Background: Cinnamomum cassia or Chinese cinnamon is one of the fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. C. cassia is used as astringent, antiseptic, and used for the treatment of metabolic disorders. The antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of its extracts are unclear. Hence, the present study is planned to investigate the antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of methanolic extracts barks of C. cassia. Materials and Methods: Bark of C. cassia was extracted with methanol, ethanol, and acetone and its antioxidant activity was studied using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging assays. Acute toxic effect of methanolic extract of C. cassia (MECC) carried out as Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines. MECC was studied for its antidiabetic effect using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Results: In both DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assay, methanolic and ethanolic extracts exhibited free radical scavenging activity. In acute toxicity testing, MECC did not show any significant toxic signs up to 2000 mg/kg, hence the antidiabetic activity of MECC was carried out at the dose levels of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg. MECC showed antidiabetic activity from 2^nd week of the experiment onward. At the end of the study, diabetic animals showed significant increases in the levels of total cholesterol (TC), very-low-density lipoprotein, and TC/high-density lipoprotein radio compare with that of normal control and MECC prevented the STZ-induced hyperlipidemia. In the histopathological analysis, sections from the liver, pancreas, and kidney of the diabetic animals and the animals treated with MECC 500 mg/kg showed mid-to-moderate toxic effects. Conclusion: The MECC exhibited significant antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. Abbreviation Used: ABTS: 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, ALP: Alkaline phosphatase, ANOVA: Analysis of variance, AUHAEC: AIMST University Human and Animal Ethics Committee, BW: Body weight, CKD: Chronic kidney disease, CMC: Carboxymethyl cellulose, DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, GLP1: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, HDL: High-density lipoprotein, MECC: Methanolic extract of C. cassia, OECD: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, SD: Sprague-Dawley rats, S-GLUT1: Sodium glucose co-transporter 1, SGOT: Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, SGPT: Serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, STZ: Streptozotocin, TC: Total cholesterol, VLDL: Very-low-density lipoprotein, WHO: World Health Organization.

Objective: Caesalpinia digyna belongs to the genus Caesalpinia, which is known since ancient times for its medicinal properties. The present work was designed to evaluate the beneficial potential of hydroalcoholic extract of the roots of C. dignea against hydrochloric acid (HCl)-induced acute lung injury in mice. Materials and Methods: Ethanolic extract of C. dignea roots at a dose of 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg boy weight was given once orally 90 min before HCl administration. Mice were then analyzed for infiltration of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and oxidative stress markers in the lung tissue. Further, the effects of the extract were compared with bergenin isolated from the extract. Results: Our results showed that an oral administration of the extract 90 min before HCl instillation reduced the infiltration of neutrophils in the lungs in a dose-dependent manner. Reduction in lung inflammation was associated with decline in pulmonary edema as the total protein content in the BALF was found to be decreased substantially. The drug also restored the redox balance in the lungs toward normal on HCl treatment as assessed by measuring the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and catalase activity. Bergenin, isolated from the plant, was able to suppress the neutrophils but increased the macrophage number in BALF when administered before HCl instillation, suggesting immunoregulatory properties of the key constituent of the extract. Conclusion: Our data suggest that hydroalcoholic extract of Caesalpinia digyna roots constitute the phytochemicals that can protect against HCl-induced acute lung injury in mice. Abbreviations Used: ALI: Acute lung injury, BALF: Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, MDA: Malondialdehyde, ROS: Reactive oxygen species, DCF-DA: 2' 7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate

Background: Withania somnifera (WS), Indian ginseng/ashwagandha, is a common household plant. Its commercially available aqueous or ethanolic root powder extract containing the active substance withanolides is known to enhance physical endurance (stamina). The potency of crude root powders, especially post-extraction, is unknown. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of crude root powder of WS post-extraction with commercial root preparation in enhancing the physical endurance of mice using forced swim endurance model. Materials and Methods: Male Swiss albino mice, 6–8 weeks old with mean (standard deviation) weight of 35.17 (3.36) g, were randomized into three groups of six animals each: control – carboxymethyl cellulose 0.5%, standard – commercial root preparation of WS (100 mg/kg), and test – crude root powder post-extraction (100 mg/kg). Drugs were administered per oral, once daily, for 7 days. On the 8^th day, animals were allowed to swim till exhaustion in a propylene tub of dimension 25 cm radius and 30 cm height, with water level at 15 cm. The end point of swim endurance was when the mice near drowned. Results: There was no significant difference in body weight of mice between groups. One-way ANOVA between groups for drowning time was significant (F[2,15] = 12.771, P = 0.001). Tukey's post hoc test was significant for test versus control (P < 0.001) and standard versus control (P = 0.047). However, test versus standard was not statistically significant (P = 0.069). Conclusion: Hence, we conclude that crude root powder of WS after extraction also possesses physical endurance enhancing property and may be used to enhance the stamina. Abbreviations Used: ANOVA: Analyis of Variance; CI: Confidence Interval; CMC: Carboxy Methyl Cellulose; HPLC: High Performance Liquid Chromatography; MeSH: Medical Subject Heading; SD: Standard Deviation; TLC: Thin Layer Chromatography; WS: Withania somnifera

