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Background: Endurance, defined as the ability to sustain exercise, involves multiple organs and physiological processes. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate of INDUS1710, a composition of 4-hydroxyisoleucine, trigonelline, and select glycosides-based standardised fenugreek seed extracts, during treadmill running exercise (EXE) for endurance enhancement in laboratory rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of 12 rats each and orally administered vehicle (distilled water, VC), INDUS1710 (20, 30, or 60mg/kg), L-arginine (308 mg/kg), or vehicle for 28 days. All groups, except VC, underwent EXE without incline at a speed of 14m/min for 6 days, followed by a speed of 20 m/min on the 7th day for 28 days until exhaustion. The physiological, functional, and metabolic parameters; relative organ weights; glycogen content of gastrocnemius muscle; and histological parameters of the heart were recorded. Results: Subacute supplementation with EXE of INDUS1710 resulted in a dose-dependent increase in time to exhaustion and prevented EXEinduced changes in organ function (heart, lungs, kidney, and liver), metabolic processes (carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids), and skeletal muscle glycogen content without causing pathological changes in skeletal or cardiac muscles. Conclusion: INDUS1710 supplementation with EXE showed comprehensive endurance enhancement efficacy and safety in laboratory rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to investigate the glycemic index (GI) of various Indian breakfast preparations containing defatted fenugreek seed flakes (Fenuflakes™) using validated protocols in compliance with international standards. Fifteen subjects aged 18 to 45 years with a body mass index of 18.5 to 22.5 kg/m² were recruited for the study. The study assessed six breakfast preparations based on rice (cooked raw rice and idly), wheat (Semolina upma and Potato paratha), potato (potato sandwich), or oat (oat porridge), each with 10 g Fenuflakes (Test) or without Fenuflakes (Control), standardized to 50 g (25 g for oat porridge) of available carbohydrates. After overnight fasting, blood samples for each participant were collected 5 minutes before, immediately after (0 minutes) consuming the food, and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after the consumption of the assigned food breakfast preparations. Each participant consumed the reference food (55 g of glucose in 250 ml of water) for 3 days and the Test or Control food preparation for 6 days in a random order, with a wash-out period of 2 days. The GI of each food preparation was calculated from the incremental area under the curve (IAUC) of glucose in the food with the IAUC of the reference food. The GI of Fenuflakes-incorporated food preparations (Test) shifted from high to low (cooked raw rice) or medium (rice idly, Semolina upma, and potato paratha), or remained unchanged (potato sandwich and oat porridge) as that of compounding controls. In conclusion, Fenuflakes may be a useful addition to Indian breakfast preparations to lower the GI of some rice- or wheat-based Indian breakfast food preparations and lowers postprandial glycemic spikes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fenugreek seeds glycosides content have many health benefits. Objective: To evaluate the androgenic efficacy and probable mechanism of glycosides-based standardized fenugreek seed extract (SFSE-G) in laboratory rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were administrated with 28-days of once-daily oral administration of SFSE-G (10 or 35 mg/kg) on sexual and orientational behavior with female rats, serum testosterone concentrations, weights of reproductive system-related organs (seminal vesicles, prostate, levator ani), nitric oxide level in penis homogenate, sperm count in the cauda epididymis, and testis histology were evaluated. Separate groups of rats with a positive control (testosterone propionate (10 mg/kg, s.c. bi-weekly) and vehicle control (distilled water) were maintained. In addition, the safety of acute intravenous administration of SFSE-G (1 mg/kg) on cardiovascular function parameters was evaluated. Moreover, the inhibitory potential of SFSE-G against aromatase and 5-alpha-reductase enzymes was evaluated in vitro. Results: Subacute administration of SFSE-G (35 mg/kg, oral) to male rats showed androgenic efficacy in sexual behavior (increased mounting and intromission latency and rearing), with increased weights of seminal vehicles, prostate and levator ani muscles, serum testosterone levels, sperm count, and penile NO concentration, while preserving the normal architecture of the testes. Acute intravenous administration of SFSE-G to rats increased intracavernous pressure but retained normal cardiovascular parameters, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and corrected QT interval (QTc). SFSE-G showed significant inhibition of aromatase and 5-alpha-reductase in vitro. Conclusion: