Medicine

Permanent URI for this communityhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/12

This repository contains the published and unpublished research of the Faculty of Medicine by the staff members of the faculty

Browse

Subject: search.filters.subject.Plants, Medicinal

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 22
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Gastroprotective activity of Trichosanthes cucumerina aerial parts
    (Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2007) Arawwawala, L.D.A.M.; Thabrew, M.I.; Arambewela, L.S.R.
    Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. (Family: Cucurbitaceae), locally known as Dummella is commonly found in Asian countries including Sri Lanka. The aerial parts of T. cucumerina are widely used in combination with other plants in the traditional medicinal systems as a remedy for fever, dropsy, acute bronchitis, boils, inflammation, skin diseases, jaundice, diabetes and gastric lesions. The aim of the present study was to scientifically investigate whether Trichosanthes cucumerina (T.C.) has gastroprotective activity. The oral gastroprotective effect of hot water extract (HWE) of T.C. aerial parts was evaluated by determining its ability to protect against gastric lesions in rats induced by absolute ethanol (5 mL/kg) or indomethacin (5 mg/kg). All the experiments were conducted using Wistar strain rats (weight: 200 - 220 g). The food was withdrawn for 36 h and water for 12 h in rats, before the commencement of the experiment. These rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 8 rats/group; 3 males + 3 females) and groups 1 - 3 were orally administrated with HWE at a dose of 375, 500 and 750 mg/kg, respectively. Group 4 was orally treated with equal volume of distilled water (1 mL; control) while group 5 was orally treated with the reference drug, cimetidine (100 mg/kg). In the indomethacin experiment, only one dose of HWE (750 mg/kg) was tested, as this was found to have the maximum effect in the alcohol model. Results show that the HWE of T.C. possess significant (P < 0.05) and dose dependent gastroprotective effects in the alcohol model in terms of the length and number of gastric lesions mediated by alcohol, with a maximum effect at 750 mg/kg. A significant (P < 0.05) gastroprotective activity was also observed in the indomethacine model. In the ethanol model, the protective effect demonstrated by the HWE of T.C was comparable with that produced by cimetidine. However, a significantly higher gastroprotective activity was observed in the ethanol model than in the indomethacin model. The HWE significantly increased the amount of mucus produced by the rat gastro mucosa (by 39%) and reduced the gastric acidity (by 36 %). pH of the gastric juice increased from 4.1 to 6.02. However, no change in the volume of gastric juice was observed. It may be concluded that HWE of T.C can exert a significant protection against ethanol or indomethacin induced gastric damage. Increasing the protective mucus layer and decreasing the acidity of the gastric juice are probable mechanisms by which the HWE of T.C. mediates its gastroprotective actions. Acknowledgement: National Science Foundation (research grant No: NSF/SCH/2005/13)
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Investigation of the antioxidant activity of a herbal decoction with anti-carcinogenic properties
    (Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2007) Galhena, P.B.; Thabrew, M.I.; Thammitiyagodage, M.G.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Extra - pancreatic actions of Trichosanthes cucumerina
    (Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2008) Arawwawala, L.D.A.M.; Thabrew, M.I.; Arambewela, L.S.R.
    Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn (Family: Cucurbitaceae), locally known as Dummella is commonly found in Asian countries including Sri Lanka. The aerial parts of T. cucumerina (T.C) are widely used in combination with other plants in the traditional medicinal systems as a remedy for fever, dropsy, acute bronchitis, boils, inflammation, skin diseases, jaundice, gastric lesions and diabetes. In Sri Lanka, the aerial parts of T.C are used as a remedy for diabetes. In a previous study we demonstrated that hot water extract (HWE) of T.C aerial parts can exert significant hypoglycemic activity in both normaglycemic and streptozotocine (STZ) induced diabetic rats. It was also shown that HWE had no effect on intestinal glucose absorption. A study was therefore, carried out to determine if extra - pancreatic effects were the main mechanisms by which the HWE exerts its hypoglycemic effect in rats. Extra - pancreatic effects were investigated by comparison of (a) Liver glycogen levels and (b)Triglyceride level in adipose tissue in normaglycemic and STZ - induced (by i.v. 50 mg/kg) diabetic rats that were orally treated with the HWE with those that did not receive the extract in the corresponding groups. Wistar rats (175 - 200 g body weight) were randomly divided in to 4 groups. Rats in Group 1 (n = 12; normal controls) were orally administered distilled water (1.0 ml/Kg), Group 2 (n = 12; normal test) received HWE (750 mg/kg of body weight), Group 3 (n = 7; diabetic control) received distilled water (1.0 ml/Kg) while group 4 (diabetic test) received HWE consecutively for 28 days. The dose of 750 mg/kg T.C was used because it exerted the maximum hypoglycemic effect in the previous study. Rats were kept fasting and, blood samples were collected from their tails at 14 days and 28 days post treatment and serum glucose levels determined. Subsequently, rats were sacrificed, livers and adipose tissues were harvested and subjected for estimation of glycogen levels and triglyceride levels respectively. In the diabetic rats, compared to the control group HWE significantly reduce the blood