Showing papers in "Natural product sciences in 2006"

Anti-Oxidative and Nitric Oxide Production Inhibitory Activities of Phenolic Compounds from the Fruits of Actinidia arguta

Abstract: Phytochemical examination of the fruits of Actinidia arguta has led to the isolation three organic acids, one coumarin, and three flavonoids. Structures of these compounds were elucidated as protocatechuic acid (1), caffeic acid (2), caffeoyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), esculetin (4), quercetin (5), quercetin 3-O-β-Dgalactopyranoside (6), and quercetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 → 6)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7) by comparisons with previously reported spectral data. To investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of these compounds, nitric oxide production inhibitory activity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and DPPH radical scavenging activities were examined. Nitric oxide productions were reduced significantly by the addition of compounds [1 (IC50 = 59.27 ug/ml), 2 (IC50 = 27.95 ug/ml), 3 (IC50 = 73.09 ug/ml), 4 (IC50 = 67.44 ug/ml), 5 (IC50 = 17.40 ug/ml), 6 (IC50 = 41.99 ug/ml), 7 (IC50 = 54.46 ug/ml)], and extracts (IC50 = 56.21 ug/ml) compared with positive control, L-NMMA (IC50 = 14.48 ug/ml). The phenolic compounds also showed anti-oxidative activities. Especially, Compounds 1 (IC50 = 8.87 ug/ml), 4 (IC50 = 3.41 ug/ml), and 5 (IC50 = 6.06 ug/ml) showed potent anti-oxidative activities similar to L-ascorbic acid (IC50= 5.89 ug/ml).

Pharmacognostic evaluation of Curcuma aeurigenosa Roxb

Abstract: Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. (FamilyZingeberaceae), commonly known as 'pink and blue giner' is widely used in Indian system of medicine since time immemorial. The plant is found well in wild habitat and cultivated in southern India. The plant is distinguished by red corolla lobes and ferruginous or greenish-blue rhizome. Rhizoma is used medicinally as anti-diarrheal, anti-fungal; external use as astringent for wounds. A detailed pharmacognostic evaluation of its rhizome showed total ash 6.1%, acid insoluble ash 1.20%, alcohol soluble extractives 3.70% , water soluble extractives 14.50%, sugar 20.93%, starch 41.85%, and tannins 0.68%. Oh hydro distillation, the rhizomes and sessile tubers yielded 0.17% oil.

Preliminary Study on the Antisnake Venom Activity of Alcoholic Root Extract of Clerodendrum viscosum (Vent.) in Naja naja Venom

Abstract: The antisnake venom activity of Clerodendrum viscosum Vent. (Fam. Verbenaceae), a plant traditionally used in India for the treatment of snake bite was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo methods. While in vitro studies were performed using human blood, in vivo studies were carried out using mice administered three different i.p doses of the extract, 5 min before the administration of Naja naja snake venom. The results of the in vitro studies showed that the extract probably interacts with but does not stabilize membrane protein. In the in vivo studies the extract showed significant antisnake venom activity, which may be attributed to its possible interference with the acetylcholine receptor sites. Hence the present investigation justifies the traditional use of Clerodendrum viscosum (C. viscosum) as antisnake venom.

Screening of Momordica dioica for hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory activities

Abstract: The alcoholic extract of Momordica dioica roots significantly reduced induced hepatotoxicity in rats upon oral administration (200 mg/kg), as judged from the serum enzyme levels [serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminases (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transminases (SGPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)]. These results were comparable with sylimarin (1.25 mg/kg, p.o.). The alcoholic extract inhibited the formation of oxyten derived free radicals (ODFR) in vitro with ascorbic system. The alcoholic extract also significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema when administered orally (200 mg/kg) and the activity was comparable with ibuprofen(200 mg/kg, p.o.).

Isolation and NMR Assignment of a Pennogenin Glycoside from Dioscorea bulbifera L. var sativa

Abstract: A steroidal saponin, ;(1, spiroconazole A) was isolated from the tubers of Dioscorea bulbifera L. var sativa and assignment was completed using HMBC correlation. In addition, four phenolic substances, 2,7-dihydroxy-4-methoxyphenanthrene (2), quercetin (3), (4), and (5) were also isolated.