SFFE-G exhibited significant androgenic and spermatogenic efficacy, mediated through testosterone metabolism inhibition, without affecting the cardiovascular system in laboratory rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fenugreek seed-based ingredients showed potential health benefits towards female-specific conditions. The present work is aimed to assess the prenatal oral toxicity of fibers and protein rich defatted fenugreek seed flakes (Fenuflakes™). The acute oral toxicity and dose range-finding studies in non-pregnant and pregnant rats were conducted before the main study. The selected doses of Fenuflakes (500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg) were orally gavaged to rats daily from day 0 to day 19 (one day before the expected day of parturition) post-conception with the concurrent vehicle control (VC) group. On the 20th day of gestation, the maternal and embryo-fetal toxicity parameters were recorded after the cesarean sections of dams. Results: Fenuflakes in tested doses exposure did not show significant toxicological changes in maternal (body weights, food intake, anogenital distance, or clinical observations) and embryo-fetal evaluations (number of corpora lutea, resorptions, and implantations, or fetus weights, sex ratio or incidence of anomalies) compared with VC. Conclusion, Oral prenatal exposure to Fenuflakes was found safe with no significant maternal and embryo-fetal toxicities. The "No Observed Adverse Effect Level" (NOAEL) of Fenuflakes (> 2000 mg/kg/day) can be used for risk assessment before human consumption in pregnant female population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fenugreek seeds, a natural food chain raw material, is known to have many flavonoid glycosides. Objective: Characterization, preclinical efficacy, and safety evaluation of flavonoid glycosidebased standardized fenugreek seed extract (FEFLG). Methods: FEFLG was characterized for a group of flavonoid glycoside marker compounds by HPLC. The CD38+ enzyme inhibition efficacy was assessed in vitro. In addition, acute oral toxicity (AOT) and subchronic, 90-day repeated-dose oral toxicity (in vivo), mutagenicity (AMES test, in vitro) and chromosome aberration test (in vitro) of FEFLG were evaluated. Results: The FEFLG was found to have 49.85% of total flavonoid glycosides content in FEFLG (25.15% of Group 1: vitexin, isovitexin and vitexin 2-o-rhamnoside and 24.70% of Group 2 (vicenin derivatives, schaftoside, iso-schaftoside, orientin and iso-orientin). FEFLG showed CD38+ enzyme inhibition in vitro (IC50= 0.96 µg/ml) equivalent to the positive control, apigenin. FEFLG did not show any toxicity at an acute oral dose of more than 2000 mg/kg (median lethal dose, LD50) with a limit dose of 5000 mg/kg. The 90-day repeated-dose oral administration of FEFLG did not induce significant toxicological changes till the maximum dose of 1000 mg/kg in male and female rats, indicating no observed adverse effect level, NOAEL = 1000 mg/kg. FEFLG did not show mutagenicity (up to a concentration of 5000 µg/plate) or structural chromosomal aberrations (up to 5000 µg/ml). Conclusion: The CD38+ enzyme inhibitor efficacy in vitro, oral safety in vivo and absence of mutagenicity or genotoxicity of FEFLG indicated its potential for anti-aging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polyphenols-based standardized cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) bark extract (IND02) demonstrated efficacy against allergic rhinitis in animal models and human clinical study. Objectives: To assess the acute and subacute intranasal toxicity of the IND02 nasal solution (IND02-NS). Methods: Acute and 28-days subacute toxicity using the intranasal route of administration of IND02-NS was evaluated using Wistar rats as per Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines. For acute intranasal toxicity study, a single dose of 100 µg/rat/day was administered in five male and female rats and observed for the incidence of mortality and signs of toxicity for 14 days. For a 28-days subacute intranasal toxicity study, doses of 20, 50, and 100 µg/rat/day were administered to a group of five male and female rats. Results: The IND02-NS did not show mortality or treatment-related adverse signs during acute (limit dose of 100 µg/rat/day) and subacute intranasal (28-days repeated dose of 20, 50, and 100 µg/rat/day with 14 days of reversal period) administration. The IND02-NS showed a maximum tolerated dose greater than 100 µg/rat during the acute intranasal toxicity study. The no-observed adverse effect level of IND02-NS was 100 µg/rat/day in rats during the subacute intranasal toxicity study. Conclusion: IND02-NS was found safe at 100 µg/rat/day during acute and subacute (28 days repeated dose) for nasal administration in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and objective. