International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 6 (5), pp. 001-005, May, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Changes in serum lipid profile following moderate exercise

Fahri Akçakoyun

¹School of Physical Education and Sports, Mu la University, Mu la-Turkiye. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel:0252 2111945. Fax:+90 (252)2238348.

Accepted 04 March, 2017

Abstract

In this study, 90 middle- aged men were randomly assigned to exercise (E, n= 44) and control groups (C, n= 46) to examine the role of physical exercise on serum lipoproteins. While the exercise group participated in a 2-month training program, the control group maintained their previous exercise habits. Serum triglycerides decreased from 1.54 ± 0.10 to 1.27 ± 0.08 mmol/1 (p<0.001) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased from 1.27 ± 0.04 to 1.41 ± 0.04 mmol/1 (p<0.01) in the exercise group after intervention. As the concentration of apolipoprotein AI stayed constant in both groups, the ratio of HDL cholesterol/apolipoprotein AII increased only in the exercise group. While the change in serum triglycerides in the exercise group was not dependent on weight reduction, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol changed based on weight reduction.

Key words: Serum lipoproteins, physical exercise, middle aged men.

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 6 (4), pp. 001-006, April, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Evaluation of anti-hyperglycemic and free radical scavenging activity of Melothria maderaspatana Linn. in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

S. Hemalatha¹*, A. K. Wahi¹, P. N. Singh¹ and J.P.N. Chansouria²

¹Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.

²Centre of Experimental Medicine and Surgery Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.

Accepted 09 November, 2016

Abstract

The anti-hyperglycemic activity of aqueous extract of Melothria maderaspatana Linn. was evaluted in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Free radical scavenging activity of aqueous extract of M. maderaspatana was assessed in vitro using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH). Oral administration of aqueous extract of M. maderaspatana significantly decreased the blood glucose level in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. This extract also lowered the serum cholesterol, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and hepatic tissue LPO levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. M. maderaspatana showed free radical scavenging activity when assayed in an in vitro system using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) stable free radical. Pretreatment of M. maderaspatana failed to show any protective action against streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Aqueous extract of M. maderaspatana (2 g/kg p.o.) showed significant antihyperglycemic, hypocholesterolemic and free radical scavenging activities in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Key words: Antihyperglycermic activity, DPPH, free radical scavenging activity, LPO, Melothria maderaspatana, streptozotocin.

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 6 (4), pp. 001-006, April, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Evaluation of the chemical composition of Mucuna utilis leaves used in herbal medicine in Southeastern Nigeria

Ujowundu C. O.¹*, Kalu F. N.², Emejulu A. A.¹, Okafor O. E.² Nkwonta C. G.² and Nwosunjoku E. C.³

¹Biochemistry Department, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

²Biochemistry Department, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.

³Environmental Health Department, Imo State College of Health Science and Technology, Amigbo, Imo State, Nigeria.

Accepted 25 October, 2016

Abstract

The increased interest in the biological activities of the leaves of Mucuna utilis necessitated this study which evaluated the chemical composition, especially the presence of antiphysiological and toxic factors in the leaves. The results of the phytochemical analyses were: alkaloid, 9.60 ± 0.141%; flavonoids, 4.90 ± 0.20%; saponins, 24.60 ± 1.979%; tannins, 32.55 ± 0.778% and cyanoglycosides 20.736±  0.91%.The results showed crude protein to be 31.91 ± 2.60%; carbohydrate, 53.65 ± 2.11%; crude fibre 14.80 ± 0.42%; moisture, 11.37 ± 0.632%; ash, 0.11 ± 0.01% and crude fat, 2.97 ± 0.009. The results also showed appreciable presence of macro and micro-elements, while the ascorbic acid and vitamin A contents were 25.36 ± 0.212 and 9.83 ± 0.15 mg/100 g respectively. These results showed that the leaves of M. utilis are a veritable source of useful phytochemicals of high medicinal value for human and animals. It also showed that the leaves of M. utilis can be used to fulfill the growing demands of plant-based proteins for humans and livestock and source of important minerals and nutrients. The importance of effective processing to reduce the level of toxic and inhibitory substances was emphasized.