Flavonols from Houttuynia cordata with Protein Glycation and Aldose Reductase Inhibitory Activity

Abstract: A 4,5-dioxoaporphine type alkaloid, cepharadione B (1), a phenolic acid, protocatechuic acid (2), and flavonols, quercetin (3), afzelin (4), and quercitrin (5), were isolated from the EtOAc-soluble extract of the whole plants of Houttuynia cordata. All the isolates (1-5) were subjected to in vitro bioassays to evaluate advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation and rat lens aldose reductase (RLAR) inhibitory activity. The three flavonols 3-5 exhibited a significant inhibitory activity on AGEs formation with IC50 values of 66.9, 58.9, and 32.3 uM, respectively. While the two flavonol rhamnosides 4 and 5 showed a remarkable inhibitory activity against RLAR with IC50 values of 0.81 and 0.16 uM, respectively.

Antioxidant Activities of Vietnamese Medicinal Plants

Abstract: One hundred and twenty six Vietnamese traditional herbals belonging to 59 families were screened for their free radical (DPPH) scavenging activity and inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation. Of these, MeOH extracts of seven plants, including Euphorbia thymifolia (leaf), Gnetum montanum (stem), Heterosmilax erythrantha (root), Morus alba (leaf), Syzygium formosum (leaf), Jussiaea repens (aerial parts), and Camellia sinensis (leaf), exhibited significant antioxidant activities. All of these herbs showed remarkable free radical scavenging activities with values of 11.0, 14.5, 17.0, 13.6, 10.8, 7.7, and , respectively, and significant inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation with 79.7, 83.8, 78.9, 82.5, 88.8, 88.0, and 96.2% inhibitions, respectively, at the concentration of .

Pharmacognostic evaluation of the roots of Berberis chitria Lindl

Abstract: Berberis chitria (family Berberidaceae) has a close affinity with B. aristata, used in traditional systems of medicine as a drug 'Daruharidra' for skin disease, jaundice, affection of eyes, and rheumatism. Keeping this in view, in the present study attempts have been made to identify marker characters of B. chitria in order to differentiate the two species. Some of the diagnostic features of the root are patches of pericyclic fibre, pitted sclerieds and berberine containing cells and heterocyclic medullary rays. Besides, the physicochemical characters such as total ash; acid insoluble ash; alcohol and water soluble extractive; tannins; sugar and starch percentages has shown variations. The percentage of berberine as berberine hydrochloride was also calculated through HPTLC densitometric method and it was found little higher than B. aristata and B. asiatica i.e. 3.16%. Thus, this species can be utilized as a possible substitute to Daruharidra.

Antioxidative and Antimicrobial Activities of Essential oil from Artemisia vulgaris

Abstract: Artemisia vulgaris, one of the most religious plants in Nepal, is used in the treatment of various ailments. In this study, antioxidative activity of essential oil from A. vulgaris was evaluated, using different in vitro methods and antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method against skin disease microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Candida albicans and Propionibacterium acnes. The essential oil exhibited a concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. It showed strong metal chelating activity with low reducing and antioxidant power. However, gradual increase in radical scavenging activity was obtained with increasing concentration and reaction time. It also possessed a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and notable susceptibility was observed against S. pyogenes and P. acnes.

Antiulcer Activity of Sida acuta Burm

Abstract: The ethanol extract of Sida acuta Burm (ALSA) whole plant was studied for its anti-ulcer activity against aspirin plus pylorous ligation induced gastric ulcer, HCl-ethanol induced ulcer, and water immersion stress induced ulcer (WISIU) in rats We found that ALSA at a dose of 300 mg/kg, (orally) markedly decrease the incidence of ulcers in the first two models ALSA showed reduction in gastric volume, free acidity, and ulcer index (5369%) It has not reduced the total acidity significantly and no significant change in pH It also showed 5514% gastro protective activity, wheres standard drug sucralfate showed 9485% WISIU showed protection index 244%, whereas standard drug omeprazole (OMEZ) showed protection index 100%

Pharmacognostical Evaluation of Sphaeranthus indicus (Linn.)

Abstract: This study presents a detailed pharmacognostical study of the underground portion of the crude drug Sphaeranthus indicus Linn (Asteraceae), an important plant in the Indian system of medicine The root and stolon were studied using procedures of light, conofocal microscopy, WHO recommended-physicochemical determinations, and authentic phytochemical procedures The physicochemical, morphological, and histological parameters presented in this paper may be proposed as parameters to identify and establish the authenticity of S indicus root and stolon

Articles : Gomisin J with Protective Effect Against t-BHP-Induced Oxidative Damage in HT22 Cells from Schizandra chinensis

Abstract: Four lignan compounds including gomisin J (1), schizandrin (2), gomisin A (3), and angeloyl gomisin H (4) have been isolated from the MeOH extract of Schizandra chinensis fruits. The evaluation for protective effect of compounds 1-4 against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced cytotoxicity in hippocampal HT22 cell line was conducted. Compound 1 showed significant protective effect with an value of , whereas compounds 2-4 were inactive. Trolox, one of the well-known antioxidant, used as a positive control, and also showed protective effect with an value of . These results suggest that compound 1 may possess the neuroprotective activity against oxidant-induced cellular injuries.