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disorder that makes breathing difficult, characterized by chronic bronchitis, mucus hypersecretion, airway remodelling, and emphysema. Although caused by various factors, the leading cause is active or passive cigarette smoking (CS). The treatment available provides symptomatic relief and is associated with serious adverse effects, such as cardiovascular events and pneumonia; hence, there is an unmet need for research on drug treatment for COPD. This literature review provides an update on the various animal models of COPD that have been developed by the exposure of CS alone, or in combination with other inducing agents. Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge. The combination of SCS/MCS with LPS should be preferred to a single smoke component to induce COPD. It was observed that mouse models are extensively used, C57B1/6 and BALB/c females are more vulnerable to COPD, whereas, in rat models, male SD rats are mostly used. Guinea pigs, due to their anatomical similarity, are found to be a better model that can be used to develop COPD. Conclusions. Suitable animal models and validated apparatus are crucial for successful COPD animal model development. Conventionally authenticated research-grade cigarettes should be used for effortless distribution of a specific concentration of total suspended particles (TSP) or total particulate matter (TPM), including nicotine and carbon monoxide. There is also a need to focus on the various types of apparatus to be used for COPD induction in murine models considering optimum exposure, reliability as well as the sturdiness of the apparatus which would provide better execution of the protocol with minimum harm to the experimenter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Kundan. Ingale, Prasad. Thakurdesai, Neeraj. Vyawahare Objective: To evaluate the nephroprotective effect of methanolic extract of Hygrophila spinosa (HSME) (Acanthaceae) in (CP)-induced acute renal failure in rats. Materials and [...]

Byline: Kundan. Ingale, Prasad. Thakurdesai, Neeraj. Vyawahare Objective: Hygrophila spinosa (Acanthaceae) is traditionally used to treat urinary calculi. The present study aimed to evaluate the antiurolithiatic activity of methanolic extract [...]

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of herbal formulation rich in standardized fenugreek seed extract (IND-2) add-on therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients who were on insulin treatment in prospective, single arm, open-label, uncontrolled, multicentre trial. Methods: T2DM patients (n=30) with aged 18-80 years who were stabilized on insulin treatment with fasting blood sugar (FBS) level between 100-140 mg/dL received IND-2 capsules (700 mg, thrice a day) for 16 weeks. The primary endpoints were an assessment of FBS at week 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16. Secondary end-points include post-prandial blood sugar level, glycosylated Hb (HbA1c), reduction in the dose of insulin and number of hypoglycemic attacks, and improvement in lipid profile at various weeks. Safety and adverse events (AEs) were also assessed during the study. Results: Study was completed in twenty T2DM patients, and there was no significant reduction in FBS and post-prandial blood sugar level after addon therapy of IND-2. However, add-on therapy of IND-2 significantly reduced (P<0.01) the HbA1c values, requirements of insulin and hypoglycemic events as compared with baseline. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were significantly increased (P<0.01) after IND-2 add-on therapy. Body weight and safety outcomes did not differ significantly in IND-2 add-on therapy group at week 16. Additionally, add-on therapy of IND-2 did not produce any serious adverse events. Conclusions: The results of present investigation suggest that add-on therapy of IND-2 with insulin in T2DM patients improves glycaemic control through a decrease in levels of HbA1c and number of insulin doses needed per day without an increase in body weight and risk of hypoglycemia. Thus, IND-2 may provide a safe and well-tolerated add-on therapy option for the management of T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic, complex, and progressive illness that often needs combination therapy for better glycemic control. IDM1, an herbal formulation which is rich in standardized fenugreek seed extract. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of add-on therapy of IDM1 in T2DM patients inadequately controlled on sulfonylurea monotherapy. Materials and Methods: In this 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-centric study, T2DM patients which inadequate glycemic control with background stable dose medication of sulfonylurea was screened (n = 120). The patients were randomized 1:1 to add-on therapy of IDM1 and placebo, 700 mg three times daily for 12 weeks. Results: A total of 119 patients were randomized and included in the efficacy analysis (IDM1, n = 60; placebo, n = 59). At week 12, adjusted fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (20 mg%), postprandial plasma glucose (PPPG) (26 mg%), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (0.9 