glucose levels at the end of 14 days and 28 days. The reduction in blood glucose was comparable to that produced by the antidiabetic drug, glibenclamide (0.6 mg/Kg). In normaglycemic rats HWE reduced the blood glucose levels at the end of 14 and 28 days. At the end of 28 days, it was found that in both normaglycemic and STZ - induced diabetic rats, there was a significant (P= 0.05) increase in the levels of liver glycogen (normaglycemic rats by 55.8 %; diabetic rats by 93.6 %) and adipose tissue triglyceride (normaglycemic rats by 14.3 %; diabetic rats by 16.7 %) in comparison with the respective controls that were not treated with HWE. It may be concluded that hypoglycemic effects demonstrated by T.C are mediated mainly via enhanced up take of blood glucose in to extra - pancreatic tissues. Financial assistance by National Science Foundation (Research Grant NSF/SCH/2005/13) is acknowleged.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    An investigation of toxicity of Trichosanthes cucumerina
    (Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2006) Arawwawala, L.D.A.M.; Thabrew, M.I.; Arambewela, L.S.R.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity in the polyherbal formulation maharasnadhi quathar
    (Elsevier, 2003) Thabrew, M.I.; Dharmasiri, M.G.; Senaratne, L.
    Maharasnadhi Quathar (MRQ) is a polyherbal preparation recommended by Ayurvedic medical practitioners for treatment of arthritic conditions. An investigation has been carried out with rats and human rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, to determine the anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of MRQ. Results obtained demonstrate that MRQ can significantly and dose-dependently inhibit carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema (the inhibition at 3h was greater than at 1h after induction of oedema). MRQ could also increase the reaction time of rats in the hot-plate test (by 57% after the first hour of treatment), although it had no effect on the reaction time in the tail-flick test, indicating that MRQ possesses analgesic activity that is probably mediated via a supra-spinal effect.MRQ also exerted a dose-dependent (a) protective effect on heat-induced erythrocyte lysis, and (b) inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase activity. In RA patients, after 3 months of MRQ treatment, there was a marked improvement in the pain and inflammation experienced by the patients as well as in the mobility of the affected joints. From the overall results obtained, it may be concluded that MRQ possesses significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Alteration in synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, membrane stabilization and anti-oxidant activity are some of the possible mechanisms through which MRQ mediates its anti-arthritic effects.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Protection against diethylnitrosamine induced hepatocarcinogenecity by an indigenous herbal remedy comprised of Nigella sativa, Hemidesmus indicus and Simlax glabra: a preliminary study
    (Medknow Publications, 2003) Iddamaldeniya, S.S.; Wickremasinghe, S.M.D.N.; Thabrew, M.I.; Ranatunge, N.; Tammitiyagodage, M.G.
    BBACKGROUND: A decoction comprised of Nigella sativa seeds, Hemidesmus indicus root and Smilax glabra rhizome is used to treat cancer patients in Sri Lanka. However, the anti-carcinogenic properties of this decoction have not been experimentally confirmed. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the above decoction could protect against chemically induce hepatocarcinogenesis. METHODS: The effects of this decoction on diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepatocarcinogenesis were examined in male Wistar rats using the medium term bioassay system of Ito, based on a 2-step model of hepatocarcinogenesis. Rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of 10 each. Groups 1 to 4 were injected with DEN (200 mg/kg) to initiate carcinogenesis. Twenty-four hours later groups 1 and 2 were administered the decoction at 4 g/kg body weight/day (dose 1) and 6 g/kg body weight/day (dose 2), respectively. Group 3 and group 4 were given distilled water instead of the decoction and a suspension of garlic powder (20 g/kg body weight/day) in distilled water (positive control), respectively. Group 5 and 6 were injected with normal saline and twenty-four hours later group 5 was given distilled water (normal control) while group 6 was given decoction dose 2 (decoction control). Oral feeding continued for two weeks after which all rats were subjected to 2/3 partial hepatectomy to promote carcinogenesis. Oral feeding continued for eight more weeks. At the end of the 10th week, rats were sacrificed and samples of livers taken for immunohistochemical studies. Carcinogenic potential was scored by comparing the number, area and staining intensity of glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P) positive foci and the number of cells/cm2 of the positive foci in the livers of the six groups of rats. RESULTS: The number and area of DEN-mediated GST-P positive foci, number of cells/cm2 of foci and staining intensity of the foci were significantly (P > 0.001) reduced by the decoction and garlic in the order dose 2 = garlic >dose 1. CONCLUSION: Overall results indicate that the decoction comprised of N. sativa, S. glabra and H. indicus has the potential to protect rat liver against DEN induced hepatocarcinogenesiss
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Diuretic activity of leaf and stem decoctions of Anisomeles indica
    (2003) Dharmasiri, M.G.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.; Thabrew, M.I.
