Showing papers in "Oriental Pharmacy and Experimental Medicine in 2010"
TL;DR: Fenugreek chronic treatment caused a highly significant spermatotoxic effects in male mice, and there was a marginal weight gain in kidney weight of mice after chronic treatment as compared to the control.
Abstract: SUMMARY Acute (24 h) and chronic (90 days) oral toxicity studies on the ethanol extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum Leguminosae (L.) seeds were carried out. Acute dosages were 0.5, 1.0 and 3 g/kg whilechronic dosage was 100 mg/kg per day of the extract. All morphological, biochemical, haematologicaland spermatogenic changes, in addition to mortality, body weight changes and any change invital organs were recorded. Histopathological investigations were done on vital organs. Growtharrest in the treated animals was observed. The treated mice gained no significant weight duringchronic treatment while there was a significant gain in body weight of the control group mice.Biochemical studies revealed a significant decrease in blood sugar levels of fenugreek treatmentgroups while haematological parameters remained comparable to the control. In the treatment,male group there was a significant decrease in weight of testes as compared to the control. Therewas a marginal weight gain in kidney weight of mice after chronic treatment as compared to thecontrol. Fenugreek chronic treatment caused a highly significant spermatotoxic effects in male mice.Key words: Fenugreek; Acute toxicity; Chronic toxicity studies; Slowness of growth; Bloodglucose lowering potential; Spermatotoxic effect
18 citations
TL;DR: T attempts have been made to identify marker characters of this potent species Berberis lycium, used in India Traditional Systems of Medicine as a drug ‘ Daruharidra ’ for skin disease, jaundice, affection of eyes, andrheumatism, and to explore the Possibilities of this species as substitute for this species.
Abstract: SUMMARY Berberis lycium (family Berberidaceae) has a close affinity with B. aristata, used in India TraditionalSystems of Medicine as a drug ‘ Daruharidra ’ for skin disease, jaundice, affection of eyes, andrheumatism. Various species of Berberis are being sold in India herbal drug market. During themarket surveillance of different herbal drug markets of India, it was observed that almost all themarkets either comprise of Berberis lycium or Berberis asiatica. Keeping this in view, in thepresent study attempts have been made to identify marker characters of this potent species.Key words: Berberis lyceum; HPTLC; Daruharidra; Substitute INTRODUCTION Some of the diagnostic features of the root arepatches of pericyclic fibre, pitted sclerieds andberberine containing cells and heterocyclic medullaryrays. Besides, the physicochemical characters suchas total ash; acid insoluble ash; alcohol and watersoluble extractive; tannins; sugar and starch percentageshas shown variations. The percentage of berberineas berberine hydrochloride was also calculatedthrough HPTLC densitometric method and it wasfound almost in similar range to B. aristata, B.asiatica and B. chitria i.e. 2.45%. Thus this data canbe utilized by the pharmacologist to explore thepossibilities of this species as substitute to Daruharidra.Berberis lycium Royle is an important medicinalplant belonging to family Berberidaceae. It is verycommon in different markets of India as anadulterant/substitute to ‘Daruharidra ’ i.e. B. aristata.The root are used for treating a variety of ailmentssuch as eye and ear diseases, rheumatism, jaundice,diabetes, fever, stomach disorders, skin disease,malarial fever and as tonic(Watt, 1883; Kirtikar andBasu, 1933; Chopra et al 1958; Anonymous, 1988).Its use in the management of infected wounds hasalso been described in Ayurvedic classical texts(Sushrut Samhita, 1963). Major alkaloid of the plant is berberine, which isknown for its activity against cholera (Dutta andPanse, 1962), acute diarrhea (Lahiri and Dutta, 1967),amoebiasis, latent malaria and for the treatment oforiental sore caused by Leishmania tropica (Anonymous,1988).Over exploitation of B. aristata by differentpharmaceutical industries created scarcity of thematerial that opened new vistas to identify apossible substitute for this species. During marketsurveillance of different herbal drug markets ofIndia, it was observed that almost all the marketseither comprise of Berberis lycium or Berberis asiatica.Although a detailed pharmacognostic study of B.aristata, B. asiatica and B. chitria is reported by
10 citations
9 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the free-radical-scavenging property, antibacterial activity and brine shrimp toxicity of the n-hexane, dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MeOH) extracts of S. pinnatifida were assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the resazurin microtitre plate-based assay, and the brinea shrimp lethality assay, respectively.