mg%) was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) from baseline as compared to placebo group (FPG: 7 mg%; PPPG: 4 mg% and HbA1c: 0.4 mg%). These beneficial effects were seen as early as 1 month after consumption of IDM1 and continued until at least 15 days after withdrawal of IDM1. Hypoglycemic events were mostly mild, and none required emergency treatment. There were no major changes in body weight, hematology, and biochemistry at week 12 as compared to baseline. Overall AEs rates were similar in both groups. Conclusions: IDM1 is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated add-on oral medication therapy that supports healthy blood sugar levels and glycosylated hemoglobin levels in T2DM patients inadequately controlled with a sulfonylurea. Abbreviation used: AEs: Adverse events; ALP: Alkaline phosphatase; ALT: Alanine transaminase; AST: Aspartate transaminase; BMI: Body mass index; BUN: Blood urea nitrogen; FPG: Fasting plasma glucose; GGT: Gamma glutamyl transferase; HbA1c: Glycated hemoglobin; HDL: High-density lipoproteins; LDH: Lactate dehydrogenase; LDL: Low-density lipoproteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic diseases are a significant health concern in developing countries. Type-A procyanidin polyphenols from cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) bark (TAPP-CZ) possesses antiasthmatic and antiallergic potential. The present study was aimed at the possible anti-allergic mechanism of TAPP-CZ against the compound 48/80 (C48/80)-induced mast cell degranulation in isolated rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs). TAPP-CZ (1, 3, 10, and 30 μg/ml) was incubated for 3 hours with isolated, purified RPMCs. The C48/80 (1 μg/ml) was used to induce mast cell degranulation. The mast cell viability was assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay whereas histamine, β-hexosaminidase (β-HEX), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels were determined in RPMCs. TAPP-CZ (3, 10, and 30 μg/ml) showed significant and dose-dependent decrease in a number of degranulated cells and levels of markers (histamine, β-HEX, and IL-4) as compared with C48/80 control. In conclusion, TAPP-CZ stabilizes mast cell and cause inhibition of the allergic markers such as histamine, IL-4, and β-HEX in IgE-mediated manner. The present study supports mast cell stabilization as a possible mechanism of action of TAPP-CZ against immune respiratory disorders such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liver fibrosis a complex process of excess collagen deposition resulted in disturbance of hepatic cellar function. Glycosides based standardized fenugreek seed extract (SFSE-G) has potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic properties. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of SFSE-G against bleomycin (BLM)-induced liver fibrosis in laboratory animals. Materials and Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats (180--220 g) were assigned to various groups, namely, normal, sham, BLM control, SFSE-G (5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, p.o.), methylprednisolone (10 mg/kg, p.o.), and sildenafil (25 mg/kg, p.o.). Liver fibrosis was induced in various groups (except normal and sham) by single intratracheal BLM (6 IU/kg) injection. Various biochemical, molecular (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) and histological parameters were evaluated. Results: Intratracheal BLM administration caused significant induction (P < 0.001) of hepatotoxicity and liver fibrosis reflected by elevated levels of serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), total as well as direct bilirubin, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Administration of SFSE-G (20 and 40 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced (P < 0.001) levels of AST, ALT, and GGT and significantly increased (P < 0.001) the level of serum albumin. BLM-induced elevated liver oxidative stress and decreased total antioxidant capacity was significantly restored (P < 0.001) by SFSE-G (20 and 40 mg/kg) treatment. It also significantly inhibited BLM-induced alteration in liver Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) mRNA expression. SFSE-G treatment reduced histopathological alteration induced by BLM in liver. Conclusion: SFSE-G exerts its hepatoprotective potential via inhibition of oxido-nitrosative stress and modulation of FXR mRNA expression thus ameliorates BLM-induced liver fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate acute oral toxicity (AOT), subchronic (90-day repeated dose) toxicity, mutagenicity, and genotoxicity potential of IDM01, the botanical composition of 4-hydroxyisoleucine- and trigonelline-based standardized fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L) seed extract in laboratory rats. Materials and Methods: The AOT and subchronic (90-day repeated dose) toxicity were evaluated using Sprague-Dawley rats as per the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines No. 423 and No. 408, respectively. During