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The Toxic Effect of Alcoholic Extract of Citrullus colocynthis on Rat Liver
Abstract
There is an increasing tendency for traditional medicine in the world. Many people prefer to take herbal products instead of chemical medicines. However, over consumption of herbal medicines has led to many unpredictable side effects.One of these traditional medicines is Citrullus colocynthis, which is used by diabetic patients as an hypoglycemic agent, but it has been reported to cause gastrointestinal disorders after consumption in some patients. Fifty rats were randomly divided into five groups (4 experimental and 1 controls). In the experimental groups a single daily dose of alcoholic extract of Citrullus colocynthis (50, 100, 200, 400 g/kg) was administered intraperitonally. Normal saline was administered in control group. After two weeks, the rats were killed and the livers were removed and fixed with formalin (10%). Specimens were then processed and stained with H&E and Reticuline.The results indicated that there is a morphological change in liver cells including karyrrhexis, chromatolysis, and granulation of the cytoplasm. Additionally, collagen and reticular fibers were evident in liver parenchyma in high doses. Citrullus colocynthis can have toxic effects on liver cells which may induce hepatocyte necrosis and liver fibrosis. These effects were dose dependent. Further studies are necessary to clarify the issue.
... Slight lesion were noted at the dose (30 mg/kg) were seen in (Fig. 7). No changes were seen in the control were seen in (Fig. 8) our result concurrence with (28). They found presence of degeneration and necroses of the hepatic cells in addition for the inflammation and these gross lesion and histological changes noticed in liver indicated the toxic effect of CCT extract and mention the increase (AST, ALT) proportionally with its doses in mice. ...
... This result agree with (29) that record presence of necrosis in tubular and glomerular mononuclear cellular infiltration and renal castes and calcified mass in the collecting tubules in rat treated with amended diet containing 50-75% CCT powdered seeds these change credit with toxic effect of CCT. Herbal hepto and renal toxicity has been recognized for many year but new agent are contently being identified (30,31) CCT extract was found to have hepototoxic effect and renal effect at high dose hepototoxic effect and renal effect be proved by the result of study through the enzyme of liver AST, ALT (21,28) in addition for toxopathological change which presence of high dose that give the wide necrosis in liver and kidney with infiltration of renal castes this agreed with result (27,28,29). The severity of toxicity was positively proportional with increase in CCT doses, this indicant that toxicity was due to the presence of same toxic components like saponine and alkaloids that induce toxicity according with the dose. ...
... This result agree with (29) that record presence of necrosis in tubular and glomerular mononuclear cellular infiltration and renal castes and calcified mass in the collecting tubules in rat treated with amended diet containing 50-75% CCT powdered seeds these change credit with toxic effect of CCT. Herbal hepto and renal toxicity has been recognized for many year but new agent are contently being identified (30,31) CCT extract was found to have hepototoxic effect and renal effect at high dose hepototoxic effect and renal effect be proved by the result of study through the enzyme of liver AST, ALT (21,28) in addition for toxopathological change which presence of high dose that give the wide necrosis in liver and kidney with infiltration of renal castes this agreed with result (27,28,29). The severity of toxicity was positively proportional with increase in CCT doses, this indicant that toxicity was due to the presence of same toxic components like saponine and alkaloids that induce toxicity according with the dose. ...
... The intestinal damage and rectorrhagia have been attributed to the membranolytic effect of CC constituents [21]. In addition, Dehghani et al. (2006), have shown that CC extract (˃100 mg/kg) induced hepatic intoxication, which was accompanied by hepatic fibrosis and necrosis [22]. In addition, toxic doses of CC (600-1000 mg) lead to tenesmus, hematochezia, and nephrosis. ...
... The intestinal damage and rectorrhagia have been attributed to the membranolytic effect of CC constituents [21]. In addition, Dehghani et al. (2006), have shown that CC extract (˃100 mg/kg) induced hepatic intoxication, which was accompanied by hepatic fibrosis and necrosis [22]. In addition, toxic doses of CC (600-1000 mg) lead to tenesmus, hematochezia, and nephrosis. ...
Background and objectives: Citrullus colocynthis (CC), known as bitter apple, is used to treat diabetes in Iranian traditional medicine. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of CC cream in rats. Materials and Methods: The carrageenan-induced edema in a rat hind paw was carried out to evaluate the topical anti-inflammatory effect of the CC fruit extract cream (2–8%) and the tissue levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were estimated by using a commercial ELISA kit. The topical antinociceptive activity of CC cream (2–8%) was evaluated in the rat formalin test. To determine the role of opioid receptors in the local antinociceptive effect of the CC cream, naloxone (20 μg/paw, i.pl.), a non-selective opioid antagonist, was used. Results: The results showed that the CC cream (2–8%) dose-dependently reduced the carrageenan-induced paw edema and reversed the changes in the level of TNF-α and IL-6 due to carrageenan-induced edema (p < 0.01). The anti-inflammatory effect of CC cream 8% was comparable to that of hydrocortisone ointment 1%. Furthermore, the application of CC cream (2–8%) dose-dependently inhibited both first and second phases of the formalin test (p < 0.05). The antinociceptive effect of the CC cream (8%) was comparable to that of methyl salicylate cream 30%. Moreover, the administration of naloxone significantly reversed the topical antinociceptive effect of the CC cream (p < 0.05). Conclusions: For the first time, this study indicated that the topical application of CC cream possesses significant anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities in animal models, which were probably mediated by opioid receptors and the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6). Thus, the CC cream can be used to treat inflammatory pain and inflammatory diseases.
... Despite the wide therapeutic potentials attributed to the fruit in folk medicine, ethnomedicinal preparations from C. colocynthis pulp extract may not be completely safe as an oral remedy; and long-term administration and at high concentration should be avoided. For example, alcoholic extract of C. colocynthis in concentration above 100 mg/kg could have toxic effects on hepatocytes, which might induce hepatocyte necrosis and liver fibrosis [21]. This research and the other investigations raised a question that why this plant had been used in folk medicine with such adverse effects? ...
... Necrotic changes seen in the liver of this group is attributed to the toxic dose of extract (300 mg/kg) consistence with a study on rat liver, which showed that alcoholic extract of C. colocynthis in concentration above 100 mg/kg could have toxic http://www.ijt.ir; Volume 12, No 1, January-Fabruary2018 effects on hepatocytes, may induce necrosis and liver fibrosis [21]. In another investigation, the influence of C. colocynthis pulp extract administered orally was studied in the intestine of rabbits. ...
... C. colocynthis toxicity at high doses has been reported in experimental studies in animals and in humans [15][16][17][18][19]. According Dehghani and Panjehshahin (2006), a single daily dose of ethanolic extract of C. colocynthis (50, 100, 200, 400 mg/kg) administered intraperitonally, for 14 days, can have toxic effects on liver cells which may induce hepatocyte necrosis and liver fibrosis. These effects were dose dependent [20]. ...
... According Dehghani and Panjehshahin (2006), a single daily dose of ethanolic extract of C. colocynthis (50, 100, 200, 400 mg/kg) administered intraperitonally, for 14 days, can have toxic effects on liver cells which may induce hepatocyte necrosis and liver fibrosis. These effects were dose dependent [20]. ...
The present study was carried out to evaluate acute toxicity and the potential hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activity of the ethanolic extract of Citrullus colocynthis seeds (ECc) in normal and streptozotocin diabetic rats. For acute toxicity test, rats were treated intraperitoneally with graded doses (20 to 300mg/kg body weight) of ECc. Rats were observed for signs of toxicity and LD50 was determined. Antidiabetic activity of intraperitoneal injection of 20mg/kg b.w of ECc was assessed in normal and in diabetic rats. The acute toxicity study of ethanolic glycosides cucurbitacins extracts from the seeds of colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis) reported an LD50 of 166 mg/kg b.w, Also, the injection of 20mg/kg b.w (i.p) of ECc has antihyperglycemic effect in normal and diabetic rats. For 3 hours, it corrects blood glucose levels STZ-induced diabetic rats about 28.65%. This effect persists during 21 days after injection of extract with levels of reduction values of 40.74%.
... There is a growing concern about the hepatotoxicity of herbal remedies (Larry, 1997). The herbal hepatotoxicity has been recognized for many years which was identified by Chitturi et al., (2000), Dehghani and Panjehshahin (2006), Jain et al., (2013) and many others. In the researches of the aforesaid researchers they observed that the herbal plants can cause hepatocytic necrosis as well as hemorrhages in the lobules and congestion in the central vein along with fibrosis or cirrhosis in liver parenchyma. ...
... Though Dose is a vital factor in this matter. Dehghani and Panjehshahin, (2006) revealed that the effects of the extract on the liver is dose dependent. If the dose is maintained properly during the treatment then it would not make such type of harmful or toxic effects. ...
p>Nature has been a source of medicinal agents for the thousands of years and a large number of drugs have been isolated from natural sources. Over 50% of all modern drugs are originated from natural sources. Hibiscus rosasinensis is also a very renowned flower having a vast use as a medicinal plant. Several studies have shown that the flower, leaf of this plant has a wide range of medicinal uses such as contraception, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-tumor, anti-diarrheic and anti-convulsent. But whether this plant affects the liver or not is still not investigated with proper care. For the sake of this purpose a research was conducted on the Swiss albino mice in the Bioresearch Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Histology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202. Twenty (20) mice (Avg. weight of 27-28 gm and avg. age of 6-7 weeks) were purchased from ICDDRB, Mahakhali, Dhaka and divided into two groups (control, C and Treated, T) each having 10 mice. During the experimental period, the control group was supplied with the normal mice pellet and plane water whereas, the powder of the Hibiscus rosasinensis @ 500 mg/ml with drinking water and the normal mice pellet was provided to the treated group. After the end of the experimental tenure of one month the mice were sacrificed ethically and sample (liver) was collected for the gross and histological analysis. Both in the gross and histology the histomorphology of the liver was similar without having any alteration from the normal. No remarkable changes of the gross and histological architecture were found. So it can be said that the extract of Hibiscus rosasinensis has no baleful effects on the histomorphology of the liver in Swiss Albino mice.
Progressive Agriculture 27 (3): 296-300, 2016 </p
... There is a growing concern about the hepatotoxicity of herbal remedies (Larry, 1997). The herbal hepatotoxicity has been recognized for many years which was identified by Chitturi et al., (2000), Dehghani and Panjehshahin (2006), Jain et al., (2013) and many others. In the researches of the aforesaid researchers they observed that the herbal plants can cause hepatocytic necrosis as well as hemorrhages in the lobules and congestion in the central vein along with fibrosis or cirrhosis in liver parenchyma. ...
