Lagerstroemia

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of feeding green fodder, rice straw and concentrate-based total mixed rations (TMR) on dry matter (DM) intake (DMI), nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation patterns and body weight (BW) gain (BWG) in mithun (Bos frontalis) calves. In a randomized block design, male mithun calves (n = 18, 8–10 months of age, 121 ± 2 kg BW) were randomly divided into three experimental equal groups (six animals in each group) and fed isonitrogenous TMRs ad libitum for 120 days. The TMR1 contained 30% Napier grass and 30% rice straw, TMR2 contained 60% rice straw and TMR3 contained 30% tree leaves (Lagerstroemia speciosa) and 30% rice straw (DM basis). All the TMRs contained 40% concentrate mixture (DM basis). The results indicated that the BWG, DMI and feed conversion efficiency were significantly (p < 0.01) increased with the inclusion of green fodder in TMRs. The apparent digestibility of DM, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre and nitrogen free extract were also improved significantly (p < 0.01) with the inclusion of green fodder in TMRs. The higher concentration of total nitrogen and total volatile fatty acid in rumen liquor, but low ruminal pH were evident in animals fed green fodder supplemented TMRs. An increased (p < 0.01) molar proportion of acetic acid was evident in animals fed rice straw-based TMR. In contrast, the molar proportion of propionic and butyric acids were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in animals fed green fodder supplemented TMRs. On the basis of higher DMI and higher daily BWG, it is concluded that Napier grass and L. speciosa tree leaves may be incorporated upto 30% (DM basis) in TMR of growing mithuns for feeding in complete confinement system.

Aqueous leaf extract of L. speciosa (banaba) effectively decreased the blood glucose in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice after 15th day of banaba exposure. Further, banaba leaf extract have the potential to inhibit lipid peroxidation and effectively intercept/neutralize reactive oxygen species such as super oxide, H2O2 and NO based free radicals. The aqueous banaba leaf extract (150 mg/kg bodyweight) duly reduced STZ generated reactive intermediates and radical species helping to regulate normal levels of antioxidative markers like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and reduced glutathione.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of standardized aqueous extract of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth. on diabetes. Diabetes mellitus was induced with streptozotocinnicotinamide and rats found diabetic were orally administered standardized aqueous extract of Picrorhiza kurroa (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) or glibenclamide (10 mg/kg, p.o.) or vehicle (0.3% carboxy methyl cellulose suspension) for 14 days. Fasting blood glucose levels and lipid profiles were measured in control as well as diabetic rats after two week treatment. In addition, liver glycogen level of Picrorhiza kurroa extract (PkE) treated diabetic rats were compared to that of control and diabetic control rats. Oral glucose tolerance test was also performed on nondiabetic normal rats. Statistical analyses were performed by one way analysis of variance followed by Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons test. PkE treatment induced significant reduction (p < 0.001) in elevated fasting blood glucose level in streptozotocinnicotinamide induced type-2 diabetic rats. In oral glucose tolerance test, oral administration of PkE increased the glucose tolerance. PkE treatment also significantly (p < 0.001) reversed the weight loss associated with streptozotocin treatment. These findings provide in vivo evidence that standardized extract of Picrorhiza kurroa possess significant antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type-2 diabetes mellitus in rats.

The potential antidiabetic activity of ethyl acetate extract of the leaves of Lagerstroemia speciosa (LSL) was investigated by α α α α α-amylase and α α α α α-glucosidase inhibition assay. Six pentacyclic triterpenes (oleanolic acid, arjunolic acid, asiatic acid, maslinic acid, corosolic acid and 23-hydroxyursolic acid) were isolated from LSL. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis and their α α α α α-glycosidase and α α α α α-amylase inhibitory activities were investigated. They exhibited no or weak inhibitory activity against α α α α α-amylase and middle α α α α α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Corosolic acid, which shows best bioactivity against α α α α α-glucosidase (IC 50 = = = = = 3.53 μ μ μ μ μg/mL), contributes most to the α α α α α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of EtOAc extract. The kinetics of inhibition of corosolic acid was also discussed. Results from this study might provide the scientific evidence for LSL for the treatment of diabetes in traditional medicine.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a standardized methanol extract of Quassia amara L. (Family: Simaroubaceae) in nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus was induced by streptozotocin in rats pre-treated with nicotinamide. Diabetic rats were treated with oral doses of Quassia amara extract (QaE; 100 and 200 mg/kg) or glibenclamide (10 mg/kg; as standard). QaE and glibenclamide were administered as a suspension in 0.3% carboxy methyl cellulose for 14 days. Control animals received an equal volume of vehicle. Blood samples were collected by retro-orbital puncture on day 14, 1 h after last treatment. Plasma glucose, insulin and lipid parameters (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglycerides) were measured using commercially available biochemical kits. The oral glucose tolerance test was performed to evaluate the effect of the extract on peripheral glucose utilization in normal rats. Both doses of QaE significantly ( p < 0.01) reduced elevated fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. In the oral glucose tolerance test, QaE treatment significantly increased ( p < 0.05) the glucose tolerance compared with the vehicle. QaE and glibenclamide, effectively normalized dyslipidemia associated with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The findings of the present study indicate that Quassia amara extract may be potentially valuable in the treatment of diabetes and associated dyslipidemia.

