Cardioprotective effect of Justicia gendarussa on doxorubicin induced toxicity in mice

Justicia gendarussa Burm.f, belonging to the family Acanthaceae, is widely used for various ailments traditionally. Antioxidant, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticancerous, properties of the plant have been widely reported. The present study analyzed the cardioprotective effect of J. gendarussa on doxorubicin (DOX) induced toxicity in mice. Ethanolic extract of J. gendarussa was administered orally for 7 consecutive days. The alterations in oxido-reduction status, biochemical and histopathological parameters were analyzed in heart tissue. DOX increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities to 3.4 ± 0.5 and 3.68 ± 1 from their normal values 2.43 ± 0.8 and 2.72 ± 0.88, respectively. The increased activities of both the enzymes were found reduced to 3.12 ± 0.24 and 3.41 ± 0.65 by the treatment of the extract. Similarly, DOX elevated glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity to 44.6 ± 3.71 from the normal level 32.33 ± 3.41. DOX decreased the glutathione (GSH) level to 15.66 ± 2.51 from the normal values 31.66 ± 4.05. Upon treatment, GPx activity and GHS level found restored. The increased lipid peroxidation 2.53 ± 0.25 of DOX was also decreased to 2.0 ± 0.34 by the extract. Histopathology observations substantiate the protective effect of J. gendarussa extract. In conclusion, DOX-induced disturbance of oxido-reduction status and histopathology of heart attenuated closer to the normal indicating the protective effect of J. gendarussa against DOX-induced toxicity in cardiomyocytes.

Desmodium gyrans dc modulates lipid trafficking in cultured macrophages and improves functional high-density lipoprotein in male wistar rats

OBJECTIVE:

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol-mediated atherosclerotic plaque regression has gained wide therapeutic attention. The whole plant methanolic extract of the medicinal plant Desmodium gyrans Methanolic Extract (DGM) has shown to mitigate hyperlipidemia in high fat- and-cholesterol fed rats and rabbits with significant HDL enhancing property. The study aimed to assess the functionality and mechanistic basis of HDL promoting effect of DGM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Macrophage cholesterol efflux and foam cell formation assays were performed in THP-1 macrophages. Male Wistar rats were given DGM extract over 1 month and assessed the serum HDL, Apolipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1), and paraoxonase activity. Quantitative Polymerase chain reaction was carried out to assess the expression level of Apo-A1, SR-B1 (Scavenger receptor B1), and Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) on cDNA of HepG2 cells exposed to DGM.

RESULTS:

Pretreatment of DGM inhibited uptake of oxidized lipids and enhanced the lipid efflux by THP-1-derived macrophages. Oral administration of DGM (100 and 250 mg/kg) progressively enhanced the serum HDL, Apo-A1 level, and associated paraoxonase activity in normal male Wistar rats. In support to this, DGM exposed HepG2 cells documented dose-dependent increase in the expression of SR-B1 and Apo-A1 mRNA, while reduced the CETP expression.

CONCLUSION:

Overall the results indicated that DGM modulates lipid trafficking and possesses functional HDL enhancing potential through increased Apo-A1 levels and paraoxonase activity. Further, reduced CETP expression and increased expression of SR-B1 suggest the reverse cholesterol transport promoting role of DGM.

Partially Purified Aqueous Fraction of Desmodium gyrans DC Improves Reverse Cholesterol Transport and Lipoprotein Metabolism in Wistar Rats Fed with High Fat Diet

Apart from the conventional hypolipidemic therapy, plaque regression through enhanced reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) has emerged as novel approach in atherosclerotic drug development. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) mimetics as well as agents that augment the functional HDL and RCT pathways are under intense exploration. Desmodium gyrans (Fabacea) has been shown to have hypolipidemic efficacy, with an HDL-enhancing property. In this study, a chromatographically purified active fraction of D. gyrans (DGMAF) significantly decreased the serum and lipid profiles as well as lipotoxicity in liver in Wistar rats fed with high-fat diet (HFD). Except for the marginal deposition of liver lipids, all other organs showed no weight gain due to lipid accumulation. A lower level of lipid peroxidation and a reduced atherogenic index suggests the hypolipidemic efficacy of DGMAF, which was comparatively higher than clinically used atorvastatin. Furthermore, the DGMAF-treated animals had enhanced levels of HDL, associated ApoA-1, and paraoxonase activity. The mRNA levels of ApoA-1 and SR-B1 were upregulated, and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) was downregulated. Overall, the results of this study indicate that D. gyrans augments the RCT pathway and improves the lipid metabolism in rats fed an HFD.