... Though Dose is a vital factor in this matter. Dehghani and Panjehshahin, (2006) revealed that the effects of the extract on the liver is dose dependent. If the dose is maintained properly during the treatment then it would not make such type of harmful or toxic effects. ...
Nature has been a source of medicinal agents for the thousands of years and a large number of drugs have been isolated from natural sources. Over 50% of all modern drugs are originated from natural sources. Hibiscus rosasinensis is also a very renowned flower having a vast use as a medicinal plant. Several studies have shown that the flower, leaf of this plant has a wide range of medicinal uses such as contraception, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-tumor, anti-diarrheic and anti-convulsent. But whether this plant affects the liver or not is still not investigated with proper care. For the sake of this purpose a research was conducted on the Swiss albino mice in the Bioresearch Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Histology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202. Twenty (20) mice (Avg. weight of 27-28 gm and avg. age of 6-7 weeks) were purchased from ICDDR,B, Mahakhali, Dhaka and divided into two groups (control, C and Treated, T) each having 10 mice. During the experimental period, the control group was supplied with the normal mice pellet and plane water whereas, the powder of the Hibiscus rosasinensis @ 500 mg/ml with drinking water and the normal mice pellet was provided to the treated group. After the end of the experimental tenure of one month the mice were sacrificed ethically and sample (liver) was collected for the gross and histological analysis. Both in the gross and histology the histomorphology of the liver was similar without having any alteration from the normal. No remarkable changes of the gross and histological architecture were found. So it can be said that the extract of Hibiscus rosasinensis has no baleful effects on the histomorphology of the liver in Swiss Albino mice.
Keyword: Hibiscus rosasinensis, Baleful effect, liver, histomorphology, Swiss albino mice.
... Ethanolic extract of the plant might induce hepatocyte necrosis and liver fibrosis in rats due to the toxic effects on liver cells (Dehghani, and Panjehshahin, 2006) None found ...
... Curcuma longa (Srivastava, 1989), Zingiber officinale (Beikang et al., 2014), Ferula asafetida (Heck et al., 2000), and Linum usitatissimum (Basch et al., 2007) have shown to impair platelet aggregation. Teucrium capitatum (Fau et al., 1997) and Citrullus colocynthis (Dehghani, and Panjehshahin, 2006) have hepato-toxic effects. ...
... It should be noted that the toxic activity of several plants mentioned in our research has been proven and affirmed by numerous studies: Salvia officinalis L., Euphorbia resinifera, Citrullus colocynthis L., Globularia alypum L., Aloe succotrina (Benkhnigue et al., 2014). Citrullus colocynthis (Al- Yahya et al., 2000;Dehghani et Panjehshahin, 2006), Nigella sativa (Zaoui et al., 2002;Ali et Blunden, 2003). (Fig. 6). ...
The ethnobotanical study conducted in the city of Béni Mellal in 2017 has as main objective the evaluation of the city's potential in medicinal plants used specifically in the treatment of diabetes. For this purpose, the survey targeted 100 people of the local population and 33 plant taxa belonging to 22 families were identified for the treatment of diabetes. These taxa belong mainly to the families of Lamiaceae (06), Fabaceae (03), Amaryllidaceae (02), Chenopodiaceae (02), Euphorbiaceae (02) and Oleaceae (02). The most important antidiabetic plants are: Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (11), Olea europaea L. (07), Globularia alypum L. (06), Thymus saturioides Coss (06), Salvia officinalis L (05) and Aloe succotrina Lamk (05). The leaves remain the most used organs; the decoction and infusion are the two most dominant modes of preparation.
... Specimens were processed regularly, and sections were produced then stained with hematoxiline-eosine at a thickness of 5 microns (H&E). Qucik Lab Services (PVT) LTD examined the slides using light microscopy to assess the histological findings [42]. ...
Herbal products are preferable to synthetic medicines, and the use of traditional medicines is increasing day-by-day. The current study was designed to evaluate the potentials of bioactive compounds from Citrullus colocynthis by performing FTIR, HPLC, and GC-MS analyses, which explore the good concentration of the secondary metabolites, such as gallic acid (74.854 ppm), vanillic acid (122.616 ppm), and ferulic acid (101.045 ppm) with considerable bioactivities. Antimicrobial protein was estimated by performing SDS-PAGE, ranging from 15 to 70 kDa in all protein fractions. The current study also checked the cytotoxicity of the bioactive compounds in the active fraction of C. colocynthis, and to perform this activity, the groups of rats were arranged with 16 rats randomly divided into four groups (three experimental and one control) by administering various dosage of methanolic fractions in dose-dependent manner. Histopathology was conducted on the livers of the rats after 15 days of sacrifice under deep anesthesia. In liver cell slides examined at the maximum dose of 600 mg/kg, minimal morphological changes, such as slight ballooning, nuclear variation, vacuolar degeneration, and hydropic degeneration, were observed. Furthermore, the in silico analysis identified bioactive compounds as potential drug candidates.
... Experimental models revealed reproductive and fertility related intoxication symptoms at very high doses. 39,[50][51][52] Some allergic reactions to specific vegetal products did also manifest following intake of these herbs. According to experimental findings reported in the literature, it is suggested to avoid auto-medication using herbal medicine for allergic patients and pregnant women. ...
Recently, there is an ascendant recourse for medicinal plants’ utilization as treatment of several chronic diseases, including diabetes. While effective in wound healing, some herbs might present toxic effects at certain doses or when used for long periods. In this study, the frequently used antidiabetic herbs, in a rural region, was reviewed with special focus on their possible toxicological features
... The induction of these enzymes frequently results in an increased of the mean of organ relative weight following an exposure to xenobiotic [20]. One may also argue that these changes could be toxicologically significant especially for the liver [21]. This result is similar to that reported by Sewani-Rusike et al. [8] on the activity of the hydro-ethanol extract 70% of G. kola. ...
Objective: The main objective of this research is to evaluate the toxicity of ''Natural bio juice'' a phytomedicine based on G. kola. Methods: The 28 days sub-chronic toxicity of ''Natural bio juice'' was done. Rats body weight and rat's organ relative weight, haematological and biochemical parameters were determined; and histological sections were performed. The contractile activity on the heart of the toad ''in situ'' was evaluated. Results: The phytochemical screening of the drug has shown the presence of cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids and anthracenes. The administration of ''Natural bio juice'' for 28 days, at 1.7 ml/kg and 10 ml/ kg significantly (p <0.0001) increased the relative weight of the liver and blood sodium level; and decreased significantly (p <0.0001) the platelet count. Histological sections performed on the heart, liver, testes and kidneys showed no histological lesions. The experiment performed of the toad heart in situ have shown a significant decrease (p <0.0001) in heart rate (negative chronotropic effect) and an increase in cardiac amplitude (positive inotropic effect). Conclusion: ''Natural bio juice'' can be toxic to human liver, blood and heart after a long-term administration. These toxics effects of ''Natural bio juice'' can be attributed to its' contain in cardiac glycosides
... It was concluded that colocynth can have toxic effects on liver cells which may induce hepatocyte necrosis and liver fibrosis. [26] A review of hepatic effects of Citrullus colocynthis was published on 2018 in the Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry showed that few studies in literature discussed the effects of colocynth on liver through trials on animals; rats, rabbits, mice and Swiss rats. The review concluded that Citrullus colocynthis is hepatotoxic in doses more than 50-100 mg/kg. ...
Introduction:Colocynth is a commonly used remedy in some parts of theworldto treat several conditions andmost commonly to control diabetes. Case presentation: 42-year-old gentleman, known case of diabetes,presented to ER with history of severe colicky abdominal pain, bloodydiarrhea and nausea and vomiting for 6 hours, after ingestion of half piece ofcolocynth. Investigations showed a picture of pseudomembranous colitis andhepatitisalongwithdiabetic ketoacidosis. Management and outcome:He was admitted, treated conservatively andstarted on DKA protocol. Several investigations were done to clarify thecausesof thecolitisandhepatitis. Discussion and Conclusions: In respect to his colitis, all possibilities wereinvestigated thoroughly. Given the fact that colocynth toxicity is a well-knowncauseofcolitis,orderofeventsandabsenceofothercauses,colocynthtoxicityisthe most probable cause. Regarding the hepatitis, there are several trials on animals and hadcontroversy regarding colocynth as hepatotoxic or hepatoprotective material.Screening was done for our patient for all possible causes viral, drug induced,hemolysis, and autoimmune. All came negative and the only possible causewascolocynthtoxicity.
... All the organs of this plant, including the stem, leaves, fruits, seeds, and root are used as dried or fresh, either aqueous or oil extracts, and are reported to have anti-diabetic, anti-leprosy, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, vermifuge, hyperlipidemic laxative, hair-growth-promoting, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties [4,[9][10][11][12][13][14]. In spite of the several medicinal uses of tumba, some complications have also been reported from its direct use including diarrhea, colic, vomiting, nephrosis, hematochezia, and liver dysfunctions [15][16][17]. ...
Bitter apple or tumba (Citrulluscolocynthis L.) is a prostrate annual herb belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is highly tolerant against multiple abiotic stresses like drought, heat, and soil salinity and can easily grow on very marginal soil, even on sand dunes in hot, arid regions. Tumba fruitisafleshyberry5–10cmindiameterandofapaleyellowcoloratripening. Thetumbafruitused inthisresearchwasharvestedfromtheICAR-CIAH,Bikanerresearchfarm. Theseedswereseparated, and their oil was extracted to analyze its physical characteristics and composition (phytochemical compounds, fatty acid profile, etc.). The seeds of the tumba fruit contained 23–25% golden-yellowcolored oil with a specific gravity of 0.92 g/mL. The extracted oil contained appreciable amounts of phytochemical (bioactive) compounds like phenolics (5.39 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoids (938 mg catechin eq./100 g), carotenoids (79.5 mg/kg), oryzanol (0.066%), and lignans (0.012%), along with 70–122 mg AAE/100 g total antioxidant activity (depending on the determination method). The results of fatty acid profiling carried out by GC-MS/MS demonstrated that tumba seed oil contained about 70% unsaturated fatty acids with more than 51% polyunsaturated fatty acids. It mainly contained linoleic acid (C18:2n6; 50.3%), followed by oleic acid (C18:1n9; 18.0%), stearic acid (C18:0; 15.2%),andpalmiticacid(C16:0;12.4%). Therefore,thisoilcanbeconsideredasaverygoodsourceof essential fatty acids like omega-6 fatty acid (linoleic acid), whereas it contains a lower concentration of omega-3 fatty acids (α-linolenic acid) and hydroxy polyunsaturated fatty acids. In addition, it also contains some odd chain fatty acids like pentadecanoic and heptadecanoic acid (C15:0 and C17:0, respectively),whichhaverecentlybeendemonstratedtobebioactivecompoundsinreducingtherisk of cardiometabolic diseases. The results of this study suggest that tumba seed oil contains several health-promoting bioactive compounds with nutraceutical properties; hence, it can be an excellent dietary source.
