Cardioprotective Potential of Cymbopogon citratus Essential Oil against Isoproterenol-induced Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy:Possible Involvement of NLRP3 Inflammasome and Oxidative Phosphorylation Complex Subunits

Objective:Cymbopogon citratus(DC.)Stapf is a medicinal and edible herb that is widely used for the treatment of gastric,nervous and hypertensive disorders.In this study,we investigated the cardioprotective effects and mechanisms of the essential oil,the main active ingredient of Cymbopogon citratus,on isoproterenol(ISO)-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.Methods:The compositions of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil(CCEO)were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.Cardiomyocytes were pretreated with 16.9µg/L CCEO for 1 h followed by 10µmol/L ISO for 24 h.Cardiac hypertrophy-related indicators and NLRP3 inflammasome expression were evaluated.Subsequently,transcriptome sequencing(RNA-seq)and target verification were used to further explore the underlying mechanism.Results:Our results showed that the CCEO mainly included citronellal(45.66%),geraniol(23.32%),and citronellol(10.37%).CCEO inhibited ISO-induced increases in cell surface area and protein content,as well as the upregulation of fetal gene expression.Moreover,CCEO inhibited ISO-induced NLRP3 inflammasome expression,as evidenced by decreased lactate dehydrogenase content and downregulated mRNA levels of NLRP3,ASC,CASP1,GSDMD,and IL-1β,as well as reduced protein levels of NLRP3,ASC,pro-caspase-1,caspase-1(p20),GSDMD-FL,GSDMD-N,and pro-IL-1β.The RNA-seq results showed that CCEO inhibited the increase in the mRNA levels of 26 oxidative phosphorylation complex subunits in ISO-treated cardiomyocytes.Our further experiments confirmed that CCEO suppressed ISO-induced upregulation of mt-Nd1,Sdhd,mt-Cytb,Uqcrq,and mt-Atp6 but had no obvious effects on mt-Col expression.Conclusion:CCEO inhibits ISO-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome expression and the regulation of several oxidative phosphorylation complex subunits.

Inventory and Management of Fungi Associated with Banana Plant through the Use of Allium ampeloprasum and Cymbopogon citratus Extracts

Despite the nutritional, economic and medicinal values of banana plant, independent of the region and production system is confronted with some diseases such as the fungi disease. These fungal diseases are responsible for the low yields. The objective of this study was to improve the sanitary state of banana plant. To achieve this objective, fungi associated with banana leaves were isolated on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) culture medium and their identification was done on the basis of morphological and microscopic characteristics using reference documents. Antifungal activity of Allium ampeloprasum and Cymbopogon citratus extracts were evaluated in vitro on agar medium on the development of Pseudocercospora fijiensis, P. musicola and Pestalopsis sp. The results showed that banana plant harbours a diversity of fungal species, the most frequent being P. fijiensis (51.58%), Pestalopsis sp. (15.47%) and P. musicola (12.03%). Aqueous extracts of C. citratus at the concentration of 15 mg/ml, inhibited 100% of the radial growth of P. fijiensis and Pestalopsis sp with a fungitoxic activity. Similarly, ethanolic extract A. ampeloprasum inhibited at 100% the radial growth of Pestalopsis sp. This antifungal activity was fungistatic. These results suggest that the aqueous and ethanol extracts of the tested plants could be used as alternatives to chemical products in the fight against banana diseases especially Sigatoka. Hence further studies need to be undertaken to isolate the active compounds from these extracts with fungicidal potential.

柠檬草乙醇提取物的化学成分研究

通过重结晶、硅胶柱层析、反相柱色谱、制备薄层色谱、Sephadex LH-20凝胶柱色谱、高效液相色谱等方法对柠檬草乙醇提取物的化学成分进行了分离纯化,并通过^(1)HNMR、^(13)CNMR对其结构进行了鉴定。结果表明,从柠檬草乙醇提取物中分离得到8个化合物,分别鉴定为β-谷甾醇(1)、齐墩果酸(2)、乌苏醇(3)、山奈酚(4)、白桦脂酸(5)、坡塻酸(6)、4-O-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖基反式肉桂酸(7)、4-O-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖基顺式肉桂酸(8)。

巴西人参根化学成分的研究(Ⅱ)