Abstract: SUMMARY Scutellaria pinnatifida A. Hamilt. (Lamiaceae) is an endemic Turkish herb. This plant is also endemic to Iran, and grows abundantly in other central and western Asian countries. Several species of the Scutellaria are known for their traditional uses in the treatment of hypertension, arteriosclerosis, inflammatory diseases, hepatitis, allergy, cancer and diarrhoea. Free-radical-scavenging property, antibacterial activity and brine shrimp toxicity of the n-hexane, dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MeOH) extracts of S. pinnatifida were assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the resazurin microtitre plate based assay, and the brine shrimp lethality assay, respectively. The DCM and MeOH extracts exhibited free-radical-scavenging property, with the RC values of 0.362 and 0.127 mg/ml, respectively. Among the solid-phase extraction fractions of the MeOH extract, the 50% aqueous-MeOH fraction showed the highest level of free-radicalscavenging activity (RC = 0.039 mg/ml). While the DCM extract showed low level of antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis and ampicillin-resistant Escherichia coli, the MeOH extract was active against B. cereus, B. subtilis, E. coli and ampicillin-resistant E. coli. However, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the MeOH extract against these bacterial strains were >10 mg/ml. None of the extracts showed any significant toxicity towards brine shrimps (LD = > 1.00 mg/ml).
7 citations
TL;DR: It can be concluded that M. indica possesses anti-ulcer activity, which can be attributed to its antioxidant mechanism of action.
Abstract: The leaves of Madhuca (M.) indica J.f.Gmel. (Sapotaceae) have been used traditionally in folk medicine due to its astringent properties and are effective in treatment of eczema and snake bites. Methanolic extract of M. indica is rich in tannins and has been proven experimentally to possess antibacterial activity. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-ulcer and antioxidant activity of M. indica in rats. The methanolic extract of leaves of M. indica was tested at various doses (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg, p.o.) for its effect on gastric secretion and gastric ulcers in pylorus-ligation and on ethanolinduced gastric mucosal injury in rats. The significant reduction in ulcer index in both the models along with an increase in the pH of the gastric fluid and mucin content of stomach, and the acid secretory parameters such as total acidity and volume of gastric fluid were also significantly reduced along with reduction in the pepsin activity in pylorusligated rats proved the anti-ulcer activity of M. indica. The increase in the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione and decrease in lipid peroxidation in both the models proved the antioxidant activity of M. indica. Thus it can be concluded that M. indica possesses anti-ulcer activity, which can be attributed to its antioxidant mechanism of action.
7 citations
TL;DR: Terpenoids and terpenoid fractions isolated from 1:1:1 petroleum ether,iethyl ether and methanol (PDM) extract of Scoparia dulcis L. possesses potential hepatoprotective activity and this may be attributed to its free radical scavenging potential, which in turn may be linked to the presence of terpenoids.
Abstract: SUMMARY Scoparia dulcis L. is widely used in the traditional system of medicine for treating liver ailments. Inthe present study the terpenoids and terpenoid fractions isolated from 1:1:1 petroleum ether,diethyl ether and methanol (PDM) extract of Scoparia dulcis L. were tested for their in vitro 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Selected samples from the assaywere further tested for their in vitro hepatoprotective activity against CCl 4 induced hepatotoxicityin freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. In the in vitro antioxidant study, fractions 7, 11, 13, 14, and 15and PDM extract show the DPPH radical scavenging activity. The phytochemical screening of allthese fractions show the presence of terpenoids. In the in vitro hepatoprotective study all thesefractions and the PDM extract significantly prevent the CCl 4 induced changes in the aspartateaspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase levels (p < 0.05).The above results are comparable with the standard, silymarin. The results of the study indicatethat, the PDM extract of Scoparia dulcis L. possesses potential hepatoprotective activity and thismay be attributed to its free radical scavenging potential, which in turn may be attributed to thepresence of terpenoids.Key words: Scoparia dulcis L.; Hepatoprotective activity; Carbon tetrachloride
6 citations
6 citations
TL;DR: This study showed that PA exerted an anti-inflammatory action through suppression theproduction of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, cyclooxygenases-2 and nitric oxide inlipopolysaccaride-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages, suggesting an important molecular mechanism of PA which might explain its beneficial effect in the regulation of inflammatory reactions.
Abstract: SUMMARY Palmitic acid (PA) is one of free fatty acids, which is found from Gaultheria itoana Hayata andSarcopyramis nepalensis. Although PA has a variety of pharmacological effects including mediateshypothalamic insulin resistance, induces IP-10 expression, and promote apoptotic activities, theanti-inflammatory mechanism of PA in mouse peritoneal macrophages remains unclear. In thisstudy, we showed that PA exerted an anti-inflammatory action through suppression theproduction of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, cyclooxygenases-2 and nitric oxide inlipopolysaccaride-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages. Our study suggests an importantmolecular mechanism of PA, which might explain its beneficial effect in the regulation ofinflammatory reactions.Key words: Palmitic acid; Tumor necrosis factor- α; Interleukin-6; Cyclooxygenases-2; Nitric oxide INTRODUCTION Inflammation may have a primary causative rolein many cases of preterm labor. Briefly, in thepresence of infection, bacteria or bacterial productsmay activate resident macrophages and lymphocytes.Macrophage activation is known to play an importantrole in the inflammatory process (Medzhitov andJaneway, 1997; Beutler, 2000) and produce potentproinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosisfactor (TNF)- α, and interleukin (IL)-6 which induceinflammation and recruit other immune cells, e.g.,neutrophils and T lymphocytes (Medzhitov andJaneway, 1997). IL-6 is a cytokine produced by anumber of cell types such as macrophages, dendriticcells and is major players in acute-phase and immuneresponses of the organism. Macrophages are themajor cellular source for TNF-α. TNF-α regulatessystemic responses to microbial infection or tissueinjury and plays a prominent role in inflammatoryreactions. Although TNF-α and IL-6 are beneficialto the host defense, they can also trigger pathologicalconditions when expressed in excess (Beutler, 1995).For example, massive stimulation of macrophagesafter a severe Gram-negative bacterial infectionleads to excessive production of proinflammatorycytokines and the development of fatal septic shocksyndrome, and multiple organ failure (Parrillo,1993; Beutler, 1995). In addition, higher levels ofproinflammatory cytokines are also implicated in avariety of chronic inflammatory diseases including
5 citations
TL;DR: Administration of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the leaves of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis protect the liver from toxic effects of carbontetrachloride by reducing the elevated levels of Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase,Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transamination, Alkaline phosphatase and serum bilirubin.
