Showing papers in "Natural product sciences in 2007"

Flavonoids from the Stem-bark of Oroxylum indicum

Abstract: Two new flavonoid compounds, 8,8'-bisbaicalein 1 and baicalein-7-O-caffeate 2 along with six known flavonoids, baicalein, chrysin, scutellarein, 6-hydroxyluteolin, 6-methoxyluteolin and baicalein-7-Oglucoside and have been isolated from the stem-bark of Oroxylum indicum (Bignoniaceae) and identified on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical studies. 6-Hydroxyluteolin and 6-methoxyluteolin are reported for the first time from this plant.

Antioxidant Studies on the Methanol Stem Extract of Coscinium fenestratum

Abstract: The methanol extract of Coscinium fenestratum, commonly known as tree turmeric, which is widely used in the indigenous system of medicine was studied for its in vitro scavenging activity in different methods viz DPPH scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, iron chelation activity, superoxide scavenging, ABTS radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation The results were analyzed statistically by regression method Its antioxidant activity was estimated by IC50 value and the values are 571 ug/ml for DPPH radical scavenging, 365 ug/ml for iron chelating activity, 517 ug/ml for nitric oxide scavenging, 5363 ug/ml for ABTS scavenging, 442 ug/ml for superoxide scavenging, and 40 ug/ml for lipid peroxidation In all the methods, the extract showed its ability to scavenge free radicals in a concentration dependent manner The results indicate that C fenestratum has potent antioxidant activity

Antioxidant and Free Radical Scavenging Potential of Justicia gendarussa Burm. Leaves in vitro

Abstract: Antioxidant activity of 70% aqueous ethanolic extract of leaves of Justicia gendarussa (EJ) was evaluated. EJ was prepared by cold maceration method. The antioxidant potency of EJ was investigated employing various established in vitro systems, such as DPPH radical scavenging, nitric oxide (NO) scavenging, β-carotene linoleic acid module system (β CLAMS), hydroxyl (OH) radical scavenging, anti lipid peroxidation, IC50 values were determined in each experiment. Also, ferric ion reduction capacity of extracts in presence and absence of chelating agent (EDTA) and total antioxidant capacity were determined. Preliminary phytochemical investigation was carried out to know the nature of constituents present in the leaves and correlate it with antioxidant activity. Further total phenolic content was determined in EJ. IC50 values of EJ were 123.09±3.01, 643.0±61.10, 132.3±6.03, 68.5±11.5 and 68.13±1.38㎍/mL in DPPH radical scavenging, NO scavenging, β CLAMS, OH radical scavenging and anti lipid peroxidation activity respectively. In total antioxidant capacity assay, ascorbic acid equivalent value was found to be 205.56±4.69㎍/mg of extract. Total phenolic content was found to be 43.76±4.27㎍ equivalent of gallic acid per mg of extract. Phytochemical investigation reveals the presence of flavonoids. The results indicate that EJ possess antioxidant activity and flavonoids are responsible for this activity.

Chemical Constituents and Bioactivity of Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb.

Abstract: Phytochemical study on the rhizomes of Curcuma aeruginosa has yielded three sesquiterpenes, which were identified as zedoarol (1), curcumenol (2) and isocurcumenol (3). The structures of the compounds were determined by Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1D and 2D NMR) and Mass Spectroscopy (MS). The crude extracts and pure compounds obtained were tested against pathogenic microbes and cancer cell lines.

Inhibitory Effect of Bacopa monniera on morphine Induced Pharmacological Effects in Mice

Abstract: The effects of the alcoholic extract of Bacopa monniera (BMA) on morphine-induced pharmacological activities were studied in mice. Oral administration of the extract (40 mg/kg) significantly inhibited morphine-induced analgesic tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, hyperactivity, reverse tolerance, Dopamine receptor supersensitivity and apo-morphine-induced climbing behaviour in mice. The results of this study showed that, alcoholic extract of Bacopa monniera (BMA) exerted inhibitory effect against morphine-induced pharmacological effects, suggesting that the extract could be useful in the treatment of morphine toxicity.

Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Carissa carandas Linn fruits and Microstylis wallichii Lindl Tubers

Abstract: The ethanolic (50% v/v) extracts of Carissa carandas (fruits) (Apocynaceae) and Microstylis wallichii (tubers) (Orchidaceae) were examined for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in experimental animals. Carissa carandas and Microstylis wallichii (50 - 200 mg/kg) caused a dose dependent inhibition of swelling caused by carrageenin significantly in cotton pellet induced granuloma in rats (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). There was a significant increase in the analgesy meter induced pain in rats. The extracts of Carissa carandas and Microstylis wallichii resulted in an inhibition of stretching episodes and percentage protection was 16.05 - 17.58% respectively in acetic acid induced writhing.

12,13-Dihydroxyfumitremorgin C, Fumitremorgin C, and Brevianamide F, Antibacterial Diketopiperazine Alkaloids from the Marine-Derived Fungus Pseudallescheria sp.

Abstract: Dioxopiperazine alkaloids, 12R,13S-dihydroxyfumitremorgin C (1), fumitremorgin C (2), and brevianamide F (3), were isolated from the marine-derived fungus Pseudallescheria, and the absolute stereostructures of compounds 1 - 3 were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. Compounds 1 - 3 showed an antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, and multidrug-resistant S. aureus. The MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) values of compounds 1 - 3 were 125 ㎍/mL for all strains.

Nucleoside Constituents of the Egyptian Tunicate Eudistoma laysani

Abstract: Chemical investigation of the crude extract of the Egyptian marine tunicate Eudistoma laysani led to the isolation of a new nucleoside; 3-deazainosine and four known ones; inosine, 2'-deoxyuridine, adenosine and 2'-deoxyadenosine. Structural elucidation of the isolated compounds was based on intensive studies of their spectral data including 1D ( and ) and 2D ( COSY, HMQC, HMBC) NMR together with mass spectra. The antioxidant effects of the isolated compounds were determined using DPPH, where they exhibited significant activities.

Cytotoxic constituents from Boesenbergia pandurata (Roxb.) Schltr

Abstract: Five flavonoid derivatives, pinostrobin (1), pinocembrin (2), alpinetin (3), cardamonin (4) and boesenbergin A (5) were isolated from the rhizomes of Boesenbergia pandurata. All compounds were elucidated based on its spectroscopic data and by the comparison with the previous works. 2D NMR technique was used for the structure elucidation of boesenbergin A to complement the data reported previously. The extracts and pure compounds were screened for cytotoxic activity against HL-60 cancer cell lines (human promyelocytic leukemia). Cytotoxic screening showed most of the extracts and pure compounds isolated from the rhizomes of Boesenbergia pandurata were active against HL-60 cancer cell line. The chloroform extract and boesenbergin A showed the most potent cytotoxic activity.

Anti-tumor activity of Acanthospermum hispidum DC on dalton ascites lymphoma in mice

Abstract: The present study investigated the anti-tumor activity of ethyl acetate extract of Acanthospermum hispidum DC against daltons ascites lymphoma in mice The extract was prepared by cold maceration with ethyl acetate for 3 - 7 days and evaporated in vacuum to dry (Yield : 142 g, 142% w/w) The extract was fractionated by column chromatography by using gradient elution technique and the diterpenes fraction isolated (0649 g) Both extract and the fraction were administered as oral suspension with tween 20 in water to tumor bearing mice (DAL) and changes in dead cell count, histopathology of tumor cells, hematological parameters and median survival time (MST) were examined and compared with that of tumor control or 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) The results indicate that both ethyl acetate extract and fraction possess anti-tumor activity The study suggests that Acanthospermum hispidum DC seems promising as a source of diterpenes for potential anti-tumor activity

Antidiabetic Effect of Auricularia auricula Mycelia in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract: Auricularia auricula (Heterobasidiae) called 'tree ear' or 'ear mushroom' was investigated to know its antidiabetic effect Administration of dried powder of Auricularia auricula mycelia (AAM) (05 g/kg bw and 10 g/kg bw) caused a statistically significant reduction of plasma glucose (35% and 39%, respectively), total cholesterol (18% and 22%, respectively), triglyceride (12% and 13%, respectively), GOT (53% and 56%, respectively) GPT (26% and 37%, respectively), levels and the rate of liver weight against final total body weight (6% and 7%, respectively) compared with diabetic control group These results support the antidiabetic effect of AAM

The Anthocyanin Components and Cytotoxic Activity of Syzygium cumini (L.) Fruits Growing in Egypt