... All the organs of this plant, including the stem, leaves, fruits, seeds, and root are used as dried or fresh, either aqueous or oil extracts, and are reported to have anti-diabetic, anti-leprosy, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, vermifuge, hyperlipidemic laxative, hair-growth-promoting, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties [4,[9][10][11][12][13][14]. In spite of the several medicinal uses of tumba, some complications have also been reported from its direct use including diarrhea, colic, vomiting, nephrosis, hematochezia, and liver dysfunctions [15][16][17]. ...
Bitter apple or tumba (Citrullus colocynthis L.) is a prostrate annual herb belonging to the
Cucurbitaceae family. It is highly tolerant against multiple abiotic stresses like drought, heat, and soil salinity and can easily grow on very marginal soil, even on sand dunes in hot, arid regions. Tumba fruit is a fleshy berry 5–10 cm in diameter and of a pale yellow color at ripening. The tumba fruit used in this research was harvested from the ICAR-CIAH, Bikaner research farm. The seeds were separated, and their oil was extracted to analyze its physical characteristics and composition (phytochemical compounds, fatty acid profile, etc.). The seeds of the tumba fruit contained 23–25% golden-yellowcolored
oil with a specific gravity of 0.92 g/mL. The extracted oil contained appreciable amounts
of phytochemical (bioactive) compounds like phenolics (5.39 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoids (938 mg catechin eq./100 g), carotenoids (79.5 mg/kg), oryzanol (0.066%), and lignans (0.012%), along with 70–122 mg AAE/100 g total antioxidant activity (depending on the determination method). The results of fatty acid profiling carried out by GC-MS/MS demonstrated that tumba seed oil contained about 70% unsaturated fatty acids with more than 51% polyunsaturated fatty acids. It mainly contained linoleic acid (C18:2n6; 50.3%), followed by oleic acid (C18:1n9; 18.0%), stearic acid (C18:0; 15.2%), and palmitic acid (C16:0; 12.4%). Therefore, this oil can be considered as a very good source of essential fatty acids like omega-6 fatty acid (linoleic acid), whereas it contains a lower concentration of omega-3 fatty acids (�-linolenic acid) and hydroxy polyunsaturated fatty acids. In addition, it also contains some odd chain fatty acids like pentadecanoic and heptadecanoic acid (C15:0 and C17:0, respectively), which have recently been demonstrated to be bioactive compounds in reducing the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. The results of this study suggest that tumba seed oil contains several health-promoting bioactive compounds with nutraceutical properties; hence, it can be an excellent dietary source.
... C. colocynthis pulps with the seeds were examined for the activity on the lipid profile of hyperlipidemic in the New Zealand rabbits. Hyperlipidemia is a wellknown risk factor for numerous illnesses, including atherosclerosis, heart stroke, and vascular diseases 36,37 . ...
The medicinal plant Citrullus colocynthis is very significant for indigenous medicine. The pharmacological effects of root, fruits, seeds, leaves, and the whole C. colocynthis have been practices for the treatment of diseases. Phytochemical screening of the fruits of C. colocynthis has observed several bioactive compounds. The glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and essential oils contain phenolic and flavonoids in the C. colocynthis fruit. In current research work, a review on pharmacological study of medicinal plant C. colocynthis. Many related research articles were checked and collected in Google Scholar, PubMed, Science direct, the scientific information Database, and Scopus. For the present study purpose, using the terms colocynthis, Indrayan, Garhtumba, and Kharatumba in the title of all articles published to 2021 were observed. This study suggests that the extract of C. colocynthis could offer cheaper herbal drugs. The finding of the present research work would be significant, help prepare less costly, eco-friendly herbal drugs to treat various diseases and infections to replace synthetic drugs.
... C. colocynthis is a strong laxative, with one case report suggesting that ingestion of the former causes inflammation of the colon with bloody diarrhea (Goldfain et al., 1989). High doses of C. colocynthis have detrimental effects on liver cells (Dehghan and Panjeh, 2006). High doses of its pulp extract, in particular, were deadly in rabbits, causing dehydration owing to severe diarrhea, heart failure due to cardio-stimulatory action, hepatorenal insults, or hypoglycemia; seed extract caused mild intestinal lesions (Shafaei et al., 2012). ...
Health consciousness and increased knowledge about the side effects of synthetic drugs have enhanced interest in traditional medicines. Medicinal plants offer cures for various diseases, leading to improved living standards. This has brought ethnomedicinal studies into the spotlight and increased demand for herb-based medicines. Citrullus colocynthis is an herbaceous plant containing an abundance of nutrients that play a key role in the improvement of wellbeing. C. colocynthis has many biological properties, such as antioxidative, hypoglycemic, antibacterial, anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, gastrointestinal tract, reproduction, protection, anti-microbial, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, antineoplastic, profibrinolytic, anti-allergic, pesticidal, and immune-stimulatory. There are numerous bioactive compounds like cucurbitacin, flavonoids, and polyphenols in C. colocynthis that give it medicinal properties. Herein, we have extensively compiled, reviewed, and analyzed significant information on C. colocynthhis from the best published available evidence in PubMed, Scopus (Embase), Web of Science (Web of Knowledge), Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, etc. Scientific literature evidenced that owing to the bioactive constituents, including cucurbitacin, polyphenols, flavonoids, and other potent molecules, C. colocynthis has many pharmacological and physiological functions. It possesses multi-beneficial applications in treating various disorders of humans and animals. So, the primary purpose of this comprehensive review is to provide an overview of the findings of positive impacts and risks of C. colocynthis consumption on human health, especially in poultry and veterinary fields. In the future, this narrative article will be aware of discoveries about the potential of this promising natural fruit and its bioactive compounds as the best nutraceuticals and therapeutic drugs in veterinary and human medicine.
... When LT2D and ET2D were induced in two groups of rats (n = 10; STZ, 55 mg/kg; NIA, same as above), 3 of the STZ-injected rats and 7 of the NIA/STZ-injected ones developed the corresponding types of diabetes, respectively. After measuring FBS in the fasting rats, IPGT T was performed in two representative diabetic rats in each group as follows: glucose (2 g/kg dissolved in~0.3 mL of normal saline) mixed with one of the two nontoxic doses of CCAE (90 mg/kg or 110 mg/kg) was IP injected [18,34,52] and blood sugar was recorded at 15 min intervals in the tail blood. This experiment aimed to select the CCAE dosage, but it also showed the acute or short-term hypoglycemic effect of CCAE. ...
Background
The medicinal plant Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. ( C. colocynthis ) may benefit patients at different phases of diabetes by attuning to contrasting situations. Our primary objective was to find the mechanism(s) behind the antidiabetic/anti-hyperlipidemic effects of C . c olocynthis seed a queous e xtract (CCAE) in two different stages of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in rats.
Methods
Fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels, body weights, and the degree of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) were measured in healthy nondiabetic control rats (Con), as well as rats with e arly and l ate stages of T2D , denoted as ET2D and LT2D, respectively. CCAE was intraperitoneally (IP) injected for 28 days. In the end, the hepatic mRNA expression levels of the following genes were determined by RT-PCR: glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), insulin-dependent sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1). The liver was examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Oil-Red O staining. CCAE was partially analyzed by HPLC-DAD.
Results
ET2D and LT2D were characterized by differentially elevated FBS, deteriorated bodyweight, and significant IGT compared to Con. Hepatosteatoses of varying morphologies and higher hepatic expression of G6Pase than PRPCK in ET2D versus the opposite in LT2D further confirmed the divergent nature of metabolic aberrations. At the end of 28 days, the high levels of FBS, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triglyceride (TG), urea, hepatic protein carbonyl content (PCC), and alanine and aspartate aminotransferases (AST and ALT, respectively) persisted in untreated LT2D. CCAE ameliorated oxidative stress and upregulated PPARα expression in diabetic groups and Con; it downregulated CPT1 expression in the LT2D group. CCAE’s ability to lower FBS and serum and hepatic TG in both ET2D and LT2D indicated its ability to act via different mechanisms. Ferulic acid (Fer A) and rutin hydrate (RH) were detected in CCAE.
Conclusion
CCAE lowered the FBS in ET2D via inhibiting the hepatic G6Pase expression (glycogenolysis). In LT2D, CCAE abated sugar levels by diverting PEPCK activity, preferably towards glyceroneogenesis than gluconeogenesis. The preserved triglyceride/fatty acid (TG/FA) cycle, the upregulated PPARα, and the downregulated CPT1 gene expressions reduced serum and hepatic TG.
... Moreover, serious poisoning cases inducing sometimes death were reported after oral administration of R. raetam and C. colocynthis. In this regard, previous pharmacological studies confirmed the lethal effect of the pulp extract of C. colocynthis received by rabbits [42] and also its toxicity on liver cells which may engender hepatocyte necrosis and liver fibrosis [43]. Likewise, the findings of Algandaby [44] revealed that the repeated administration of excessive doses of methanolic extract of R. raetam in rats could exhibit hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, and mutagenic effects. ...
Thanks to its geographic location between two bioclimatic belts (arid and Saharan) and the ancestral nomadic roots of its inhabitants, the sector of Ouled Dabbeb (Southern Tunisia) represents a rich source of plant biodiversity and wide ranging of ethnobotanical knowledge. This work aims to (1) explore and compile the unique diversity of floristic and ethnobotanical information on different folk use of plants in this sector and (2) provide a novel insight into the degree of knowledge transmission between the current population and their semi-nomadic forefathers. Ethnobotanical interviews and vegetation inventories were undertaken during 2014–2019. Thirty informants aged from 27 to 84 were interviewed. The ethnobotanical study revealed that the local community of Ouled Dabbeb perceived the use of 70 plant species belonging to 59 genera from 31 families for therapeutic (83%), food (49%), domestic (15%), ethnoveterinary (12%), cosmetic (5%), and ritual purposes (3%). Moreover, they were knowledgeable about the toxicity of eight taxa. Nearly 73% of reported ethnospecies were freely gathered from the wild. The most commonly used plant parts were leaves (41%) followed by flowers and inflorescence (16%). We reported the use and collection of non-renewable parts (underground storage organs and roots) for 20 ethnospecies. Interestingly, a comparison with the available literature in Tunisia and neighboring countries reveals 13 new useful plants as well as 17 plants with new uses and demonstrates an important reservoir of traditional ethnobotanical heritage that is still sustained by respondents stemming from the semi-nomadic lifestyle of their ancestors (74% of cited taxa). These data could set a basis for further phytochemical and pharmacological research and conservative approach of the most relevant plant species including endemic overused and endangered taxa.