the subchronic study, the effects on body weight, food and water consumption, organ weights with hematology, clinical biochemistry, and histology were studied. The mutagenicity and genotoxicity of IDM01 were evaluated by reverse mutation assay (Ames test, OECD guideline No. 471) and chromosome aberration test (OECD guideline No. 473), respectively. Results: The IDM01 did not show mortality or treatment-related adverse signs during acute (limit dose of 2000 mg/kg) and subchronic (90-day repeated dose of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg with 28 days of recovery period) administration. The IDM01 showed oral median lethal dose (LD50) >2000 mg/kg during AOT study. The no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of IDM01 was 500 mg/kg. IDM01 did not show mutagenicity up to a concentration of 5000 µg/plate during Ames test and did not induce structural chromosomal aberrations up to 50 mg/culture. Conclusions: IDM01 was found safe during preclinical acute and subchronic (90-day repeated dose) toxicity in rats without mutagenicity or genotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Glycoside-based standardized fenugreek seed extract (SFSE-G) demonstrated promising efficacy in animal models of immuneinflammatory conditions. Aim: The present study was aimed at embryo-fetal development toxicity evaluation of SFSE-G in Wistar rats as per guideline No. 414 of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Material and Methods: Mated female rats were randomized into four groups of 30 each and received oral doses of either SFSE-G at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg or vehicle (water) during the period of gestation (postconception) from gestational day 5 (GD5, an implantation day) until 1 day before cesarean sections (GD19). Maternal food consumption, body weights, and clinical signs were monitored throughout gestation. Cesarean sections were performed on GD20 and fetal observations (gravid uterine weight, implantation sites, early and late resorptions, live and dead fetuses) were recorded. Live fetuses were weighed and examined for external, visceral, and skeletal variations and malformations. Results: None of the SFSE-G-treated groups showed maternal and embryo-fetal toxicity. Occasional and incidental skeletal and visceral malformations were observed and found to be spontaneous and unrelated to the treatment. Conclusion: Oral exposure of SFSE-G during the prenatal period did not show significant maternal and embryo-fetal toxicity up to a dose of 1000 mg/kg in rats. Therefore, the no-observed-adverse-effect level for SFSE-G for prenatal oral exposure was considered to be 1000 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Vicenin-1, a flavonol glycoside, has potent platelet aggregation inhibition, antioxidant, radioprotectants and anti-inflammatory activities. Objective: To establish a rapid, simple, precise and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for determination of vicenin-1 in rat plasma, and to investigate the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion after a single 60 mg/kg oral dose in rats. Materials and methods: Vicenin-1 was extracted by solid–liquid extraction through Tulsicon®ADS-400 (0.40–1.2 mm). Chromatographic separation was achieved by HPLC with a C18column with a mobile phase composed of water and acetonitrile (75:25 v/v) and a flow rate of 1 mL/min along with UV detection at 210 nm. Results: Good linearity of calibration curve was found between 10.5 and 100.5 μg/mL (R2 = 0.995) for plasma and tissue, whereas 2.5–500 μg/mL (R2 = 0.999) for the urine and stool samples. The extraction recoveries were 98.51–99.58% for vicenin-1 in plasma, whereas intra-day and inter-day precision were validated by relative standard deviation (%RSD), that came in the ranges of 1.16–1.79% and 1.28–1.73%, respectively. The pharmacokinetics results showedCmax(7.039 μg/mL) andTmax(2 h) after oral administration of vicenin-1. Tissue distribution study showed that the highest concentration of vicenin-1 was achieved in the liver followed by the lung. Approximately 24.2% of its administered dose was excreted via urinary excretion route. Conclusion: The first-pass metabolism, poor solubility and presence of reducing sugar moiety in vicenin-1 may decrease its bioavailability. The developed method is sensitive, specific and was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion studies of vicenin-1 in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The furostanol glycoside isolated from the seed of fenugreek (SFSE-G) has an array of pharmacological activities. To date, no validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method has been reported for quantification of SFSE-G in biological samples. Hence, the aim of the present study was to study the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion profiles of SFSE-G after oral administration in rats. A rapid, sensitive, selective, robust and reproducible HPLC method has been developed for determination of SFSE-G in the