Kingiodendron pinnatum, a pharmacologically effective alternative for Saraca asoca in an Ayurvedic preparation, Asokarishta

Saraca asoca (Fabaceae) is a prime ingredient in Asokarishta, a well-known Ayurvedic preparation for gynecological ailments. Due to scarcity, adulteration or substitution of related raw drugs is a common practice in its preparation. The bark of Kingiodendron pinnatum (Roxb. ex DC.) Harms, morphologically similar to S. asoca (Asoka) is a widely used substitute. The present study aimed to evaluate the pharmacological effectiveness of K. pinnatum as an alternative for S. asoca in Asokarishta by determining the inhibitory effect of estrogen induced uterus endometrial thickening in immature female rats. Arishta was prepared using S. asoca and with the substitute, K. pinnatum as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia. Uterus endometrial thickening was induced by the administration of estradiol (20 μg/kg b. wt, i.p) to 8-day-old rats for 5 alternate days. On day 16, following estradiol administration, the serum estrogen level was found elevated to 156.5 ± 8 pg/ml from the normal value 32.4 ± 5 pg/ml and consequently increased the thickness of uterus endometrium from 16.7 ± 1.4 to 75.2 ± 15.3 μm. Upon oral administration of 400 μl/kg b. wt Asokarishta (ASA) and Arishta made with K. pinnatum (AKP), the thickening was reduced to 42.5 ± 12.7 and 47.1 ± 10.5 μm and the estrogen level diminished to 102.6 ± 10 and 97.3 ± 8 pg/ml, respectively. Arishta also reduced the chronic/acute inflammations in mice and improved the antioxidant status of rats. No toxic symptom was observed in the animals by the treatment of Arishta. The study supports the use of K. pinnatum as an alternative to S. asoca in Asokarishta and gives a scientific validation for Asokarishta in gynecological ailments.

Radical scavenging and gastroprotective activity of methanolic extract of Gmelina arborea stem bark

BACKGROUND

Gmelina arborea (GA) is widely used in traditional medicine for treating a number of ailments including gastrointestinal tract disorders.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the gastroprotective effect of GA stem bark against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All animals were fasted for 36 h and received GA extract 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight (bw), 1 h before the administration of ethanol. The animals received ranitidine 50 mg/kg bw which served as the standard. The rats were sacrificed after 4 h. Then, the injuries to the gastric mucosa were estimated through gross evaluation of ulcer lesions and histology. The antioxidant parameters such as level of lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in gastric tissue were also determined.

RESULTS

GA treatment at a dose of 500 mg/kg bw offered 91.98% inhibition of ulcer formation, which is higher than that of ranitidine. The ethanol treatment extensively increased lipid peroxidation and it was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced in GA-treated group that eventually helped to prevent free radical accumulation. The GA enhanced the gastric mucosal antioxidant system, as indicated by a dose-dependent increase in the level/activities of GSH, GPx, and SOD. GA also attenuated the severity of histological signs of cell damage. Further, GA extract showed in-vitro 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity with IC50 value of 124.39 μg/ml.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that the gastroprotective effect of GA is probably related to its antioxidant activities that protect gastric mucosa against oxidative damage and antilipid peroxidative activity that maintain membrane integrity.

Effect of Saraca asoca (Asoka) on estradiol-induced keratinizing metaplasia in rat uterus

BACKGROUND

Estrogen-mediated uterus endometrium instability is considered as one of the etiological factors in dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) and uterine cancer. Saraca asoca (Family: Fabaceae) and its fermented preparation, Asokarishta, are extensively used as uterine tonic to treat gynecological disorders in Ayurveda. The present study evaluated the effect of S. asoca (Asoka) on estrogen-induced endometrial thickening of rat uterus.

METHODS

Endometrial thickening was induced by intraperitoneal injection of estradiol (20 μg/kg b.wt) to 8-day-old immature rats for alternate 5 days. Methanolic extract (200 mg/kg b. wt) from S. asoca bark was given orally along with estradiol. Uterus endometrial thickening was analyzed histopathologically and serum estrogen level by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Cyclooxygenase (COX-2) expression in rat uterus was also estimated by Western blot. Anti-inflammatory activity of the extract was analyzed by formalin- and carrageenan-elicited paw edema models in mouse.