    Anisomeles indica (Lamiaceae) is a wild perennial herb growing in South and South East Asia. A decoction of leaves and stems of this plant is said to be diuretic but this point has not been verified in a controlled scientific investigation. The aim of the study was to scientifically investigate the diuretic activity of the decoctions of leaves and stems of both preflowering (E1) and flowering (E2) plants. Rats were used for experiments. The results showed that A. indica has powerful diurecti action and justify the use of the plant in traditional medicine in Sri Lanka. It is concluded that only the preflowering plants possessed marked diuretic activity. The selection of proper stage of the plant is vital for the induction of diuresis.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Water extracts of leaves and stems of pre-flowering but not flowering plants possess analgesic and antihyperalgesic activities in rat
    (Informa Healthcare, 2003) Dharmasiri, M.G.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.; Thabrew, M.I.
    According to Sri Lankan traditional medicine, a decoction made from stems and leaves of Anisomeles indica Kuntze (Lamiaceae) possesses analgesic activity. However, the validity of this claim has not been scientifically tested. The aim of this study was to investigate analgesic and antihyperalgesic activities of this plant using a water extract made from the leaves and stems. The water extracts were made from leaves and stems of both preflowering (E1) and flowering plants (E2). E1 showed a dose-dependent analgesic effect up to 6 h of treatment when tested in rats using the hot plate and the tail flick techniques. Further, the analgesic effect of E1 was not accompanied by toxic effects. This effect was neither gender dependent nor dependent on the stage of the estrous cycle. E1 also showed a dose-dependent antihyperalgesic activity in the hot plate test. In contrast, E2 did not show any analgesic effect (500 mg/kg). The analgesic effect produced by E1 was not abolished by naloxone. E1 dose-dependently retarded the amplitude of the spontaneous contractions of isolated dioestrous rat uterus. Further, E1 induced a dosedependent plasma membrane stabilisation effect on rat erythrocytes. Collectively, these observations suggest that the analgesic and antihyperalgesic effects of E1 are mediated from inhibition of COX-1, thus impairing the synthesis of prostaglandins. A change in chemical contents that accompanies flowering could be one possible reason for the inability of E2 to demonstrate analgesic effect.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Liv. 52 in alcoholic liver disease: a prospective controlled trial
    (Elsevier, 2003) de Silva, H.A.; Saparamadu, P.A.M.; Thabrew, M.I.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Fonseka, M.M.D.; de Silva, H.J.
    Liv.52, a hepatoprotective agent of herbal origin, is used empirically for the treatment of alcoholic liver disease in Sri Lanka. We conducted acontrolled trial to assess the efficacy of Liv.52 in patients with alcoholic liver disease. Patients with evidence of alcoholic liver disease attending outpatient clinics were included in a prospective, double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial. During the trial period, 80 patients who fulfilled inclusion criteria were randomly assigned Liv.52 (cases; n = 40) or placebo (controls) the recommended dose of three capsules twice daily for 6 months. All patients underwent clinical examination (for which a clinical score was computed), and laboratory investigations for routine blood chemistry and liver function before commencement of therapy (baseline). Thereafter, clinical assessments were done monthly for 6 months, while laboratory investigations were done after 1 and 6 months of therapy. There was no significant difference in the age composition, alcohol intake and baseline liver function between the two groups. The two-sample t-test was used to analyze data obtained after 1 and 6 months of therapy against baseline values. There was no significant difference in clinical outcome and liver chemistry between the two groups at any time point. There were no reports of adverse effects attributable to the drug. Our results suggest that Liv.52 may not be useful in the management of patients with alcohol induced liver disease.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    In-vitro studies on the immunomodulatory effects of extracts of Osbeckia aspera
    (Elsevier, 2001) Nicholl, D.S.; Daniels, H.M.; Thabrew, M.I.; Grayer, R.J.; Simmonds, M.S.J.; Hughes, R.S.
    Ayruvedic medical practitioners in Sri Lanka use aqueous extracts of the mature leaves of Osbeckia aspera to treat liver disease. The extract has been shown to have hepatoprotective effects in vitro and in vivo, and to have inhibitory effects on the complement system and on in vitro phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an aqueous extract of Osbeckia on lymphocyte proliferation stimulated by mitogens and antigen. In control peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), high concentrations of the Osbeckia extract were inhibitory to proliferation stimulated by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD). On stimulation by phorbol myristate acetate and ionomycin (PMA+I) the extract showed stimulation of proliferation at low concentrations (<10 microg/ml) with inhibition at higher concentrations. A similar inhibitory pattern on mitogen/antigen stimulation was seen with PBMC from patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. These results suggest that the inhibitory agent(s) in the aqueous extract of Osbeckia may have an effect on antigen-presenting cell function. The combined hepatoprotective and immunosuppressive effects of the extract are more likely to be beneficial in acute hepatitis rather than chronic hepatitis viral infection.
All items in this Institutional Repository are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated. No item in the repository may be reproduced for commercial or resale purposes.