BackgroundThis study was undertaken to provide pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of Viola odorata Linn. in hypertension and dyslipidemia using the in vivo and in vitro assays.ResultsViola odorata leaves extract (Vo.Cr), which tested positive for alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenolics, coumarins and flavonoids, caused a dose-dependent (0.1-1.0 mg/kg) decrease in mean arterial blood pressure in anaesthetized rats. In isolated guinea-pig atria, Vo.Cr equally inhibited force and rate of spontaneous atrial contractions. On the baseline of rat thoracic aortae (endothelium-intact and denuded), the plant extract caused phentolamine-sensitive vasoconstriction. When tested on phenylephrine (PE, 1 μM) and K+ (80 mM)-induced vasoconstriction, Vo.Cr caused a concentration-dependent relaxation and also caused a rightward shift of Ca++ concentration-response curves as well as suppression of PE (1 μM) control peaks in Ca++-free medium, similar to that caused by verapamil. In the presence of L-NAME, the relaxation curve of Vo.Cr was partially inhibited showing involvement of Nitric oxide (NO) mediated pathway. In Tyloxapol-induced dyslipidemia, Vo.Cr caused reduction in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In high-fat diet-induced dyslipidemia model, the plant extract caused a significant decrease in total cholesterol, LDL-C, atherogenic index and prevented the increase in average body weights, while it increased HDL-C.ConclusionsThese data indicate that the vasodilator effect of the plant extract is mediated through multiple pathways like inhibition of Ca++ influx via membranous Ca++ channels, its release from intracellular stores and NO-mediated pathways, which possibly explain the fall in BP. The plant also showed reduction in body weight and antidyslipidemic effect which may be due to the inhibition of synthesis and absorption of lipids and antioxidant activities. Thus, this study provides a pharmacologic rationale to the medicinal use of Viola odorata in hypertension and dyslipidemia.
The objective of this study was to investigate the possible mode(s) of action for the medicinal use of Orchis mascula (OM) (family Orchidaceae) in hypertension and dyslipidemia. In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), OM significantly (Po0.05) reduced systolic blood pressure to 174.2±9.63 vs. 203.4±7.13 mm Hg (mean±s.e.m.; n¼7-10) and improved endothelial dysfunction by increasing acetylcholine-induced relaxation. In normotensive anesthetized rats, the crude extract of OM (Om.Cr) at 10 and 30 mg kg À1 caused a dose-dependent attenuation of mean arterial pressure. OM also decreased serum triglycerides to 29.28 ± 6.99 vs. 93.84 ± 5.7 mg per 100 ml (Po0.001), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol to 5.99 ± 1.27 vs. 21.9 ± 3.5 mg per 100 ml (Po0.05) and atherogenic index to 0.096±0.017 vs. 0.36±0.08 mg per 100 ml (Po0.05). OM significantly reduced lipid levels in tyloxapol and high fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia. In a second model, OM also reduced gain in body weight with a reduction in daily diet consumption. In isolated rabbit aorta, Om.Cr caused concentration-dependent relaxation of both phenylephrine and high K + (80 mM)-induced contractions and a rightward shift of the calcium concentration-response curves similar to the effect seen with verapamil. In conclusion, OM shows antihypertensive and endothelial-modulating effects mediated through multiple pathways that include direct vasodilation by calcium channel blockade and reduction of plasma lipids by inhibition of biosynthesis, absorption and secretion. This study rationalizes the medicinal use of OM in hypertension and dyslipidemia. However, further studies are required to identify the active constituents of this plant.
