Toxicology International

Therapeutic Efficacy of Bacopa monnieri against Aflatoxin B₁ Induced Toxicity in Rats

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), the most frequently discovered aflatoxin in tainted foods and feed, is considered the most important risk factor. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is a well-known perennial, creeping herb in the Indian Ayurvedic system. Thus, the present study was designed to evaluate the protective efficacy of Brahmi against liver damage induced by Aflatoxin B1. The whole study was conducted in two experiments. The first experiment used phytochemical estimation of BM (Bacopa monnieri). In the second experiment, animals were randomly divided into six groups with six animals in each group. Group 1 served as the control. Group 2 served as per se and received the highest dose of therapy which was 40 mg/kg for 13 days, post orally. Group 3 received AFB1 (200 μg/kg/day) for 13 days, orally Groups 4 to 6 received different doses of Brahmi (20, 30, 40 mg/kg/day PO) for 3 consecutive days after 10 days of exposure to AFB1. All animals were sacrificed after 24 hr of the last treatment. DPPH free radical scavenging activity of the plant was reported in terms of IC 50 (45.30 ± 2.52 μg/ml). The presence of flavonoids and protein in the plant was reported in 29.63 ± 1.63 μg Rutin /mg, and 59.72 ± 3.30 μg BSA / mg. Acute studies showed increased lipid peroxidation and a decline in antioxidant status. Alterations in the Liver Function Test (LFT) were also observed. Oral treatment with 20-40 mg/kg Brahmi showed remarkable protection against the toxic effects of Aflatoxin B1. Biochemical results of this study demonstrate that Bacopa monnieri extract possesses protective potential against AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity due to the presence of several bioactive phytochemicals. From this study, we can conclude that treating Bacopa monnieri can protect against AFB1 challenge rats.

Proteolytic Profile Alterations as One of the Scorpion’s Leiurus macroctenus Envenomation Effects on Kidneys

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Scorpion envenomation becomes a serious challenge for the healthcare systems in tropical and subtropical regions. Among the variety of organs being affected by the venom, kidneys can accumulate most of the toxins recently after the sting, therefore, the homeostasis, including the proteolytic homeostasis of the renal system during the envenomation is under question. Using the SDS-PAGE and zymography methods we have investigated the proteolytic profile in the rats’ kidneys during the Leiurus macroctenus scorpion envenomation. As it turned out, envenomation leads to the increase of the relative activity of enzymes with collagenolytic, gelatinolytic and fibrinogenolytic properties with molecular weights of 30-50 kDa and 50-70 kDa, simultaneously decreasing the relative activity of proteases with higher molecular weight (70-100 kDa). We have also observed the major changes occurring in 24 hours after the envenomation. We may assume that the obtained results are most likely related either to the formation of proteolytically active fragments of proteases with higher mass, or the excessive expression of proteases with lower mass, yet additional tests need to be conducted to prove these hypotheses. Significant changes in assessed parameters in 24h after the envenomation suggest the increased danger in this period of envenomation for the proteolytic homeostasis in kidneys and the integrity of the renal system overall. Therefore, the described effects can be an important reason for the kidney dysfunctions during the Leiurus macroctenus envenomation.

In Silico Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris L.) and Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa L.) for their Nephroprotective Activity in Chronic Kidney Disease and Related Complications

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Kidney diseases are one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Diabetes and hypertension are the main causes of kidney failure resulting in 3 out of 4 new cases. Most of the conventional drugs used in various disease conditions are reported for their nephrotoxic actions and their continuous use can also damage the kidneys. Ayurveda recommends certain herbal drugs like Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris L.) and Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa L.) which can control endstage kidney disease and its complications through the rejuvenation of the kidneys. The present study is an effort to show the nephroprotective potential of bioactive compounds present in Tribulus terrestris L. and Boerhavia diffusa L. against critical nephroprotective targets carbonic anhydrase II, renin, HIF propyl hydroxylase 2/ EGLN1, angiotensin-converting enzyme II, vasopressin receptor 2 against their respective standard drugs through in silico technique and to verify the probable efficacy of these herbs in chronic kidney disease against modern medication. Discovery Studio (DS Visualizer 2016) and Auto Dock tool (ADT Tools-1.5.6) were used for molecular docking. Among the major bioactive compounds screened, chlorogenin, hecogenin, diosgenin, neotigogenin and beta-sitosterol from Tribulus terrestris L., Beta-sitosterol, boerhavisterol, liriodenine, boerhadiffusene and ursolic acid from Boerhavia diffusa L. observed to exhibit significantly higher binding energy (BE) and inhibition constant (IC50) towards CA II, Renin, EGLN1, ACE II and V2R than their respective standard drugs. The study has demonstrated the nephroprotective activity of Tribulus terrestris L. and Boerhavia diffusa L. by inhibiting receptor activity against standard drug molecules.