Abstract: SUMMARY The flowers of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. of Oleaceae widely used in Ayurvedic system ofmedicine for the treatment of diuresis, liver disorder, spleen enlargement sciatica, bitter,stomachic, carminative and tonic to hair. The aim of the present study was to evaluate thealcoholic and aqueous extracts of the flowers of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis for hepatoprotective effectagainst carbontetrachloride induced liver damage in rats. Administration of alcoholic andaqueous extracts of the leaves of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis protect the liver from toxic effects ofcarbontetrachloride by reducing the elevated levels of Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase,Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, Alkaline phosphatase and serum bilirubin. Resultsrevealed that both the alcoholic and aqueous extracts showed significant hepatoprotectiveactivity by reducing the elevated levels of biochemical parameters at a dose of 200 mg/kg bodyweight. The results were supported by histopathological studies of liver samples which showedregeneration of hepatocytes by the extracts.Key words: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis; Carbon tetrachloride; Hepatoprotective
5 citations
TL;DR: Investigation of the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities ofethanol extract from Monochoria vaginalis on acetaminophen-induced rat hepatic injury and histopathological changes suggest that the EEMV possess hepatoprotsective and antioxidants effects against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats.
Abstract: SUMMARY The present study was aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities ofethanol extract from Monochoria vaginalis (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg B/W) on acetaminophen (APAP)induced rat hepatic injury. Monochoria vaginalis is a traditional medicinal plant that is commonlyused to treat and improve liver conditions in India and other Asian countries. The developmentof hepatotoxicity induced by APAP is promoted by oxidative stress. APAP treated groupsignificantly (P < 0.01) elevated the serum enzymatic levels like glutamate oxaloacetatetransaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase (SALP), total bilirubin andmalondialdehyde (MDA), which were restored towards normalization significantly (P < 0.01)thanol extract of yonochoria vagin is (EEMV). In addition, the EEMV significantly (P < 0.01)elevated the decreased level of total protein and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxidedismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-s-transferase and reduced glutathione.Apart from these, histopathological changes also showed the protective nature of the EEMVagainst APAP induced hepatic damage in liver tissues. The activity of EEMV at 500 mg/kg B/Wwas comparable to the standard drug silymarin (25 mg/kg B/W). In conclusion, these datasuggest that the EEMV possess hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects against APAP-inducedhepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats.Key words: Hepatoprotective; Monochoria vaginalis; Acetaminophen; Silymarin; Antioxidant
5 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that CJEAextract is a useful radioprotectant whose efficacy is similar to that of amifostine and whoseradioprotective mechanism is in part the reduction of lipid peroxidation caused by gammairradiation.
Abstract: SUMMARY The efficacy of the radioprotective effect of Callophyllis japonica ethyl acetate (CJEA) extract wasstudied by comparing it to that of amifostine, a well-known radioprotective agent, and byevaluating the dose reduction factor, an indicator of radioprotective efficacy. Pretreatment withCJEA extract (100 mg/kg body weight) prior to receiving 12 Gy irradiation significantly improved thesurvival of jejunal crypts at 3.5 day post-irradiation, but attenuated the level of malondialdehydecompared to vehicle alone (P < 0.01). A similar gastroprotective effect was also obtained in theamifostine-treated irradiated group (P < 0.01). The efficacy of the radioprotective effect wasfurther confirmed by the dose reduction factor, 1.41. Collectively, these results suggest that CJEAextract is a useful radioprotectant whose efficacy is similar to that of amifostine and whoseradioprotective mechanism is in part the reduction of lipid peroxidation caused by gammairradiation. Key words: Callophyllis japonica; Red seaweed; Jejunum; Radioprotection; Amifostine; Antioxidation
TL;DR: Evaluating the antimicrobial potency of the terpenoid fractions isolated from Luffa cylindrica seeds against various pathogenic microbes found them to be highly sensitive against both the gram negative E. coli and P. aeruginosa.