Background: One of the major antioxidants in Myrmecodia pendens (sarang semut) tubers is anthocyanin. Objective: To obtain antioxidant activity and anthocyanin concentration from sarang semut optimally through an appropriate method. Materials and Methods: Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was chosen because of its brief extraction time (ET), saving solvents, and being inexpensive compared to conventional extraction methods. Experiment design was prepared using response surface methodology. 1,1-diphenyl-1-2-picrylhydrazyl and reducing power method were used for the determination of the antioxidant activity, while the Association of Analytical Communities official method 2005.02 was used for the anthocyanin concentration calculation. Results: It was found that the optimum antioxidant activity was obtained at 80% ethanol, sample-to-solvent ratio (S/S ratio) 1:12, ET 10 min, and MAE power 50%. Meanwhile, the optimum anthocyanin extraction was obtained at 80% ethanol, S/S ratio 1:8, ET 3 min, and MAE 10%. Conclusion: The optimum condition of antioxidant activity and anthocyanin concentration was the same at the solvent used, yet different at the S/S ratio, ET, and power level which open further research to support this study. Abbreviations Used: S/S ratio: Sample-to-solvent ratio, ET: Extraction time, MAE power: Microwave-assisted extraction power, RSM: Response surface methodology.

Background: Momordica charantia (Cucurbitaceae) is a plant, reported for its variety of ethnic medicinal uses and widely grown in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean for its edible fruit. Objective: The present work has been planned to screen antiarthritic activity of fruit of the plant with the ethanolic and aqueous extracts. Materials and Methods: Fruit powder was successively extracted with ethanol (95%) and water using soxhlet extraction and subjected to phytochemical screening to identify different phytoconstituents. Ld₅₀studies for both (ethanolic and aqueous) extracts were conducted up to the dose level of 2 g/kg by following OECD up and down method of guidelines No. 425. Antiarthritic activity was performed using formaldehyde, Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats, and Collagen-induced arthritis model in mice. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett's t-test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Preliminary phytochemical studies revealed the presence of saponins, sterols, mucilage, glycosides, alkaloids, steroidal saponins in both the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of M. charantia. No mortality was observed with aqueous and ethanolic extracts up to the maximum dose level of 2 g/kg. In Formaldehyde induced arthritis model the percentage reduction in paw volume was 30.69% and 42.81% for aqueous extract whereas for ethanolic extract it was 25.23% and 39.5%. In Freund's adjuvant model, the percentage of reduction in paw volume was 56.1% and 66.51% for ethanolic extract and 52.6% and 63.83% for aqueous extract, respectively. In collagen-induced arthritis models, the arthritis index was found 6.02 and 3.68 for ethanolic extract at medium and high dosage. The arthritis index of aqueous extract was found 5.66 and 4.03 at medium and high dosage. Conclusion: From the present experimental findings of both pharmacological and biochemical parameters observed from the current investigation, it is concluded that at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg aqueous extract of M. charantia possesses potentially useful anti-arthritic activity since it gives a positive result in controlling inflammation in adjuvant-induced arthritic and collagen-induced arthritis model in rats and mice Abbreviations Used: LD50: Lethal dose 50%, OECD: Organization for Economic and Co-operation Development, CMC: Carboxy Methyl Cellulose.