RESULTS

Uterus endometrium proliferation and keratinized metaplasia with seven to eight stratified epithelial layers on day 16 was observed in rats administered with estradiol. Treatment with S. asoca reduced the thickening to two to four layers and the serum estrogen level diminished significantly to 82.9±12.87 pg/mL compared to rats administered with estrogen alone (111.2±10.68 pg/mL). A reduction of formalin- and carrageenan-induced paw edema in mouse by S. asoca extract was observed. Lower level of lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced COX-2 enzyme in rat uterus by the extract further confirms its anti-inflammatory activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Present study reveals the antiproliferative and antikeratinizing effects of S. asoca in uterus endometrium possibly through its anti-estrogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cyperus rotundus L. prevents non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastric mucosal damage by inhibiting oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Since centuries, Cyperus rotundus L. has been used against gastric ailments in traditional Indian medicine, especially in Ayurveda and Siddha. Therefore, it is very obvious that this plant will have a greater potential to treat gastric ulcers. For this reason, in this study, we mainly focused on the ulcer-preventive role of C. rotundus in rats treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

METHODS

Seventy percent methanolic extract of the plant was prepared and fed to 36-h fasted rats. Ulcer was induced in these rats by single oral administration of aspirin (400 mg/kg) 1 h after the administration of the plant extract. After 4 h, the rats were sacrificed, ulcer index was calculated, and antioxidant activity of the extract in gastric mucosa was evaluated by determining the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and tissue lipid peroxidation.

RESULTS

Oral administration of different doses of C. rotundus rhizome methanolic extract (CME; 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) significantly inhibited aspirin-induced gastric ulceration in animals in a dose-dependent manner (49.32% and 53.15%, respectively), which was also comparable with the standard gastric ulcer drug ranitidine. Administration of CME also significantly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, cellular glutathione and glutathione peroxidase, and inhibited the lipid peroxidation in the gastric mucosa of ulcerated animals in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that C. rotundus extract has the capacity to significantly inhibit aspirin-induced gastric ulcers through an antioxidant defense mechanism. This study warrants further examination of this plant for its gastroprotective activities.

Antitumor activities of an anthraquinone fraction isolated from in vitro cultures of Ophiorrhiza rugosa var decumbens

The biological effects of the anthraquinone fraction (AQf) isolated from in vitro cultures of Ophiorrhiza rugosa Wall. var decumbens (Rubiaceae) were evaluated. AQf showed differential activity on reactive oxygen species; it mediated the generation of superoxide radical and inhibited hydroxyl radical and lipid peroxidation. No considerable nitric oxide scavenging activity was observed for AQf. The AQf induced 50% cytotoxicity in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and Dalton's lymphoma ascites at concentrations of 130 and 60 µg/mL, respectively. It effectively reduced the inflammation induced by carrageenan in mice. An AQf concentration of 200 mg/kg body weight reduced solid tumor progression in mice. It also prolonged the life span of ascites tumor-bearing mice compared with control mice.

Micropropagation of Ophiorrhiza eriantha Wight. through Leaf Explant Cultures

Leaf explants of Ophiorrhiza eriantha cultured in MS supplemented with the combination of NAA 4 mg/l  and BA 0.5 mg/l induced higher callus growth. The maximum number of shoots were produced from callus on the MS supplemented with BA 5 mg/l. The regenerated shoots were transferred into the auxin containing medium for rooting and IBA 3 mg/l supplemented medium produced maximum number of roots per shoot. Camptothecin (anticancer drug) was isolated from O. eriantha wild grown plant and in vitro regenerated plants, and was confirmed by LC-MS-MS. The camptothecin content in wild grown plant, callus and regenerated plants were quantified by HPLC system. Key words: Camptothecin, Leaf explants, Ophiorrhiza eriantha, Micropropagation                      D.O.I. 10.3329/ptcb.v20i1.5960 Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 20(1): 13-20, 2010 (June)

Antioxidant effects of ethyl acetate extract of Desmodium gangeticum root on myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury in rat hearts

BACKGROUND

This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the ethyl acetate extract of Desmodium gangeticum root for cardioprotection from ischemia reperfusion-induced oxidative stress.

METHODS

The in vitro antioxidant potential of the extract was in terms of hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, lipid peroxide scavenging activity, nitric oxide scavenging activity and diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity. The in vivo antioxidant potential of the extract was assessed in an isolated rat heart model.

