A Study of Antimicrobial Effects of Citrus Paradisi‘Grape Fruit’

Abstract

Background: Artocarpuslakoocha (A. Lakoocha) is an important medicinal plant which possesses vital and beneficial medicinal values such as steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids and a variety of phenolic derivatives. A. Lakoocha extracts have been clinically utilized in treatment of various chronic, inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, ulcerative colitis and endocarditis. Aim: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of A. lakoocha extracts on the expression of atherogenic, proinflammatory cytokines IL-5, IL-6, TNF-α and NF-кB, in hyperlipidemia associated atherosclerosis, using rat models. Methods: Twenty four well-fed rats (Wistar breed), were selected for the current study, weighing average 150-250 grams each and divided into three groups; GROUP I served as healthy control group, fed with normal diet composed of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. GROUP II was hyperlipidemic rats, with atherosclerosis, and considered as disease group..GROUP III rats were fed with extracts of A. lakoocha, extending from day 20 to 60 days. Results: In the disease group, significantly decreased (P <0.001) expression levels of IL-5 were found in (14.76±2.65) compared with control group (26.54±3.98). IN the group treated with A. lakoocha extracts (22.01±4.53) significantly enhanced (P <0.01) the expression levels of IL-5 were observed. In addition, plasma IL-6 levels were significantly enhanced (P <0.05) in the disease group (44.19±10.90) compared with the control group (32.59 ± 4.51). Treatment of rats with A. lakoocha extract (20.22 ± 2.75) caused significant reduction (P<0.001) in the expression levels of IL-6 as compared with the disease group.Significantly raised (P<0.01) expression levels of TNF-α within the disease group (31.78±4.71) compared with the control group (23.34±2.25) group. Conclusion: Citrus paradisi grape fruit plant has presence of antimicrobial agents in different parts which can be used effectively in a variety of antibiotics for prevention of acute and chronic bacterial infections.