... C. colocynthis at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg was shown to have anti-diabetes effects, and without any side effects (34). Dehghani et al. in two different studies found that all doses of C. colocynthis were not safe and could be toxic at doses of 200 mg/kg and cause abortion in pregnant ewes (17,35). In traditional Chinese medicine, Ginkgo biloba leaves have been used to have hepatoprotective effect against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats based on their property for inhibition of lipid peroxidative processes, and preventing GSH depletion and exertion of antioxidant activities (36). ...
Background: Chemical drugs in treatment of liver diseases are still scare and with many complications. Citrullus colocynthis known as bitter apple is on of herbals that can affect liver function. This study evaluated the effect of C. colocynthis on serum lipid profile and hepatic tissue histology in CCl4-induced liver injury rat model. Methods: In this experimental animal study, forty-two Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 equal groups of control received 1 mL/kg of distilled water, twice a week for 2 weeks intraperitoneally (IP); sham injected with 50% CCl 4 identically; and experimental groups administered with just 20 mg/kg of C. colocynthis similarly; receipt of 20 mg/kg of C. colocynthis after induction of fatty liver disease by CCl 4 , identically; received 50 mg/ kg of C. colocynthis in the same manner; and receipt of 50 mg/kg of C. colocynthis after induction of fatty liver disease by CCl 4 , identically. The triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol levels were determined and liver tissue changes were assessed histologically before and after interventions. Results: C. colocynthis could decrease TG, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), but not low-density lipoprotein (LDL) after liver injury. C. colocynthis could significantly ameliorate the injured liver. Conclusion: Based on the decrease in TG, TC and HDL levels and histological healing picture in hepatic tissue after administration of C. colocynthis, it can be recommended as an alternative medical therapy for liver injuries because it is inexpensive and is easily available. These findings can be added to the literature when targeting treatment of liver injuries.
... The seedsarerich infatty acids,such asmyristic, stearic, oleic, linoleicandlinolenic acids; essential amino acids,such asarginine, tryptophan, methionine; vitamins, such as B1, B2,andB3; andminerals, such as Ca, Mg, Mn, K, P, Fe and Zn [3]. Toxic effects of C. colocynthis have been also reported [5][6][7][8]. ...
Background: The extent of metabolic disruption and the usefulness of drugs and supplements, such as medicinal plants, in patients with diabetes may be impacted by the severity of the disease.
Method: Nicotinamide + STZ together and STZ alone were used to induce early- and late-stage diabetes type 2 (ET2D and LT2D, respectively) in rats. Glucose tolerance test (GTT) was performed because the stage of disease was considered compatible with the magnitude of deviation from normal glucose tolerance test (GTT), as well as the level of FBS. Three main groups of the study were nondiabetic, early-stage diabetic, and late-stage diabetic rats. Each group was divided into two sub-groups, one of which received Citrullus colocynthis seed aqueous extract (CCAE, 90mg/kg BW) for 28 days. Weekly FBS and body weights were recorded during the study. At the end of 28 days, the serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, TG, urea, creatinine, uric acid, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, c-peptide, and HbA1c were measured; the hepatic mRNA expression of several enzymes of glucose and fat metabolic pathways were also determined by Real-Time PCR. The accumulation of fat in the hepatic tissue was visualized by measuring the TG content and by H&E and Oil-Red staining and the degree of oxidative stress was measured by protein carbonyl content (PCC).
Results: The LT2D rats showed maximal deviations from normal GTT. GTT for control and ET2D rats were similar, yet the area under curve (AUC) for ET2D rats was significantly higher. Urea, ALT, and ALP levels were high in diabetic rats compared to control and significantly different from each other.Serum TG dropped and ALT, ALP, HDL and LDL significantly improved after treatment with CCAE. Different patterns of G6Pase and PEPCK expression in ET2D and LT2D suggested their similarity to short- and long-term fasting states, respectively. While the reduction of FBS levels in ET2D could be explained by an inhibition of G6Pase expression and therefore glycogenolysis, the level of PEPCK expression was not significantly lowered by CCAE in LT2D. H&E staining of liver tissue showed steatoses of varying morphology in both ET2D and LT2D rats. CCAE led to up-regulated PPARα and down-regulated CPT1 expressions.
Conclusion: As PEPCK activity is necessary for the continuation of the TG/FA cycle during fasting, it is possible that in LT2D, CCAE directed the PEPCK activity more towards glyceroneogenesis than gluconeogenesis to ensure the persistence of the TG/FA cycle. The enhanced glyceroneogenesis together with an up-regulated PPARa expression and down-regulated CPT1 expression probably led to lower blood and hepatic TG. More research is needed to establish the effect of CCAE on PEPCK expression and its course of activity.
... so, it can be said that the CCT extract did not cause liver damage [7]. Although, the dosedependent effects of water and alcoholic CCT extracts on liver toxicity have been reported in experimental studies, and oral consumption of concentrations greater than 400 mg/kg leads to an increase in liver enzymes in adult rats [21][22][23]. In contrast, some other studies have reported that CCT has hepatoprotective effects which probably is accomplished through increased antioxidant defense systems [24]. ...
Background and purposeNowadays, among the herbal medicines utilized to treat diabetes, Citrullus colocynthis (CCT) is highly noticeable as it reduces blood glucose (BG) and stimulating insulin secretion. However, long-term oral consumption of this herbal medicine has often associated with digestive complications. In this study, skin absorption of CCT as a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of type II diabetic patients has been surveyed.Materials and methods40 patients with type II diabetic (aged 45–65) were selected. Participants were asked for placing their metatarsus daily in a decoction containing 2% CCT solution for 40–60 min each day and continuing that for 10 days. Blood and urine samples of patients collected at the beginning and the end of the study. The samples were examined for the BG levels, serum insulin content, lipid profiles, hepatic enzymes, urea, creatinine, and microalbuminuria, The quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β) and disposition index (DI) indicators were also calculated.ResultsLocal treatment of CCT could significantly decrease BG levels, stimulate insulin secretion and improve the function of pancreatic beta cells. It also decreased serum urea levels comparing to pre-treatment levels (p < 0.05) but there was no significant change in creatinine levels, lipid profiles, hepatic enzymes, micro-albuminuria, and other insulin sensitivity indexes.Conclusion
This study demonstrated that the CCT plant can also have systemic therapeutic effects on type II diabetic patients through dermal absorption.
... Different parts of the plant including seeds, fruit, root, stem, and leaves, used as either aqueous or oil extracts, dried or fresh. These parts are believed to have antidiabetic 1,2,3 , antihyperlipidemic 4,5 , laxative 6,7 , anti-inflammatory, analgesic 7 , vermifuge 2 , hair-growthpromoting 8 , antibacterial, antifungal 7 , and antioxidant properties 9 .In spite of multiple medical benefits, some of the most frequently reported complications such as colic, diarrhea, hematochezia, nephrosis, vomiting, and liver impairment 10,11 have placed C. colocynthis amongst the top 10 toxic plants 11 . ...
The present study was planned to clarify the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of aqueous leave ' s extract of Citrullus colocynthis. Root tip meristems of Allium cepa was treated with different concentrations of aqueous leaves extract of C. colocynthis. Samples were taken out at regular intervals for each treatment and subjected to cytogenetic studies including chromosomal aberrations (CA) and micronuclei (MN) assessment, and molecular studies including DNA quantitation, Total soluble protein levels and RAPD-DNA. It was found that the extract has cytotoxic and genotoxic activities at highly concentrations. Mitotic index decreased as concentration or time of exposure increased. Frequency of (CA) and (MN) increased with increase in concentration or exposure time. Most (CA) were disturbance of chromosomes, C-metaphase and binucleate. Pyknotic nuclei cells were highly frequent at high concentration.DNA quantity and total soluble protein levels in seedlings decreased slightly at 23 gm/L of C. colocynthis, and inhibited substantially respectively compared with control along with the increase of C. colocynthis concentration at 46 and 92 gm/L following 24, 48 and 72h. of treatment. The RAPD results demonstrated a polymorphic numbers of genetic bands, which were the electrophoretic products of PCR for all treatments compared with the control. The obtained results strongly suggest that the leaves extract of Citrullus colocynthis is a clastogenic, mutagenic at high dose and anti-carcinogenic agent probably at small dose.
... Different parts of the plant including seeds, fruit, root, stem, and leaves, used as either aqueous or oil extracts, dried or fresh. These parts are believed to have antidiabetic 1,2,3 , antihyperlipidemic 4,5 , laxative 6,7 , anti-inflammatory, analgesic 7 , vermifuge 2 , hair-growthpromoting 8 , antibacterial, antifungal 7 , and antioxidant properties 9 .In spite of multiple medical benefits, some of the most frequently reported complications such as colic, diarrhea, hematochezia, nephrosis, vomiting, and liver impairment 10,11 have placed C. colocynthis amongst the top 10 toxic plants 11 . ...
The present study was planned to clarify the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of aqueous leave ' s extract of Citrullus colocynthis. Root tip meristems of Allium cepa was treated with different concentrations of aqueous leaves extract of C. colocynthis. Samples were taken out at regular intervals for each treatment and subjected to cytogenetic studies including chromosomal aberrations (CA) and micronuclei (MN) assessment, and molecular studies including DNA quantitation, Total soluble protein levels and RAPD-DNA. It was found that the extract has cytotoxic and genotoxic activities at highly concentrations. Mitotic index decreased as concentration or time of exposure increased. Frequency of (CA) and (MN) increased with increase in concentration or exposure time. Most (CA) were disturbance of chromosomes, C-metaphase and binucleate. Pyknotic nuclei cells were highly frequent at high concentration.DNA quantity and total soluble protein levels in seedlings decreased slightly at 23 gm/L of C. colocynthis, and inhibited substantially respectively compared with control along with the increase of C. colocynthis concentration at 46 and 92 gm/L following 24, 48 and 72h. of treatment. The RAPD results demonstrated a polymorphic numbers of genetic bands, which were the electrophoretic products of PCR for all treatments compared with the control. The obtained results strongly suggest that the leaves extract of Citrullus colocynthis is a clastogenic, mutagenic at high dose and anti-carcinogenic agent probably at small dose.