RESULTS

Free radicals were scavenged by the extract in a concentration-dependent manner within the range of the given concentrations in all models. Administration of the ethyl acetate extract of Desmodium gangeticum root (100 mg per kg body weight) before global ischemia caused a significant improvement of cardiac function and a decrease in the release of lactate dehydrogenase in coronary effluent, as well as the level of malondialdehyde in myocardial tissues.

CONCLUSION

The ethyl acetate extract of Desmodium gangeticum root protects the myocardium against ischemia-reperfusion-induced damage in rats. The effects of the extract may be related to the inhibition of lipid peroxidation.

Cytotoxic effects of crystal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis against breast cancer cells

Abstract #3077

Insecticidal crystal proteins (ICPs) produced by the Gram-positive bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis during sporulation, are widely used as bioinsecticides against lepidopteran larvae. The pro-protein, upon ingestion by larvae, is processed to an active form by proteases in midgut and binds to a specific receptor on the membrane surface of epithelial gut cells. This leads to permeable pore formation in the membrane surface and finally the death of the insects. The genes for crystal protein appear to reside on plasmids and shows high degree of diversity. Recent studies have shown that these potent toxins also exhibit selective cytotoxic activity against human breast cancer cells. In the present study, the cytotoxic effect of proteins extracted from three native strains of Bacillus thuringiensis from the Western Ghats of Kerala (India) was investigated. Crysal protein was harvested from 72h old cultures in sporulating medium, after confirming lysis of cells and release of crystal protein. The proteins were isolated and characterized through various chromatographic and electrophoretic procedures. The pro-protein isolated was activated and subjected in vitro cytotoxicity assay on various normal as well as breast cancer cell lines including MCF-7,MDA-MB-231, ZR-75 and SKBR3. The protein was found to have strong cytocidal activities against tumour cells and treated cells showed remarkable morphological alterations including cytoplasmic blebbing, cytoskeletal alterations etc. Considering these results, we suggest that the receptor mediated action of crystal proteins against tumour cells may have a new target in the therapeutic as well as diagnostic field of cancer therapy.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 3077.

Comparative phytochemical and biological analysis to detect the genuineness of substitutes of the plant Moovila in drug preparations

Pseudarthria viscida is the preferred source of the raw drug Salaparni in Ayurvedic system of medicine, especially in the preparation of Dasamoolarishtam. Due to its scarcity, other trifoliate leguminous plants, particularly the species of Desmodium and Uraria are used as substitutes. The phytochemical and biological properties of these plants were analyzed to sort out the genuineness of the substitutes. Qualitative as well as quantitative chemical profiles obtained for P. viscida showed similarity to U. rufescens. In vitro antioxidant and in vivo gastroprotective assays carried out to determine the biological properties of the extracts revealed that the acetone extract of P. viscida inhibited the formation of hydroxyl, superoxide, nitric oxide radicals, and lipid peroxidation. The oral administration of P. viscida extract significantly reduced ethanol-induced gastric ulceration in mice. Even though more or less the same chemical profile was obtained for P. viscida and U. rufescens, only P. viscida exhibited significant biological properties.

Apoptosis induction of Centella asiatica on human breast cancer cells

The present study evaluated the ability of methanolic extract of Centella asiatica (Linn) Urban (Umbelliferae) to induce apoptosis in different cancer cell lines. MCF-7 cells emerged as the most sensitive cell line for in vitro growth inhibitory activity. C. asiatica extract induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells as indicated by nuclear condensation, increased annexin staining, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and induction of DNA breaks identified by TUNEL reactivity. It is possible that the use of C. asiatica extract as a component in herbal medicines could be justifiable.

Protective effect of Cyclea peltata Lam on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the protective effect of a 70% methanolic leaf extract of Cyclea peltata Lam on cisplatin-induced renal toxicity. The concentration of creatinine, urea, sodium, and potassium in serum and levels of malonyldyaldehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), as well as gluathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were determined in kidney tissue. The marked cisplatin-induced renal damage, characterized by a significant increase in creatinine and urea levels, decreased in extract-treated group, whereas sodium and potassium levels did not change significantly. C. peltata Lam extract significantly changed the increased MDA level and decreased GSH levels found in rats treated with cisplatin alone. The reduced activities of GSH-Px, SOD, and CAT in groups treated with cisplatin alone were significantly increased by the extract. The protective effect was greater in the post-treated than in the pre-treated group of animals. The results indicate that the post-treatment of C. peltata Lam extract might effectively ameliorate the oxidative stress parameters observed in cisplatin induced renal toxicity and could be used as a natural antioxidant against cisplatin-induced oxidative stress.