Key words: Mucuna utilis, leaves, phytochemicals, medicinal, nutritional, toxic.

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 6 (5), pp. 001-006, May, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Anxiolytic action and safety of Kava: Effect on rat brain acetylcholinesterase activity and some serum biochemical parameters

Neveen A. Noor

Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Egypt. E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 18 November 2016

Abstract

Kava is a herbal anxiolytic drug. The present study investigates the response of central cholinergic neurotransmission to kava treatment by measuring acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in cortex, hippocampus and striatum of adult male rats. The present study demonstrates also the effect of chronic use of kava on some liver and kidney function parameters in the sera of rats. Kava administration (75 mg/kg) induced an increase in AChE activity in the striatum after 1 week. However, significant decreases in the enzyme activity were obtained after 4 weeks of treatment in the three brain areas examined. No significant changes were observed in the enzyme activity on stopping kava administration. Kava administration for 4 weeks resulted in significant decreases in serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) activities and creatinine level, while alkaline phosphatase activity and albumin level did not show any significant changes. However, total protein and urea levels were increased significantly. In conclusion, the cholinergic system in the cortex, hippocampus and striatum may play a vital role in the anxiolytic action of kava. The present study showed no adverse effects of kava on liver and kidney function parameters.

Key words: Kava, acetylcholinesterase, cortex, hippocampus, striatum.

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 6 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

17 -estradiol attenuates LPS-induced interleukin-8 production by human peripheral blood monocytes through estrogen receptor-  activation

Nipapan Malisorn*, Noppawan P. Morales, Yupin Sanvarinda and Payong Wanikiat

Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand.

Accepted 09 November, 2016

Abstract

Proper regulation of the immune response is essential for immune homeostasis. Several proinflammatory cytokines released from activated monocytes mediate inflammation, including interleukine-8 (IL -8) which recruits neutrophils to the site of inflammation. 17 -Estradiol (E2) has a direct role in the modulation of the innate immune function and mediates profound effects on immune function of the monocytes. The effects of 17 -E2 are mediated principally by two receptor subtypes, ER and ER ; both are expressed in monocytes. The aim of this study was, therefore, to characterize the estrogen receptor subtypes that mediate the estrogen effects on LPS-activated IL-8 production by human peripheral blood monocytes. 17 -E2 and PPT attenuated the production of IL- 8 by LPS-activated monocytes in a dose-dependent manner and these effects can be reversed by ICI182, 780. These results suggested a role of ER on the attenuating effect of 17 -E2 on IL-8 production by human peripheral blood monocytes.

Key words: Estrogen receptor , monocytes, interleukin 8.

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 6 (3), pp. 001-013, March, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Ethnomedicines used for treatment of prostatic disease in Foumban, Cameroon

Noumi Emmanuel

Laboratory of Plant Biology, Higher Teachers’ Training College, University of Yaoundé I, P.O.Box 47 Yaoundé, Cameroon. E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 19 November, 2016

Abstract

The medicinal plants used for the treatment of prostate diseases and related efficiency in Foumban were reviewed based on the ethnobotanic, some chemical and biochemical reports. A total of 40 plants species belonging to 29 families have been used to prepare 27 remedies, for treatment of specific prostate ailments such as prostatitis, prostatic adenoma (benign tumour hypertrophy) and cancer of prostate. Two plant species (Raphia mambillensis and Vernonia guineensis) are those widely used, the more valued being V. guineensis, called “Guinea ginseng” by traditional healers. Some of the plant species, including Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Arachis hypogaea, Carica papaya, Cucurbita pepo, Elaeis guineensis, Ipomoea batatas, Ocimum basilicum and Prunus africana are known to yield constituents treating prostate diseases.

Key words: Medicinal plants, prostatic diseases, Foumban, Cameroon.