... Notably, collagen and reticular fibers deposition were increased in liver parenchyma only at 400 g/kg. Citrullus colocynthis raw extract may enhance fibrosis and necrosis on liver of treated rat [3]. ...
Background: The extract of Citrullus colocynthis is consider as a source of drug or adjuvant to other therapeutics agents as the pharmacological activities of Citrullus colocynthis studied previously for this plant as antidiarrheal, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic and antihyperlipidemic properties. Aims: To better understand the biochemical and cytotoxic effect of ethanolic raw extract of Egyptian Citrullus colocynthis in Sprague Dawley rat short term of toxicity bioassay. Methodology: Ethanolic extract of fruits of Citrullus colocynthis was investigated for its sub chronic toxicity on sprague Dawley rats, in order to develop safe doses, we use 30 male rats gavage with 0, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg of Citrullus colocynthis extract twice per week for 8 weeks. Results: The raw extract of fruits of Citrullus at dose of 12.5 mg and 25 mg/kg induced significant increase in level of creatinine and total protein and increased non-significantly levels of glucose and blood urea while reduced level of triglycerides, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol significantly when compared with control group. Histopathological examination revealed that kidney of rat treated with Citrullus colocynthis at dose of 12.5 mg/ kg show interstitial chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate while Kidney of SD-rat treated with Citrullus colocynthis at dose of 25 mg/kg show interstitial fibrosis stained with mallory trichrome stain. While liver show lytic necrosis replaced by leukocyte infiltration at dose of 12.5 mg/kg of raw extract and rat treated with Citrullus colocynthis at dose of 25 mg/ kg show interstitial fibrosis stained with mallory trichrome stain. Conclusion: Raw extract of fruits of Citrullus had adverse effect on liver and kidney while in improving lipid profile and hematology in a novel manner in Sprague Dawley rats at selected dosed.
... In the control group (C), well organized seminiferous tubules were found but in the treated group (group T) the arrangement of the seminiferous tubules was distorted (Fig 2D). The observations of Sharaw et al., 2014 [27], Dehghani et al., 2006 [28] and Raji et al., 2006 [29] was supported by the finding of this research as well. But they did their experiment with the ethanolic extract of the Hibiscus rosasinensis and Syzygium cumini. ...
The present research was designed to explore in vivo herbal contraceptive effects on the anatomy of the testis in male Swiss albino mice and to observe that whether the herbal extracts depart any baleful effects on the genitalia or not. Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus) at 30 days (purchased from ICDDR, B; avg. b.wt: 25-28 gm) were divided into two (2) groups (10 mice in each group: 7 male + 3 male). Treated group was administered orally with an aqueous extract of the three (3) herbal plants except the control group. Treatment was started at 60 days of age and mice of all groups were fed with standard feed (mice pellet) and water ad libitum. After experimental period, mice were ethically sacrificed and testes were collected for anatomical (gross & histological) studies after processed and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H & E) stain for histo-pathological investigation. Gross anatomically testis of treated mice reduced in size and pale in color. Histologically, number of seminiferous tubules, sertoli & leydig cells and amount of spermatozoa within the lumen of seminiferous tubules decreased. Derangement of the seminiferous tubules along with the presence of a thick fibrous layer and vacuoles were found within and between the seminiferous tubules in the treated group T. The aforesaid changes with a good contraception rate (75%) and devoid of any baleful effects (as the commercial pills do) on the male gonad (testis) suggesting that these herbal extracts might be future use-worthy. [ J Adv Biotechnol Exp Ther 2019; 2(2.000): 36-43]
... In the case of Citrullus colocynthis, the local people are aware of its poisonous effects which is used topically. According to information gained from local people in Taftan area and literature, the oral application of this species results in gastrointestinal disorders (Dehghani and Panjehshahin, 2006). Some toxic plants with controlled dosage are effective treatments for some diseases (Bhatia et al., 2014). ...
Ethnobotanical relevance:
From ancient times, the applied use of herbs has been common among indigenous people throughout the world. The present survey is a regional ethnobotanical study of Baluchi tribes living in the Mt. Taftan area, Sistan and Baluchistan Province, southeastern Iran. The aim of this study was to document all traditional knowledge and analyze the medicinal plants used in area and also to identify significant plant species for future pharmacological study.
Materials and methods:
Local knowledge was obtained through semi structured and open interviews, in which 51 informants were interviewed. Data were analyzed with Informant Agreement Relative (IAR) and Frequency of Citation (FC) indices.
Results:
A total number of 106 taxa of medicinal plants were collected from ten villages from the surrounding plains and highlands of Mt. Taftan, out of 446 plant taxa collected or reported as native in the area. Most plants belong to the Irano-Turanian phytogeographical region in which Asteraceae (15%), Lamiaceae (11%), Fabaceae (8%), Rosaceae (7%), Apiaceae (7%) and Brassicaceae (5%) are those predominantly used. The regression analysis shows that families Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, Solanaceae and Rosaceae are more highly used as medicinal than species rich families such as Asteraceae and Fabaceae, which are the richest families in the Iranian flora. The highest FC was recorded for Artemisia spp. (41) and Berberis integerrima (40). The highest IAR Index was obtained for stings (0.86), followed by disorders in the circulatory system (0.7), dental problems (0.70) and injuries (0.69). Comapring our data with major ethnobotanical refereces in Iran revealed that medicinal applications of 34 taxa have not been cited, including Hyoscyamus melekainus, a local endemic plant using for ailments of toothache and worms. The toxicity of the endemic Semenovia suffruticosa is also reported.
Conclusion:
As a result of this study we conclude that Taftan area harbours many plant species for which indigenous knowledge provides a background of medicinal importance. The high percentage of medicinal plants proportional to the native flora is 23.8%, compared to the world percentage of 17.1%, is an indication of the rich knowledge and relationship of isolated Baluchi tribes living in Mt. Taftan to the local flora growing in their surroundings. This rich knowledge should be highly regarded as a cultural and ethnobotanical heritage. Furthermore, ethnobotanical results show some weak interrelation between Baluchi tribes living in Iran and Pakistan, probably because of a different flora and/or unfavourable environmental conditions and perhaps local conflicts which might have reduced active cultural exchange.
... 4 Gastrointestinal, renal, and hepatic complications have been shown with Citrullus colocynthis. 5 Safe dosage for Citrullus colocynthis fruit is suspected 0.6 g to 1.75 g per day. The seed and root should not be administered in the amount of more than 600 and 0.4 g/d, respectively. ...
Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is known as a common cause of acute kidney injury, found in 15% to 27% of kidney biopsies. Drug-induced AIN is currently the most common cause of AIN. The most common medications causing AIN are antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. We describe a case of Citrullus colocynthis (herbal remedy for diabetes mellitus and weight reduction) that induced AIN. A 31-year-old woman with major thalassemia, diabetes mellitus, and hepatitis C infection was admitted because of flank pain and unexpected increase in serum creatinine level. She had been using Citrullus colocynthis for 3 months. Kidney biopsy results suggested AIN. She did not respond to steroid therapy and underwent hemodialysis. We suggest the use of Citrullus colocynthis as a herbal medicine with extreme caution.
... A worldwide leading cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnant women is related to reproductive health complications (Cohen, 2009). Periodic blood discharge from the uterus every month at a regular interval in the whole active reproductive life of women is known as menstruation (Critchley, 1986), and abnormalities related to it may lead to serious disorders. Leucorrhea and dysfunctional uterine bleeding are very common and create distress in females (Tewiri et al., 2001). ...
Edited by OM Grace Gynecological problems and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are greatly affecting women health especially in developing countries due to lack of modern reproductive health facilities, poverty and different cultural norms. Consequently, a large population of Pakistan turns toward ethno-medicinal healthcare systems due to accessibility , affordability, availability and an inherent trust in this method. The present review was framed by searching different search engines for the collection of fragmented literature on indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants used by Pakistani women to treat gynecological complaints and STIs. In total, 116 plant species used in Pakistan to treat a variety of gynecological complaints and STIs. The dominant plant families used for the preparation of herbal remedies are Asteraceae and Amaranthaceae. Majority of the plants were reportedly found to be used against menses (46 plant species) followed by gonorrhea (30 plant species). The frequency of citation was also found higher for these two complications, which might be due to the higher prevalence of these problems in Pakistan. The highest number of plant species (59) was reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province of Pakistan due to more cultural resistance as compared to other provinces. Sørensen similarity index showed the highest consensus between Pashtun and Punjabi cultures of Pakistan in terms of plants and parts usage for species Convolvulus arvensis, Justicia adhatoda, Achyranthes aspera, Berberis lycium, Punica granatum and Withania somnifera. Interestingly, these plants were also reported to treat multiple reproductive problems indicating their high bioactivity. Thirteen plants including A. aspera and P. granatum have also been reportedly evaluated pharmacologically and found active confirming the efficacy of traditional medicines. Few plants (17% of total) were reportedly evaluated for toxicity, among which Nerium oleander, Euphorbia hirta and Acacia nilotica showed toxic effects on living systems. The present findings stress the need for further in-depth studies on the phyto-chemical, pharmacological and toxicological aspects of commonly important medicinal plants used for multiple gynecological complaints and STIs in different cultures in order to provide reliable information to the primary users and development of novel drugs.
... A worldwide leading cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnant women is related to reproductive health complications (Cohen, 2009). Periodic blood discharge from the uterus every month at a regular interval in the whole active reproductive life of women is known as menstruation (Critchley, 1986), and abnormalities related to it may lead to serious disorders. Leucorrhea and dysfunctional uterine bleeding are very common and create distress in females (Tewiri et al., 2001). ...
Gynecological problems and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are greatly affecting women health especially
in developing countries due to lack of modern reproductive health facilities, poverty and different cultural norms.
