Showing papers by "Annamalai University published in 2002"

Efficacy of turmeric on blood sugar and polyol pathway in diabetic albino rats.

Abstract: In the traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda, several spices and herbs are thought to possess medicinal properties. Among the spices, turmeric rhizomes (Curcuma longa. Linn.) are used as flavoring and coloring agents in the Indian diet everyday. In this research, we studied the effect of turmeric and its active principle, curcumin, on diabetes mellitus in a rat model. Alloxan was used to induce diabetes. Administration of turmeric or curcumin to diabetic rats reduced the blood sugar, Hb and glycosylated hemoglobin levels significantly. Turmeric and curcumin supplementation also reduced the oxidative stress encountered by the diabetic rats. This was demonstrated by the lower levels of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), which may have been due to the decreased influx of glucose into the polyol pathway leading to an increased NADPH/NADP ratio and elevated activity of the potent antioxdiant enzyme GPx. Moreover, the activity of SDH (sorbitol dehydrogenase), which catalyzes the conversion of sorbitol to fructose, was lowered significantly on treatment with turmeric or curcumin. These results also appeared to reveal that curcumin was more effective in attenuating diabetes mellitus related changes than turmeric.

A multi-criteria group decisionmaking model for supplier rating

Abstract: SUMMARY An important problem in decision analysis is the evaluation of the difference between two or more different rankings for a set of alternatives. A novel model based on the aggregation technique for combining group member's preferences into one consensus ranking is suggested in this article. The model developed may be used to develop consensus and evolve ranking of alternatives. The application of the model is demonstrated through a case for supplier rating. The advantages of the proposed approach are also highlighted.

Hepatoprotective activity of Moringa oleifera on antitubercular drug-induced liver damage in rats.

Abstract: Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae), commonly known as "Drumstick," is used in Indian folk medicine for the treatment of various illness. We have evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of an ethanolic extract of M. oleifera leaves on liver damage induced by antitubercular drugs such as isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RMP), and pyrazinamide (PZA) in rats. Oral administration of the extract showed a significant protective action made evident by its effect on the levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (aspartate aminotransferase), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (alanine aminotransferase), alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin in the serum; lipids, and lipid peroxidation levels in liver. This observation was supplemented by histopathological examination of liver sections. The results of this study showed that treatment with M. oleifera extracts or silymarin (as a reference) appears to enhance the recovery from hepatic damage induced by antitubercular drugs.

Effect of Cassia auriculata flowers on blood sugar levels, serum and tissue lipids in streptozotocin diabetic rats.

Abstract: Aim of the study: The main aim was to demonstrate the effects of Cassia auriculata flowers on blood glucose and lipid levels in experimental diabetic rats. Methodology: Aqueous extract of Cassia auriculata flowers was administered orally and different doses of the extract on blood glucose, haemoglobin, glycosylated haemoglobin, serum and tissue lipids, hexokinase and glucose6-phosphatase in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were studied. Glibenclamide was used as standard reference drug. Results: Cassia auriculata flower extract (CFEt), at doses of 0.15, 0.30 and 0.45 g/kg body weight for 30 days, suppressed the elevated blood glucose and lipid levels in diabetic rats. Cassia auriculata at 0.45 g/kg was found to be comparable to glibenclamide.

Antidiabetic effect of Cogent db, a herbal drug in alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: Cogent db, a compound herbal drug, was investigated for its possible antidiabetic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of 0.15, 0.30 and 0.45 g/kg body wt. of the aqueous solution of Cogent db for 40 days exhibited a significant reduction in blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and increased plasma insulin, total haemoglobin along with antihyperlipidemic effects in diabetic rats. The effective dose was found to be 0.45 g/kg body wt. It also prevents body weight loss in diabetic rats. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was also performed in experimental diabetic rats in which there was a significant improvement in glucose tolerance in rats treated with Cogent db. A comparison was made between the action of Cogent db and a known antidiabetic drug — glibenclamide (600 μg/kg body wt.). The antidiabetic effect of Cogent db was more effective than that observed with glibenclamide.

Asia-pacific mussel watch: Monitoring of butyltin contamination in coastal waters of asian developing countries