A Study on the Clinical Profile of Non-Organophosphorus Poisoning in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Poisoning is emerging as a very important global health issue particularly in agricultural countries like India. Although wide range of data is available on organophosphorus poisoning cases, studies and data are limited on non-organophosphorus compound poisoning like paraquat, rodenticide (zinc phosphide, yellow phosphorus, sodium monofluroacetate, fluroacetamide, arsenic, warfarins, and scilliroside etc.), pyrethroid, carbamate etc. The present study aims to study the clinical presentation and outcome of the non-organophosphorus poisoning cases. A cross sectional retrospective study was conducted at Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh. In this study the data of the patients with nonorganophosphorus poisoning admitted to Assam Medical College from July, 2022 to July, 2023 were collected and analysed. A total of 104 patients were included in the study and most patients belonged to the age group of below 30 years. Out of all the cases highest number patients presented with Paraquat poisoning (48.1%), while distribution of other cases was as follows- Phenyl (12.5%), Pyrethroid (23.1%), Rodenticide (10.6%), Carbamate (1.9%) and Organochloride (3.6%). Vomiting was the most common presenting symptom. Hepatic and renal impairment was observed only in the paraquat poisoning cases and it was also associated with high mortality rate (88%). Acute Hepatitis and Acute kidney Injury was quite common among paraquat poisoning patients and mortality was mainly observed in paraquat, rodenticide and carbamate poisoning cases. Comprehensive care and awareness among general public is necessary for prevention and better management of poisoning cases. Development of proper rational management guidelines is also pivotal for reducing mortality in these cases.

Quechers Extraction Followed by HPLC Estimation of Steroidal Glycoalkaloids viz, α-Chaconine and α-Solanine in Different Solanaceae Family Vegetable Varieties

Lavanya Nagamalla — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Glycoalkaloids are the alkaloid derived chemical constituents naturally produced in various plants species especially Solanaceae family. These chemical constituents protect the plant against predators as well as pathogens. The consumption of high dose of glycoalkaloids was toxic to humans. This study was purposeful to evaluate steroidal glycoalkaloids viz., α-chaconine and α-solanine quantity in different Solanaceae family vegetable varieties. The QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe) extraction using acetonitrile as extracting solvent was used for extracting steroidal glycoalkaloids in vegetable samples. In the optimized conditions, the standard chromatogram shows clear resolution of α-chaconine and α-solanine. The analytes were identified at 3.15 min for α-chaconine and 4.88 min for α-solanine. The optimized HPLC (High pressure liquid chromatography) method was validated. The method optimized using acetonitrile and 1.0 mM ammonium acetate buffer at pH 4.2 in 65:45 (v/v) as mobile phase at 0.6 mL/min, μBondapak C18 (10 μm, 4.6x250 mm) column as stationary phase and UV detection is selected at 218 nm. Findings suggest that this method was simple and convenient for the estimation of glycoalkaloids in vegetables. The glycoalkaloids was achieved under the acceptable levels of less than 200 mg/kg as prescribed by USFDA and German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment.

Interactions of HRLCMS-QTOF Detected Plant Metabolites of Abrus precatorius L. Seeds with EGFR and the Effect of Classically Detoxification Process

E. N. T. Vikram, R. Kamaraj, R. Ilavarasan — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Abrus precatorius L. is one of the most important medicinal plants with toxic principles which has been reported for many cases of poisoning throughout the globe. Shodhana is an important technique in Ayurveda which includes a set of procedures to detoxify the toxic herbal raw drugs. Hence three varieties of unprocessed and shodhana processed Abrus precatorius L. seeds were chosen and the hydro alcoholic extracts were prepared by maceration. These extracts were subjected to HRLCMS-QTOF analysis and the receptor-specific action of all the major components selected with the cutoff range of more than 0.2x106 counts was analyzed with GLIDE (Schrodinger 2021-1, maestro v13.6) software. Totally 570 molecules were identified in HRLCMS, and 299 molecules were docked against EGFR downloaded from the RCSB database with the crystal structure of 5XDK. The HRLCMS has revealed the presence of many unknown compounds in extracts and the major compounds identified were Indoleacrylic acid, PABA, Galangin 3- [galactosyl-(1->4), Chrysoeriol 7-O-neohesperidoside, gallic acid, calendoflaside, etc. In docking studies, the glide scores of the ligands were compared with the standard ligand 8JK and it was found that the compounds present in the extracts have shown good binding scores in comparison with the standard ligand. It is concluded that the shodhana processed seed extracts show a wide range of phytochemical variation and a notable in silico docking score and hence the raw drug after shodhana can be considered promising for research and development of cancer management therapies.