rat biological samples. The chromatographic separation was accomplished on a reversed-phase C18 column using formic acid and acetonitrile (80:20) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and 274 nm as a detection wavelength. The assay was linear for SFSE-G with the correlation coefficients (R2) >0.996. The analytes were stable during samples storage and handling, and no matrix effects were observed. After oral dosing of SFSE-G at a dose of 200 mg/kg, the elimination half-life was app. 40.10 h. It showed relatively slowly distribution and eliminated in urine and feces after 24 h, and could be detected until 108 h post-dosing. Following oral single dose (200 mg/kg), SFSE-G was detected in lung and brain which indicated that it could cross the blood–brain barrier. It is a major route of elimination is excretion through urine and feces. In conclusion, oral administration of SFSE-G showed slow distribution to tissues, such as lung and brain, but showed fast renal elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Context: Neuroprotective therapy to rescue dopaminergic neurons is an important trait in the management of Parkinson's disease (PD). Objective: The present study identified and evaluated SFSE-T, a standardized hydroalcoholic extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seeds (Fabaceae), in animal models of PD. Materials and methods: The identification of SFSE-T was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography for the marker compound trigonelline (TGN). The effects of single dose oral treatment of SFSE-T (10, 30 or 100 mg/kg) were studied using animal models of PD, namely, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced unilateral lesions in rats, and 4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced neurodegeneration in C57BL/6 mice. The effects of SFSE-T on monoamino oxidase (MAO) enzyme in vitro as well as possible side effects of SFSE-T in vivo were also evaluated. Results: The concentration of TGN in a test sample of SFSE-T was found to be 82%. SFSE-T (30 mg/kg, oral) showed a significant increase in the number of ipsilateral rotations (45.67 rotations in 30-min period) as compared with vehicle control group (no rotations) when tested in 6-OHDA-induced unilateral lesioned rats. SFSE-T (30 mg/kg, oral) showed significant reversal of motor dysfunction (spontaneous motor activity scores, speed, distance traveled and number of square crossed) caused by MPTP induced lesions in C57BL/6 mice in pretreatment (1 h) schedule but not in post-treatment (1 h) schedule. SFSE-T neither showed anticholinergic effects nor showed selective MAO-B enzyme inhibition in vitro. Discussion and conclusion: SFSE-T showed reversal of motor symptoms in an animal model of PD probably through neuroprotective properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To evalueate hepatoprotective effects Feronia elephantum (F. elephantum) correa against thioacetamide (TA) induced liver necrosis in diabetic rats. Methods: Male wistar rats were made diabetic with alloxan (160 mg/kg) on day 0 of the study. They were intoxicated with hepatotoxicant (thioacetamide, 300 mg/kg, ip) on day 9 of study to produce liver necrosis. Effects of 7 day daily once administration (day 2 to day 9) of EF (400 and 800 mg/kg, po) were evaluated on necorosis of liver in terms of mortality, liver volume, liver weight, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and serum alanine transaminase (ALT), and histopathology of liver sections (for signs of necorosis and inflammation) on day-9 of the study. Separate groups of rats with treated only with alloxan (DA control), thioacetamide (TA control) and both (TA+DA control) were maintained. Results: FE significantly lowered the mortality rate and showed improvement in liver function parameters in TA-induced diabetic rats without change in liver weight, volume and serum glucose levels. Conclusions: FE showed promising activity against TA-induced liver necorsis in diabetic rats and so might be useful for prevention of liver complications in DM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Diabetic neuropathic pain, an important microvascular complication in diabetes, is recognised as one of the most difficult types of pain to treat. The development of tolerance, inadequate relief, and potential toxicity of classical antinociceptives warrant the investigation of the newer agents to relieve this pain. Reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, increased oxidative stress, cytokines, and apoptosis are implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of methanolic extract of aerial parts of H. spinosa (HSME) on alloxan induced diabetic neuropathy in Wistar rats. Diabetic rats developed neuropathy after the third week of diabetes induction. Chronic treatment with HSME (250, 500, and 750 mg/kg body weight; p.o.) for 6 weeks starting from the 3rd week of alloxan injection showed significant increase in the pain threshold levels as compared to diabetic rats. HSME treated diabetic animals showed