The effect of ten phytotherapeutic products on CCl(4) intoxicated liver in albino male Wistar rats was investigated. Biochemical parameters, including serum transaminase activity (GPT and GOT), histoenzymological measurements (lactate dehydrogenase, LDH; succinate dehydrogenase, SDH, cytochromoxidase, CyOx; Mg(2+)-dependent adenosine triphosphatase, ATP-ase) and histochemical (Sudan black) and histological examinations (haematoxylin-eosin staining) of the liver were investigated. Some positive effects such as the reduction of hepatocytolysis and steatosis, and a return to normal values of the activity of some enzymes in the following plants: Chrysanthemum balsamita, Echinacea pallida, Calendula officinalis and Corylus avelana were obtained.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the bioelectrical and structural-functional changes in frontal cortex after the bee venom (BV) experimental treatments simulating both an acute envenomation and a subchronic BV therapy. Wistar rats were subcutaneously injected once with three different BV doses: 700 μg/kg (T(1) group), 2100 μg/kg (T(3) group), and 62 mg/kg (sublethal dose-in T(SL) group), and repeated for 30 days with the lowest dose (700 μg/kg-in T(S) group). BV effects were assessed by electrophysiological, histological, histochemical, and ultrastructural methods. Single BV doses produced discharges of negative and biphasic sharp waves, and epileptiform spike-wave complexes. The increasing frequency of these elements suggested a dose-dependent neuronal hyperexcitation or irritation. As compared to the lower doses, the sublethal dose was responsible for a pronounced toxic effect, confirmed by ultrastructural data in both neurons and glial cells that underwent extensive, irreversible changes, triggering the cellular death. Subchronic BV treatment in T(S) group resulted in a slower frequency and increased amplitude of cortical activity suggesting neuronal loss. However, neurons were still stimulated by the last BV dose. Structural-functional data showed a reduced cellular density in frontal cortex of animals in this group, while the remaining neurons displayed both specific (stimulation of neuronal activity) and unspecific modifications (moderate alterations to necrotic phenomena). Molecular mechanisms involved in BV interactions with the nervous tissue are also discussed. We consider all these data very important for clinicians who manage patients with multiple bee stings, or who intend to set an appropriate BV therapy.

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The 17 days subcronic anakinetic stress induced to white Wistar rats by immobilization and darkness has determined TGO, cholesterol and triglycerides values increase, and serum creatinine decreases. Lamium album vegetable extract administration significant increases triglycerides and GOT values and decreases serum creatinine. Administration of both L. album and L. purpureum extracts, in terms of exposure to anakinetic stress, has resulted in a significant increase of the liver transaminases and triglycerides level, decrease of cholesterol and rise of serum creatinine levels. Administration of Lamium purpureum (LP group) vegetable extract has induced the increase of triglyceride values and decrease of cholesterol and serum urea levels. In the SLA group, there was an increase in the red blood cells (RBCs), hematocrit and platelet number, vs. the control group. It has also experienced an increase of the platelets in other treated groups. In the SLP group was noted an increase in the RBCs, hematocrit and platelet number vs. the control group and the decrease in the number of lymphocytes. In conclusion, the vegetal extracts of L. album and L. purpureum (20 mg/100 g b.w.), induced protective modulatory effects on the dynamics of the entire set of functional analyzed parameters.