Abstract: Four anthocyanins were isolated from the acidic alcoholic extract of Syzygium cumini fruits growing in Egypt: pelargonidin-3-o-glucoside, pelargonidin-3,5-o-diglucoside, cyanidin-3-o-malonyl glucoside, and delphenidin-3-o-glucoside. They were identified by the chromatographic, TLC and PC, and spectral analyses, UV, 1H-NMR and FAB/MS. The fruits were found to contain 0.03 gm % anthocyanins calculated on fresh weight basis calculated by spectrophotometric assay. Cytotoxic activity of total alcoholic extract of the fruits was performed against several types of tumor cell lines using the SRB assay. The tested extract exhibited significant cytotoxic activity for MCF7 (breast carcinoma cell line) (IC50= 5.9 ㎍/ml), while the IC50 was > 10 ㎍/ml for both Hela (Cervix carcinoma cell line), HEPG2 (liver carcinoma cell line), H460 (Lung carcinoma cell line) and U251 (Brain carcinoma cell line).

Evaluation of Pharmacognostical Characters and Comparative Morphoanatomical Study of Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipchitz and Arctium lappa L. Roots

Abstract: Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipchitz syn S. lappa C. B. Clarke (commonly known as 'Kuth') belonging to the family Asteraceae is a well known medicinal plant which finds wide usage in different indigenous systems of medicine of India, China, Korea & Tibet. In different folk medicines the roots of S. costus are used to treat various disorders like ulcer, stomachache, malaria, leprosy, dysentery and toothache. However due to over exploitation, it has become endangered and has become the concern of different governmental bodies in India. The increasing demand of this endangered Himalayan species has resulted in a situation where it is often substituted, knowingly or unknowingly, by other morphologically similar species. Arctium lappa, belonging to the same family, is one such plant that has often been found to be present in the market samples of 'Kuth'. The present study was thus carried out and morphoanatomical characters, physicochemical as well as chemical parameters were developed for proper identification of roots of S. costus and its differenciation from A. lappa as well as authentication of the commercial market samples. The detailed morphoanatomical studies revealed that roots of S. costus can be distinguished from A. lappa on the basis of some important microscopial characters eg. the schizogenous resin ducts observed in roots of S. costus, were absent in A. lappa.. Besides, the HPTLC fingerprint profile showed a distinct band at Rf. 0.72 in S. costus, which was totally absent in A. lappa and a band at 0.64 in A. lappa which was absent in S. costus Chlorogenic acid, used as a chemical marker for HPTLC analysis, was estimated to be 0.077% in S. costus as compared to 0.107% in A. lappa. Thus these detailed pharmacognostical parameters can be successfully used to distinguish between roots of S. costus and A. lappa.

Activity of Essential Oil from Mentha piperita against Some Antibiotic-Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae Strains and Its Combination Effects with Antibiotics

Abstract: To investigate natural antibiotics from plant essential oils and to evaluate their synergism with current antimicrobial drugs in inhibiting antibiotic-resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of eleven plant essential oils and their main components were established for two antibiotic-susceptible and two antibiotic-resistant strains of S. pneumoniae, using broth microdilution tests. Potential synergism with oxacillin, norfloxacin, or erythromycin was evaluated using a checkerboard microtitre assay. Among the tested oils, Mentha piperita oil and its main component, menthol, exhibited the strongest inhibitory activities against all of the tested strains. The activity of antibiotics against antibiotic-resistant strains of S. pneumoniae was enhanced significantly by combination with Mentha piperita oils and its main component, menthol. In conclusion, the combination Mentha piperita essential oil or menthol with antibiotics could be used to reduce the effective dose of antibiotic and to modulate the resistance of S. pneumoniae strains.

Protective Effect of Methanol Extract of Swietenia macrophylla Seeds on Oxidative States Associated with Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract: The methanol extract of seeds of Swietenia macrophylla King. (MESM) was studied for its antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. It was principally aimed to correlate the efficacious role of MESM on reduction of oxidative state associated with diabetes. The extract was found to be potent antidiabetic evidenced by significant reduction of blood glucose level in diabetic rats (47.96% reduction of blood glucose level, at 300 mg/kg, on day 10). It was found that, MESM at 300 mg/kg, significantly decreased TBARS (35.03 and 22.22%) whilst increased GSH (86.75 and 31.45%), SOD (93.05 and 45.88%) and CAT (56.99 and 68.46%) levels in liver and kidney respectively in diabetic rats.

Phytochemical Study of Lotus ornithopodioloides L.

Abstract: Phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of Lotus ornithopodioloides L. resulted in the isolation of six known compounds. The structures were determined utilizing physical, chemical, spectral methods as well as direct comparison with reference materials whenever possible. The compounds were identified as: β-sitosterol; the two triterpenes oleanolic and betulinic acids; the two cyanogenic glycosides lotaustralin and linamarin in addition to the flavonol diglycoside kaempferitin.

Phytochemical and antioxidant activity of Spathodea campanulata P. Beauvois. growing in Egypt.

Abstract: Alcoholic extract of Spathodea campanulata P. aerial parts, and two of the isolated fractions from celite column showed strong antioxidant activity (92, 94 & 89% RSA, Radical Scavenging Activity). Phytochemical investigation of chloroform/EtOAc fraction of this column led to the isolation of phenolic acids, caffiec acid (1), and ferulic acid (2), fraction EtOAc/MeOH on further fractionation afforded 3 Flavonoids, kampferol 3-O-glucoside (3), quercetin 3-methyl ether (4) and 8-methoxy kampferol 3-O-glucoside (5). The isolated constituents were identified by co chromatography with authentic samples, TLC, PC., UV, MS and 1HNMR. Also the lipoidal matter of the plant was studied. The unsaponifiable matter was found to be mixture of hydrocarbons from (C14-C28), cholesterol, campasterol, stigmasterol, and α-amyrin. Fatty acid methyl esters were found to contain 12 fatty acids. The fatty acids containing C18 formed ca.65% of the total mixture.

Cytoprotective Constituents of Alpinia katsumadai Seeds Against Glutamate-Induced Oxidative Injury in HT22 Cells

Abstract: Glutamate-induced oxidative injury contributes to neuronal degeneration in many central nervous system (CNS) diseases, such as epilepsy and ischemia. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the MeOH extract of the seeds of Alpinia katsumadai Hayata (Zingiberaceae) furnished three phenolic compounds, alpinetin (1), pinocembrin (2), and (+)-catechin (3). Compounds 2 and 3 showed the potent neuroprotective effects on glutamate-induced neurotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the mouse hippocampal HT22 cells. In addition, Compounds 2 and 3 showed significant DPPH free radical scavenging effect. These results suggest that compounds 2 and 3 could be the effective candidates for the treatment of ROS-related neurological diseases.

Pharmacognostic Evaluation of the Roots of Berberis tinctoria Lesch.

Abstract: Berberis tinctoria (Berberidaceae), commonly known as Nilgiri Barberry is a common allied species to B. aristata, used in India Traditional Systems of Medicine by the name of '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. tinctoria. Some of the diagnostic features of the root are patches of pericyclic fibre, pitted sclerieds, crystals, 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 also shown some variations. The percentage of berberine as berberine hydrochloride was also calculated through HPTLC densitometric method and it was found almost similar to B. aristata, B. asiatica and B. chitria i.e. 3.36%. Thus it can be explored as a possible source of substitute to B.aristata.

Norsesquiterpene and Steroid Constituents of Humulus japonicus

Abstract: Five steroids and two norsesquiterpene glycosides were isolated from the methanol extract of H. japonicus. Their structures were determined by means of physio-chemical and spectral data to be friedelin (1), stigmast-5-en-3-β-ol (β-sitosterol) (2), 7-keto-β-sitosterol (3), 6β-hydroxy-4-stigmasten-3-one (4), 7α-hydroxy-β-sitosterol (5), 3-hydroxy-4,4-dimethyl-4-butyrolactone (6), daucosterol (7), (6S, 9S)-roseoside (8), and (9S)-drummondol-9-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (spinoside B) (9). The compounds 1, 3, 4, and 6 - 9 were first isolated from this plant source.

Phytochemical and Biological Studies on Verbascum sinaiticum Growing in Egypt

Abstract: The aerial parts of Verbascum sinaiticum Benth. (Scrophulariaceae) yielded two iridoids that were idenified as ajugol 3 and aucubin 4. Also, investigation of the flavonoid constituents revealed the isolation and identification of luteolin 1 and chrysoeriol-7-glucoside 2. All the isolated compounds were identifid by spectroscopicmethods (UV, MS, and ) and in comparison with the literature data. Both alcohol and methylene chloride/methanol extracts (1 : 1) exhibited a hepatoprotective effect by test.