Diosgenin Mitigates Aluminum Chloride Mediated Developmental Toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Aluminum (Al) is a dangerous environmental neurotoxin that can cause tissue inflammation and oxidative stress. Diosgenin (DG) is a chemical that possesses therapeutic potential and is a powerful neuroprotective and antioxidant agent. Due to their unique anatomy, physiology, and diet, newborns are at a higher risk of harm from the developmental toxin Al. Researchers widely used Drosophila melanogaster as a popular model to study the toxicity of Al in recent years. The study investigates potential protective effects of dietary DG on D. melanogaster, a model of Al-toxicity. The larvae were raised on a diet containing 40 mM/kg Aluminium Chloride (AlCl₃) and 15 mM/kg DG. AlCl₃ caused oxidative stress and neurobehavioural abnormalities. However, dietary DG improved nociception and crawling deficits by restoring acetylcholinesterase levels and reducing oxidative stress. The study found that higher doses of DG reduced the negative effects of AlCl₃ exposure, suggesting DG’s antioxidant potential could treat diseases caused by free radicals. The study reveals that Al-rich diets cause oxidative stress in D. melanogaster, affecting development, metabolism, and neurobehavioral function. DG, as an antioxidant, can protect against negative effects, but its benefits decrease with higher concentrations, the ideal dosage being 15 mM/kg.

Alleviation of Lead Nitrate-Induced Nephrotoxicity by Garlic Essential Oil in Albino Mice: A Comprehensive Study on Inflammation and Genotoxicity

Sakshi Sharma, Veena Sharma — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Lead (Pb) is a hazardous environmental contaminant that has been linked to renal impairments when consumed. As a part of this study, we explored garlic essential oil’s potential therapeutic uses against Lead nitrate (PbNo₃)₂-mediated nephrotoxicity. Six experimental groups of six mice each were employed and groupings were further formed as - Control, (PbNo₃)₂, (PbNo₃)₂ + low dosage of garlic essential oil, (PbNo₃)₂ + high dosage of garlic essential oil, (PbNo₃)₂ + Silymarin and (PbNo₃)2 + olive oil groups. (PbNo₃)₂ treatment enhanced the progression of renal inflammation by activating the NFĸB signaling pathway which in turn increased the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators like TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-6. With that, the reduction of IL-10 cytokine level was also noticed. Interestingly, oral administration of garlic essential oil to some extent improved biological functioning since it was able to substantially decreased the inflammatory processes in the renal tissue. The Lead nitrate intoxicated group also showed substantially higher parameters of the comet assay, including the percentage of DNA in the tail, tail length and the moment of the tail, demonstrating the degree of genetic instability caused by heavy metal exposure. However, garlic essential oil to some extent was able to recover these parameters and ensure molecular repair.

Isolation and Characterization of a Triterpenoid Compound from Sodhita Semecarpus anacardium L. Drupe Ethanolic Extract and its Anticancer Potential In Vitro

Gopinath Pandian, Arunadevi Rathinam, Sivamurugan Vajiravelu — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Semecarpus anacardium is listed in Schedule E1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, of 1940. It is purified (sodhana) and used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases, including gulma (hard mass/cystic growth or lump). Studies on Semecarpus anacardium in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) cell lines are hitherto unavailable, hence this study was conducted. The drupes of sodhita Semecarpus anacardium were extracted with solvents of different polarity, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of each extract was determined in the NSCLC cell line (A549). The ethanolic extract with an IC50 of 47.09±0.032 μg/ml was found to be better than the other extracts and, therefore subjected to compound isolation by wet-pack column chromatography. The fractions (6-9 and 15-19) with a single spot identified by thin-layer chromatography were crystallized (56 mg) and used for spectral techniques. The probable compound structure of C30H50O2, elucidated by FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR revealed it as a triterpenoid derivative. The IC50 of the isolated compound was 15.73±0.019 μg/ml which was further used to investigate anti-cancer properties The treated cells showed apoptotic features like cell blebbing, loss of cell adhesion and membrane integrity. A semi-fragmented piece of unresolved DNA and G2/M phase arrest was observed in the treated cells. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the expression of the NSCLC biomarkers c-ROS oncogene-1 (ROS1) and proinflammatory factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) was significantly (p<0.05) downregulated in the treated cells. Based on these observations, it was concluded that the isolated compound could be a potential candidate for lung cancer therapy.