The antidiabetic activity of an extract from the leaves of Lagerstroemia speciosa standardized to 1% corosolic acid (Glucosol TM) has been demonstrated in a randomized clinical trial involving Type II diabetics (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, NIDDM). Subjects received a daily oral dose of Glucosol TM and blood glucose levels were measured. Glucosol TM at daily dosages of 32 and 48 mg for 2 weeks showed a significant reduction in the blood glucose levels. Glucosol TM in a soft gel capsule formulation showed a 30% decrease in blood glucose levels compared to a 20% drop seen with dry-powder filled hard gelatin capsule formulation (P < 0.001), suggesting that the soft gel formulation has a better bioavailability than a dry-powder formulation.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of feeding green fodder, rice straw and concentrate-based total mixed rations (TMR) on dry matter (DM) intake (DMI), nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation patterns and body weight (BW) gain (BWG) in mithun (Bos frontalis) calves. In a randomized block design, male mithun calves (n = 18, 8–10 months of age, 121 ± 2 kg BW) were randomly divided into three experimental equal groups (six animals in each group) and fed isonitrogenous TMRs ad libitum for 120 days. The TMR1 contained 30% Napier grass and 30% rice straw, TMR2 contained 60% rice straw and TMR3 contained 30% tree leaves (Lagerstroemia speciosa) and 30% rice straw (DM basis). All the TMRs contained 40% concentrate mixture (DM basis). The results indicated that the BWG, DMI and feed conversion efficiency were significantly (p < 0.01) increased with the inclusion of green fodder in TMRs. The apparent digestibility of DM, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre and nitrogen free extract were also improved significantly (p < 0.01) with the inclusion of green fodder in TMRs. The higher concentration of total nitrogen and total volatile fatty acid in rumen liquor, but low ruminal pH were evident in animals fed green fodder supplemented TMRs. An increased (p < 0.01) molar proportion of acetic acid was evident in animals fed rice straw-based TMR. In contrast, the molar proportion of propionic and butyric acids were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in animals fed green fodder supplemented TMRs. On the basis of higher DMI and higher daily BWG, it is concluded that Napier grass and L. speciosa tree leaves may be incorporated upto 30% (DM basis) in TMR of growing mithuns for feeding in complete confinement system.

The polyol enzyme aldose reductase (AR) and advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) play an important role in diabetic complications such as cataracts. The purpose of this study was to investigate four standardized plant extracts used for the treatment of diabetes and related diseases, and their principal components for AR inhibitory activity and to find out their influence in diabetic complications. Thus, Boswellia serrata Triana & Planch. (Burseraceae), Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. (Lythraceae), Ocimum gratissimum (L.) (Lamiaceae) and Syzygium cumin (L.) Skeels. (Myrthaceae) and their respective major constituents, boswellic acid, corosolic acid, ursolic acid and ellagic acid, were studied for their inhibitory activity against rat lens AR, rat kidney AR, human recombinant AR and generation of AGEs. In addition, in vivo inhibition of lens galactitol accumulation by the major constituents of the plants in galactose-fed rat has been studied. The results revealed that all the tested extracts and their active ingredients possess significant AR inhibitory actions in both in vitro and in vivo assays with urosolic acid showing the most potent effect. Furthermore, the study indicates the potential of the studied plants and their major constituents as possible protective agents against long-term diabetic complications.

Lagerstroemia speciosa commonly known as &#39;Banaba&#39; is native of south-east Asia which exhibits both horticultural and therapeutic value. The anti-diabetic and anti-obese property of the tree is attributed to corosolic acid (CRA)-a pentacyclic triterpene seen predominantly in the mature leaves. Although there are studies on either chemical or genetic variation in L. speciosa from different regions, none have dealt with their association to discuss the formation of chemical diversity. For the first time, we have analyzed CRA content in 12 natural populations corresponding to 42 samples seen in the Southern Western Ghats (SWG) using chromatography techniques and genetic variation estimated using SSR markers. Significant variation in percentage distribution of CRA ranging from 0.005% to 0.868% dr.wt. was recorded wherein populations from the north SWG contain relatively more active principle (mean=0.321%) than their counterparts in the south (mean=0.064%). Similarly, SSR data sho...

