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A. Zuraini , T. Vadiveloo , M. Taufik Hidayat , A. K. Arifah , M. R. Sulaiman , M. N. Somchit

Abstract

Objectives: Aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract on serum lipid parameters and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. The association between CRP and serum lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic rats is also investigated. Methods: Total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG) and CRP were measured at week 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 in 4 groups of animals; the control group (C), cholesterol control group (CC), cholesterol-fed groups treated with Neem leaf extract at doses of 50 and 300 mg/kg/day orally (N1&N2), respectively. Results: Cholesterol feeding had resulted in a significant increase (p<0.05) in TC, LDL&TG in group CC starting from week 2 and a decrease in HDL levels (p<0.05). CRP concentrations also showed a significant increment in the cholesterol-treated rats (CC) compared to group C, N1&N2 (p<0.05). Neem extract treated, TC, LDL and TG levels remained within the normal range similar to Group C and CRP concentrations were lowered but HDL levels were not. Conclusions: It is shown in this study that the concentrations of CRP had increased in CC rats but not in rats with normal cholesterol levels. Neem extract at 50 and 300 mg/kg doses had prevented the rise of TC, LDL and TG in cholesterol-fed rats. No significant changes in CRP concentrations were noted in the Neem-treated animals. Association between CRP and serum lipid concentrations is directly proportionate. They also suggest that Neem leaf extracts at 50 and 300 mg/kg concentrations are excellent lipid-lowering agent.

Keywords

Neem, C-reactive Protein, Serum Lipid, Hypercholesterolemia

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M. N. Somchit , S. Siti Rahmah , A. Zuraini , A. Ahmad Bustamam , Z. A. Zakaria , N. Somchit , L. Shamsuddin

Abstract

Objective: The effects of gastroprotective properties of Spirulina platensis was investigated in acetic acid and ethanol induced ulcers in rats. Methods: Administration of 2 and 4mg/kg Spirulina platensis extract for 7 days. After day 7, oral administration of either 80% (v/v) ethanol or 6% (v/v) acetic acid. Control rats received saline or anti-ulcer drug omeprazole (20 mg/kg) prior to ulcer induction. Results: The extract inhibited the mean lesion score of acetic acid, 4.333 to 3.000. Whereas, for ethanol induced ulcers, the extract reduced the lesion scoring from 2.833 to 1.677. However, this activity was statistically less potent than the anti-ulcer drug, omeprazole. Spirulina platensis alone did not induce any ulcers in rats. Conclusions: These results suggested that Spirulina platensis has gastroprotective activity against ulcers induced by acetic acid and ethanol.

Keywords

Gastroprotective, Spirulina platensis, Ethanol, Acetic Acid, Gastric Ulcers

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A. H. Roslida , C. E. Tay , A. Zuraini , P. F. Chan

Abstract

Ethanolic extract of Annona muricata leaf (AML) was used to investigate its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities by using carrageenan - induced oedema model and acetic acid induced writhing test. AML exhibited significant and dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity at a dose of 10, 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg when administered orally. It is also demonstrated that the intraperitoneal administration of AML at a dose of 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg produced significant inhibition of abdominal constriction induced with 0.6% (v/v) acetic acid in dose dependent manner. These results indicate that AML exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects.

Keywords

Annona muricata, Acetic Acid Induced Writhing, Carrageenan-induced Oedema

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