Journal of Natural Remedies

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

Full Text

   

M. N. Somchit , M. R. Sulaiman , Z. Ahmad , D. A. Israf , H. Hosni

Abstract

Objective: The main aim was to demonstrate the anti-nociceptive effects of Psidium guajava leaves extract. Methods: Ethanol extract of P. guajava leaves was administered intraperitoneally to mice 30 min before administration of acetic acid. The number of abdominal constriction was noted. Results: P. guajava leaves extract showed statistically significant decrease in abdominal constriction (writhing) when compared to controls. The percentage inhibition was 20.9, 53.9 and 97.3 for 2, 3 and 4 mg/kg extract respectively. These mice showed normal behavior and motor activity. The antinociceptive effect was statistically similar to equivalent doses of mefenamic acid. Morphine, an opioid analgesic revealed 29.0, 57.3 and 100.0 inhibition of abdominal constriction for 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 mg/kg respectively. Interestingly, pretreatment with Naloxone did not significantly decrease the analgesic effect of P. guajava leaves extract. Conclusions: Results from this present study revealed P. guajava extract exerted a potent anti-nociceptive effect, which was similar potency to mefenamic acid and 10 times less potent to morphine. The antinociceptive effects were dose-dependent, without behavior changes and may not involve the opioid receptors.

Keywords

Psidium guajava, Antinociceptive, Morphine, Naloxone, Mefenamic Acid

Full Text

   

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

Full Text