The inhibition of gastric mucosal injury by Punicagranatum L. (pomegranate) methanolic extract

Administration of 70% methanolic extract of Punicagranatum fruit rind (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) shows a percentage of inhibition in 22.37, 74.21 and 21.95, 63.41 in aspirin- and ethanol-induced gastric ulceration, respectively. In treated groups of animals, the in vivo antioxidant levels such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were increased and found more or less equal to the normal values. The tissue lipid peroxidation level was found to be decreasing in treated groups of animals as compared to the control group. The histopathological examination of the stomach of the ulcerated animals shows severe erosion of gastric mucosa, sub-mucosal edema and neutrophil infiltration. All of these symptoms were found to be normal in treated groups. In general, the results of the present investigation revealed the gastroprotective activity of the extract through antioxidant mechanism.

Free radical scavenging, antitumor and anticarcinogenic activity of gossypin

Antioxidant, antitumor and anticarcinogenic activity of gossypin (3,5,8,3',4'-pentahydroxy-7-O glucosyl flavone) was carried out. The compound needed for 50% inhibition of superoxide, hydroxyl and nitric oxide radicals was 3 microg/ml, 41 microg/ml and 12 microg/ml, respectively. Gossypin also impart 50% inhibition at concentrations 37 microg/ml and 43 microg/ml, respectively for in vitro lipid peroxidation. The compound shows IC50 of 30 microM, 42.5 microM and 45.1 microM concentrations in L 929, HT 29 and K 562 cell lines in 72 hrs MTT assay. The compound shows a zone of inhibition of 8 mm in topo I and topo II inhibition assay in Saccharomyces ceriviseae mutant cultures. It reduces the tumor burden in solid tumor harboring animals (p < 0.001) and effectively inhibits the formation of new blood vessels on tumor mass. 20 mg/kg b.wt of gossypin increase the life span of ascites tumor harboring animals (100%) and (164.7%) respectively by oral and intraperitoneal administration of the drug. Gossypin reduced the incidence of papilloma formation and papilloma/mouse in DMBA/ croton oil induced skin papilloma.

In vitro antioxidant and antithrombotic activity of Hemidesmus indicus (L) R.Br

The methanolic extract of Hemidesmus indicus (L) R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae) roots was found to inhibit lipid peroxidation and scavenge hydroxyl and superoxide radicals in vitro. The amount required for 50% inhibition of lipid peroxide formation was 217.5 micro g/ml. The concentrations needed to scavenge hydroxyl and superoxide radicals were 73.5 and 287.5 micro g/ml, respectively. The intravenous administration of this extract (5mg/kg body weight) in rabbits delayed the plasma recalcification time and enhanced the release of lipoprotein lipase enzyme significantly. The extract also inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation in vitro (50-250 micro g), which was comparable to commercial heparin.

Antiatherogenic effect of Caps HT2, a herbal Ayurvedic medicine formulation

The antiatherogenic effect of a herbal formulation, Caps HT2, was evaluated as antioxidant, anticoagulant, platelet antiaggregatory, lipoprotein lipase releasing, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidaemic activity in rats. The formulation contained the methanolic extracts of selected parts of plants, Commiphora mukul, Allium sativum, Plumbago indica, Semecarpus anacardium, Hemidesmus indicus, Terminalia arjuna, Tinospora cordifolia, Withania somnifera and Ocimum sanctum. The formulation, Caps HT2 was found to scavenge superoxide and hydroxyl radicals; the IC50 required being 55.0 and 610.0 microg/ml respectively. The lipid peroxidation was found inhibited (50%) by 48.5 microg/ml of Caps HT2. The intravenous administration of the formulation (5 mg/kg) delayed the plasma recalcification time in rabbits and enhanced the release of lipoprotein lipase enzyme significantly (p < 0.001). The formulation also inhibited ADP induced platelet aggregation in vitro, which was comparable to commercial heparin. The anti-inflammatory action of the formulation was significant (p < 0.001) with acute and chronic inflammations induced by carrageenan and formalin respectively in rats. The hypolipidaemic effect of Caps HT2 was significant (p < 0.001) with the administration of the formulation, in diet-induced hyperlipidaemia of rats for a period of 30 days. Oral administration of the formulation, Caps HT2 (100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg) significantly raised HDL cholesterol levels. The atherogenic index and the reduction in body weight were significant indicating the effectiveness against hyperlipidaemia and obesity. All these results revealed the therapeutic potential of Caps HT2 against vascular intimal damage and atherogenesis leading to various types of cardiovascular problems.

