Search

Abstract This study was carried out to evaluate the antifibrotic effect of ethanol extract of the fruits of Indian herb Piper longum Linn. Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by [...]

The effect of the aqueous extract of Melia azedarach Linn. (Meliaceae) against ethylene glycol–induced nephrolithiasis in male Wistar albino rats is summarized in this study. Lithiasis was induced in rats by administering 0.75% ethylene glycol in drinking water for 28 days and was manifested by high urinary calcium, phosphate, oxalate, and low urinary magnesium content. Simultaneous administration of aqueous extract of Melia azedarach (AEMA; 250 mg/kg body weight) orally for 28 days along with ethylene glycol (0.75%) reduced urinary calcium, oxalate, phosphate, and elevated urinary magnesium level. It also increased the urine volume, thereby reducing the tendency for crystallization. The histopathological studies confirmed the induction of lithiasis as microcrystal deposition was observed in sections of kidney from animals treated with ethylene glycol. This was reduced, however, after treatment with the extract. These observations enable us to conclude that AEMA is effective against ethylene glycol–induced nephrolithiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study was carried out to evaluate the antifibrotic effect of ethanol extract of the fruits of Indian herb Piper longum Linn. Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by CCl4 administration. The extent of liver fibrosis was assessed by measuring the level of liver hydroxy proline (HP) and serum enzyme levels. Following CCl4 administration HP was significantly increased and serum enzyme levels were elevated. Treatment with the ethanol extract of Piper longum Linn. reduced the HP and also the serum enzymes. The liver weight that increased following CCl4 administration due to the deposition of collagen was reduced by the ethanol extract. Hence, it is concluded that this extract inhibits liver fibrosis induced by CCl4. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]