Biological activity assays
2.4.1. Animals
Male Wistar rats (180–200 g) were obtained from the Southern Laboratory Animal Facility, Prince of Songkla University, Hat-Yai, Songkhla, Thailand. All experimental protocols were approved by The Animal Ethic Committee, Prince of Songkla University (MOE 0521.11/303). Wistar rats were housed in standard environmental conditions with a 12 h light/dark cycle. They were provided ad libitum with standard rodent diet and water.