Background: Sub-optimal HDL is a prognostic marker of cardiovascular disease. South Asia has a high prevalence of sub-optimal HDL compared to other parts of the world. Intermittent fasting (IF) is a type of energy restriction which may improve serum HDL and other lipids thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of IF on lipid profile and HDL-cholesterol in a sample of South Asian adults.Methods: A 6-week quasi-experimental (non-randomized) clinical trial was conducted on participants with low HDL (< 40 mg/dl for men and < 50 mg/dl for women). Participants of the control group were recommended not to change their diet. The intervention group was recommended to fast for ~12 h during day time, three times per week for 6 weeks. Pulse rate, blood pressure, body weight, waist circumference, serum lipid profile, and blood glucose levels were measured at baseline and after 6 weeks.Result: A total of 40 participants were enrolled in the study (N = 20 in each group), while 35 (20 control and 15 intervention) completed the trial and were included in data analysis of the study. Body measurements, including body weight, BMI and waist circumference, showed significant interaction effects (p's < 0.001), indicating that there were larger reductions in the IF group than in the control group. Significant interaction effects were also observed for total (p = 0.033), HDL (p = 0.0001), and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.010) with larger improvements in the IF group.Conclusion: This study suggests that intermittent fasting may protect cardiovascular health by improving the lipid profile and raising the sub-optimal HDL. Intermittent fasting may be adopted as a lifestyle intervention for the prevention, management and treatment of cardiovascular disorders.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03805776, registered on January 16, 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03805776
We have reported the antidyslipidemic, antihypertensive, and Ca++ channel blocking activities of Viola odorata (VO) and Wrightia tinctoria (WT). This study extends our understanding of their therapeutic potential by exploring the effects on biomarkers of hepatic and vascular dysfunction together with phytochemical standardization and antioxidant potential. Total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids content, and proanthocyanins of the methanolic extracts were identified using HPLC. Antioxidant capacity was measured using the in vitro assays. Two studies of 6‐week duration were conducted on a high‐fat diet rat model to test the leaves and seed extracts of VO and WT (300 and 600 mg/kg) for their effect on biomarkers for hepatic and vascular dysfunction. The HPLC analysis showed high contents of total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids content, and proanthocyanins along with distinctive phenolic composition. Both extracts exhibited significant antioxidant potential in 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid), fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays, comparable with synthetic standard antioxidants. The in vivo studies indicated a significant reduction in the high‐fat‐diet‐induced rise in serum uric acid, phosphorus, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma‐glutamyl transferase. This study indicates the potential of VO and WT to protect from vascular and hepatic damage and an antioxidant effect, thus making these herbs strong candidates for managing cardiometabolic disorders.
This study was aimed to offer a possible pharmacological basis regarding the remedial utilization of Wrightia tinctoria in hypertension and dyslipidemia in certain South Asian traditional systems of medicine, using in vivo and in vitro assays. The aqueous methanolic extract of W. tinctoria seeds (Wt.Cr) caused a dose-dependent (1-10 mg/kg) decrease in arterial pressure in anesthetized rats. In the right atria of isolated guinea pigs, Wt.Cr equally inhibited force and rate of spontaneous atrial contractions. When tested on phenylephrine-, high K(+)-, and low K(+)-induced vasoconstrictions in isolated rat aorta, Wt.Cr produced a concentration-dependent vasorelaxation, the most potent being against low K(+)-induced contraction. It also created a rightward shift in the Ca(++) concentration-response curves and suppressed phenylephrine control peaks in a Ca(++)-free environment. In the rat model of tyloxapol-induced dyslipidemia, Wt.Cr produced a decline in the serum levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides. In high fat diet-induced dyslipidemia, it decreased serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, improved high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and prevented the increase in average body weights by causing a decrease in diet consumption. These data suggest that Wt.Cr(++) lowers blood pressure through a combination of K(+)-channel opening and Ca(++)-channel blocking effects along with antidyslipidemic and weight-reducing properties.
Risk factors for iron deficiency anemia among the adult population of the Quetta valley have been investigated. Anemic adult patients, both males and females, who were admitted in the Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta, were invited to participate in this study. After detailed history and examination, preliminary blood tests including full blood counts, platelets count, retics count, absolute blood values and blood film examination were done. A clinical diagnosis was made based upon the findings of history, examination and blood tests. In patients suspected to have iron deficiency anemia, serum iron studies (i.e. serum iron, Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and serum ferritin) were done to confirm the diagnosis. Among the selected anemic patients, 60% were iron deficiency anemic, while 40% were non-iron deficiency anemic. Iron deficiency anemia was more common among females than males, as 70% patients were female and 30% were male. The risk factors were found to be pregnancy (40%), nutritional inadequacy (17%), menorrhagia (9%), hemorrhoids (9%), hook worms (8%), hematuria (2%) and blood loss due to various gastro-intestinal pathologies (15%)
Abstract Objective: To compare the effect of Pakistani and American almonds on serum concentration of liver enzymes in coronary artery disease patients. Methods: The randomised controlled trial was conducted at the Cardiology Clinics of Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from February to July, 2012, and comprised patients who were randomised into intervention PA and AA groups and the control NI groups. Subjects in the intervention groups were provided Pakistani and American varieties of almonds 10g/day respectively with instructions to soak them overnight, remove the skin and eat them before breakfast for 12 weeks. The control group underwent no intervention. Serum concentrations of aspartate transaminase, Alanine transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transferase were analysed and compared. Results: Of the 150 subjects, 110(73.3%) completed the study. Of them, there were 38(34.5%) in PA group, 41(37.3%) in AA, and 31(28.2%) in the NI group. Dietary almonds significantly reduced serum concentrations of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transferase in the two intervention groups compared to the controls group (p<0.05) at 12-week follow-up. Conclusion: A low dose of almonds was found to be an effective strategy to protect the liver. Key Words: Low dose, Soaked almonds, Transaminases, Transpeptidase, SGOT/SGPT.
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