Consequently, a large population of Pakistan turns toward ethno-medicinal healthcare systems due to accessibility,
affordability, availability and an inherent trust in this method. The present review was framed by searching
different search engines for the collection of fragmented literature on indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants
used by Pakistani women to treat gynecological complaints and STIs. In total, 116 plant species used in Pakistan to
treat a variety of gynecological complaints and STIs. The dominant plant families used for the preparation of herbal
remedies are Asteraceae and Amaranthaceae. Majority of the plants were reportedly found to be used against
menses (46 plant species) followed by gonorrhea (30 plant species). The frequency of citation was also found
higher for these two complications, which might be due to the higher prevalence of these problems in
Pakistan. The highest number of plant species (59) was reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province of
Pakistan due to more cultural resistance as compared to other provinces. Sørensen similarity index showed the
highest consensus between Pashtun and Punjabi cultures of Pakistan in terms of plants and parts usage for species
Convolvulus arvensis, Justicia adhatoda, Achyranthes aspera, Berberis lycium, Punica granatum and Withania
somnifera. Interestingly, these plants were also reported to treat multiple reproductive problems indicating
their high bioactivity. Thirteen plants including A. aspera and P. granatum have also been reportedly evaluated
pharmacologically and found active confirming the efficacy of traditional medicines. Few plants (17% of total)
were reportedly evaluated for toxicity, among which Nerium oleander, Euphorbia hirta and Acacia nilotica showed
toxic effects on living systems. The present findings stress the need for further in-depth studies on the phytochemical,
pharmacological and toxicological aspects of commonly important medicinal plants used for multiple
gynecological complaints and STIs in different cultures in order to provide reliable information to the primary
users and development of novel drugs.
... Although, many people believe that the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of various ailments is safe, much of the scientific evidence have reported on the toxicity of phytotherapeutic agents in mammals (Dehghani and Panjehshahin, 2006;Kuete et al., 2010;Maphosa et al., 2010;de Oliveira et al., 2011). Thus, this study observed for signs of adverse effects of UR-EtOAc on experimental rats throughout the treatment period. ...
Ethnopharmacological relevance:
Traditional medicine has used Uvaria rufa Blume as an ethnomedicinal plant for treating fever, skin allergies, intestinal ulcers and prostate disorders including BPH. However, no scientific evidence supports the traditional use.
Aim of the study:
This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of U. rufa on BPH using in vitro and in vivo models.
Materials and methods:
In vitro studies screened the efficacy of a 5α-reductase (5αR) inhibition and antioxidant activity of petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol and aqueous extracts from the stem of U. rufa. Phytochemical screening was performed to determine the active compound using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ethyl acetate extract (UR-EtOAc) of U. rufa was used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy in vivo models. BPH was induced by subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate (3mg/kg) to male rats for 30 days. After 30 days of oral administration of UR-EtOAc at doses of 10 and 20mg/kg and finasteride at a dose of 1mg/kg, the prostate weight, prostate index (PI), testosterone and androgen receptor (AR) levels, and histopathological alteration of prostate gland were determined. Also, oxidative status and toxicity indices were assessed.
Results:
UR-EtOAc exhibited the highest potency of inhibition of 5αR and possessed potent antioxidants rich in phenolics and flavonoids contents. The active compound analyzed by HPLC was β-sitosterol. In vivo results show a significant reduction in prostate weight, PI, and AR in all treated groups when compared to the BPH model group (P < 0.001). Also, the UR-EtOAc and finasteride treated groups had increased prostatic and serum testosterone levels when compared to the BPH model group. A histopathological investigation of the prostate glands supported the above results. UR-EtOAc elevated the antioxidant enzymes and reduced the malondialdehyde level in BPH-induced rats. Moreover, treatment of UR-EtOAc at all doses had no toxic effects on the vital organs and serum biochemical indices.
Conclusions:
UR-EtOAc from the stem of Uvaria rufa Blume appears to have the potential as a phytotherapeutic agent in the management of BPH, which provides the scientific evidence for traditional use.
... As such, oral administration did assure the bioavailability of the extract in the main circulation (i.e., compare Fig. 3 and 4). This appears to be in contrast to a recent report by Dehghani and Panjehshahin [16] who have used IP route to report on the toxic effects of Citrullus colocynthis at 400 mg kg −1 of an extract of the whole fruit. However, no statements were made by the authors regarding changes in serum glucose levels whether in normal or hyperglycemic alloxan-treated rats. ...
Problem statement: Citrullus Colocynthis (L.) Schrab (cucurbitaceae family) (Handal) is a fruit commonly known as bitter apple or bitter cucu mber. Traditionally , Citrullus colocynthis has been used for the treatment of diabetes. In particular, the acute effect and rout of administration of etha nol extract of the seedless pulp in vivo remains untested. We investigated the effect of di fferent routs of administration and their hypoglycemic and insulinot ropic effects of ethanol/water (20/80 V/V) extract of the dried seedless pulp of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrab on normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Approach: Rats were divided into two groups, normal and diab etic rats. Non-diabetic rats were fasted for 18 h before the beginning of the experim ental procedure. About 250 �L of normal saline (i.e., vehicle) was administered to control groups either i.p. (Group I) or orally (Group III) using modified feeding canula. As 250 �L pulp extract was administered i.p. (Group II) or orally (Group IV). Five min, after the administration of the extract o r vehicle, an Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Tes t (IPGTT) was conducted (1.5 g glucose/kg) on groups I, II, III and IV, but not Groups V or VI. Alloxan-induced diabetic rats were fasted for 6 h b efore the beginning of the experimental procedure. They were divided into control (Group V) and treate d groups (Group VI), each of 6 rats. As 250 �L of the extract (equivalent to 300 mg kg -1 ) was administered orally to alloxan treated-group, while 250 �L of the vehicle was administrated orally to the anim als of control group. Serum samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 h following the treatment an d were used for glucose and insulin determination. Results: Oral, but not intraperitonial (i.p.) administratio n of ethanol extract (300 mg kg -1 ) resulted in acute, significant (p <0.05) and time-dependent changes in rat serum gluco se and insulin levels in both normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. In extrac t-treated alloxan-free rats, a maximum of 32.9% reduction in serum glucose levels was observed foll owing Intraperitonial Glucose Tolerance Test (IPGTT) using glucose-oxidase assay. A maximum reciprocal increase of 59.5% in serum insulin levels following IPGTT was determined by ELISA. Further, in alloxan/ethanol extract-treated group, a maximum of 31% reduction in serum glucose levels as well as 370.2% increase in serum insulin levels following IPGTT were observed. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that oral administratio n of the ethanol extract of the dried seedless pulp of Citrullus colocynthis had normo-hypoglycemic (i.e., in normal rats), antihyperglycemic as well as insulino tropic actions in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.
... Citrullus colocynthis can have toxic effects on liver cells which may induce hepatocyte necrosis and liver fibrosis. These effects were dose dependent (79). The preliminary toxicity on the individual and combined effect of Citrullus Colocynthis and Nerium oleander in rat, the toxicity of diet containing 10% Citrullus Colocynthis fruits or 10% Nerium oleander leaves or their 1:1 mixture. ...
Medicinal plants play an imperative role in the management of various diseases especially in the developing countries where resources are meager. Indrayan (Citrullus Colocynthis Schard.) has been reported as folk medicine in various countries. It has been traditionally used as an abortifacient and to treat constipation, oedema, bacterial infections, cancer and diabetes. The principal constituents of colocynth include alkaloids, triterpenoids, glycosides and resins which are mainly responsible for its biological activities. Considering the extensive interest and recent progress on the structural and biological activity of active constituents, the present review systematically focuses on the structures and biological activity of the plant.
Introduction: Obesity is increasing worldwide. Due to the unavailability of affordable obesity drugs in most parts of Nigeria, many overweight and obese people rely on medicinal plants to manage obesity. Thus, the aim of this study is to document medicinal plants traditionally used in the treatment and management of obesity in the North Central Zone of Nigeria, determine the plants to which pharmacological assessment of their use in obesity management has not been reported, and assess their toxicity based on the literature.
Methods: Semistructured questionnaires and interviews were used to assess sociodemographic information of the 700 herb sellers/practitioners (100 for each state) who consented to participate in the study. Information gathered on plants that are traditionally used in the management of obesity included administration/dosage, method of preparation, plant part used, method of growth, and plant type. The field study was conducted over a one-year period, from March 2018 to March 2019. Reports of pharmacological activity pertaining to obesity as well as toxicity of the plants were obtained from the literature via scientific databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, SciFinder, AJOL, PubChem, and other web sources) after the field survey.
Results: A total of 39 families and 70 plant species were used to treat or manage obesity. The majority of plant species used resulted in the family Leguminosae. The relative frequency of citation (RFC) and percentage values for the five most frequently used plants were as follows: Citrus aurantifolia (0.0500; 3.56%), Citrus limon (0.0457; 3.26%), Garcinia kola (0.0429; 3.05%), Zingiber officinale (0.0429; 3.05%), and Allium sativum (0.0414; 2.95%). The majority of the medications were prepared as decoctions (50.5%), and cultivated plants (62.86%) were in the majority of plants used. Results showed that 23 plants have no pharmacological report for antiobesity activities while among the five frequently used plants, only Garcinia kola was reported toxic in preclinical models.
Conclusions: This paper provides a valuable compilation of the plants used in obesity treatment in the study area by indigenous healers, highlights plants with no reported pharmacological activity pertaining to obesity, and indicates the toxicity profile of used plants. However, further studies on the mechanism of action are warranted, especially where no reports were obtained.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (H. rosa-sinensis) has been largely used in traditional medicine. This study aims to review the pharmacological and phytochemical properties of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L and also summarize the pharmacological, photochemical, and toxicological characteristics of H. rosa-sinensis. The current review focuses on the distribution, chemical content, and main uses of H. rosa-sinensis. Various scientific databases, including ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, etc., were used. Correct plant names were verified from plantlist.org. The results were interpreted, analyzed, and documented based on bibliographic information. This plant has been frequently used in conventional medicine due to its high concentration of phytochemicals. All its parts contain numerous chemical compounds, such as flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, anthocyanins, saponins, cyclopeptide alkaloids, and vitamins. More interestingly, the roots of this plant contain glycosides, tannins, phytosterols, fixed oils, fats, flavonoids, saponins, gums, and mucilages. The leaves contain alkaloids, glycosides, reducing sugars, fat, resin, and sterols. The stem contains other chemical compounds, such as ß-sitosterol, teraxeryl acetate, cyclic sterculic, and malvalic acids. Finally, the flowers contain riboflavin, thiamine, apigenidine, oxalic acid, citric acid, quercetin, niacin, pelargonidine, and ascorbic acid. This species has a wide variety of pharmacological applications, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antifertility, antifungal, anticancer, hair growth-promoting, antihyperlipidemic, reproductive, neurobehavioral, antidepressant, and antipyretic activities. Finally, toxicological studies have shown that higher doses of extracts from the plant are safe.