Wound Healing Activity of the Chloroform Extract of Plumbago rosea Linn. and Plumbagin

Abstract: The wound healing activity of plumbagin and the chloroform extract of Plumbago rosea Linn. (Yoot), incorporated into ointments with yellow soft paraffin, have been investigated on rats. Wound healing activity was studied using excision and incision wound models in rats following topical application. Both plumbagin and the Plumbago rosea root extract produced a significant response in both of the wound models studied. The wound contracted in 14 days in the case of plumbagin (0.1%) and 16 days in case of Plumbago rosea root extract (0.5%), as against in 22 days in the case of control animals. The results were also comparable to those of a standard drug, framycetin sulphate cream (1% w/w) in terms of wound contracting ability, wound closure time, tensile strength of wound and regeneration of tissues at the wound site. Histological studies revealed evidences for the healing process by formation of fibrovascular tissue, epithelization and increased collagenization when compared to control.

Antioxidant Constituents from Leonurus japonicus

Abstract: Two phenolic acids, gallic acid (1) and syringic acid (2), and five flavonoids, apigenin (3), luteolin (4), kaempferol (5), quercetin (6), and myricetin (7), were isolated from the aerial parts of Leonurus japonicus. Their structures were elucidated by chemical and spectral analysis. The antioxidant activities of the crude extracts, partitioned fractions and isolated compounds were evaluated by DDPH free radical-scavenging assay. Results suggested that the EtOAc partitioned fraction and compounds 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7 showed significantly high antioxidant potential compared with α-tocopherol and BHT, which were used as controls.

Rubus coreanus Unripe Fruits Inhibits Immediate-type Allergic Reaction and Inflammatory Cytokine Secretion

Abstract: The immediate-type allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is involved in many allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis. The discovery of drugs for the treatment of immediate-type allergic diseases is a very important subject in human health. In this study, we investigated the effect of Rubus coreanus Miq.(Rosaceae) unripe fruits (RCF) on mast cell-mediated allergic reaction and inflammatory cytokine secretion. RCF inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic reactions in mice. RCF attenuated immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated local allergic reactions. In addition, RCF dependently reduced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells local allergic reactions. In addition, RCF dependently reduced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells activated by compound 48/80 or IgE. Furthermore, RCF decreased the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated tumor necrosis factor and interleukin (IL)-6 secretion in human mast cells. Our findings provide evidence that RCF inhibits mast cell-derived immediate-type allergic reactions.

CNS Activities of the Aqueous Extract of Hydrilla verticillata in Mice

Abstract: The aqueous extract of Hydrilla verticillata (AEHV) was tested for possible pharmacological effects on experimental animals. AEHV significantly potentiated the sleeping time of mice induced by standard hypnotics viz. pentobarbitone sodium, diazepam, and meprobamate in a dose dependent manner. AEHV showed significant analgesic properties as evidenced by the significant reduction in the number of writhes and stretches induced in mice by 1.2% acetic acid solution. It also potentiated analgesia induced by morphine and pethidine in mice. Pretreatment with AEHV caused significant protection against strychnine and leptazol-induced convulsions. The behavioral studies on mice indicate CNS depressant activity of the aqueous extract of H. verticillata.

Chemical Constituents of Gomphrena globosa. II

Abstract: One new sterol glucoside, 1 along with known compounds, , stigmasterol, campesterol, , friedelin, 3-epi-friedelinol, allantoin, and have been isolated from the aerial parts of Gomphrena globosa (Amaranthaceae). On the basis of spectroscopic (including 2D NMR) and chemical studies, the structure of 1 was elucidated as . Known compounds are reported for the first time from this plant species.

Quantitative Analysis of Paeoniflorin from Paeonia lactiflora Using $^1H-NMR$

Abstract: Paeoniflorin, the major component of the root of Paeonia lactiflora, was quantitatively analyzed using spectrometry. The quantity of paeoniflorin was calculated by the ratio of the intensity of the signals (H-9, H-10, H-2', 6') to the aldehyde peak of the known amount of internal standard, 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzaldehyde. These results were compared with the conventional HPLC method. The contents of paeoniflorin in P. lactiflora, which were respectively calculated by H-9, H-10, H-2', 6' in the spectra and HPLC, were determined . The advantages of quantitative analysis are that can be analyzed to identify and quantify, and no reference compounds required for calibration curves. Besides, it allows rapid and simple quantification for paeoniflorin with an analysis time for only 20 min without any preprocessing.