Abstract: The objective of the present investigation is to evaluate the antimicrobial potency of the terpenoid fractions isolated from Luffa cylindrica seeds against various pathogenic microbes. The seeds were powdered and extracted with methanol in soxhlet appratus based on phytochemical screening. Three terpenoid components were isolated by column chromatography and identified by thin layer chromatography and chemical analysis which were designated as , & respectively. Disc diffusion method was employed to determine the antimicrobial effectiveness of test compounds I, II and III against 6 microbial species viz., Staphylococcus (S.) aureus, Bacillus (B.) subtilis, Escherichia (E.) coli, Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa, Candida (C.) albicans and Aspergillus niger. The disc was saturated with of each compound, allowed to dry and introduced on the upper layer of seeded agar plate. The plates were incubated overnight at . Microbial growth was determined by measuring the zonal inhibition diameters. Compound I showed maximum potency against gram positive S. aureus (21 mm) in comparison with standard ciprofloxacin (38 mm), whereas the same compound was completely devoid of activity against both the fungi tested. Compound II was found to be highly sensitive against both the gram negative E. coli (20 mm) and P. aeruginosa (22 mm). Compound II was found to exhibit maximum potency against the fungi C. albicans (15 mm) and A. niger (20 mm). Compound III was found to be very effective against both the gram positive S. aureus (20 mm) and B. subtilis (15 mm) respectively.
TL;DR: The present study supports the traditional usage of title plant in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and significantly improved glucose tolerance over the period of 120 min compared to diabetic control group.
Abstract: Effect of ethanol (ASE) and water (ASW) extracts of Argyreia speciosa on blood glucose and lipid profile was investigated in normoglycemic and Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic animals. In oral glucose and sucrose tolerance test, treatment with ASE and ASW (100 and 200 mg/kg) and Glidenclamide (10 mg/kg) significantly improved the glucose and sucrose tolerance in normal animals. In addition, respective treatment for fifteen-day resulted in significant percentage reduction in serum glucose (SG) ie., 30.39% (lower dose of ASE) and 33.21% (higher dose of ASW). In standardized STZ (50 mg/kg, iv)-induced diabetic rats, a single dose of ASE and ASW treatment exhibited reduction in SG levels at different time intervals compared to basal levels. Administration of both the doses of ASE and ASW for fifteen-day days exhibited greater percentage reduction in glycemia (24.6%, 24.7%, 23.9% and 21.9% respectively) and also ameliorated restored to near normal value of all tested lipid parameters. Further, treatment also exhibited significantly improved glucose tolerance over the period of 120 min compared to diabetic control group. Eventhough treatment failed to increase serum insulin levels significantly but peripheral utilization of insulin was increased as evident by insulin tolerance test. Taken together, present study supports the traditional usage of title plant in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
TL;DR: It is concluded that MEOE has significant effect in the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and Possesses good antimicrobial activity.
Abstract: SUMMARY The aerial parts of methanol extract of Oxystelma esculentum (MEOE) (Asclepiadaceae) was evaluated forin vitro lipid peroxidation and antimicrobial activity. Lipid peroxidation was assayed by thechange in optical density of the various concentrations (20 - 320 µg/ml) and the percentageinhibition was estimated. Ascorbate/FeSO4-induced peroxidation was inhibited by MEOE andstandard antioxidants such as BHA, BHT and the percentage inhibition of the methanol extractwas increased with dose dependent manner. The IC 50 value of the MEOE, BHA and BHT for lipidperoxidation was found to be 135.24 µg/ml, 25.62 µg/ml and 17.13 µg/ml, respectively. Theantimicrobial activity of MEOE was determined by disc diffusion method with three gram-positive, five gram-negative and two fungal microorganisms. MEOE exhibited the antimicrobialactivity against the tested microorganisms except Salmonella typhimurium (MTCC 98). In presentstudy, it is concluded that MEOE has significant effect in the inhibition of lipid peroxidation andpossesses good antimicrobial activity.Key words: Oxystelma esculentum; Lipid peroxidation; Antimicrobial activity
TL;DR: The isolation andcharacterization studies of a novel saponin isolated from the roots of Clerodendrum Serratum (L)Moon (Verbenaceae) are reported, which is considered responsible for numerous pharmacological properties.