Bioactive compounds obtained from plants are the most important products serving humanity. There are enormous compounds reported from different plants which are being used to formulate countless medicines today. These are sources of medicines providing: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, anti-hypercholesterolimic, antipyretic and many more activities. In addition, these compounds are also being used in formulating various food supplements like vitamins, minerals, alkaloids, steroids etc. One such medicinal plant blessed with important bioactive compounds showing many of the above-mentioned properties is: Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad., belonging to family Cucurbitaceae. The wonder plant is found distributed mostly in arid to semi-arid regions all over the world. It is an important plant of Rajasthan possessing fabulous medicinal properties, as discussed in this chapter. The review summarises previous and recent research findings conducted on this plant with special reference to in vitro studies. This review tries to inculcate indigenous ethnomedicinal information, ayurvedic findings, advanced biochemical and biotechnological approaches related to the plant species.
This study reports the clinical signs and gross and histopathological changes that occurred in liver and intestine of male rats given alcoholic extract of citrullus colocynthis fruits. The LD50 was determined by the up-and-down method. The second part aimed to determine the dose that does not cause death of rats but revealed the toxic effect of alcoholic extract of citrullus colocynthis fruits and reveal the toxic signs and pathological changes at 1-6 th week of treatment at 300 mg/kg, orally. Result showed that the LD50 of citrullus colocynthis fruit extract was 373.7 mg/kg of body weight, while the dose of 300 mg/kg of body weight was the best dose that lead to appearance of clinical signs of toxicity during 1-2 hours after administration. The main clinical signs were depression, inappetance, accumulation in groups and hemorrhagic diarrhea; these signs increased in the second week and decreased in severity at the end of the experiment. The gross pathological lesions were congestion of the internal organs especially liver and mucus material was found in the intestinal lumen. The histopathological changes included fatty change with congestion of sinosoids and infiltration of inflammatory cells in portal areas. Mucinous degeneration with sloughing of epithelial cells and hyperplasia were seen in the intestine.
Undoubtedly, natural products with bioactive components such as fruits and berries from the Mediterranean areas are largely appreciated and highly consumed around the world due to their significance as possible novel therapeutical agents, with immense medicinal properties and a possible profound effect on health. According to epidemiological information, there were positive correlations of high consumption of fruits and berries with a low risk of various chronic diseases as these foods are rich sources of nutrients, and energy with a high content of vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, polyphenols, and numerous other classes of biological active compounds. Apart from the functional role of fruits and berries on health, they may contain components which in turn lead to toxicity on some occasions, inducing mild or severe symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting, paralysis, coma, or even death) that vary based on various factors such as dose, sensitivity of the individual and the way of exposure. Considering the above data, this paper aims to review the recent literature about the biological activities and therapeutic potentials, toxicity, and toxic components of selected Mediterranean fruits and berries, evaluating on the one hand the potential beneficial role of these foods, and on the other hand their possible toxic health effects.
Ethnopharmacological relevance
Medicinal plants of Cucurbitaceae family consist of several edible fruits and vegetables consumed worldwide since ancient times. The plants of this family have played an essential role in the ethnopharmacological as well as traditional medicinal system globally and their evidence is well established in several traditional literatures. Various plant parts have been used to treat several human ailments viz. Pandu (anemia), Pliharoga (splenomegaly), Sopha (inflammation), Gulma (tumor growth), Adhmana (indigestion. acidity), Garavisa (poisoning) etc.
Aim of the review
This review article aims to systematically document and bridge scientific evidences with the ethnopharmacological, ethnoveterinary and folklore claims along with the therapeutic efficacy with mechanism of action found in different literature, books, and scientific articles belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family.
Materials and methods
To construct the manuscript a comprehensive literature review was done based on the information collected from Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; books, research articles and databases such as ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, SciFinder, Scopus, Springer, Google Scholar, Web of Science, ACS Publications and PubMed.
Results
The plants of Cucurbitaceae family are rich in phytochemicals like terpenoids, glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, steroids, etc., responsible for the therapeutic effect. Various parts of these plants such as leaves, stems, flowers, fruits, seeds, roots etc. exhibit a plethora of pharmacological activity viz. hypolipidemic, antihyperglycemic, anticancer, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress and immunomodulatory activities. Also, in-vitro and in-vivo reports suggest strong inhibitory potential against α-glucosidase, α-amylase, lipase, carbonic anhydrase enzyme along with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-tumor, antifungal, etc. Furthermore many reports suggest these plants are beneficial for nutritional, economical and ethnoveterinary uses.
Conclusions
The current review enlightens the therapeutic potential of the gourd family, comprising of the geographical origins, morphology, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology, ethnoveterinary, nutritional importance, therapeutic benefits, safety, efficacy and related aspects. The phytochemical and pharmacological potential indicated will popularize this family as a potential source of novel therapeutic agents and functional foods. This study will help to validate the therapeutic claims of several ethnomedicinal uses of this plant family. Furthermore the Cucurbitaceae family needs to be evaluated based on the combine approaches of chemoprofiling and bioexploration to develop the concept of food as medicine for the development of new generation therapeutics leading to the human wellness.
In this study, the medicinal plants used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus were inventoried. The ethnopharmacological information was obtained from 470 patients suffering from diabetes mellitus in different areas in the West Algeria. The results indicated that only 28,30% of patients interviewed used medicinal plants as treatment of diabetes. 60 medicinal plants were cited. Two of them, Dried figs (Ficus carica) and seeds of colocynth or handal (Citrullus colocynthis L. Shard), were selected for phytochemical analysis and pharmaco-toxicological analysis in the different models of Wistar rats.
The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins, steroids, triterpenes and especially reducing sugars in the extracts of figs (Ficus carica) and alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, flavonoids and tannins in the different extracts of the seeds of Citrullus colocynthis.
Analysis of antidiabetic effect of extracts of figs (Ficus carica) showed an increase in blood sugar one hour after intraperitoneally administration of 0,95g/kg b.w aqueous crude extract or intra gastric administration of 10g/kg pc fruit juice for normal and streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. This hyperglycemia is rapidly corrected term cost for 3 hours and reached normal values in the medium period for two weeks.
The acute toxicity study of three extracts from the seeds of colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis) reported an LD50 of 698mg/kg b.w for total alkaloids and an LD50 of 166 and 113 mg/kg b.w for ethanolic and chloroformic glycosides cucurbitacins extract, respectively. With a remarkable disorder liver plasma biochemical parameters (GOT, GPT and alkaline phosphatase) and renal plasma parameters (creatinine).
In addition, intraperitoneal injection of 60mg/kg b.w of total alkaloids or 20mg/kg b.w of glycosides cucurbitacins for normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats showed antihyperglycemic effect. They hyperglycemia decreased 42% and 32%, respectively, after 3 hours. This decrease persists one week in diabetic rats treated with the alkaloids and 2 weeks in diabetic rats treated with ethanolic glycosides. Also, both extracts showed the ability to correct hyperglycemia induced by oral administration of glucose (OGTT: oral glucose tolerance test) in normal rats. However, higher doses (> 100mg/kg b.w) of cucurbitacins glycosides extracted from the seeds of colocynth cause a risk of severe hypoglycemia.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, ethnopharmacology, antidiabetic plants, Citrullus colocynthis, Ficus carica, phytochemistry, acute toxicity, Streptozotocin.
Traditionally, the usage of Citrullus colocynthis (CCT) causes severe side effects. The side effects of CCT fruit extract administered orally at different doses related to gastric tissues and circulating cytokines profiles were reported. Thirty-five adult male albino mice were divided into 4 groups, a control group (G1) and three experimental groups. They orally received aqueous fruit extract over 20 days at different doses; 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of body weight/day. Total body weight, stomach tissue, peripheral blood, anti-inflammatory, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated. Body weight significantly decreased in groups 2 and 3 over four weeks. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and basophils were significantly (p<0.05) elevated in group 4; while hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were significantly decreased (p<0.05). Interleukin-8 (IL-8) level was significantly elevated in groups 3 and 4 versus the control group (p<0.05). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in group 4 only. Anti-inflammatory cytokines showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in all treated groups. The stomach tissues revealed that the extract induced a superficial focal loss of the surface mucous protective epithelium, the atrophy of peptic cells, and a thickening of mucosal connective tissue. The submucosa showed vascular congestion and inflammatory cell infiltration. Severe histological changes were reported in group 4. Using the extract for 20 days led to the elevation of the differential white blood cell (WBC) count as well as the destruction of the gastric mucosal lining at high doses. This could be due to an increase in pro-inflammatory and declining anti-inflammatory cytokines. It is not recommended to use CCT in high doses or for long periods.
La production des plantes médicinales n'est pas très développée actuellement, qu'il s' agisse d'espèces spontanées ou d'espèces cultivées. L'Algérie importe des plantes médicinales d'origine tropicales, des extraits de plantes médicinales et des principes actifs, destinés à l'industrie pharmaceutique ou cosmétique. La plupart des ces produits, parmi lesquels les huiles essentielles, pourrait être produit localement. Après extraction des huiles essentielles des feuilles chez les 2 espèces, par la méthode d'hydrodistillation, nous avons procédé à l'analyse par chromatographie en phase gazeuse. Les résultats ont montré la présence de 29 produits contenus dans l'huile essentielle de Melissa officinalis. Parmi les 20 produits identifiés, 7 constituants se sont révélés majoritaires. Chez Mentha pulegium L, parmi les 33 produits contenus dans l'huile essentielle, 21 ont été identifiés dont 5 sont majoritaires.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Herbal medicine had been excessively used for treatment of many diseases in traditional medicine. Because of effect of fructose on lipid profile and hepatic enzymes, it was decided to study the effect of extract of different parts of Citrullus colocynthis on lipid profile and hepatic enzymes in fructose-fed male rats. METHODS: In this experimental study, 63 adult male Wistar rats weighting 200-300 (g) were used. After fructose 10% induced in drinking water for 8 weeks, the animals were randomly divided into 7 groups: control, Fructose10%, aqueous extracts of seed, hydro-alcoholic extracts of seed, aqueous extracts of crust, hydro-alcoholic extracts of crust and hydro-alcoholic extracts of pulp. The extracts (200mg/kg) were administered orally and conducted for 2 terminal weeks. The animals were weighed and anesthetized for the serum blood collection to determine lipid profile and hepatic enzymes after at least a 12-h fast with manufacture kits and autoanalyzer machine. FINDINGS: LDL/HDL ratio in aqueous extracts of crust group (2.46±1.08) increased in comparison with control and fructose groups (0.98±0.1 and 0.98± 0.15, respectively) (p<0.01). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in aqueous extracts of seed and aqueous extracts of crust groups decreased and increased in comparison with control and fructose groups, respectively (p<0.05). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in aqueous extracts of crust group increased in comparison with control and fructose groups (p<0.01), also alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in aqueous extracts of crust group increased (p<0.05) but this enzyme in aqueous extracts of seed group decreased significantly in comparison with control (p<0.01) and fructose (p<0.05) group. CONCLUSION: According to the results, crust of Citrullus colocynthis has negative effect on lipid profile, hepatic enzymes and hepatotoxicity and seed of this fruit has decrease effect on lipid profile and hepatic enzymes.
