The aqueous extract of Alstonia boonei (A. boonei) has been shown to have antidiabetic activity using chemical drug. However there is no report on its effect on sucrose-induced insulin resistance and glucose tolerance in long term consumption. The current study investigates the effects of A. boonei aqueous extract on sucrose-induced glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in rats. Animals were fed with 20% sucrose solution and 5% sucrose in drinking water during ten weeks.Those with glucose tolerance abnormality were treated with the extract (100 or 200 mg/kg) for two more weeks after stopping or without stopping the sucrose. Animals were subjected to insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance tests. Sera and homogenates of organs were used for biochemical analysis. Sucrose administration caused hyperglycemia (54.85%), glucose intolerance but failed to induce insulin resistance. Rats receiving sucrose for two more weeks showed hyperglycemia (71.39%), glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. When stopping sucrose, the extract significantly reduced blood glucose and improved sucrose tolerance. The extract significantly decreased blood glucose, prevented insulin tolerance and insulin resistance. Sucrose caused a significant increase in cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, atherogenic index, ALT, AST, creatinine, MDA levels and a decrease of GSH concentration and SOD activity. The extract significantly improved the concentrations of all these parameters. The aqueous extract of A. boonei improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity due to its hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant
Zanthoxylum macrophylla, one of the useful medicinal plants in Cameroon, was scientifically conducted to find its aqueous extract leaves effect in some fertility parameters of male rats. 24 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: Control, A, B and C group of six animals each. They received respectively 0, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of Z. macrophylla leaves on daily basis for 14 days. There were no significant changes on the body weight of treated animals. However, the weight of testis and the Daily Sperm Production respectively increased at dose of 200 mg/kg (P< 0.05 and P< 0.001) and 400 mg/kg (P< 0.01 and P< 0.001) while the weight of seminal vesicle and prostate also increased respectively at dose of 200 mg/kg (P< 0.05) and 400 mg/kg (P< 0.01) when compared to the control. The serum testosterone level significantly increased at the dose of 200 mg/kg (P< 0.01) and 400 mg/kg (P< 0.001) while the total cholesterol decreased at dose of 400 mg/kg (P< 0.05) when compared to the control. The serum protein decreased respectively at dose of 200 mg/kg (P< 0.01) and 400 mg/kg (P< 0.01) when compared to the control. The histological sections of the testis did not show any structural abnormalities in all treated animals. These results indicate that Zanthoxylum macrophylla could improve male reproductive activities.
Ceiba pentandra is a plant belonging to the family; Bombacaceae. In Cameroon it is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of arterial hypertension and a good number of other cardiovascular complications. This work is aimed at evaluating the sharp diuretic activity of the aqueous extract of Ceiba pentandra leaves in the rat. Male rats weighing between 150 and 180g were chosen to carry out this study. Five doses of (100, 150, 200, 250 and 300mg/kg) of the aqueous extract of Ceiba pentandra leaves were used. The selected animals were then distributed in to eight batches or groups of five rats each. The volume of urinary excretion, food and water intake were determined. The rats were the killed (sacrificed) 24hrs after treatment and the blood collected in heparinated tubes. The concentration of creatinine, urea, glucose, ALAT, ASAT and electrolytes (Na + , K + , Cl -) in blood and/or in the urine was evaluated with use of a spectrophotometer. Aqueous leave extract just like Furosemide and Amiloride brought in rats a significant increase (p˂ 0.05) and dependent dose of volume of urinary excretion compared to the negative control group. Meanwhile the dose of 300 mg/kg of the aqueous extract in rats brought a significant increase (p˂ 0.05) of urinary excretion in 24hrs compared to groups or batches treated with Furosemide (20.86%) and 69.50% Amiloride. This increase in urinary excretion is accompanied with a significant elimination (p˂ 0.05) of Na + and Clions while sparing K + and Ca 2+ ions. The aqueous extract equally brought a significant increase (p˂ 0.05) of the natriuretic, saluretic activities alongside the inhibition of carbonic anhydrase. Furthermore, we equally noted a significant increase (p˂ 0.05) of metabolic wastes (urea and creatinine) in the urine. The evaluation of glycemia revealed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in animals (rats) treated with the aqueous leaves extract from 33.75, 29.65 and 40.92% respectively for the doses of 200, 250 and 300mg/kg compared to the control group. The concentration in transaminase show a great decrease (P<0.05) of the concentration of ASAT from 22.46, 46.79 and 21.73%, respectively for the doses of 250, 300 mg/kg and Amiloride compared to control group. In contrast no significant change (P>0.05) in the rate of ASAT was observed in animals treated with the aqueous extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg as well as in the animals treated with Furosemide compared to the control group. The significant increase (p˂ 0.05) of urinary excretion as well as that of Na + and Clions justify the use of this plant for it diuretic property in the treatment of arterial hypertension.
Background:The entire plant of Eleusine indica is used in Cameroonian folk medicine to treat several diseases including renal problems. We investigated the preventive effects of Eleusine indica aqueous extract (EIAE) against L-NAME induced renal damages in rats. Methods: Animals were divided into a control group (0.9 % saline, 10 mL/kg, ip) and 4 experimental groups. The rats in the negative control group received L-NAME (30 mg/kg, ip). The positive group was treated with losartan (12.5 mg/kg, per os) and L-NAME while the two last groups received EIAE (100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg, per os) and L-NAME injection. After 60 days of treatment, blood pressure was measured; lipid profile, kidney and some oxidative stress parameters were evaluated. Results: Intraperitoneal injection of L-NAME induced a significant elevation in blood pressure, of total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-c, with a significant reduction of HDL-c levels as compared to the control groups. Nephrotoxicity was evidenced by significant elevation in serum levels of creatinine, urea and K + , accompanied by a significant reduction of Na + and GFR as compared to controls. Catalase, GSH and nitrites were significantly decreased in L-NAME injected group. L-NAME solution gave simultaneously with Eleusine indica prevented the rise of blood pressure, improve lipid profile, kidney function and antioxidant defenses. Conclusion: These results confirm the nephroprotective effects of Eleusine indica aqueous extract and highlight its protective properties in L-NAME-induced renal failure and its antioxidant capacities against kidney damages.
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