significant decrease in blood glucose level and increase in body weight as compared to diabetic control animals. The changes in lipid peroxidation status and antioxidant enzymes levels observed in sciatic nerve of diabetic rats were significantly restored by HSME treatment. Thus, the results suggest therapeutic potential of H. spinosa in treatment of diabetic neuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Chrysin, a flavonoid obtained from various natural sources, has been reported to act as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. However, its anti-allergic action is not fully understood. Objective: In this study, we investigated the in vivo anti-asthmatic activity of chrysin. Materials and methods: The effects of chrysin were evaluated using ovalbumin (OVA) (two subcutaneous 1 mL injections of 20 μμg) to induce bronchoalveolar hyperresponsiveness in rats. Chrysin, when administered at 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg, p.o., respectively, before OVA challenge, reduced inflammatory cell (total and differential cell count) infiltration into the lungs measured from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid as supported by lung histology. Results: The total lung injury score was reduced in a dose-dependent manner, evaluated in six different categories (infiltration of leucocytes, type of inflammatory exudates, status of bronchi, perivascular status of lung blood vessels, integrity of alveoli and activation of alveolar macrophages). Various cellular injury parameters such as alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and total protein were estimated and found to be reduced by chrysin pretreatment. Further, chrysin was found to reduce nitrite concentration (NO) and lipid peroxidation, suggesting its antioxidant activity. Discussion and conclusion: Chrysin showed anti-asthmatic potential, probably due to the alteration of Th1/Th2 polarization via the suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, nuclear factor-κκB, and activation protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushrooms are low calorie food with very little fat and are highly suitable for obese persons. With no starch and very low sugars, they are the 'delight of the diabetics'. Combination of herbal drugs (or isolated phytochemicals) is found to be beneficial in certain diseases when given along with conventional drugs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Lentinaceae) (called as PP-aqu) and its interaction with glyburide in alloxan induced diabetic mice. The diabetic mice treated were with PP-aqu (500 mg/kg, p.o.) alone or combination with glyburide (10 mg/kg, p.o.) for 28 days. Blood samples were collected by orbital sinus puncture using heparinized capillary glass tubes and were analyzed for serum glucose on 0, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days. Body weights and mortality were noted during the study period. In oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glucose (2.5 g/kg, p.o.) was administered with either vehicle, PP-aqu alone or in combination with glyburide and serum glucose level analyzed at 0, 30, 60 and 120 min after drug administration. Administration of PP-aqu (500 mg/kg) and its combination with glyburide (10 mg/kg) significantly (P50.001) decreased serum glucose level in diabetic mice. In OGTT, glyburide or PP-aqu treatment alone or their combination produced significant (P50.001) increase in glucose threshold. Thus we suggest that P. pulmonarius showed potent and synergistic antihyperglycemic effect in combination with glyburide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tribulus terrestris Linn. (Zygophyllaceae) has long been used in the traditional Chinese and Indian systems of medicine for the treatment of various ailments and is popularly claimed to improve sexual function in men. In this study, we have examined the aphrodisiac properties of the furostenol glycoside fraction of Tribulus terrestris extract (TT-FG) in male castrated rats. Adult Wister rats were castrated and divided into five groups of six animals each and treated with either vehicle, sildenafil (5 mg/kg, p.o.) or TT-FG (5, 10, and 25 mg/kg, p.o.) once daily for 14 days. Sexual behavioral and orientational activity was observed after acute (1 day) and subacute (7 and 14 days) treatment. Serum testosterone levels were also measured on day 14 by withdrawing blood from retroorbital plexus. The improvement in sexual behavior as noted by increase in mounting frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), and ejaculation latency (EL) and decrease in mounting latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), and postejaculation interval (PEI) after TT-FG treatment in castrated rats in our study implies increase in the desired component of sexuality. TT-FG was found to increase orientational activity parameters such as licking and ano-and genital grooming and decreased climbing and nongential grooming by male rats indicating increased sexual stimulation and lack of interest toward external environment after treatment with TT-FG. These results are supported by increased serum testosterone levels in male rats after 14 days of treatment by TT-FG. In conclusion, the furostenol glycoside fraction of Tribulus terrestris exhibited good aphrodisiac properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushrooms have been valued throughout the world as both food and medicine for thousands of years. In the current study, we report the hypoglycemic effects of aqueous extract of one variety of mushroom, Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) Quel.