Abstract: SUMMARY Plant saponins are widely distributed amongst plants and have a wide range of biological properties.Icosahydropicenic acid, C 51 H 80 O 19 ((4S,6bS)-8a-((4,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-3-((3R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-methyl-tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-tetrahydro-2H–pyran–2-yloxy)carbonyl)-2-hydroxy-4, 6a,6b, 11, 14b-pentamethyl-11-(2-methylprop-1-enyl)-3-(3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl) - tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-1, 2, 3, 4, 4a, 5, 6, 6a, 6b, 7, 8, 8a, 9, 10, 11, 12, 12a, 14, 14a, 14b-icosahydropicene-4-carboxylic acid), a new saponin was first time isolated from the roots of Clerodendrum Serratum (L)Moon (Verbenaceae).The structure elucidation of the compound was carried out by 1 H NMR andDART-MS studies.Key words: Clerodendrum serratum; DART-MS; Icosahydropicenic acid; plant saponin INTRODUCTION Saponins are a vast group of glycosides, widelydistributed in higher plants and also been soughtafter in the pharmaceutical industry because someform the starting point for the semi-synthesis ofsteroidal drugs. Many have pharmacologicalproperties and are used in phytotherapy and in thecosmetic industry. They are also believed to formthe main constituents of many plant drugs and folkmedicines, and are considered responsible fornumerous pharmacological properties (Estrada et al.,2000). Clerodendrum serratum (L) Moon (Verbenaceae)is a deciduous shrub distributed in the forests ofWestern Ghats of India (Manjunatha et al., 2004). InIndian system of medicine the plant is well knownas Bharangi (Sanskrit) and commonly known asBlue glory (English). As per the traditional claims,roots are potential source of drugs for ailments suchas asthma, cholera, rheumatism etc. (Keshavamurthyet al., 1994). Phytochemically the root bark extractcontain D-mannitol, stigmasterols and threetriterpenoids-oleanolic acid, queretaric acid andcerratagenic acid (Banarjee et al., 1969). Thiscommunication reports the isolation andcharacterization studies of a novel saponin isolatedfrom the roots of the plant.
TL;DR: It is indicated that silymarin effectively improved the overall lipid profile and restored the glycogen stores in the liver of STZ-induced diabetic rats, in a dose dependent manner.
Abstract: The present study investigated the effect of silymarin, a flavonoid, on streptozotocin (STZ) - induced diabetic dyslipidaemia in rats. Experimental diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). Silymarin (25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg) was orally administered to diabetic rats for a period of 15 days. Blood glucose levels, serum lipid profile and liver glycogen levels were estimated following the established procedures. Biochemical observations were supplemented with histological examination of liver sections. Oral administration of silymarin to diabetic rats significantly (P vs. [25 mg] & [50 mg]). The most interesting finding was the significant (p vs. [25 mg] & [50 mg]) whereas, there was a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol (TCh), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol levels observed in silymarin treated diabetic rats. STZ treatment caused significant degeneration of liver parenchyma, which was normalized to near normal morphology by administration of silymarin. The findings indicate that silymarin effectively improved the overall lipid profile and restored the glycogen stores in the liver of STZ-induced diabetic rats, in a dose dependent manner. The results indicate existence of abnormalities in lipid metabolism in STZ-induced diabetic rats and suggest a protective effect of silymarin in this animal model.
TL;DR: The anti-inflammatory properties of V. rotundifolia may be beneficial in oxidative stress-mediated inflammatory disorders and the inhibition effects of nitric oxide production inIFN-gamma and LPS-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages are investigated.
Abstract: SUMMARY Vitex rotundifolia (V. rotundifolia) has been used for treating headache, dizziness, toothache andremoval of fever as a traditional medicine in Korea. In the present study, we examined theantioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of 85% methanol extract of V. rotundifolia. In variousradical scavenging assays, V. rotundifolia exhibited strong scavenging effect on 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical, superoxide radical, nitric oxide. To elucidate the anti-inflammatoryproperties of V. rotundifolia, we investigated the inhibition effects of nitric oxide production inIFN-gamma and LPS-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages. V. rotundifolia suppressed nitricoxide production, iNOS and COX-2 expression dose-dependently through suppression of NF-eBactivation without notable cytotoxicity. These findings mean that V. rotundifolia may be beneficialin oxidative stress-mediated inflammatory disorders.Key words: Vitex rotundifolia; Antioxidant; Anti-inflammatory INTRODUCTION Inflammation is a defense mechanism to minimizethe damage by infection or irritation and may bereferred to as the innate cascade including variouscells and cytokines (Zamora et al., 2000). It ischaracterized by redness, heat, swelling, pain anddysfunction of the organs. Macrophages play acentral role in host defense and maintenance as amajor immune cell in inflammation since pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO),prostagladins (PGs) and cytokines are secreted byactivated macrophage.NO produced by one of three kind of NO synthase(NOS) that nNOS (neuronal NOS), endothelialNOS (eNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS) from L-arginine.NO, produced by nNOS and eNOS in nanomolarconcentration, play an important role as a neuro-transmitter and vasodilator. However, overproductionof NO, mediated by iNOS, intimately correlatedwith the pathological conditions in inflammationrelated diseases (Wang et al., 2003). COX (cyclooxy-genase), another key enzyme in inflammation, is therate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the formationof PGs from arachidonic acid. Levels of PGsincrease early in the step of inflammation. LikeNOS, COX also exists in both constitutive (COX-1)and inducible (COX-2) forms. It is well known thatthe COX-1 is a housekeeping protein in mosttissues and it catalyzes the synthesis of PGs fornormal physiological functions while COX-2mediates an inflammatory response. It is well
TL;DR: The results suggest that A. precatorius seed extracts reduced the levels of serum FSH, LH and 17β-estradiol probably by affecting hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and might have affected the oestrouscycle, follicular development, and subsequently the establishment of pregnancy in treated rats.