目的研究巴西人参根Pfaffia glomerata(Spreng)Pedersen的化学成分。方法巴西人参根95%乙醇、50%乙醇提取物采用硅胶、D101大孔树脂、葡聚糖凝胶LH-20、聚酰胺、ODS、制备型HPLC及重结晶进行分离纯化,根据理化性质及波谱数据鉴定所得化合物的结构。结果从中分离得到18个化合物,分别鉴定为1,2,4-苯三酚(1)、polypodine B(2)、(-)-丁香脂素-4-O-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖苷(3)、poststerone(4)、stachysterone B(5)、calonysterone(6)、taxisterone(7)、makisterone C(8)、20,22-O-(R-ethylidene)-20-hydroxyecdysone(9)、20,22-O-(R-3-methoxycarbonyl)propylidene-20-hydroxyecdysone(10)、shidasterone(11)、5α-20-hydroxyecdysone(12)、abutasterone(13)、25-hydroxydacryhainansterone(14)、甲基-α-D-呋喃果糖苷(15)、甲基-β-D-呋喃果糖苷(16)、竹节参皂苷Ⅳa甲酯(17)、尿嘧啶核苷(18)。结论化合物1~6、8~16、18首次从巴西人参中分离得到,化合物1、3~6、8~16、18首次从珐菲亚属植物中分离得到。

细叶美女樱(Verbena Tenera Spreng)对镉的耐性和富集特征研究

为探讨观赏花卉应用于植物修复技术的可行性,以细叶美女樱(Verbena Tenera Spreng)为材料,采用盆栽试验,研究了细叶美女樱对镉的耐性、吸收和富集能力,以期为今后观赏植物应用于重金属污染土壤修复提供理论依据。结果表明,随着镉处理浓度的增加,细叶美女樱干重呈先升高后降低的趋势,20~80 mg·kg^(-1)镉处理能促进植株的生长,100~120 mg·kg^(-1)镉处理对生长无影响,表明细叶美女樱对镉有较强的耐性。镉处理下,根系中丙二醛(MDA)含量和电解质渗透率分别于20和60 mg·kg^(-1)镉处理时开始显著高于对照,叶片中MDA含量和电解质渗透率分别于120和80 mg·kg^(-1)镉处理时开始显著高于对照,说明细叶美女樱受到了氧化伤害,且根系受伤害程度较大;氧化伤害更大程度地刺激了抗氧化防御系统,根系中POD、CAT活性的升高幅度大于叶片中CAT、APX活性的升高幅度,但抗氧化酶不能完全消除膜质过氧化引起的伤害。细叶美女樱各器官中镉含量表现为根>茎>叶的分布格局,植株对镉的转运系数小于1;但是地上部镉富集量高于根系,地上部最大富集量为778.31μg·pot^(-1)。这些结果表明细叶美女樱对镉有很强的耐性和富集能力,是一种良好的修复镉污染土壤的观赏绿化植物。

2种农作物对外来入侵植物空心莲子草茎节克隆繁殖与生长的影响

旨在评估农作物红薯与香茅草对入侵植物空心莲子草茎节克隆繁殖及生长的影响,以期为生态管理提供科学依据。实验采用红薯和香茅草的地上部分粉碎物,对空心莲子草茎节实施了3种不同处理:表层覆盖、混土栽培和水提液浇灌。通过测定茎节的存活率、生物量及酶活性等指标,评估不同处理对空心莲子草影响的效果。实验结果表明,在100 g/kg的处理浓度下,经过红薯混土栽培和香茅草水提液浇灌处理后,空心莲子草茎节的存活率分别降至55.56%和43.75%。相比之下,高浓度(100 g/kg)的水提液浇灌处理显著抑制了空心莲子草的茎长(红薯:3.37 cm,香茅草:2.25 cm)、根长(红薯:3.34 cm,香茅草:2.62 cm)、叶面积(红薯:0.46 cm^(2),香茅草:0.37 cm^(2))及生物量(红薯:0.19 g,香茅草:0.13 g)。此外,随着处理浓度的增加,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)的活性以及丙二醛(MDA)含量上升,而过氧化物酶(POD)活性降低,这些变化反映了植物应对氧化应激的生理反应。综上所述,本研究发现100 g/kg的高浓度红薯与香茅草处理能显著抑制空心莲子草的茎节克隆繁殖与幼苗生长,尤其是通过水提液浇灌的方式效果更为显著。这一发现对于开发新的植物生长调控策略具有重要的实践意义。