Detection of Ethanol and Methanol in Hand Sanitizers used in Public Places in Delhi during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Neha Afaria, Rohit Kanojia, A. K. Jaiswal, Sudhir K. Gupta, T. Millo — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Since the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease of 2019) pandemic, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are being used widely to prevent the transmission of corona virus. But a major concern is the adulteration of methanol in hand sanitizer. Cases of methanol poisoning increased drastically during the pandemic. This study was carried out to detect ethanol and methanol in hand sanitizers that are being sold and used in public places. The hand sanitizer samples for this study were collected from different public places in Delhi from June-August 2022. A total of 53 samples were collected and the samples were run on Gas Chromatography (GC-HS) for analysis of ethanol and methanol. Methanol was detected in 25 samples. During the COVID-19 pandemic, various cases of methanol poisoning due to consumption or chronic absorption of hand sanitizer have been reported all over the world. Methanol is a toxic alcohol and long-term dermal exposure to this toxic substance can cause severe health effects. During the pandemic, the increased demand of hand sanitizer resulted in uncontrolled manufacturing and sale of hand sanitizers. Data obtained from this study highlight the need to monitor the manufacturing and sale of alcoholbased hand sanitizer by the regulatory bodies and to raise awareness among the public about the toxic effects of methanol.

Systematic Review on Evidence based Therapeutic Potential of Pithecellobium dulce for Health Benefits

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Plants are proved as a beneficial source of natural products having therapeutic uses for long back periods. Epidemiological studies suggested that approximately 33% of drugs in developed countries are derived from a plant. Pithecellobium dulce is one of the plants which have significant diverse medicinal properties. It is a native fruit of tropical America, and it is cultivated throughout India, especially in Andaman. It is rich in flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, etc. Experimental studies show that P. dulce shows antidiabetic, abortifacient, antitumor, anodyne and larvicidal activities. Furthermore, it shows significant activity against diarrhea, eye inflammation, and anti-venomous as well. It has a specific place in the traditional system of medicine and can be a miraculous part of modern medicine in the future. So, the present review has been designed to explore the pharmaceutical and therapeutic properties of P. ducle based on the available scientific literature.

Toxicology International

Therapeutic Efficacy of Bacopa monnieri against Aflatoxin B1 Induced Toxicity in Rats

Proteolytic Profile Alterations as One of the Scorpion’s Leiurus macroctenus Envenomation Effects on Kidneys

In Silico Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris L.) and Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa L.) for their Nephroprotective Activity in Chronic Kidney Disease and Related Complications

A Study on the Clinical Profile of Non-Organophosphorus Poisoning in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Quechers Extraction Followed by HPLC Estimation of Steroidal Glycoalkaloids viz, α-Chaconine and α-Solanine in Different Solanaceae Family Vegetable Varieties

Interactions of HRLCMS-QTOF Detected Plant Metabolites of Abrus precatorius L. Seeds with EGFR and the Effect of Classically Detoxification Process

Diosgenin Mitigates Aluminum Chloride Mediated Developmental Toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster

Alleviation of Lead Nitrate-Induced Nephrotoxicity by Garlic Essential Oil in Albino Mice: A Comprehensive Study on Inflammation and Genotoxicity

Isolation and Characterization of a Triterpenoid Compound from Sodhita Semecarpus anacardium L. Drupe Ethanolic Extract and its Anticancer Potential In Vitro

Detection of Ethanol and Methanol in Hand Sanitizers used in Public Places in Delhi during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Systematic Review on Evidence based Therapeutic Potential of Pithecellobium dulce for Health Benefits

Therapeutic Efficacy of Bacopa monnieri against Aflatoxin B₁ Induced Toxicity in Rats