Abstract: SUMMARY The seed powder of Abrus precatorius L. has traditionally been used as oral contraceptive agent bythe women in some rural areas in Bangladesh. The present study aimed to examine the antifertilityactivity of A. precatorius seed extracts in experimental female rats. Finely ground seeds wereextracted with aqueous acetone followed by successive partitioning with n-hexane, ethyl acetate(EtOAc), methanol (MeOH) and water. Water suspended crude seed powder, organic fractions ofacetone extract and a standard contraceptive drug (Nordette ® 28) were separately administeredorally to the female rats for 30 days. n-Hexane, EtOAc and MeOH solubles at the doses of 2, 4 and 6mg/rat/day, respectively and crude seed powder at 100 mg/rat/day exhibited 100% antifertilityactivity with lowest levels of serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)and 17β-estradiol. Histological study of ovary and uterus of these rats exhibited reduced number ofdeveloping follicles and increased number of atretic follicles in the ovary, and fewer uterine glandswith shrunken morphology, reduced endometrial height, poor vascularity and compact stroma inuterus. However, the activities of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and serum glutamatepyruvate transaminase and the body weight of the rats remained almost unaffected in all the seedextract treated rats compared to control. These results suggest that A. precatorius seed extractsreduced the levels of serum FSH, LH and 17β-estradiol probably by affecting hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The reduced levels of these hormones might have affected the oestrouscycle, follicular development, and subsequently the establishment of pregnancy in treated rats. Key words: Abrus precatorius; Antifertility effect; Seed extracts; Gonadotropins; Female rat
TL;DR: The inhibitory effects of 1 on the histamine released from mast cells may involve mechanisms related to intracellular Ca2+ signaling events or downstream processes of intrace cellular Ca2- signaling in mast cells.
Abstract: The fruits of Piper cubeba L. are used traditionally to treat respiratory disorders in Indonesia. In order to determine the compounds responsible for this activity, the fruits were extracted with nhexane followed by ethanol to give n-hexane and ethanol extracts. Based on tracheospasmolytic assay on these two extracts, the n-hexane extract was more active to inhibit trachea contraction than that of ethanol extract. Upon bioassay guided isolation of the n-hexane extract, a tracheospasmolytic active compound was isolated and identified as dihydrocubebin [(3,4),(3’,4’)-bis-methylenedioxy9,9’dihydroxylignan] (1). Compound 1 was tested further for its ability to inhibit histamine released from mast cells, using rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cell line and rat peritoneal mast cells RPMCs) as models; and DNP24-BSA, thapsigargin, ionomycin, compound 48/80 and PMA were used as inducers for histamine released from mast cell. The test result showed that 1 inhibited histamine release from RBL-2H3 cells induced by DNP24-BSA, thapsigargin and ionomycin. In addition, 1 suppressed histamine release from RPMC induced by either thapsigargin or ionomycin. However, 1 did not inhibit histamine release from RPMC induced by either compound 48/80 or combination PMA-sub optimum dose of ionomycin. Therefore, it was concluded that the inhibitory effects of 1 on the histamine released from mast cells may involve mechanisms related to intracellular Ca2+ signaling events or downstream processes of intracellular Ca2+ signaling in mast cells.
TL;DR: Results indicate that EPPF has potent anti-allergic activities, which were stronger than those of disodium cromoglycate, the reference drug tested.
Abstract: SUMMARY Perilla frutescens var. acuta Kudo (PF) is a traditional Korean medicinal herb for allergic reactionregulation. In the present study, we investigated the effect of 30% ethanol extract powder of PF(EPPF) and rosmarinic acid (RA), the active compound of EPPF on various allergic reactionsusing in vivo and in vitro models. EPPF and RA significantly inhibited compound 48/48-inducedsystemic anaphylactic reaction and histamine release (P < 0.05). In addition, EPPF and RAsignificantly inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in a dose-dependent manner (P <0.05). These effects were stronger than those of disodium cromoglycate, the reference drug tested.EPPF and RA also significantly inhibited production of inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosisfactor-a interleukin (IL)-6, and vascular endothelial growth factor on the PCA reaction andphorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated human mast cell line,HMC-1 cells ( P < 0.05). Moreover, EPPF and RA showed an inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IL-4 production from whole spleen cells. Finally, EPPF and RA significantly decreasedIL-4-dependent IgE production by LPS-stimulated whole spleen cells (P < 0.05). In conclusion,these results indicate that EPPF has potent anti-allergic activities.Key words: Perilla frutescens var. acuta Kudo; rosmarinic acid; Allergic reactions; Histamine;Inflammatory cytokines; IgE; Anti-allergic effect
TL;DR: The physiological roles of and its analogue, idebenone, as well as the rationale and the role in clinical practice of supplementation in different neurological diseases, from primary deficiency to neurodegenerative disorders are reviewed.