An Ellagic Acid Rhamnoside from the Roots of Potentilla discolor with Protein Glycation and Rat Lens Aldose Reductase Inhibitory Activity

Abstract: Schizandra chinensis fruits (SC) have been used as a traditional Oriental medicine for treatments of many stress-induced diseases. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of SC aqueous extract (SC-Ex) in the inflammatory diseases of intestine using a mouse model of ulcerative colitis. An experimental colitis was induced by daily treatment with 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). SC-Ex was orally administered from day 2 of DSS treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of SC-Ex reduced significantly clinic signs of DSS-induced colitis, including body weight loss, shorten colon length, increased disease activity index, and histological colon injury. Moreover, SC-Ex suppressed significantly not only the activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and chymase, but also the expressions of TNF-a and COX-2 in DSS-treated colon tissues. Inhibitory effect of SC-Ex was effective at a dose over 20 mg/kg. Our results indicate that SC-Ex may possess therapeutic effect on the development of DSS-induced colitis.

Cytoprotective Activity of Carpinus tschonoskii against H₂O₂ Induced Oxidative Stress

Abstract: We have studied the cytoprotective effect on HO induced oxidative stress from leaves of Carpinus tschonoskii. The methanol extract of Carpinus tschonoskii was found to scavenge intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) using flow cytometry and confocal microscope. This extract prevented lipid peroxidation and thus reduced cell death of Chinese hamster lung fibroblast (V79-4) induced by HO treatment. The extract increased catalase activity and phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK). Taken together, the results suggest that Carpinus tschonoskii protects V79-4 cells against oxidative damage by HO through scavenging ROS.

Antifungal Activity of Valinomycin, a Cyclodepsipeptide from Streptomyces padanus TH-04

Abstract: Using antifungal activity-guided fractionation, an actinomycete, Streptomyces padanus strain TH-04, which was isolated from mummified peaches infected with Monilinia fructicola, was found to produce the valinomycin (1). The structure of 1 was established using spectroscopic data, which including one- and two-dimensional NMR experimental and mass spectroscopy. Valinomycin (1) showed antifungal activity against Phytophthora capsici, with an IC value of 15.9 g/mL.

α-Amylase and Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Inhibitory of Some Vietnamese Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Diabetes

Abstract: In this study, the twenty-four ethyl acetate extracts of twenty-two medicinal plants, traditionally used in Vietnam as anti-diabetes agents, were investigated for α-amylase and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) enzymes inhibitory activity in vitro. The results indicated that, twelve materials (50.0%) showed moderate to strong inhibitory activity in α-amylase inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging from 2.5 to 48.8 μg/mL; meanwhile, ten extracts (41.6%) could demonstrate PTP1B activity with IC50 values less than 30.5 μg/mL. Some plants presented interesting activities against both of α-amylase and PTP1B enzymes such as Catharanthus roseus, Carthamus tinctorius, Momordica charantia, Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Smilax glabra, Psidium guajava (leave), and Rehmannia glutinosa. The study may provide a proof, at least in a part, for the ethno-medical use in diabetes disease of these plants.

Antitumor Activity and Antioxidant Role of Ichnocarpus frutescens Against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma in Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract: The plant Ichnocarpus frutescens (Linn) R.Br. (Family-Apocynaceae) has been indicated for the treatment of various diseases, one amongst it is cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate experimentally the possible antitumor activity and antioxidant role of Ichnocarpus frutescens in the mice transplanted with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). The chloroform and methanol extract of whole plant of Ichnocarpus frutescens (CEIF and MEIF) were administered intraperitoneally at the dose of 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, body weight per day for 7 days after 24 h of tumor inoculation in mice. Treatment with CEIF at the dose of 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg remarkably decreased the tumor volume, packed cell volume, viable cell count and increased the nonviable cell count of EAC tumor bearing mice when compared to the effect of MEIF at 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. Further the EAC mice treated with CEIF and MEIF showed significant decrease in the level of lipid peroxidation and significant increase in the level of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), however the decreasing and increasing capacity of CEIF was less in both doses as compared to MEIF. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the chloroform and methanol extact of Ichnocarpus frutescens exhibit significant antitumor and antioxidant activity in EAC bearing mice.