广西产香茅草精油在不同蒸馏时段的化学成分及抗氧化活性

以不同蒸馏时段的香茅草精油为研究对象,通过水蒸气蒸馏法提取,气相色谱-质谱(gas chromatographymass spectrometry,GC-MS)法进行成分分析,采用DPPH自由基清除法、ABTS^(+)自由基清除法对抗氧化能力进行评价。结果表明,在0~10、10~30、30~60、60~360 min蒸馏时段精油分别鉴定出32、35、34、34种成分。各蒸馏阶段的主要成分及相对含量不同,0~10、10~30、30~60 min是橙花醛(35.33%、31.58%、28.47%)、香叶醛(38.50%、32.99%、37.56%),60~360 min蒸馏时段是正十六酸(18.24%)、橙花醛(8.49%)、香叶醛(12.05%)。不同蒸馏时段精油清除DPPH自由基的IC_(50)值分别为16.05、7.89、4.03、1.47 mg/mL,清除ABTS^(+)自由基的IC_(50)值分别为3.58、2.40、1.08、0.55 mg/mL。综上所述,香茅草精油具有较强的抗氧化活性,在60~360 min蒸馏时段精油对DPPH自由基和ABTS^(+)自由基的清除能力最强。

韭菜(Allium tuberosum Rottler.ex Spreng.)凝集素的细胞凝集和糖抑制作用

从韭菜叶片组织分离的韭菜凝集素具有凝集细胞的作用。在测试的红细胞中能凝集小鼠、豚鼠、兔的红细胞,其中对兔的红细胞凝集活性最高。韭菜凝集素还能凝集小鼠S_(180)肉瘤细胞、大鼠W_(258)肿瘤细胞,人的Hela肿瘤细胞和MGC_(80-3)胃癌细胞、小鼠和大鼠的骨髓细胞以及牛精子细胞,而不凝集小鼠艾氏肿瘤细胞、小鼠和大鼠的脾脏淋巴细胞。韭菜凝集素的血凝活性可被D—甘露糖、D—半乳糖和D—松二糖所抑制。

香茅草种质资源功能性分析评价

通过对香茅草(Cymbopogon citratus)的甜菜碱、生物碱、黄酮含量的差异分析,进行种质资源的功能性分析评价。本研究收集海南、福建、贵州和云南等地的45份香茅草资源,分别测定水提物的甜菜碱、生物碱、黄酮含量。研究结果表明:香茅草水提物主要包含黄酮类化合物(24.30%)、生物碱类化合物(13.53%)和甜菜碱单体(10.52%)。香茅草HK-2的甜菜碱含量最高,达5.65 mg/g;HK-1-1的生物碱含量最高,达8.66 mg/g;YX-1的黄酮含量最高,达43.15 mg/g。不同保存地、不同地区、不同海拔香茅草的甜菜碱、生物碱、黄酮平均含量差异显著。采用洛哌丁胺诱导的便秘小鼠模型证明甜菜碱具有润肠通便功效。最后,根据建立的香茅草功能性资源评价方法,筛选得到一级香茅草资源YX-1、WN-2、GM-1、ZZ-1、RL-1、YJ-4。本研究结果有助于香茅草功能性资源的筛选评价与育种利用,也可为功能性作用机制研究及功能性产品开发利用提供科学依据。

三叉苦研究进展

三叉苦属芸香科吴茱萸属,性寒,味苦,归肝、肺、胃经,具有清热解毒、行气止痛、燥湿止痒功效,属清热药下分类的清热燥湿药,主治咽喉肿痛、风湿骨痛、疟疾黄疸、湿疹、皮炎、跌打损伤及虫蛇咬伤等症。研究显示,三叉苦含有生物碱、香豆素、黄酮、寡糖、喹啉和色烯类等多种化学成分,但不同季节、产地采摘的不同部位三叉苦采用不同提取方式或炮制方法,其化学成分与含量存在显著差异,药理作用也不尽相同。近代药理学研究显示三叉苦具有抑菌抗炎、抗氧化、抗肿瘤、保肝及调节血脂血糖代谢等明显药用价值。本文从其化学成分与含量及影响因素、细胞和动物模型水平研究显示的药理作用综述国内外对三叉苦的研究,拟为其后续进一步研究和临床应用提供参考。