Coumarins and a Polyacetylene from the Roots of Angelica purpuraefolia

Abstract: Four coumarins (1-4) and one polyacetylene (5) were isolated from the roots of Anglica purpuraefolia Chung (Umbelliferae) through repeated column chromatography. Four coumarins, isoscopoletin (1), oxypeucedanin hydrate (2), arnottinin (3) and isokhellactone (4), and a polyacetylene, (+)-9(Z), 17-octadecadience-12,14-diyne-1,11,16-triol (5), were identified by spectroscopic analysis including two dimensional NMR and mass. These compounds were examined for their anti-complement activity against the classical pathway of the complement system. However, compounds 1-5 were inactive in this assay system.

Anti-proliferation Effects of Isorhamnetin Isolated from Persicaria thunbergii on Cancer Cell Lines

Abstract: Isorhamnetin from the aerial parts of Persicaria thunbergii has been reported to have anti-tumor activity mediated by the inhibition of farnesyl protein transferase. In this study, we investigated the antiproliferation effects of isorhamnetin on NIH3T3, K-RAS, H-RAS and SW620 cells, and it showed antiproliferative effects in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 value 4.1, 7.9, 20.2, and 22.4 ug/ml, repectively.

Phellinus baumii Inhibits Immediate-type Allergic Reactions

Abstract: In this study, we investigated the effect of Phellinus baumii (PB) on immediate-type allergic reaction and inflammatory cytokine secretion. PB inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic reactions in mice. PB inhibited compound 48/80-induced plasma histamine release. In addition, PB also inhibited the immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated local allergic reaction. Furthermore, PB decreased the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated tumor necrosis and interleukin-6 secretion in human mast cells. These results indicate that PB may be beneficial in the treatment of immediate-type allergic reactions.

Protective Effect of Pterocarpus santalinus on Galactosamine Induced Liver Damage

Abstract: The present study was carried out to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of the extract of Pterocarpus santalinus Linn on acute hepatotoxicity induced in Wistar albino rats by a single dose of Galactosamine (400 mg/kg). Suspensions of methanolic extract of heartwood of P. santalinus (200 and 400 mg/kg) in 0.3% Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC) were administered p.o. to experimental animals and hepatoprotective activity was monitored by estimating aspartate amino transferase (ASAT, GOT), alanine amino transferase (ALAT, GPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGL), albumin, total protein (TP) levels. The methanolic extract significantly reduced the elevation of serum transaminases and alterations of biochemical parameters induced by hepatotoxin, and alleviated the degree of liver damage. The results were supported by histopathological studies of liver samples showing regeneration of hepatocytes in treated animals. Silymarin (25 mg/kg), a known hepatoprotective drug was used for comparison. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that P. santalinus exerts hepatoprotective activity and may serve as a useful adjuvant in several clinical conditions associated with liver damage.

Studies on the Constituents of the Leaves of Acanthopanax divaricatus forma flavi-flos

Abstract: Four 3,4-seco-lupane trierpenoids were isolated from the MeOH extract of the leaves of Acanthopanax divaricatus forma flavi-flos Yook by using various column chromatography. The chemical structures of isolates were identified as chiisanogenin, chiisanoside, isochiisanoside and 11-deoxyisochiisanoside on the basis of physico-chemical and spectroscopic date(, 2D-NMR and FAB-MS). These compounds were isolated for the first time from A. divaricatus forma flavi-flos.

Phenolic Compounds from the Stems of Sapium japonicum

Abstract: A chemical examination of the stems of Sapium japonicum PAX et (Euphorbiaceae) has led to the isolation of seven phenolic compounds. On the basis of UV, IR, MS, and NMR spectral data and the chemical reaction, the structures of these compounds were identified as gallic acid (1), ellagic acid (2), 3,3'-di-O-methylellagic acid (3), acid (4), acid (5), isoquercitrin (6), and geraniin (7).

Pharmacognostical Evaluation of Clerodendrum viscosum (Vent.)

Abstract: This study presents a detailed pharmacognostical study of the root and leaf of the crude drug Clerodendrum viscosum Vent. (Verbenaceae), an important plant in the Indian system of medicine. The root and leaf samples were studied using light and confocal microscopy, WHO recommended-physicochemical determinations, and authentic phytochemical procedures. The physicochemical, morphological, and histological parameters presented in this paper may be proposed as parameters to establish the authenticity of C. viscosum root and leaf, and may possibly help to differentiate the drug from its other species.

