and Hypolipidemic Activity of Spinach Roots and Flowers.

This study was designed in order to correlate the flavonoid and lipoidal matters content of Spinach roots and flowers to their hypolipidemic potential. The total flavonoid content was measured via complexation with aluminum chloride while determination of fatty acids methyl esters and unsaponifiable matters in both organs was performed using GC/MS. In an study, the crude ethanol extracts of both organs and their different fractions were separately examined for inhibition of -hydroxy--methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase); the rate limiting enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis.

Meloxicam modulates oxidative stress status, inhibits prostaglandin E2, and abrogates apoptosis in carbon tetrachloride-induced rat hepatic injury.

The current study aimed at investigating the potential hepatoprotective property and mechanism of meloxicam (MEL) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced hepatocellular damage in rats. Subcutaneous administration of CCl(4) (2 mL/kg, twice/week for 8 weeks) induced hepatocellular damage substantiated by hematoxylin and eosin staining and significant elevation in serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and total bilirubin. In addition, CCL(4) treatment led to elevation in liver contents of lipid peroxidation marker (malondialdehyde), prostaglandin E2, active caspase 3, and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling-positive cells and reduction in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, and reduced glutathione in the liver tissue.

Antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects of capsaicin against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential hepatoprotective utility of capsaicin against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury and to explore the possible mechanisms whereby this agent mediated its beneficial effects. We randomized 40 rats into four groups for treatment with corn oil, CCl₄, capsaicin and both CCl₄ and capsaicin, respectively, for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected and used for determination of aspartylaminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total bilirubin, while the liver tissues were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin examination; evaluation of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and active caspase-3 contents; and evaluation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities.