Cymbopogon citratus and Eucalyptus citriodora are widely used herbs/plants as a source of ethnomedicines in tropical regions of the world. In this work, we studied the anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective effects of C. citratus and E. citriodora essential oils on formol-induced edema, and acetic acid induced abdominal cramps in Wistar rats. To fully understand the chemically induced anti-inflammatory properties of these plants, we first analyzed the chemical composition of the essential oils. A total of 16 chemical constituents accounting for 93.69 % of the oil, were identified in C. citratus among which, Geranial (27.04 %), neral (19.93 %) and myrcene (27.04 %) were the major constituents. For E. citriodora, 19 compounds representing 97.2 % of the extracted oil were identified. The dominant compound of E. citriodora essential oil was citronellal (83.50 %). In vivo analysis and histological assay showed that the two essential oils displayed significant dose dependent edema inhibition effect over time. They displayed strong analgesic and antipyretic properties similar to that induced by 50 mg/kg of acetylsalicylate of lysine. However, the E. citriodora essential oil was more effective than that of C. citratus. We identified significant numbers of aldehyde molecules in both essential oils mediating antioxidant activity that may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects observed on the rats. Altogether, this work demonstrates the anti-inflammatory property of C. citratus and E. citriodora suggesting their potential role as adjuvant therapeutic alternatives in dealing with inflammatory-related diseases.
In the Republic of Benin, several plants, including Zea mays Linn (Z. mays) are used for the treatment of diabetes without any scientific studies showing their effectiveness. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of Z. mays leaves’ extracts on hyperglycaemic rabbits using the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), 2 g/kg of (D) + glucose and on hepatic glucose liberation. Phytochemical screening revealed that the plant leaves contain alkaloids, tannins, mucilage flavonoids, anthocyanin, leuco-anthocyanin, coumarins, heteroside, flavonoid, triterpenoids, steroids, reducing compounds, saponins, oses and holosides. Cytotoxity tests showed that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts were free of toxicity. The extracts have shown anti-hyperglycaemic activities dependent on specific dosage and timing. The effective dose is 500 mg/kg for the aqueous extract and for the ethanolic extract. The extracts are effective as compared with glibenclamide (reference product). Moreover, the ex vivo test conducted on the liver revealed that Z. mays aqueous extract inhibits the hepatic glucose liberation and 500 mg/kg is the most effective dose. The results of this study justify the traditional usage of the plant leaves under consideration in the treatment of diabetes. Key words: Zea mays extracts, phytochemical, hyperglycaemia, hepatic glucose, toxicity, Benin.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.