不同基原藁本药材的质量评价研究

目的采集不同基原的45批藁本药材,通过建立高效液相指纹图谱,结合指纹图谱相似度评价、聚类分析、主成分分析、偏最小二乘判别分析进行不同基原的藁本药材的质量评价,以期达到更全面的药材质量控制。方法按照《中国药典》2020年版藁本项下,采用水分、总灰分测定法、酸不溶性灰分测定法、醇溶性浸出物测定法、含量测定法对45批不同基原藁本药材进行质量评价。同时运用高效液相建立不同基原藁本药材的指纹图谱,并运用中药指纹图谱相似度评价系统对其进行相似度评价,用SPSS软件对其进行显著性差异分析、聚类分析、主成分分析,用SIMCA进行偏最小二乘判别分析。结果不同基原藁本药材水分、灰分、酸不溶性灰分测定结果均符合药典要求。藁本浸出物平均含量为37.59%,辽藁本浸出物平均含量为19.59%,新疆藁本浸出物平均含量为14.75%。藁本中阿魏酸平均含量为0.07%,辽藁本中阿魏酸平均含量为0.09%,新疆藁本中阿魏酸平均含量为0.13%。指纹图谱相似度评价结果为相同基原藁本指纹图谱相似度在0.973~0.999,而辽藁本与藁本之间的相似度为0.612~0.780,新疆藁本与藁本之间的相似度为0.108~0.212。通过聚类分析,藁本与辽藁本较为相似,而新疆藁本差异较大。通过主成分分析进行综合评价,新疆藁本综合得分较高。通过偏最小二乘判别分析,预测香草醛、阿魏酸、藁本内酯可能是不同基原藁本质量产生差异的主要原因。结论不同基原藁本药材在浸出物含量、阿魏酸含量、指纹图谱均存在一定的差异,可为藁本临床用药选择、新药开发、药材质量控制等方面提供依据。

Acaricidal activity of Cymbopogon citratus and Azadirachta indica against house dust mites

Objective:To examine the acaricidal effects of the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratits leaf extract(lemongrass)and ethanolic Azadirachta indica leaf extract(neem)against house dust mites Dermatophagoides farinae(D.farinae)and Dermalophagoides pteronyssinus(D.pteronyssinus).Methods:Twenty-five adults mites were placed onto treated filter paper that is soaked with plant extract and been tested at different concentrations(50.00%,25.00%,12.50%,6.25%and 3.13%)and exposure times(24hrs,48hrs,72hrs and 96 hrs).All treatments were replicated 7 times,and the experiment repeated once.The topical and contact activities of the two herbs were investigated.Results:Mortalities from lemongrass extract were higher than neem for both topical and contact activities.At 50%concentration,both 24 hrs topical and contact exposures to lemongrass resulted in more than 91%mortalities for both species of inites.At the same concentration and exposure time,neem resulted in topical mortalities of 40.3%and 15.7%against D.pteronyssinus and D.farinae respectively;contact mortalities were 8.0%and 8.9%against the 2 mites,respectively.There was no difference in topical mortalities of D.pteronyssinus from exposure to concentrations oflemongrass and neem up to 12.50%;lemongrass was more effective than neem at the higher concentrations.Conclusions:Generally,topical mortalities of D.farinae due to lemongrass are higher than that due to neem.Contact mortalities of lemongrass are always higher that neem against both species of mites.

Effect of border planting of Eucalyptus citriodora Hook. on the growth and biomass production performance of Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt ex Bor Grass at Wondo Genet,Southern Ethiopia

The use of Eucalyptus trees, in association with other plants, has the potential to reduce the growth of neighbouring plants or grasses by competing for resources or releasing allelochemicals that may cause other plants to grow slowly. Our purpose here is to assess whether border planting of Eucalyptus is harmful to the establishment,growth, and production of Cymbopogon winterianus at various distances from tree lines in the Wondo Genet Agricultural Research Center in Southern Ethiopia. Several factors were studied: growth performances and yield of aromatic grasses; soil properties, including total nitrogen,organic carbon, and moisture content; and plant leaf nutrient content(NPK) at various distances away from the Eucalyptus citriodora border line were studied. Chemical compositions of hydro-distilled essential oils obtained from selected C. winterianus grasses leaves were analysed by gas chromatography. Plant height, biomass yield, amount of essential oil yield, and essential oil composition all were significantly affected due to Eucalyptus effect in the first10-m distance as compared to beyond 10 m from the tree border line. There were increases in soil total nitrogen,organic carbon, and moisture content with decreasing distances to the Eucalyptus tree border. The result of plant leaf nutrient content(NPK) differed across treatment and distance. The pot experiment(15 cm 9 20 cm), shoot length,and number of leaves of aromatic plants varied in the degree of inhibition based on the concentration of the aqueous extract. Significantly higher inhibitions of the shoot length and number of leaf parameters were observed when using 25% fresh leaf extract compared to other extract levels.

