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Incorporating the phytosomal form of silymarin in liposomal carrier system increased the oral bioavailability and showed better hepatoprotection and better anti-inflammatory effects compared with silymarin suspension.

Potu BK, Rao MS, Kutty NG, Bhat KMR, Chamallamudi MR, Nayak SR. Petroleum ether extract of Cissus quadrangularis (LINN) stimulates the growth of fetal bone during the intra-uterine developmental period: a morphometric analysis. Clinics. 2008;63:815-20. OBJECTIVE:The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect Cissus quadrangularis plant petroleum ether extract on the development of long bones during the intra-uterine developmental stage in rats. METHODS: Pregnant rats (n=12) were randomly assigned into either a control group (n=6) or a Cissus quadrangularis treatment (n=6) group. Pregnant rats in the Cissus quadrangularis group were treated with Cissus quadrangularis petroleum ether extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight from gestation day 9 until delivery. The animals in the control group received an equal volume of saline. Newborn pups were collected from both groups for alizarin red S -alcian blue staining to differentiate ossified and unossified cartilage. The ossified cartilage (bone) was morphometrically analyzed using Scion image software. RESULTS: Morphometric analysis revealed that the percentage of the total length of ossified cartilage (bone) in pups born to treated dams was significantly higher (P<0.001-0.0001) than that of the control group. CONCLUSION:The results of the present study suggest that maternal administration of Cissus quadrangularis petroleum ether extract during pregnancy can stimulate the development of fetal bone growth during the intra-uterine developmental period. KEYWORDS:Estrogens; Phytoestrogens; Ossification; Alizarin red-Alcian blue. INTRODUCTIONThere is increasing evidence that the intra-uterine environment influences the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis later in life. 1 This is thought to occur through fetal programming, which refers to the ability of changes in environmental factors (e.g., nutrition, stress, and exposure to toxins) at critical periods during development to permanently alter the structure, physiology, or metabolism of the body. 1 Exposure to ethanol in utero has a number of effects on the developing skeleton, while these effects do not appear to normalize after birth. 2 Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) is a weed plant that is used commonly in India and Sri Lanka to hasten the fracture healing process. [3][4][5] Leaf, stem, and root extracts from this plant are used in the management of various ailments. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Phytochemical analysis of Cissus quadrangularis revealed a high content of ascorbic acid, carotene, phytosterol substances, and calcium, 15 and there are reports of the presence of β-sitosterol, δ -amyrin, and δ-amyrone. 16 All of these components have potentially different metabolic and physiological effects. [17][18][19] [25][26] This evidence implicates a direct effect of estrogen on the skeleton and alternatively on bone tissue turnover. Although several excellent reviews have documented the beneficial effects of phytoestrogens on humans and laboratory ani...

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