An experiment conducted in the department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur reported Citrullus colocynthis to posses antidiabetic effect in rats at the rate of 50 mg/kg b.w and 100mg/kg b.w. So it was decided to also evaluate the safety of Citrullus colocynthis in rats at its antidiabetic dose. The experiment was conducted for 28 days.18 wistar rats were divided into three groups containing six rats in each group. Group T1 was maintained as normal control, whereas groups T2 and T3 received aqueous extract of Citrullus colocynthis @ 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight. Haematological and Biochemical estimations were done at the end of experiment i.e. on 29th day by using standard kits. Rats were then sacrificed and histopathological examinations were done. The results obtained showed that Citrullus colocynthis is safe at its antidiabetic dose and is safe for use as an antidiabetic remedy.
The case is reported of a patient suffering from severe burns through having used Citrullus colocynthis as a medicinal plant together with hot water. This led to carbonization of the foot and to its amputation. A description of the plant and its toxicity is given.
We report three examples of toxic acute colitis which occurred after ingestion of colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis) for ritual purposes. The prominent clinical feature was dysenteric diarrhoea; colonoscopic changes included congestion and hyperaemia of the mucosa with abundant exudates but no ulceration or pseudopolyp formation. A causal relationship between colonic injury and the intake of colocynth was supported by the following features: (1) the pharmacology of the colocynth extract ingested; (2) the temporal relationship between colocynth intake and clinical onset (eight to 12 h); (3) the rapid recovery within three to six days, with normal endoscopy at day 14; (4) the absence of other possible causes for the observed patterns, except in one case, in which a concomitant intestinal infection with Clostridium perfringens Type A was discovered; (5) the specific pathological features. Colonic biopsies taken 27, 44, and 72 h after colocynth intake showed: erosions with fibrino-purulent exudate, early fibrosis of the lamina propria, hyaline thickening of the superficial epithelial basal membrane. These pathological features completely disappeared within 14 days in all three cases.
The comparative toxicity of the alcoholic extract of Citrullus colocynthis pulp; colocynithin and hydrated colocynithin have been isolated and tried against seven insect species. The American cockroaches were more susceptible for both compounds than the German one, adult honey bee were more affected with Colocynithin than adult housefly. while hydrated colocynithin was more toxic to housefly than honey bee, cotton leafworm was less affected with both toxicants. Bed bug was less affected with Colocynithin than mosquito, but V.V. with hydrated Colocynithin. A direct parallel relation was found between toxicity and rate of penetration.
Common bile duct ligation (CBDL) in rats was used to induce liver disease and secondary kidney damage. The biochemical changes in the liver, kidney and plasma were studied at 3, 6, 10 and 21 days post CBDL. The observed alterations climaxed at the 6th day following ligation. Renal, activities of aldolase (ALD), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), isocitric dehydrogenase (ICDH), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were lowered in CBDL rats. Further, microsomal Na,K-ATPase and Mg-ATPase and mitochondrial oxidative-phosphorylation were inhibited. In the liver from CBDL rats the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Mg-ATPase and ALP were elevated, while SDH, ALD, malic dehydrogenase (MDH), LDH, malic enzyme (ME) and Na,K-ATPase were lowered. Plasma enzymes, AST, ALP, MDH, LDH, ALD, acid phosphatase (ACP) and ICDH and the metabolites bile acids, bilirubin, creatinine and urea were elevated. Addition of bile acids or bilirubin at concentrations comparable to those found in the plasma of CBDL rats, to the reaction mixture of the various enzymes strongly inhibited most, particularly mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. High concentrations of these substances in the blood may explain the development of renal failure during liver disease and its reversibility when liver function returns to normal.
The distribution of acid phosphatase in liver cirrhosis, as well as in its reverse development, was investigated in mice using histochemistry and electron histochemistry methods. Histochemistry demonstrated a sharp activity increase of acid phosphatase (as compared with the same in the material of partial hepatectomy) in liver cells (especially hepatocytes) during liver cirrhosis regression 10 days after a partial hepatectomy. Electron histochemistry has shown the enzyme withdraw out of hepatocytes and connective tissue cells of fibrotic stratum in the extra-cell medium. The reaction product localized on the neighbouring collagen fibres giving evidence that during reverse development of liver cirrhosis the lisosomal enzyme release from specified cells by means of exocytosis and they are involved in the lysis of collagen.
Fresh Citrullus colocynthis fruits and leaves were fed to ten sheep at daily doses ranging from 0.25 to 10 g/kg. The sheep showed signs of poisoning and died from 4 hours to 25 days after dosing. The clinical signs of diarrhea, anorexia, dyspnea and loss of condition were well correlated with the pathological findings. There was an increase in the concentrations of creatinine, urea and potassium and a decrease in total protein and calcium in the serum and in the blood sugar level of Colocynthis-poisoned sheep. Changes in the concentrations of serum phosphorus and magnesium were inconsistent. Hematological changes indicated the development of hemoconcentration. Leucocytosis resulted from an increased number of neutrophils.
The toxicity of 5 Sudanese plants credited with medicinal value for man, i.e. Citrullus colocynthis, Jatropha aceroides, J. glauca, Solanum dubium and Lagenaria siceraria, was studied by giving the dried or minced plants to Nubian goats, Desert sheep or Zebu calves by mouth or stomach tube. The clinical, haematological and pathological changes indicated that all five plants reduced the ability of the liver to synthesize protein, although there was no evidence of interference with the excretion of bilirubin. Kidney dysfunction and haemoconcentration also occurred. Citrullus colocynthis and Jatropha species in doses of 0.5 to 10 g per kg per day killed goats after dosing for periods ranging from 1 day to 2 weeks. Calves were less susceptible. The fruits and leaves of L. siceraria, in doses of 1 to 5 g per kg per day, caused death after a similar period but with less regularity. The seeds were less toxic. The fruits of S. dubium in doses of 2.5 to 10 g per kg per day killed goats in 2 to 5 days. Similar doses of the leaves caused deaths in 8 to 36 days. In sheep, both fruits and leaves required a longer period of dosing to cause death.
Alternative therapies, including herbal remedies, are popular in the general population and even more so among patients with liver disease. The use of such products is now well established in western society and is no longer confined to traditional medicine practitioners in Asia, Africa and the Middle-East. Their perceived benefits remain generally unproven and concern about adverse effects is leading to closer scrutiny of these products. Herbal hepatotoxicity has been recognized for many years, but new agents are constantly being identified. The varied manifestations of liver injury include steatosis, acute and chronic hepatitis, hepatic fibrosis, zonal or diffuse hepatic necrosis, bile duct injury, veno-occlusive disease, acute liver failure requiring liver transplantation and carcinogenesis. Potential interactions between herbal medicines and conventional drugs may interfere with patient management. Concurrent use of such products is not often disclosed unless specifically sought after and can lead to perpetuation of the liver injury. The present review focuses on emerging herbal hepatotoxins, newer patterns of liver injury among the older agents and provides an updated tabulation of the adverse effects of major herbal hepatotoxins. Key issues of diagnosis and prevention of this growing problem are addressed. Continued public education, physician awareness and more stringent licensing are required to tackle this growing problem.
Body weight loss, inefficiency of feed utilization, diarrhea, ruffled hair and enterohepatonephrotoxicity were effects on male Wistar rats fed diet containing 10% Cassia senna or 10% Citrullus colocynthis ripe fruits for 6w. Rats fed a 1:1 mixture (5% + 5%) of fruits from these plants were more adversely affected and had deaths than rats fed the individual plants. The changes associated with the macrocytic hypochromic anemia and leukopenia were increased serum AST, ALT and ALP activities, increased urea, and decreased total protein, albumin and calcium. Serum bilirubin concentration did not change.
A standardized extract of Citrullus colocynthis used as an oral natural laxative in folk medicine was tested for its influence on liver function parameters in vitro. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) dependent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under the influence of Citrullus colocynthis extract was investigated by means of stimulated lipid peroxidation (LPO), H2O2 formation and amplified chemiluminescence in rat liver microsomes. In rat liver 9000 x g supernatants 4 monooxygenase reactions mediated by different CYP forms were measured. Putative hepatotoxic effects of Citrullus colocynthis extract were measured by means of potassium and GSH concentrations in and LDH leakage from precision-cut rat liver slices. For possible hepatoprotective effects the influence of the extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced changes of these parameters was investigated. Citrullus colocynthis extract in concentrations higher than 10 microg/ml incubation mixture proved to inhibit lipid peroxidation and ROS-production as well as CYP1A-, 2B- and 3A-dependent reactions with typical substrates. In contrast, H2O2 production was not reduced under the influence of the extract, a slight but significant increase was seen. Citrullus colocynthis extract was found to be free of hepatotoxic effects in concentrations up to 100 microg/ml incubation mixture when liver slices were incubated in William's medium E for 22 hours. All viability parameters used were not influenced by the extract of Citrullus colocynthis. Carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity could not be prevented or alleviated. Moreover, the damage was sometimes enhanced by higher extract concentrations.
Relatively few studies have been published with regard to modification of apoptosis in normal tissues as a function of ageing. The majority of these studies demonstrated an increase in programmed cell death (PCD) with age. However, opposite results, namely loss of apoptotic control with age, have also been reported. In the present study, we examined proliferation and apoptotic cell death in spleens of C57/BL mice of different ages. A tendency towards decrease in cell proliferative capacity was seen with age. By contrast, apoptosis was increased in spleens from aged animals. Moreover, the proliferative cell/apoptotic cell ratio decreased in function of age. Ladder type DNA degradation was much more pronounced in DNA derived from splenocytes of old mice. These results were supported by a decrease of Bcl-2 and an increase in Fas receptor expression as well as by increased activation of caspases 8, 3 and 9 in splenocytes from aged animals. In addition, cell surface molecular markers recognizable by macrophages in apoptotic cells, namely decreased sialic acid concomitant with increased unmasking of galactose residues, were more pronounced on splenocytes from old mice than on those from young animals. In addition to the experimental evidence which supports a role of apoptotic cell death in ageing, a series of theoretical reasoning, which could also favor this possibility, are discussed.