Abstract: Butyltin compounds (BTs) including mono-, di-, and tributyltin and total tin (sigmaSn), were determined in green mussels (Perna viridis) from various Asian developing countries, such as Cambodia, China (Hong Kong and southern China), Malaysia, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, to elucidate the contamination status, distribution, and possible sources and to assess the risks on aquatic organisms and humans. Butyltin compounds were detected in green mussels collected from all the sampling location investigated, suggesting widespread contamination of BTs along the coastal waters of Asian developing countries. Among butyltin derivatives, tributyltin (TBT) was the predominant compound, indicating its ongoing usage and recent exposures in Asian coastal waters. Higher concentrations of BTs were found in mussels collected at locations with intensive maritime activities, implying that the usage of TBT as a biocide in antifouling paints was a major source of BTs. In addition, relatively high concentrations of BTs were observed in mussels from aquaculture areas in Hong Kong and Malaysia, as it has been reported in Thailand. With the recent improvement in economic status in Asia, it is probable that an increase in TBT usage will occur in aquaculture. Although contamination levels were generally low in mussel samples from most of the Asian developing countries, some of those from polluted areas in Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand revealed levels comparable to those in developed nations. Furthermore, the concentrations of TBT in some mussels from polluted areas exceeded the threshold for toxic effects on organisms and estimated tolerable average residue levels as seafoods for human consumption. A significant correlation was observed between the concentrations of sigmaBTs and sigmaSn in mussels, and sigmaBTs were made up mostly 100% of sigmaSn in mussels taken from locations having intensive maritime/human activities. This suggests that anthropogenic BTs represent the major source of tin accumulation in mussels. To our knowledge, this is a first comprehensive report on butyltin pollution monitoring in developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Antioxidant effect of Phaseolus vulgaris in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Abstract: The antioxidant effect of an aqueous extract of Phaseolus vulgaris pods, an indigenous plant used in Ayurvedic medicine in India, was studied in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Oral administration of Phaseolus vulgaris pod extract (PPEt; 200 mg/kg body weight) for 45 days resulted in a significant reduction in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hydroperoxides. The extract also causes a significant increase in reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase in the liver and kidneys of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. These results clearly show the antioxidant property of PPEt. The effect of PPEt at 200 mg/kg body weight was more effective than glibenclamide.

Measurement of creatinine by Jaffe's reaction--determination of concentration of sodium hydroxide required for maximum color development in standard, urine and protein free filtrate of serum.

Abstract: Creatinine in serum or urine is determined by Jaffe's reaction where creatinine produces quantitatively an orange color with picric acid in alkaline medium. After allowing an incubation time of 15 min at room temperature for color development the color is measured at 520 nm. Without taking into consideration the acidic nature of standard, protein free filtrate (PFF) of serum and urine, 1% picric acid and 0.75N NaOH are used in this reaction for color development in standard, PFF of serum and urine. An investigation was thought to be necessary to determine the optimum alkali concentration required in standard, PFF of serum and urine. The results show that 0.25, 0.75 and 1N NaOH give maximum color in urine, standard and PFF of serum respectively. A standard solution of creatinine is prepared in 0.1N HCl and the PFF of serum is obtained by addition of fresh tungstic acid. Alkali is consumed to neutralise the acids in both these cases. For urine creatinine measurement, a direct diluted urine sample is used. The difference in the requirement of NaOH is conceivable. The routine use of 0.75N NaOH irrespective of the nature of specimen as is done in all biochemical laboratories, for creatinine measurement needs modification in the light of this investigation.

Effect of Coccinia indica on Blood Glucose, Insulin and Key Hepatic Enzymes in Experimental Diabetes

Abstract: Administration of Coccinia indica leaf extract to normal and streptozotocin diabetic animals exhibited significant hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effect and reversed biochemical complications. Oral administration of 200mg/ kg of ethanol extract of Coccinia indica leaves (CLEt) to diabetic animals for 45 days resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and an increase in total haemoglobin and plasma insulin. Similarly, the administration of CLEt to normal animals resulted in a significant hypoglycemic effect. The activities of hepatic hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, a lipogenic enzyme, were measured in the liver of normal, diabetic, normal rats separately treated with CLEt and glibenclamide, and diabetic rats treated separately with CLEt and glibenclamide. The activities of the lipogenic enzyme and hexokinase were significantly decreased, whereas the activities of gluconeogenic enzymes were signific...

Effect of Phaseolus vulgaris on circulatory antioxidants and lipids in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Abstract: The effect of Phaseolus vulgaris, an indigenous plant used in ayurvedic medicine in India, on circulatory antioxidants and lipids was studied in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Oral administration of an aqueous extract of P. vulgaris pods (PPEt, 200 mg/kg body weight) for 45 days significantly reduced the elevated blood glucose, serum triglycerides, free fatty acids, phospholipids, total cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The extract also caused a significant decrease in plasma thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxides, vitamin E, and ceruloplasmin. The decreased serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, antiatherogenic index (AAI), plasma insulin, vitamin C, and glutathione in the diabetic rats were also reversed toward normalization. The results show the antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic properties of PPEt in addition to its antidiabetic action. PPEt was found to be more effective than glibenclamide.

Effect of Cassia auriculata leaf extract on lipids in rats with alcoholic liver injury.

