Objective: To examine the anti-hyperglycemic effects of aqueous Lenzites betulina (L. betulina) extracts on normoglycemic glucose-loaded mice. Methods: Different doses of aqueous extract from L. betulina were administered to 45 ICR mice (Mus musculus) to determine whether there was an effect of L. betulina extracts on the blood glucose level of the ICR mice. Aqueous extracts of L. betulina were orally gavaged to mice using oral glucose tolerance test. A total of five groups were used to determine the effect of the fungi on blood glucose of the mice. Group A (positive control) was given 16.7 μg/kg glimepiride; Group B (negative control) was given distilled water; Group C (low dosage) was given 200 mg/kg aqueous extract; Group D (mid dosage) was given 400 mg/kg aqueous extract and Group E (high dosage) was given 800 mg/kg aqueous extract. Baseline blood glucose value was firstly acquired before induction of hyperglycemia through d-glucose, after which another check on blood glucose was made after 0.5 h. Immediately, after the acquisition of hyperglycemic blood glucose level, the individual administration of treatments were done. After that, three blood collections were done spanning 3 h with 1 h interval. Results: The low dose (200 mg/kg) and the mid dose (400 mg/kg) of L. betulina extracts were significantly different (P < 0.05) from their respective baseline values throughout the whole experiment with the latter surpassing its baseline value during the 3rd hour. On the other hand, the high dose (800 mg/kg) during the 1st hour after administration was not significantly different (P > 0.05) from its corresponding baseline value, acting faster than the positive control (glimepiride), which only became significantly different (P < 0.05) at the 2nd hour. Conclusions: Aqueous L. betulina extract is able to produce hypoglycemic effects on the mice with all doses, which are able to normalize blood glucose levels at varying times.

Objective: To identify the effects of the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners on memory retention and on the histology of the hippocampus. Methods: In this study, 20 mice were used to determine if there is an effect of consuming the maximum allowable dose of the non-nutritive sweeteners on the memory retention and on the histology of the hippocampus. The mice were distributed into four groups and the treatments were given via oral gavage: Group 1 (water), Group 2 (aspartame: 1. 000 mg/kg), Group 3 (stevia: 1. 000 mg/kg) and Group 4 (sucralose: 16. 000 mg/kg). Treatments were administered to the different experimental groups for 32 days, after which memory retention was tested using the two-day water maze protocol. After the tests, the mice were sacrificed and the brain was analyzed histologically for neurotrophic effects. Results: Based on the results of the two-day water maze protocol, there were no differences between the non-nutritive sweeteners and the control group. However, stevia showed high cellular apoptosis followed by aspartame, sucralose and control group. Conclusions: There was no significant effect on the memory of the mice. It showed histologically however, that stevia had a significant neurotropic effect compared to the other sweeteners.

Objective: To analyze the hematological effects of administering Ipomoea batatas (I. batatas) and Phyllanthus niruri (P. niruri) in the ICR mice. Methods: Powdered leaves of I. batatas and P. niruri were fed to mice for 4 weeks. A total of six groups were used to determine the effect of the plants to the complete blood count of the mouse. Group A (blank control) mice were feed with pellets only; Group B (negative control) mice were fed with pellets coated with honey; Group C (low dosage) mice were fed with honey-coated pellets and powdered leaves of I. batatas at 10 g/kg body weight of the mouse; Group D (high dosage) mice were fed with honey-coated pellets and powdered leaves of I. batatas at 20 g/kg body weight of the mouse; Group E (low dosage) mice were fed with honey-coated pellets and powdered leaves of P. niruri at 10 g/kg body weight of the mouse; and Group F (high dosage) mice were fed with honey-coated pellets and powdered leaves of P. niruri at 20 g/kg body weight of the mouse. Complete blood count was performed on Days 0, 14 and 28. Results: It was shown that I. batatas can increase the values of hematocrit and hemoglobin on both the low dose and high dose at Day 28 and red blood cells (RBC) on both Days 14 and 28 of testing. On the other hand, P. niruri can increase RBC, hematocrit and hemoglobin on Day 28 with only the low dose. There were no significant differences with white blood cell, absolute granulocyte, lymphocyte and monocyte, and platelet counts observed for both plant samples. Conclusions: I. batatas and P. niruri have effects on the hematocrit, RBC and hemoglobin levels in mice.