Abstract: Coenzyme (, or ubiquinone) is an electron carrier of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (electron transport chain) with antioxidant properties. In view of the involvement of in oxidative phosphorylation and cellular antioxidant protection a deficiency in this quinone would be expected to contribute to disease pathophysiology by causing a failure in energy metabolism and antioxidant status. Indeed, a deficit in status has been determined in a number of neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders. Primary disorders of biosynthesis are potentially treatable conditions and therefore a high degree of clinical awareness about this condition is essential. A secondary loss of status following HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statins) treatment has been implicated in the pathophysiology of the myotoxicity associated with this pharmacotherapy. and its analogue, idebenone, have been widely used in the treatment of neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders. These compounds could potentially play a role in the treatment of mitochondrial disorders, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Friedreich's ataxia, and other conditions which have been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. This article reviews the physiological roles of , as well as the rationale and the role in clinical practice of supplementation in different neurological diseases, from primary deficiency to neurodegenerative disorders. These will help in future for treatment of patients suffering from neurodegenerative disease.
TL;DR: Results suggest that AKE and Eleutheroside E may influence to immune-enhancing throughincreasing the physical endurance capacity and immune cell activation and the level of blood parameters were notchanged significantly.
Abstract: SUMMARY Acanthopanax Koreanum stem (AK) has been used in Korea as a tonic and sedative as well as adrug with ginseng like activities. The purpose of our present study was to investigate the effectsof AK extract (AKE) and Eleutheroside E, major component of AKE on an exacerbated immunefunction through utilization of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) diet by using forced swimming test(FST). The immobility time were significantly decreased in the AKE or Eleutheroside E-administrated groupcompared with the control group on the FST (P < 0.05). The level of blood parameters were notchanged significantly. PEM-induced weight loss of mice was reduced by oral administration of 500 mg/kgAKE. AKE oral administration improved the nutritional status such as the food efficiency ratioand the adrenal gland weight. AKE treatment significantly increased the production of interferon(IFN)-γ compared with unstimulated splenocytes but not interleukin (IL)-4. Eleutheroside E alsosignificantly increased the IFN-γ production but not IL-2 and IL-4 in T cell line, MOLT-4 cells. Theseresults suggest that AKE and Eleutheroside E may influence to immune-enhancing throughincreasing the physical endurance capacity and immune cell activation. Key words: Acanthopanax Koreanum; Protein energy malnutrition; Forced swimming test; Immune-enhancing effect
TL;DR: In various radical scavenging assays, VMC exhibited strong scavenging effect on DPPH radical, superoxide radical, nitric oxide radical and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical, and showed potent reducing power.
Abstract: Verbena officinalis (Verbenaceae) has been used as herbal medicine or health supplement in both Western and Eastern countries for centuries. In the present study, we examined the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the methylene chloride fraction of V. officinalis (VMC). To elucidate the anti-inflammatory properties of VMC, we investigated the inhibition effects of nitric oxide production in interferon-gamma (IFN-) and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages. VMC suppressed nitric oxide production, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression dose-dependently without notable cytotoxicity. In various radical scavenging assays, VMC exhibited strong scavenging effect on DPPH radical, superoxide radical, nitric oxide radical and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical. VMC also showed potent reducing power. These findings strongly suggest that VMC may be beneficial in oxidative stress-mediated inflammatory disorders.
TL;DR: Two common Indian spices Carum copticum Karst (ajowan) and Cinnamomum tamala T.Nees (bay leaves) has been investigated first time to report the activity on the central nervous system.
Abstract: Two common Indian spices Carum copticum Karst (ajowan) and Cinnamomum tamala T.Nees. (bay leaves) has been investigated first time to report the activity on the central nervous system. Preliminary study of the hot water extract showed depressant activity on the hole board test as evidenced from the ambulation and head dipping scores. The extracts further quicken the onset and increased the duration of pentobarbital induced sleeping time.
TL;DR: Tectona grandis has the potential to treat diabetes condition and associated lipid disorder and it can be concluded that the antihyperglycemic and lipid lowering effect of ethanolic extract of bark of TG was evaluated using alloxan induced diabetes in rats.
Abstract: SUMMARY In India, Tectona grandis is traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and lipiddisorder. In the present study, the antihyperglycemic and lipid lowering effect of ethanolic extractof bark of Tectona grandis (TG) was evaluated using alloxan induced diabetes in rats. Alloxan wasgiven at the dose of 140 mg/kg, i.p. After induction of diabetes, TG was administered for 42 daysp. o. and simultaneously different biochemical parameters like plasma glucose, liver glycogencontent, serum triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were estimated.Diabetic control showed significant increase (P < 0.01) in plasma glucose, serum triglyceride,cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and significant decrease (P < 0.01) in serum HDL-cholesterol andliver glycogen content. Treatment with TG showed significant reduction (P < 0.01) in plasmaglucose when compared with diabetic control. The elevated levels of serum triglyceride andcholesterol levels were significantly reduced (P < 0.01) by TG. TG treatment for 42 days showedsignificant decrease in serum LDL-cholesterol (P < 0.01) and significant increase in serum HDL-cholesterol level (P < 0.01). Moreover, diabetic control there was significant decrease in liverglycogen content which was significantly increased (P < 0.05) by treatment with TG. Hence, fromthe result obtained in the present study it can be concluded that Tectona grandis has the potentialto treat diabetes condition and associated lipid disorder.Key words: Tectona grandis; Alloxan; Antihyperglycemic; Lipid lowering; Glucose; Glycogen
TL;DR: Findings suggest that SMS has improving effects on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis, which may explain its beneficial effect in the regulation of chronic intestinal inflammation.