Abstract: We studied the effect of administering Cassia auriculata leaf extract to rats with experimentally induced liver damage. Hepatotoxicity was induced by administering 9.875 g/kg bodyweight ethanol for 30 days by intragastric intubation. C. auriculata leaf extract was administered at a dose of 250 mg/kg bodyweight daily in one group and 500 mg/kg bodyweight daily in another group of alcohol-treated rats. All rats were fed with standard pellets. The control rats were also given isocaloric glucose solution. The average bodyweight gain was significantly lower in alcohol-treated rats, but improved on supplementation with C. auriculata leaf extract. Alcohol supplementation significantly elevated the cholesterol, phospholipid and triglyceride concentration in the liver, brain, kidney and intestine, as compared with those of the normal control rats. Treatment with C. auriculata leaf extract and alcohol significantly lowered the tissue lipid levels to almost normal levels. Microscopic examination of alcohol-treated rat liver showed inflammatory cell infiltrates and fatty changes, which were reversed on treatment with C. auriculata leaf extract. Similarly, alcohol-treated rat brain demonstrated spongiosis, which was markedly reduced on treatment with C. auriculata. In conclusion, this study shows that treatment with C. auriculata leaf extract has a lipid-lowering effect in rats with experimentally induced, alcohol-related liver damage. This is associated with a reversal of steatosis in the liver and of spongiosis in the brain. The mechanism of C. auriculata leaf extract lipid-lowering potential is unclear.

Metformin improves lipid metabolism and attenuates lipid peroxidation in high fructose-fed rats.

Abstract: Aim: Insulin resistance, hyperinsulinaemia and disturbances in glucose metabolism can be produced in normal rats by feeding them a fructose-enriched diet Metformin, an antidiabetic drug, enhances insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patients Previous studies have shown that metformin improves insulin sensitivity in fructose-fed rats The aim of this study was to determine the effect of metformin treatment on overall lipid metabolism and lipid peroxidation in rats that were fed a fructose-enriched diet, which leads to insulin resistance The relationship between hyperinsulinaemia and hyperglycaemia with lipid peroxide levels was also investigated Materials and Methods: The animals were divided into two batches One batch received a standard diet and the other was fed a fructose-enriched diet (72 g/100 g feed) After 2 weeks, each batch of rats was subdivided into two groups One group received metformin (50 mg/kg per day in water) and the other received the standard diet and served as control Results: High fructose feeding resulted in hyperinsulinaemia, hyperglycaemia and alterations in lipids and lipid metabolism, and plasma and tissue lipid peroxides were significantly elevated Administration of metformin (50 mg/kg/day) was associated with significant normalization of plasma insulin level and lipid alterations These rats also showed significantly higher lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) activities in plasma than untreated, fructose-fed rats Lipid peroxides content was also decreased in plasma and tissues Significant positive correlations were observed between the levels of plasma insulin and plasma glucose with plasma lipid peroxides Conclusions: We conclude that enhanced lipid peroxidation occurs in addition to disturbances in lipid metabolism in fructose-fed rats Plasma insulin level probably contributes to this increased peroxidation Improved insulin action in metformin-treated rats could be responsible for the amelioration of these abnormalities induced by fructose feeding

Hypoglycaemic activity of Scopariadulcis L. extract in alloxan induced hyperglycaemic rats.

Abstract: Scoparia dulcis L. commonly known as 'Sweet Broomweed' is widely used in Indian folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Oral administration of 0.15, 0.30 and 0.45 g/kg body weight of the aqueous extract of the Scoparia dulcis leaves (SLEt) for 45 days resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and an increase in total haemoglobin but in the case of 0.45 g/kg body weight the effect was highly significant. The aqueous extract also prevented a decrease in the body weight. An oral glucose tolerance test was also performed in experimental diabetic rats, in which there was a significant improvement in glucose tolerance in animals treated with SLEt and the effect was comparable to that of glibenclamide.

Influence of Piper betle on hepatic marker enzymes and tissue antioxidant status in ethanol-treated Wistar rats.

Abstract: Piper betle L. is a commonly used masticatory in Asia. This study was carried out to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of P. betle, using ethanol intoxication as a model of hepatotoxic and oxidative damage. Ethanol-treated rats exhibited elevation of hepatic marker enzymes and disturbances in antioxidant defense when compared with normal rats. Oral administration of P. betle extract (100, 200, or 300 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days significantly (P < .05) decreased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and lipid hydroperoxides in ethanol treated rats. The extract also improved the tissue antioxidant status by increasing the levels of nonenzymatic antioxidants (reduced glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E) and the activities of free radical–detoxifying enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in liver and kidney of ethanol-treated rats. The highest dose of P. betle extrac...

The other side of the coin: The intricacies of author self-citations

Abstract: The present study views author self-citations, as a blend of experience and cognition of authors. This paper supports to lay down emphasis on consciousness and cognition of authors while assessing author self-citations.

Prevention of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and saturated sodium chloride-induced gastric carcinogenesis in Wistar rats by lycopene.

Abstract: We investigated "the "chemopreventive potential of lycopene against gastric carcinogenesis induced in male Wistar rats by N-methyl-N ′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and saturated sodium chloride (S-NaCl). Administration of lycopene inhibited MNNG+S-NaCl-induced gastric carcinogenesis as revealed b