Background: Galphimia glauca Cav (GG) is naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions of the world including India. Objective: The present study has been opted to shed light on GG stems to isolate, characterize, and explore the analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of the isolated phytomolecule using in vivo models. Materials and Methods: The bioactive fraction of the active stem methanol extract was subjected to column chromatography followed by preparative thin layer chromatography to separate the phytoconstituent. The isolated phytoconstituent was characterized and evaluated for toxicological studies, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activity. Results: The isolated phytoconstituent “BS-1” was characterized by melting point, Rf value, IR spectra, mass spectra, ¹H-NMR spectrum, and ¹³C NMR spectrum. The LD₅₀of BS-1 was found to be >2000 mg/kg. The results were significant (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01) in hot plate test and tail clip test. The central analgesic effect of BS-1 was further proved through reversal actions of naloxone. The peripheral analgesic actions exhibited by BS-1 were significant (P < 0.001) in formalin and writhing test when compared to control group. In carrageenan test, BS-1 exhibited significant (P ≤ 0.05) dose-dependent activity on comparison of the high dose with respective low dose. The BS-1 exhibited significant (P ≤ 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity, when correlated with the standard drug in cotton pellet induced granuloma test. Conclusion: The BS-1 exhibited significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity in central and peripheral models of analgesic activity and in acute and chronic models of anti-inflammatory activity. Abbreviations Used: GG: Galphimia glauca, GGSME: Galphimia glauca stem methanol extract, GGH: G. glauca n-hexane fraction, GGC: G. glauca chloroform fraction, GGEA: G. glauca ethyl acetate fraction, GGM: G. glauca methanol fraction, IAEC: Institutional Animal Ethics Committee, CPCSEA: Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experimental Animals, OECD: The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, WHO: World Health Organization, b.w: Body weight, i.p: Intraperitoneal, p.o: per oral, NSAIDS: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, IPE (%): Indicates percentage inhibition of paw edema, ¹H-NMR: Proton nuclear magnetic resonance, ¹³C NMR: Carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance, LCP: Lalitha College of Pharmacy, AGI: Anurag Group of Institutions, BS-1: Novel isolated molecule.

Background: Increase in obesity incidence has become serious threat to civilized human population. Traditional Indian System of Medicines may have many potential leads in managing obesity. (-)-Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), a unique compound which is present in Garcinia species, has been safely used for centuries in Southeastern Asia for various purposes. Objective: To determine the effect of HCA treatment on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and their target genes. Materials and Methods: Effect of the calcium salt of HCA on adipogenic transcription factors PPARs and their target genes (lipoprotein lipase, fatty acid synthase, fatty acid binding protein, glucose transporter 4, and adiponectin) during adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 was investigated. The extent of adipogenesis was checked by measuring the lipid accumulation and glucose uptake in the presence and absence of HCA. Results: HCA treatment modulated the differentiation of adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner, wherein lower concentrations showed increased accumulation of lipid depots. HCA treatment increased PPARγ and its target genes during adipocyte differentiation, which emphasize the role of HCA in adipocity and obesity. Moreover, the binding conformations of HCA and PPARα and PPARγ were predicted using flexible docking and confirmed with known agonists, which also confirms the bioactivity. Conclusion: HCA decreases circulating lipids through raised levels of adipogenic-specific genes activated by the PPARs, thereby augmenting adiposity and related complications. Abbreviations Used: HCA: Hydroxycitric Acid, PPARs: Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors, GLUT: Glucose transporter, ORO: Oil red O, MDI: Methylxanthine dexamethasone insulin, LPL: Lipoprotein lipase, FAS: Fatty acid synthase, FABP: Fatty acid binding protein, LBD: Ligand binding domain.

Background/Aim: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a major health concern in terms of high prevalence, as well as restricted and costly health-care resources in India. The objective was to evaluate the antiviral effect of herbal drugs, Saussurea lappa and Artemisia absinthium against hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the management of CHB and to collect data to warrant further clinical trials. Materials and Methods: In an open prospective single-arm study, we assigned thirty patients with HBeAg-negative or positive CHB to receive decoction of S. lappa, 15 mL in the morning, and decoction of A. absinthium, 15 mL in the evening once daily empty stomach for 12 weeks. Test drug was evaluated for its efficacy in loss of HBsAg and HBeAg, plasma HBV DNA level of <200 IU/mL (complete virologic response [cVR]), mean reduction in HBV DNA, and normalization of alanine aminotransferase levels (ALT) at week 12 (after treatment). Results: HBsAg loss was observed in 35.71% (n = 14) and 25% (n = 16) of patients in HBeAg-positive (P < 0.05) and negative group (P = 0.10), respectively, at week 12 (after treatment). HBeAg loss was observed in 71.42% of patients at week 12 (P < 0.001). cVR was achieved in 57.14% (P< 0.01) and 37.5% (P < 0.05) and ALT normalization in 85.71% and 81.25% of patients (P < 0.001) in HBeAg-positive and negative group, respectively, at week 12. Conclusions: Our study has substantiated that S. lappa and A. absinthium have antiviral effect against HBV in CHB besides being quite safe for a treatment duration of 12 weeks. Abbreviations Used: CHB: Chronic hepatitis B, HBV: Hepatitis B virus, S. lappa: Saussurea lappa, A. absinthium: Artemisia absinthium, HBsAg: Hepatitis B surface antigen, HBeAg: Hepatitis B e antigen, HBV DNA: Hepatitis B deoxyribonucleic acid, cVR: Complete virologic response, ALT: Alanine aminotransferase.