Structure-Activity Relationships of Polyhydroxyursane-type Triterpenoids on the Cytoprotective and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Abstract: Eleven polyhydroxyursane triterpenoids (PHUTs) were tested to determine their cytoprotective, immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects. To compare the bioactivities of 19α-hydroxyursane-type triterpenoids {23-hydroxytormentic acid (6), its methyl ester (7), tormentic acid (8), niga-ichigoside F1 (9), euscaphic acid (10) and kaji-ichigoside F1 (11)} of the Rosaceae crude drugs (Rubi Fructus and Rosa rugosae Radix) with PHUTs possessing no 19α-hydroxyl of Centella asiatica (Umbelliferae), the four PHUTs, asiaticoside (1), madecassoside (2), asiatic acid (3), and madecassic acid (4) were isolated from C. asiatica and 23-hydroxyursolic acid (5) from Cussonia bancoensis. Cytoprotective effects were assessed by measuring cell viabilities against cisplatin-induced cytotoxocity in LLC-PK1 cells (proximal tubule, pig kidney) to determine whether these agents have protective effects against nephrotoxicity caused by cisplatin. The inhibitory effect of 11 PHUTs on nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were evaluated by measuring nitrite accumulation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage RAW 264.7 cells, and their anti-inflammatory effects were tested in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema model. Six MHUTs (compounds 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, and 11) exhibited higher cell viabilities during cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity testing even at a concentration of 200 ug/ml than cisplatin only-treated group, suggesting that these compounds have the potent cytoprotective effects. Compounds 1 and 3 of the C. asiatica and niga-ichigoside F1 exhibited no inhibitory effect on NO and/or PGE2 production whereas other PHUTs produced mild to significant NO and/or PGE2 production. The four compounds (2, 5, 9, and 10) potently inhibited mouse ear edema induced by TPA whereas two compounds (1 and 3) had no activity in this test. These results suggest that many PHUTs are potent chemopreventives. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) was also discussed in each assay with regard to the significant role of OHs at the position of 2, 3, 6, 19, and 23 and to the glycoside linkage at the 28-carboxyl.

Pharmacognostical Identification of Stem and Root of Ipomoea quamoclit (Linn.)

Abstract: This paper presents a detailed pharmacognostical study of the stem and root of the crude drug Ipomoea quamoclit Linn. (Convolvulaceae). Morphoanatomy of the stem and root have been studied with the aim to aid pharmacognostic and taxonomic species identification using light and confocal microscopy, WHO recommended physico-chemical determinations and authentic phytochemical procedures. The physico-chemical, morphological and histological parameters presented in this paper may be proposed as parameters to establish the authenticity of stem and root of I. quamoclit and may possibly help to differentiate the drug from its other species.

Effect of Dichrostachys cinerea (Linn.) Root Extract on Ethylene Glycol Induced Urolithiasis in Rats

Abstract: Dichrostachys cinerea (Linn.) is commonly known as Vadatalla and used as phytotherapeutic agent. Tender shoots of the plant bruised and applied to the eyes in case of ophthalmia. The root is astringent and used in rheumatism, urinary calculi and renal troubles. The effect of the Ethanolic and aqueous extract of the root of D. cinerea were studied for its anti-urolithiatic and diuretic activity at 200 mg/kg dose level in male Wistar albino rats. Ethylene glycol feeding resulted in hyperoxaluria as well as increased renal excretion of calcium and phosphate. Supplementation with aqueous and ethanolic extract of the plant significantly reduced the elevated urinary oxalate, showing a regulatory action on endogenous oxalate synthesis. Compared to ethanolic extract, aqueous extract exhibited significant anti-urolithiatic activity. Both the extracts showed significant diuretic activity. The results of our present study supports folklore claim of D. cinerea.

Antioxidant Activity of Cholesterol Derived from Silkworm Pupae

Abstract: To search of more selective vasculogenic relaxation activity, the antioxidant activity of silkworm male pupae was determined by measuring its radical scavenging effect on 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, and anticoagulant activity of them was measured clotting time in both activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Because, most of cGMP-enhancing agent such as, sildenafil, promotes thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, developed unexplained thrombic conditions including heart attack. To search more suitable and safe drug for vasculogenic relaxation, we purified silkworm pupae male extract. The ethyl acetate extract of silkworm male pupae showed strong scavenging activity in both DPPH and aPTT anticoagulant activity. The antioxidant activity potential of the individual fraction was in order of ethyl acetate>n-butanol>chloroform>n-hexane. The ethyl acetate soluble fraction exhibiting strong anti-oxidant and anticoagulant activity was further purified by repeated silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Cholesterol was isolated as one of the active principles from ethyl acetate fraction, together with, minor portion, β-sitosterol.