-Champ (Lentinaceae), in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Pleurotus pulmonarius extract was administrated orally at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg to separate groups of mice (normal and alloxan-treated mice), and serum glucose and body weight were measured. In the separate group of mice, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was carried out. Acute oral toxicity data showed no mortality in the normal mice up to 5000 mg/kg. Oral administration of extracts reduced the serum glucose level in alloxan-treated diabetic mice in all the doses tested after acute and chronic (28 days) administration. The extract also showed increased glucose tolerance in both normal and diabetic mice. These results suggest that the extract possesses hypoglycemic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patient education is widely regarded as an essential component of chronic disease care and effective health promotion. Internet is extremely useful medium in this respect. Web-based information is seldom the subject of systematic investigation for its accuracy and appropriateness for patients. Objective of this study was to evaluate of web-based diabetes patient education material for well-accepted evaluation criteria and core education concepts. Out of 214 web-sites retrieved from meta search engine, 53 sites themselves provide patient information and so considered for evaluation. Data obtained was analyzed by cluster analysis and classified into four categories with respect to quality. Considerable variability in quality of diabetes patient education web-sites was found with respect to core educational concepts and HSWG criteria. Inclusion of evidence-based medicine concepts, role of family support, enhancement in customized content and easier feedback mechanism in the web-sites can be a significant development in the direction of patient-centered diabetes care. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive multifactorial disease with limited therapeutic options. Glycosides based standardized fenugreek seed extract (SFSE-G) possesses potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant property. Aim To evaluate the efficacy of SFSE-G against bleomycin (BLM) induced pulmonary fibrosis by assessing behavioral, biochemical, molecular and ultrastructural changes in the laboratory rats. Materials and methods IPF was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by single intratracheal BLM (6 IU/kg) injection followed by SFSE-G (5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg, p.o.) or methylprednisolone (10 mg/kg, p.o.) treatment for 28 day. Various parameters were analyzed in lung and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) after 14 and 28 days of the drug treatment. Results SFSE-G (20 and 40 mg/kg, p.o.) administration significantly prevented the BLM induced alteration in body weight, lung index, lung function test and hematology. The altered total and differential cell count in BALF and blood was significantly prevented by SFSE-G treatment. The decreased peripheral blood oxygen content after BLM instillation was significantly increased by SFSE-G treatment. SFSE-G significantly enhanced the BALF and lung antioxidant status, through modulating the SOD, GSH, T-AOC, MDA, NO level and Nrf2, HO-1 mRNA expression. There was a significant reduction in lung 5-HT level by SFSE-G treatment. The altered mRNA expression of biomarkers of lung inflammation (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8), fibrosis (TGF-β, collagen-1, ET-1, Muc5ac, NF-κB, VEGF, Smad-3) and apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3) were significantly prevented by SFSE-G treatment. BLM induced histological inflammatory and fibrotic insult in the lung were reduced by SFSE-G treatment. It also ameliorated BLM induced lung ultrastructural changes as observed by transmission electron microscopic studies. However, administration of SFSE-G (5 mg/kg, p.o.) failed to show any protective effect against BLM-induced PF whereas SFSE-G (10 mg/kg, p.o.) showed significant amelioration in BLM-induced PF except lung function test, BALF and lung antioxidant level. Conclusion SFSE-G showed anti-fibrotic efficacy executed through induction of Nrf2, which in turn may modulate anti-inflammatory molecules, inhibit fibrogenic molecules and decreased apoptosis to ameliorate BLM induced pulmonary fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]