Abstract: Saengmaeksan (SMS) is a well known Korean traditional herbal prescription, which consists of 3 different herbs, Radix Ophiopogonis, Radix Ginseng, and Fructus Schisandrae. SMS has been commonly used in various disease including respiratory system and cardiovascular System in Korea. The objective of this study is to find out the improving effects of SMS against Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis. SMS reduced clinical signs of DSS-induced colitis, including body weight loss, shorten colon length, and increased disease activity index. The results showed that SMS significantly inhibited the activation of nuclear factor- p65 in the colon tissues of DSS-treated mice. In addition, we observed that result showed that the levels of IL-6 in plasma were increased in DSS treated group compared to those of the normal group, but these increased levels were reduced by administration with SMS. Taken together, these findings suggest that SMS has improving effects on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis, which may explain its beneficial effect in the regulation of chronic intestinal inflammation.
TL;DR: Results suggest that 70% methanolic extract of Mori Cortex Radicis exerts significant anti-oxidant activity via inhibiting iNOS and COX-2 induction.
Abstract: We tested to determine if Mori Cortex Radicis extract has antioxidant activities and its potential mechanism of action was explored. Anti-oxidative effects were tested by measuring free radical and nitric Oxide (NO) scavenging activity, and reducing power. Since iNOS and COX-2 are important enzymes responsible for the production of free radicals in the cell, Mori Cortex Radicis extract was tested as to whether it could inhibit iNOS and COX-2 expression in LPS stimulated Raw cells. 70% methanolic extract of Mori Cortex Radicis exerted significant DPPH free radical and NO scavenging activities. In addition, the Mori Cortex Radicis extract exerted dramatic reducing power with maximal activity observed at 1 mg/ml (11-fold over control). Production of iNOS induced by LPS was significantly inhibited by the Mori Cortex Radicis extract, suggesting it could inhibit NO production by suppressing iNOS expression. COX-2 induced by LPS was also significantly inhibited by the Mori Cortex Radicis extract. The extract contains well known antioxidant components including phenolics, flavonoids and anthocyanin at the concentration of 0.23 mg/g, 42.97 mg/g and 12.08 mg/g, respectively. These results suggest that 70% methanolic extract of Mori Cortex Radicis exerts significant anti-oxidant activity via inhibiting iNOS and COX-2 induction.
TL;DR: Any evidence for metal accumulation in hair caused by taking herbal medicines for long duration was not observed in analysis of multiple regression and odds ratio from case-control study, which would show another possibility for a role of herbs as a non-enzymatic chelator inhibiting the gastrointestinal absorption of heavy metals.
Abstract: A concern of safety issue for traditional herbal medicine is the possibility of some herbs containing heavy metals responsible for several cases of metal poisoning. In our previous study, the physiological levels of heavy metals, such as Cd, Cu, Hg and Pb, were examined to evaluate a potential risk in patients taking herbal medicine. In this study, the levels of 12 heavy metals, including non-metallic element, Se, were analyzed in hair and compared to the results from the previous study. In the previous study, the levels of Cd, Cu, Hg and Pb in hair showed a significantly lower odds ratio than 1. In this study, however, all metals did not show any significant odds ratio higher or lower than 1 even if 5 of 12 metals showed lower odds ratio than 1. In addition, the levels of metal concentrations, especially for Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn, exceeding the WHO reference values were observed in hair. However, any evidence for metal accumulation in hair caused by taking herbal medicines for long duration was not observed in analysis of multiple regression and odds ratio from case-control study. This result would show another possibility for a role of herbs as a non-enzymatic chelator inhibiting the gastrointestinal absorption of heavy metals.
TL;DR: Results suggested TOS could inhibit the cytokineproduction through blocking of ERK activity, as well as partially blocked PMA plus A23187-induced ERK phosphorylation.
Abstract: SUMMARY Typha orientalis ’ stem (TOS) is traditionally used as an herbal medicine for difficulty in urination,galactophoritis purulenta, whooping cough, and allergic dermatitis. However, its effect in experimentalmodels remains unknown. Here, we report the effect of TOS on the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187-induced inflammatory cytokine production andextracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation in the human mast cell line, HMC-1. TOSinhibited PMA plus A23187-induced cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) andinterleukin (IL)-6. Maximal inhibition rate of TNF-α and IL-6 production by TOS (1 mg/ml) wasabout 44.02%, and 45.20%, respectively (P < 0.05). In addition, TOS inhibited the expression ofTNF-α and IL-6 mRNA under the same condition. Moreover, TOS partially blocked PMA plusA23187-induced ERK phosphorylation. These results suggested TOS could inhibit the cytokineproduction through blocking of ERK activity.Key words: Human mast cell; Typha orientalis