Background: Use of herbs as medicinal plants to treat various clinical ailments has grown for the last two decades. Cancer is one of the most dreadful disease and extracts of various medicinal herbs have been subjected for the analysis to elucidate their possible role in the prevention of proliferation of cancer cells. Crocus sativus is an autumnally flowering plant rich in active ingredients apocarotenoids such as crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal which have been reported to have antiproliferative potential due to their strong antioxidant potential. Objective: To elucidate the antiproliferative potential of C. sativus extract (CSE) and its major constituents crocin and safranal on four different malignant cell lines (Alveolar lung epithelial cancerous cell line [A549], breast epithelial cancerous cell line [T47D], colon colorectal cell line [HCT-116], and prostrate cancerous cell line [PC3]) and nonmalignant cell line (L929). Materials and Methods: High-performance liquid chromatography was used to measure the content of crocin and safranal in saffron extract and antiproliferative effects of CSE, crocin, and safranal were evaluated by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. All cells were incubated with different concentrations of CSE, crocin, and safranal for 48 h. In a concentration-dependent manner, both safranal and crocin reduced cell proliferation in all malignant cell lines. Results: The IC50 values ranged between 0.32 and 0.42 mM for safranal, 0.31 and 0.92 mM for crocin, and 0.58 and 0.98 mg/ml for saffron extract. Conclusion: Based on these findings, it can be concluded that saffron and its components can inhibit cell proliferation in cancerous cells. Consequently, these agents could potentially be used as a chemopreventive agent for cancer management in the near future. Abbreviations Used: CSE: Crocus sativus extract; A549: Alveolar lung epithelial cancerous cell line, HCT-116: Colon colorectal cell line, T47d cell line: Breast epithelial cancerous cell line, PC-3 cell line: Prostrate cancerous cell line; HPLC: High-performance liquid chromatography, MTT: 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide.

Background: Euclea crispa is a South African medicinal plant belonging to the family Ebenaceae. Objectives: The objective of this study was to analyze the in vitro antioxidant activity of different extracts of E. crispa leaves. Materials and Methods: 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, reducing power assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, hydroxyl scavenging assay, and nitric oxide scavenging assay were used to analyze free-radical scavenging activity. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), total reduced glutathione (TRG), and estimation of vitamin C assays were carried out to analyze the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants on a fresh leaf of E. crispa. Results: The DPPH radical scavenging assay (135.4 ± 0.7 μg/ml), hydroxyl scavenging assay (183.6 ± 0.9 μg/ml), and nitric oxide scavenging assay (146.2 ± 1.3 μg/ml) showed the significant half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values in ethanolic extract when compared to the ethyl acetate, chloroform, and petroleum ether extract of E. crispa leaves. Further, the ethanolic extract exhibited good reducing power assay and FRAP assay showed (the maximum absorption of 0.79 and 0.68 at 500 μg/ml, respectively) when compared to other solvent extracts. The fresh E. crispa leaves possess high content of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants such as SOD (41.3 ± 0.34 units/mg protein), CAT (124 ± 0.54 μmole of H₂O₂consumed/min/mg protein), GPX (261.2 ± 0.42 μg of glutathione oxidized/min/mg protein), TRG (42.3 ± 0.16 μg/mg protein), and estimation of vitamin C (185 ± 0.39 μg/mg) assays. Conclusion: Based on the results obtained from this study, it can be concluded that the E. crispa leaves can be used for the preparation of antioxidative therapeutic agents. However, further studies are necessary to substantiate the current findings. Abbreviations Used: DPPH: 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, FRAP: Ferric reducing antioxidant power, SOD - Superoxide dismutase, CAT: Catalase, GPX: Glutathione peroxidase, TRG: Total reduced glutathione, ROS: Reactive oxygen species, DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, EDTA: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, TCA: Trichloroacetic acid, TBA: Thiobarbituric acid, NED: Naphthyl ethylenediamine dihydrochloride, IC50: Half maximal inhibitory concentration.

