established domestic (Indian) and international market for being the herbal alternative of "Viagra" without any side effects. Under the trade name 'Nai Chetna', the state government of Gujarat, India, has launched a novel potency drug from Chlorophytum borivilianum. Modern pharmacological studies of Chlorophytum borivilianum have demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological activities, most importantly aphrodisiac, immunomodulatory and anticancer activities.

CONCLUSION

The increased commercial exploitation of Chlorophytum borivilianum and low productivity of this endangered plant has raised the concern over its conservation. It has been envisaged that efforts should be made to standardize, encourage and popularize the cultivation of Chlorophytum borivilianum as a commercial crop. The analysis of previous pharmacological investigations suggested lack of substantial scientific evidences in various studies and do not stand the test of critical assessment. Due to high economic value, Chlorophytum borivilianum has also encountered a problem of adulteration with closely resembling medicinally inferior species. The studies available on toxicity, safety and quality of Chlorophytum borivilianum are inadequate for providing information on commercial utilization. Thus, the present review summarizes comprehensive information on Chlorophytum borivilianum and possible scope for future research to fill the existing lacunae on its different aspects of the study.