Short Lecture 5 “Anti-atherogenic effects of Rustyback (Asplenium ceterach L.) in mice model”

The fern Asplenium ceterach L. (syn. Ceterach officinarum Willd.) is used in the traditional medicines for various ailments such as against inflammations, gallstones, as well as for facilitating diuresis [1], [2]. In continuation to our previous study on this species [3], we report herein the effects of the traditional A. ceterach decoction in an experimental model of atherosclerosis (mice) in order to highlight any beneficial properties for the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, the phytochemical contents of its extracts and decoction were investigated by analytical techniques. The decoction was studied in the experimental model for 8 weeks. 24 adult male mice SV129 wild type and 24 adult male mice PPAR-Alpha knock out SV129 were randomly allocated into three groups: Atheromatosis group (n = 8), Atheromatosis + Rustyback group (n = 8) and Control group (n = 8). Rustyback decoction was given orally as an aqueous solution in a daily dose. Biochemical parameters were determined at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks. Moreover, echocardiography analyses were performed at the baseline and at the endpoint. A histopathological assessment was also carried out at the end of the study. This study is the first report on the investigation of this decoction in an animal model of atheromatosis, examining a potential mode of action through PPARa receptors. Overall, the results demonstrated that the decoction might play a protective role in the progress of the disease. Importantly, this study also confirmed the use of this fern as an anti-inflammatory and diuretic agent in folk medicine.

• References

• 1 Vokou D, Katradi K, Kokkini S. Ethnobotanical survey of Zagori (Epirus, Greece), a renowned centre of folk medicine in the past. J Ethnopharmacol 1993; 39: 187-196
• 2 Forgione G, De Martino L, De Feo V. Medicinal plants in Samnium popular medicine. Pharmacologyonline 2008; 1: 90-98
• 3 Tomou E-M, Skaltsa H. Phytochemical Investigation of the Fern Asplenium ceterach (Aspleniaceae). NPC 2018; 13: 849-850

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
12. Dezember 2022