Vinpocetine (VPN) is an alkaloid derivative of vincamine inhibits phosphodiesterase type 1 that increase cyclic guanosine monophosphate and cyclic adenosine monophosphate. VPN have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects with suppression release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, VPN mitigates oxidative stress (OS) and inflammatory reactions through inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Therefore, VPN may decrease hyper-inflammation-induced acute lung injury in COVID-19 through modulation of NF-κB pathway. Taken together, VPN has pulmonary and extra-pulmonary protective effects against COVID-19 through mitigation of OS and hyperinflammation. In conclusion, VPN has noteworthy anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects through inhibition of NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway so, it may reduce SARS-CoV-2-induced hyper inflammatory and OS.
Background
Antidiabetic activity of aqueous root extract of Strophanthus hispidus (SHP) was evaluated based on its folklore used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the in-vitro and in-vivo antidiabetic potential of the aqueous root extract of SHP.
Methods
SHP (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg p.o.), glibenclamide (5 mg/kg p.o.), normal saline (10 mL/kg; diabetic control) and distilled water (10 mL/kg; normal control) were administered once daily for 28 days, with the measurement of fasting blood glucose level at 7 days interval. Blood samples were collected on day 28 for serum biochemical (albumin, total protein [TP], creatinine, alanine transaminase [ALT], aspartate transaminase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], triglycerides [TG], total cholesterol [TC], high-density lipoprotein [HDL], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], bilirubin and urea) and hematological assays. The in-vitro antidiabetic activity was investigated using α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes inhibitory assays.
Results
SHP produced a day-dependent reduction in glucose level. Peak reduction (82.94 %; p < 0.05) was produced at the dose of 100 mg/kg. SHP significantly (p < 0.05) increased the level of HDL and TP but significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the levels of TG, LDL, TC, AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin, creatinine and urea compared with diabetic control rats. Furthermore, SHP significantly (p < 0.05) increased the level of catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione compared to diabetic control rats. SHP significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes compared with acarbose.
Conclusion
The findings in this study showed that SHP possesses beneficial antidiabetic activity.
The leaves and roots of Euadenia trifoliolata are used in Nigeria traditional medicine for the treatment of ear ache, head ache and inflammation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antinociceptive activity of ethanolic extract of the leaves (EL) and roots (ER) of E. trifoliolata in mice. Oral toxicity testing was performed using OECD guidelines. Antinociceptive effect was studied in mice using acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, tail immersion and hot plate tests. Total polyphenolic contents were determined using standard methods. No mortality was recorded 24 h after oral administration of both EL and ER up to 5000 mg/kg. At the dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, administration of EL and ER resulted in significant reduction in the number of writhes compared to control. The percentage inhibition of writhings was calculated as 35.67%, 46.71% and 67.94% (EL) and 55.41%, 57.32% and 72.61% (ER), respectively. In hot plate test, EL and ER showed statistically significant antinociceptive effect, although low percentage inhibition (<50%) was recorded for ER at all the doses tested. Only EL (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.001) increased the reaction time in tail immersion test. Both extracts significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the licking time in both phases of formalin test compared to control. The content of total phenolic, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin varies between the two extracts and may be the basis of the observed antinociceptive effect. The results indicate antinociceptive activity for the leaves and roots of E. trifoliolata, with the extract of the leaves showing better activity.
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