Abstract:
The present study evaluates the effects of a one month period of chronic
consumption of water, methanol, and petroleum ether extracts of Inula
viscosa on fasting blood lipid profile, sugar level, and liver enzymes in rats
receiving a regular fat diet. The present investigation also included the
antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect of the plant extract.
A general fasting hypoglycemic effect was only observed with chronic
intake of water extract. This hypoglycemic effect was accompanied with a
significant increase in serum insulin concentration. Both methanol and
petroleum ether extracts of Inula viscosa, showed a potential antimicrobial
activity on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as antifungal
effects. A dose dependent antimicrobial inhibition trend in both methanol
and petroleum ether extracts was observed.
In the acute inflammation induced by carrageenan, Inula viscosa water
extract showed an anti-inflammatory effect with the 500 and 1000mg/kg
B.W. doses, in a dose dependent manner. The 1000 mg/kg B.W. dose and
diclofenac showed similar inflammatory inhibition (36% us 39%). In the
chronic inflammatory study, Inula viscosa water extract showed a
consistent dose dependant anti-inflammatory effect on formalin induced
paw-edema. The 1000mg/kg B.W. dose had similar anti-inflammatory
effect (44%) compared with diclofenac (44%). Water, methanol, and petroleum ether extracts contributed to substantial
changes in the blood lipid profile. Although no significant changes in the
concentration of circulating TAG was observed among the different
groups, all extracts reduced significantly serum total cholesterol, LDL
cholesterol and LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio with respect to the control
group. Only the methanol group showed a significant decrease in the
concentration of HDL-cholesterol with respect to all other groups. VLDL
apolipoprotein B100 (apo B100) showed no significant differences among
the different groups.
Determination of SGOT, SGPT and LDH activities showed similar values
in all groups except with LDH where the activities were significantly lower
than the control group. In conclusion, Inula viscosa methanol and petroleum ether extracts
appeared to have important anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities. Water
extract seems to be a very effective anti-inflammatory drug that may be
used for both acute and chronic inflammation. The water extract is also
effective in reducing serum glucose level via possibly promoting insulin
secretion by the pancreas. Both water and petroleum ether extracts
appear to be effective in reducing blood cholesterol level through enhanced
lipoprotein metabolism and clearance. No liver damage has occurred
during the study period with all extract used.