Modelo da Distribuição de Ovos de Tinocallis kahawaluokalani (Kirkaldy) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Lagerstroemia indica L. (Lythraceae) RESUMO-Este é o primeiro registro da ocorrência de ovos de inverno do afídeo holocíclico monoécio Tinocallis kahawaluokalani (Kirkaldy) em Lagerstroemia indica L., no Brasil. Os ovos, pretos brilhantes, foram observados a partir do início do outono, depositados nas dobras da casca e gemas dos ramos. Com o objetivo de avaliar a abundância e distribuição dos ovos, bem como modelar esse evento, quatro ramos dos pontos cardeais de 10 plantas de dois grupos etários, 5-10 e 20-30 anos de idade, foram coletados ao acaso e cortados em oito segmentos de 10 cm, registrando-se o número de ovos, no inverno de 2001. Os ovos estavam depositados principalmente na porção mediana dos ramos, entre 40 cm e 60 cm do ápice nas árvores mais velhas (54%) e entre 30 cm e 60 cm nas jovens (58%). Os dados ajustaram-se a um modelo de regressão longitudinal que expressa a tendência da distribuição dos ovos nos ramos. O número de ovos foi maior nas plantas mais velhas (61%) que nas jovens (39%), e o número médio de ovos (± IC 95%) foi 70,5 9,3 e 47,4 12,5, respectivamente nos dois grupos etários. Não houve correlação entre a distribuição dos ovos e a posição dos ramos nos pontos cardeais. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Pulgão-da-extremosa, afídeo holocíclico, modelo de regressão longitudinal, oviposição ABSTRACT-This is the fi rst record of winter eggs of the holocyclic monoeceous crapemyrtle aphid Tinocallis kahawaluokalani (Kirkaldy) on Lagerstroemia indica L., in Brazil. The shiny black eggs were observed since early autumn, laid on small folds and crevices of the branches. In order to evaluate and model the egg abundance and distribution, four branches from the cardinal points of 10 plants of two age groups, 5-10 and 20-30 years-old, were collected randomly and cut in eight segments of 10 cm and the number of eggs was registered, in the winter 2001. The eggs were laid mainly on the middle portion of the branch, from 40 cm to 60 cm from the apex on the older trees (54%) and on 30 cm to 60 cm on younger ones (58%). The data fi t in a longitudinal regression model that expresses the tendency of the egg distribution on the branches. The number of eggs was greater on the 20-30 year-old plants (61%) than on younger ones (39%). The average number (± CI 95%) of eggs was 70.5 9.3 and 47.4 12.5, respectively, for the older and younger tree groups. There was no correlation between egg distribution and the cardinal positions of the branches.

Background: The aim of this paper is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DLBS3233, a novel bioactive fraction derived from Cinnamomum burmanii and Lagerstroemia speciosa, in improving insulin resistance and preserving β-cell performance in patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Patients and methods: Eighty adult subjects with IGT, defined as 2-hour postprandial glucose level of 140-199 mg/dL, were enrolled in this two-arm, 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled preliminary study. Eligible subjects were randomly allocated to receive either DLBS3233 at a dose of 50-100 mg daily or placebo for 12 weeks. The study mainly assessed the improvement of homeostatic model-assessed insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), the 15-minute and 2-hour plasma insulin levels, and the oral disposition index. Results: After 12 weeks, DLBS3233 improved insulin resistance better than placebo as reflected by a reduced HOMA-IR (−27.04%±29.41% vs −4.90%±41.27%, P=0.013). The improvement of the first-and second-phase insulin secretion was consistently greater in DLBS3233 group than placebo group (−144.78±194.06 vs −71.21±157.19, P=0.022, and −455.03±487.56 vs −269.49±467.77, P=0.033, respectively). Further, DLBS3233 also significantly better improved oral disposition index than placebo. No serious hypoglycemia, edema, or cardiovascular-related adverse events were found in either groups. Conclusion: This study has shown that DLBS3233 at the dose of 50-100 mg once daily was well tolerated, and promisingly efficacious in improving insulin sensitivity as well as preserving β-cell performance in subjects with IGT.