Antioxidant and hypolipidaemic activity of a herbal formulation--liposem

The efficacy of Liposem, a polyherbal formulation, as an antioxidant and hypolipidaemic drug was evaluated in diet induced hyperlipidaemia in rats. The methanolic extract of Liposem was found to scavenge hydroxyl and superoxide free radicals, the IC50 required being 70.5 and 45.0 microg respectively. The lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate induced by Fe2+ ascorbate system was also found inhibited (50%) by 273.5 microg of the extract. The hypolipidaemic effect was assessed by serum lipid profile in dietary hyperlipidaemic rats and found to have decreased dose dependently in all the four different concentrations of administration (100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg body wt). Liposem significantly raised high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and the HDL/low density lipoprotein + very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL+LDL) ratio. The atherogenic index and the reduction in body weight were significant, indicating the effectiveness against hyperlipidaemia and obesity. These results reveal the therapeutic potential of Liposem against the vascular intimal damage and diet induced hyperlipidaemia leading to the various types of cardio vascular diseases.

Tumour reducing and anticarcinogenic activity of Acanthus ilicifolius in mice

Alcoholic extract of Acanthus ilicifolius (250,500 mg/kg b wt) was found to be effective against tumour progression and carcinogen induced skin papilloma formation in mice. The extract was found to be cytotoxic towards lung fibroblast (L-929) cells in 72 h MTT assay and the concentration required for 50% cell death was 18 microg/ml. Oral administration of the extract (500 mg/kg b wt) reduced the tumour volume and administration of the same concentration increased the life span by 75% in ascites tumour (EAC cells) harbouring animals. The extract also significantly delayed the onset of dimethylbenzanthrazene DMBA/Croton oil induced skin papilloma in mice in a dose dependent manner.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect of Acanthus ilicifolius

The alcoholic extract of Acanthus ilicifolius leaves inhibited the formation of oxygen derived free radicals (ODFR) in vitro with IC(50) of 550 microg/ml, 2750 microg/ml, 670 microg/ml and 600 microg/ml (Fe(2+)/ascorbate system), 980 microg/ml (Fe(3+)/ADP/ascorbate system) for superoxide radical production, hydroxyl radical generation, nitric oxide radical formation and lipid peroxide formation, respectively. The oral administration of the extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) significantly reduced CCl(4) induced hepatotoxicity in rats, as judged from the serum and tissue activity of marker enzymes [glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)]. These results were comparable with those obtained with curcumin (100 mg/kg, p.o.).

In vitro cytotoxic and antitumor property of Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC in mice

Methanolic extract of Emilia sonchifolia (Compositae), a folklore medicinal plant, was found to be cytotoxic to Daltons lymphoma (DL), Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and mouse lung fibroblast (L-929) cells, but not toxic to normal human lymphocytes, under in vitro conditions. Oral administration of the extract (100 mg/kg, b. wt) to mice reduced the development of both solid and ascites tumors and increased the life span of these tumor bearing mice. Further, the extract inhibited DNA synthesis as judged from a reduction in tritiated thymidine incorporation into DL cells under in vitro conditions.

Cytotoxic and anti-tumour properties of certain taxa of Umbelliferae with special reference to Centella asiatica (L.) Urban

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (Umbelliferae) is commonly used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine to treat various diseases. The present study examines the anti-tumour effect of the crude extract (CE) of Centella asiatica as well as its partially purified fractions (AF) from chromatographic procedures by both in vitro short and long term chemosensitivity and in vivo tumour model test systems. AF dose dependently inhibited the proliferation of the transformed cell lines significantly more than did the CE and other solvent fractions. Fifty percent effective doses on hour 3 exposure to AF were 17 and 22 micrograms/ml for Ehrlich ascites tumour cells (EAC) and Dalton's lymphoma ascites tumour cells (DLA), respectively. However, practically no toxic effects were detected in normal human lymphocytes. AF also significiantly suppressed the multiplication of mouse lung fibroblast (L-929) cells at a concentration of 8 micrograms/ml in long term culture. Oral administration of the extracts (CE and AF) retarded the development of solid and ascites tumours and increased the life span of these tumour bearing mice. Tritiated thymidine, uridine and leucine incorporation assay suggest that the fraction acts directly on DNA synthesis.