Studies on the Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Extracts from Marine Sponges

Abstract: Two specimens of sponges collected from Red Sea, Egypt, were investigated for their contents of secondary metabolites. The crude extracts of the sponges were tested for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The toxic effects of the extracts of the two marine sponges were studied. determination revealed that the investigated extracts of 'Igernella and Ircinia spp' were 4.69 and 134.7 mg/l00 g b.wt., respectively, when injected intraperitoneally in mice. The toxic signs were recorded within the first 24 hrs after injection. Also the two marine sponges extracts showed significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Effect of the Volatile Oil of Nigella sativa Seeds and Its Components on Body Temperature of Mice: Elucidation of the Mechanisms of Action

Abstract: The effect(s) of the volatile oil (VO) of Nigella sativa and its two components, and on body temperature of male and female conscious mice were studied. Further investigations to delineate the mechanism(s) of action of the observed effect(s) by using various blockers involved in the central regulation of body temperature were made. VO and caused significant reductions in rectal body temperature at is and 30 minute after treatment. had negligible effect on body temperature of mice. Cyproheptadine inhibited VO and hypothermia significantly. Nalbuphine inhibited hypothermia significantly but did not affect VO-induced hypothermia. Droperidol potentiated VO and hypothermia to a non-significant level; whereas atropine potentiated VO-induced hypothermia non-significantly. The study confirms further the role of serotoninergic receptors in the mechanism(s) of the observed pharmacological effects of the VO of Nigella sativa. It also indicated a possible role of opioid receptors in hypothermia.

Isolation of $n-Butyl-{\beta}-D-fructopyranoside$ from Gastrodia elata Blume

Abstract: In the course of the continual work on the fresh tubers of Gastrodia elata, a fructoside constituent was isolated from the n-butanol soluble fraction prepared from the methanol extract The structure of this compound was identified as from various spectroscopic data including , HMQC, HMBC, and FABMS

[${\gamma}-Mangostin$ and Rubraxanthone, Two Potential Lead Compounds for Anti-cancer Activity against CEM-SS Cell Line

Abstract: Our continuing interest on Garcinia and Mesua species has led us to carry out a detail study on the chemistry of the root bark of Garcinia mangostana (Guttiferae) since this part of the plant has not been investigated before, and the strm bark of Mesua corneri (Guttiferae) an uninvestigated species This study has yielded six xanthones, (1), (2), (3), garcinone-D (4), mangostanol (5) and gartanin (6) from Garcinia mangostana and two xanthones rubraxanthone (7) and inophyllin B (8) from Mesua corneri Structural elucidations were achieved using NMR and MS data The crude hexane and chloroform extracts of the root bark of Garcinia mangostana and the hexane extract of the stem bark of Mesua corneri were found to be active against CEM-SS cell lines with values less than Moreover, gave a very low value of while rubraxanthone gave an value of indicating these two compounds to be potential lead compounds for anti-cancer activity against the CEM-SS cell line This paper reports the isolation and identification of these compounds as well as bioassay data for the crude extracts, and rubraxanthone

HPLC Chromatographic Methods for Simultaneous Determination of Pholcodine and Ephedrine HCI with Other Active Ingredients in Antitussive-Antihistamine Oral Liquid Formulations

Abstract: A description of simple, isocratic and precise reversed phase HPLC methods is given for simultaneous quantification of pholcodine and ephedrine hydrochloride together with either carbinoxamine maleate or terfenadine in antitussive-antihistaminic oral pharmaceutical formulations. Separations were carried out on X-Terra and symmetry shield C18 column . The used isocratic elution systems were either in the ratio of 75 : 25 and pH adjusted to 7.70 with orthophosphoric acid or sodium hydroxide, for syrup (method A), or 0.02 octanesulphonic acid sodium salt solution-acetonitrile-acetic acid in the ratio of 75 : 25 : 0.5 for suspension (method B). The elution of both mixtures was achieved with a flow rate of 1 ml/min. Detection was carried out by UV absorbance at wavelengths of 220 and 250 nm for syrup and suspension, respectively. The quantification of the components in synthetic mixtures and actual syrup and suspension were calculated using the internal standard technique with metoclopramide HCl and codeine phosphate as internal standards (IS), respectively. The methods, for both mixtures, were validated and met all the requirements for the quality control analysis recommended by FDA and ICH.