Alpha-lipoic acid protects against potassium cyanide-induced seizures and mortality.

This study was proposed to investigate the potential protective effect of alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) against potassium cyanide (KCN)-induced seizures and lethality in mice. The intraperitoneal ED(50) value of KCN, as measured by induction of clonic and tonic seizures was increased by pretreatment of mice with α-LA (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) intraperitoneally in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, the intraperitoneal LD(50) value of KCN, based on 24h mortality, was increased by pretreatment with α-LA in a dose-dependent manner.

Antidiabetic activity and toxicity of Zizyphus spina-christi leaves.

The effect of the butanol extract of Zizyphus spina-christi (L.), Willd (Rhamnaceae) leaves and its major saponin glycoside, christinin-A, on the serum glucose and insulin levels was studied in non-diabetic control, type-I (insulin-dependent) and type-II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic rats. Pretreatment either with 100 mg/kg butanol extract or christinin-A potentiated glucose-induced insulin release in non-diabetic control rats.