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is used for numerous malignancies and autoimmune disorders. With such widespread use, MTX-induced hepatorenal toxicity is an issue of concern that still needs to be addressed. Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the role of Terminalia bellerica extract (TBE) in MTX-induced hepatorenal toxicity in Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6) – received MTX 20 mg/kg intraperitoneally on the 4^th day along with pretreatment with different doses of TBE (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg, p.o) given from 1^st to 15^th day. MTX-induced hepatorenal toxicity was evaluated by biochemical hepatic and renal parameters along with histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Results: Hepatorenal toxicity induced by MTX was attributed to increased oxidative stress, biochemical liver, and kidney parameters and upregulation of caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB). MTX-treated group observed twofold to threefold rise in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine values–138.49 IU/L, 125.81 IU/L, 63.09 mg/dl, and 1.895 mg/dl, respectively. Groups pretreated with TBE (400 mg/kg) observed a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in oxidative stress and biochemical parameters – AST (63.94 IU/L), ALT (55.98 IU/L), BUN (37.02 mg/dl), and creatinine (1.065 mg/dl). Pretreatment with TBE 400 mg/kg, histopathology of both liver and kidney tissues showed improved architectural damage and immunohistochemistry showed downregulation of increased antigens-caspase-3 and NFkB. Conclusion: T. bellerica fruit extract (400 mg/kg) showed significant hepatorenal protection by reducing oxidative stress, elevating serum enzymes, and downregulating the tissue expressions of caspase-3 and NFkB. Abbreviations Used: ALT: Alanine transaminase, AST: Aspartate aminotransferase, BUN: Blood urea nitrogen, TBE: Terminalia bellerica fruit extract, GSH: Glutathione, MDA: Malondialdehyde, MTX: Methotrexate, NFkB: Nuclear Factor kappa B.

Aim and Background: This study aimed to study the anticancer effects of Hiptage benghalensis (L.) kurz using various human cancer cell cultures, in vitro using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide MTT assay. Materials and Methods: Human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells, human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells, and human neuroblastoma (IMR-32) cells were maintained in a 5% CO² incubator at 37°C. Different concentrations of an extract of H. benghalensis in serum-free culture medium were freshly prepared and used for cytotoxic activity using MTT assay activity. Results: Among the plant extract had revealed that, the greater percentage inhibition in all types of cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner using MTT assay. The concentration of the extract causing 50% cell death values of methanolic extract of H. benghalensis were found to be 50.73, 47.90, and 53.76 μg/mL against HeLa, MCF-7, and IMR-32, respectively. Conclusion: H. benghalensis methanolic extract were showed increased percentage inhibition of MCF 7, HeLa, and IMR 32 cells using MTT assay. Abbreviation Used: HBM: Hiptage benghalensis Methanolic extract, MTT: 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide, MCF 7: Human breast cancer cells, HeLa: Human cervical carcinoma cells, IMR 32: Human neuroblastoma, H2DCFDA: 2',7' dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, PBS: Phosphate-buffered saline, DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide, DCF: Dichlorofluorescein, ROS: Reactive oxygen species.

Background: Sexual dysfunction is caused by multiple anatomical, physiological, medical, and psychological factors. Many studies have shown the efficacy of herbal remedies on increasing libido and sexual function. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of three herbs of ginger, cinnamon, and rose on sexual function of depressed women with low sex drive. Materials and Methods: This randomized double-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 140 depressed women with sexual dysfunction who were divided into four groups receiving oral drops of rose, ginger, cinnamon, or placebo. The information about the two variables of sexual function and depression were collected by Female Sexual Function inventory questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory, respectively. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The mean scores of sexual dysfunction and depression were significantly improved in the three groups after treatment (P < 0.05) so that sexual dysfunction score in placebo group had the lowest rate of improvement with the mean of 1.55 ± 0.44 and in ginger group had the highest improvement rate with the mean of 4.04 ± 1.07. Depression in placebo group had the lowest improvement rate with the mean of 3.71 ± 1.94 and in cinnamon group had the highest rate of improvement with the mean of 6.29 ± 1.57, but there was no significant difference between the four groups (P > 0.05). The factors such as received treatments with impact factor of 0.723 and age with impact factor of 0.170 had direct relation and depression with impact factor of −0.078 had reverse relation to sexual performance improvement (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Herbal medicines, except for their positive impacts on sexual function, may have positive but minor effects on depression. Abbreviations Used: FSFI: Female sexual function inventory, BDI: Beck depression inventory, Spss: Statistical package for social science.