Control Effect of Several Replacement Plants on Invasive Weed Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng

To select the suitable plant species controlling Eupatorium adenophorum in hilly area, ecological adaptability, competitiveness and control efficacy of many replacement plants with economic value in Guizhou Province of China were studied. The results showed that the coverage of paspalum wetsfeteini and Dolichos lablab were 100% and 93%, which increased by 3.70 and 3.44 times compared with Lolium perenne, respectively; their relative crowding coefficient with E. adenophorum were 7.09 and 22.78, which increased by 2.43 and 7.80 times compared with L perenroe, respectively. Using excavation method, the control efficacies of replacement plants were 99.3 % and 96.9%, respectively, while the control efficacy of replacement plants using mowing method was lower than 66.4%. The overwintering rate of P. wetsfeteini in the following year was 95% ; its coverage was still 100% and its control efficacy against E. adenophorum remained over 99%. D. lablab was difficult to survive the winter in the north region beyond 26.2°N, so it could only be applied as annual replacement plant. The coverage of Setaria anceps, Cajanus cajan and other test plants were less than 90%, with poor control efficacy against E. adenophorum.

Anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oils of Cymbopogon validus(Stapf) Stapf ex Burtt Davy from Eastern Cape, South Africa

Objective: To evaluate the essential oil composition and the anti-inflammatory activity of Cymbopogon validus(C. validus) leaves and flowers. Methods: A total of 300 g of fresh or dry(leaves and flowers) of C. validus were cut into small pieces and subjected to hydro-distillation method for approximately 5 h using the Clevenger apparatus. The extracted essential oils were then used for testing the anti-inflammatory activity. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by using egg-albumin induced paw edema. Results: The extracted oils had the following yields 2.2% for fresh leaves, 2.0% for dry leaves and 2.4% v/w for dry flowers. GCMS results revealed that the oils contained artemisia ketone(37.5%), linalool(3.2%-29.6%), northujane(4.4%-16.8%), verbenone(13.5%), naphthalene(1.7%-9.6%), δ-cadinene(0.5%-8.1%), hedycaryol(5.4%-7.6%) and α-eudesmol(6.5%-6.7%) as the major constituents. C. validus essential oils showed significant(P<0.05) anti-inflammatory effects from the first 30 min after albumin injection compared to aspirin which had a later onset of effect. Conclusions: The findings of this study show that the essential oil extracted from C. validus fresh or dry leaves and flowers have anti-inflammatory properties; that might be associated with the major components and the minor components found in the essential oils.

Synergistic renoprotective effect of a compiled branched-chain amino acids and Cymbopogon schoenanthus extract against experimentally induced oxido-nitrosative renal insult

Objective: To better investigate the protective role of branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs)and Cymbopogon schoenanthus(CS) extract against the potassium dichromate(PDC)-induced oxido-nitrosative nephrotoxic insult in the experimental rat model. Methods: Thirty male rats were randomly divided into five equal groups: The 1 st group served as control; the 2^(nd)was injected with a single dose of PDC(15 mg/kg b.w i.p.);the 3^(rd), 4^(th), and 5^(th) groups were respectively treated with BCAAs, CS, and their combination for 15 d prior to induction of renal insult via PDC single dose(15 mg/kg b.w s.c.). The experimental period was terminated in all groups 2 d after induction of renal insult. The harvested kdney samples were divided for biochemical assays and histological examination. Results: The PDC-induced nephrotoxic effect caused a depletion of renal oxidative scavengers glutathione, superoxide dismutase with consequent lipo-oxidative cellular membrane deterioration manifested by a rise in malonaldehyde, oxidized glutathione, myeloperoxidase and the concomitant increase in inflammatory response elements tumor necrosis factor α, nitric oxide, and interleukin 1 β.Moreover, the comet assay and increased 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine proved an accelerated apoptotic DNA fragmentation. These local renal changes were met with global altered blood biochemistry. The BCAAs and CS or their compiled administration showed an ameliorative effect against PDC-induced nephrotoxic in a synergistic pattern. Conclusions: Both BCAAs and CS or their combined administration afford potential competitors against renal insult induced by polyvalent anion pollutants in experimentally studied animals model. As a route for novel drug discovery, further investigation should be attempted to optimize their augmenting reno-protecting potential.