Background: Z. clinopodioides Lam. is also known as a ''Field Mint'' Seven compounds which have vasodilator activity have been isolated from Z. clinopodioides Lam. and two of them are phenolics compounds and these are acetovanillone, 4-HAP, four of them are flavonoids and these are acacetin, apigenin, chrysin, thymonin, one derivat of cinnamic acid and ethyl 4-coumarate. Objective: In this study, it was aimed that was defined vasodilator activiy mechanisms of fenolic compound 4-HAP on isolated rat thorasic aorta. Material and Method: In this study 40 male adult Sprague Dawley rats were used. Prepared rings were laid out into the 20 ml organ bath with Krebs solution. Rings were stretched by 1g and they were subjected to 1 hour incubation period. In the end of the incubation period, PE, KCI, nifedipine, L-NAME, 4-HAP, SQ22.536, ODQ, ACh, SKF96365, Propranolol, Atropin, TEA, Gibenclamide, 4-aminopyridine and U73122 were implemented to bath with a protocol. Results: Mechanisms of relaxed effect the of 4-HAP were assigned by using antagonists. It was observed that vasorelaksan effect of 4-HAP on endothelilal aorta smooth muscle contractions which had been inductioned by PE under the existance of L-NAME was considerably inhibited. Conclusion: It was stated that 4-HAP relaxed PE and KCI contractions and owing to this activity endothel intact tissues on L-NAME existance notably decreased because of NO pathyway. It is firmly believed that as relaxed effect of 4-HAP declines remarkably under the existance of 4-aminopyridine and nifedipine on endothel denuded aorta rings, activity could be on K⁺ channel and L-type Ca⁺² channel. Abbreviations Used: 4-HAP: 4-hydroxyacetophenone, SQ22536: 9-(Tetrahydro-2-furanyl)-9H-purin-6-amine, 9-THF-Ade, L-NAME: N (omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide, 4-AP: 4-aminopyridine, TEA: Tetraethylammonium, ODQ: 1H-(1,2,4) oxadiazolo(4,3-a)quinoxalin-1-one, SKF96365: 1-[β-(3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)propoxy)-4-methoxyphenethyl] 1H-imidazolehydrochloride, 1-[2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-[3-propoxy]ethyl]imidazole, U73122: 1-[6-[((17β)-3-Methoxyestra-1,3,5[10]-trien-17-yl)amino]hexyl]-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione, ACh: Acetylcholine, KCI: Potassium chloride, IP3: Inositol triphosphate, DAG: Diacylglycerol.

Background: Combretum hypopilinum is used in Togolese traditional medicine to alleviate various ailments including hepatic disorders. Objective: This study evaluates the hepatoprotective activities of crude ethanolic extract of C. hypopilinum root bark (CECH) and its possible mechanism(s) of action in Wistar rats. Materials and methods: In vitro antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH, Ferric-reducing power and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. Hepatoprotective activity was assessed using CCl4-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats. Animals were pretreated orally with different doses of CECH (200 and 400 mg/kg) once daily for 7 consecutive days and were subjected to intraperitoneal single injection of CCl4 (1 mL/kg). Serum markers of hepatic damage, hepatic endogenous antioxidants, NO, TNF-α and lipid peroxidation contents were measured out. Results: The pretreatment with CECH significantly decreased levels of hepatic enzymes (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001) and MDA in pretreated rats (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). CECH restored the decreased levels of hepatic antioxidants including SOD (p < 0.01), CAT (p < 0.05 at 400 mg/kg) and GSH (p < 0.05 at 400 mg/kg) and significantly inhibited hepatic production of NO (p < 0.05, p < 0.01).as well as the level of TNF-α (p < 0.001) in pretreated rats. Protective effects of CECH were confirmed by histopathological examinations. CECH exhibited antioxidant in vitro and contains also total phenol and flavonoid. Conclusion: This study suggests that CECH protected the liver from CCl4-induced hepatic damage possibly via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Abbreviations Used: CECH: Crude ethanolic extract of combretum hypopilinum root bark, CCl4: Carbon tetrachloride, DPPH: 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, AlCl3: Aluminum chloride, ALT: Alanine aminotransferase, AST: Aspartate aminotransferase, LDH: Lactate dehydrogenase, ALP: Alkaline phosphatase, TC: Total cholesterol, TG: Triglycerides, TB: Total bilirubin, TP: Total protein, MDA: Malondialdehyde, SOD: Superoxide dismutase, CAT: Catalase, GSH: Glutathione, NO: Nitric oxide.