Potential antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of essential oil extracted from Cymbopogon citratus on OxLDL and H_(2)O_(2) LDL induced Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells(PBMC)

Cymbopogon citratus(lemon grass)is commonly used in traditional folk medicine.The essential oil extracted from C.citratus has been reported as a potential anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.This study has been designed to explore the protective effect of C.citratus(lemon grass)against modified LDL(OxLDL and H2O2 LDL)induced cytotoxicity in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells(PBMC).The essential oil extracted from C.citratus(EOC)was subjected to FT-IR spectroscopic analysis for the identification of functional groups.In vitro antioxidant assays were carried out to assess the electron donating capability of EOC as compared with a known standard L-ascorbic acid.The cytoprotective effects of EOC were determined in PBMC induced with modified LDL.Spectra obtained from FT-IR analysis showed the presence of functional groups in EOC such as H-bonded,O-H stretching,N-H stretching,aldehyde-C-H stretching,aldehyde/ketone-C=O stretching,-C=C-stretching,-CH_(3) bending,-C-H in plane bending.EOC has greater antioxidant property when compared with the standard L-ascorbic acid.EOC at all test concentrations demonstrated free radical scavenging activity and cytoprotective effect when challenged against modified LDL in PBMC.The above results show EOC as a promising antioxidant and cytoprotective agent.

Effect of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf extract on lipid profile and antioxidant status in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf water extract on lipid profile and antioxidant status in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.METHODS Diabetes was induced by injection of streptozotocin(STZ,50mg·kg-1)intraperitoneally.Diabetic rats were divided into 5groups,consisting of 6rats.GroupⅠ,reserved as diabetic control,was administered distilled water and groupⅡ,reserved as positive control,was administered glibenclamide(10mg·kg-1·d-1)throughout the duration of the experiment.Those in groupⅢ,ⅣandⅤ were administered 250,500 and 1000mg·kg-1·d-1 of the extract,respectively for 28 d.RESULTS Treatment with 500 and 1000mg·kg-1·d-1 of the extract resulted in reduction of serum AST,ALT,serum cholesterol,triglycerides and LDL,whereas HDL was found to be increased compared with diabetic control rats(P<0.05).Moreover,increased serum activities of superoxide dismutases and catalase were found in diabetic rats treated with the extract whereas serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substance was decreased,in comparison with diabetic control rat(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Cymbopogon citratus Stapf water extract provides a benefit effect on serum lipid and antioxidant effect in diabetic rats.Thus,the extract may lower cardiovascular disease risk and others complications related to hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in diabetic patients.

Improvement of lipid profile and atherogenic index in rat treated with Cymbopogon citratus Stapf water extract

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf water extract(CCS)on lipid profile,atherogenic index and antioxidant enzymes in Sprague-Dawley rats.METHODS Rats aged eight weeks(250±20)g were orally administered with CCS at 250 and 500mg·kg-1·d-1 for one month.RESULTS Administration of CCS extract to rats caused significant decrease of serum total cholesterol,triglycerides and LDL levels,whereas,the HDL level was increased compared with untreated rats(P<0.05).Moreover,the CCS extract showed a significant decreased atherogenic index in comparison with untreated rats(P<0.05).Furthermore,serum activities of superoxide dismutases and catalase were also improved in rats treated with CCS.This was consistent with decrease of serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substance.CONCLUSION The present study provides evidence that CCS water extract provides a benefit effect on serum lipid and atherogenic index and exhibits antioxidant effect in vivo.

Further antiplasmodial effects of the aqueous extract of cymbopogon citratus stapf (lemon grass) against plasmodium berghei in Swiss albino mice

Lemon grass(Cymbopogon citratus Stapf) is a popular alternative to western medicines for a number of conditions, including fevers,muscle soreness and superficial infections in Nigeria.In addition to its already reported suppressive effects against P.berghei infection,this study sought to determine its repository and blood schizonticidal activities in established P.berghei infection using Swiss albino mice as models.Mice weighing on average, between 15 and 25g were given 103mg/kg,155mg/kg and 310mg/kg/day of the crude aqueous extract of cymbopogon citratus stapf,in the 4-day test,24-hour Rane test and 72-hour Rane test.The effects of these doses of the extract were then compared with chloroquine(5mg/kg/day) and sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine (3mg/kg/day).We report an average percentage suppressive repository activity of 65.8%for the extract at a dose of 310mg/kg and a blood schizonticidal activity that increased from 68.33%in the 24-hour Rane test to 92%in the 72-hour Rane test for the same dose of extract.The crude aqueous extract of C.citratus stapf thus has significant repository and blood schizonticidal activities against established P.berghei infection in Swiss albino mice compare to that of pyrimethamine and sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine respectively.