Showing papers in "Pharmaceutical Biology in 2009"
TL;DR: The Iowa Center for Research on Botanical Dietary Supplements seeks to optimize Echinacea, Hypericum, and Prunella botanical supplements for human-health benefit, emphasizing anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pain activities.
Abstract: The Iowa Center for Research on Botanical Dietary Supplements seeks to optimize Echinacea, Hypericum, and Prunella botanical supplements for human-health benefit, emphasizing antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-pain activities. This mini-review reports on ongoing studies on Hypericum. The Center uses the genetically diverse, well-documented Hypericum populations collected and maintained at the USDA-ARS North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station (NCRPIS), and the strength of research in synthetic chemistry at Iowa State University to tap natural diversity, to help discover key constituents and interactions among constituents that impact bioactivity and toxicity. The NCRPIS has acquired more than 180 distinct populations of Hypericum, with a focus on Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae), representing about 13% of currently recognized taxa. Center chemists have developed novel synthetic pathways for key flavones, acyl phloroglucinols, hyperolactones and a tetralin that have been found in Hypericum, and these compounds are used as standards and for bioactivity studies. Both light-dependent and light-independent anti-viral activities have been identified by using bioactivity-guided fractionation of H. perforatum and a HIV-1 infection test system. Our Center has focused on light-independent activity, potentially due to novel chemicals, and polar fractions are undergoing further fractionation. Anti-inflammatory activity has been found to be light-independent, and fractionation of a flavonoid-rich extract revealed four compounds (amentoflavone, chlorogenic acid, pseudohypericin and quercetin) that interacted in the light to inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced prostaglandin E(2) activity. The Center continues to explore novel populations of H. perforatum and related species to identify constituents and interactions of constituents that contribute to potential health benefits related to infection.
79 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compared the value in phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of two genotypes of strawberry fruit (Fragaria x ananassa, Duchesne, Rosaceae), one represented by the cultivated variety (Tudla) and the other one, “Maletto”, by a type selected in the mountain region of Etna (Italy).
Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the value in phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of two genotypes of strawberry fruit (Fragaria x ananassa, Duchesne, Rosaceae), one represented by the cultivated variety (cv) “Tudla” and the other one, “Maletto”, by a type selected in the mountain region of Etna (Italy). Moreover, we have considered the influence of soil on fruit quality. Total phenolic compounds and antocyanin content were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Phenolics, recovered from pulp juice, were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu method, whereas total anthocyanins were estimated by a pH differential method. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and ORAC assays, using quercetin and Trolox as standard respectively.Our results indicate that the different genotypes of strawberries, in particular those cultivated in volcanic soil of the Etna mountain region, that we call “Maletto” strawberry, could be considered an important resource. They are a good source of antioxidants and could be used...
71 citations
TL;DR: Information is summarized on some of the plant species used by traditional healers for the treatment of diabetes in South Africa, of which 14 are currently being investigated for their hypoglycemic activity by various scientists at the University of Pretoria.
Abstract: The indigenous people of southern Africa have a long history of traditional plant usage for medicinal purposes, with about 4,000 taxa being so employed. Traditional medicines continue to play a significant role in the treatment of life-threatening diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, diabetes and AIDS in the developing world, although no adequate scientific evidence has been documented in support of their healing properties. The primary goal of this paper is to summarize information on some of the plant species used by traditional healers for the treatment of diabetes in South Africa. The information obtained is from published literature as well as personal communication with various traditional healers and herbalists from different areas. In total, the information of 32 plant species, representing 20 families, traditionally used by healers in the treatment of diabetes, has been discussed, of which 14 are currently being investigated for their hypoglycemic activity by various scientists at the Universi...
70 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a modified Reverse phase-High pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was used to determine the polyphenolic contents of the extracts and to evaluate the antioxidant activity of Hypericum origanifolium Willd.
Abstract: This study was designed to determine the polyphenolic contents of the extracts and to evaluate the antioxidant activity of Hypericum origanifolium Willd. and H. montbretii Spach. (Guttiferae (Hypericaceae)), The possible composition activity relationship was investigated and the results were compared with that of H. perforatum L. Methanol, ethyl acetate, and water were used as solvents to produce extracts from flowers and leaves of the plants. The determination of phenolic acids in the Hypericum species was achieved by using a modified Reverse phase-High pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method adopting an internal standard. It was observed that chlorogenic and caffeic acids were higher in all extracts. The highest values were found in ethyl acetate extracts for total phenolic content as gallic acid and for the flavonoids and flavonols as rutin equivalents (all measurements are mg/g), respectively. Hypericum extracts were evaluated for their radical scavenging activity by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and their oxidative stability by the Rancimat method. Results were compared with Butyllated hidroxy toluene (BHT), a synthetic antioxidant, and with a reference plant, H. perforatum. A good correlation between antioxidant activity and total phenol content in the extracts was observed. In an antioxidant activity assay, the leaf extracts of H. origanifolium were found to be two or three times more active than those of BHT, H. perforatum, and H. montbretii leaves and flowers. In an antiradical activity assay, leaves and flowers of H. montbretii and leaves of H. origanifolium were the most active at the tested concentrations, exhibiting an activity comparable to that of the positive control BHT, but all of the extracts, with the exception of the leaves of H. montbretii, showed activity weaker than the leaves and flowers of H. perforatum, the reference plant.
65 citations
TL;DR: Seven different viruses were used to evaluate the methanol extracts of 30 plants, derived from 22 families and recognized for their local medical applications, to provide more support for the concept of scientific validation of traditional plant medicines in the fight against infectious diseases.
Abstract: In order to evaluate the potential of medicinal plants of Tamil Nadu as sources of antiviral activities, we used seven different viruses to evaluate the methanol extracts of 30 plants, derived from...
61 citations
TL;DR: The present study provides scientific support for the anxiolytic and antioxidant activities of extracts of Evolvulus alsinoides and Convulvulus pluricaulis and substantiates the traditional claims for the usage of these drugs in stress-induced disorders.
Abstract: Shankhpushpi is a popular medicinal plant in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for treating mental disorders. Convulvulus pluricaulis Choisy. (Convulvulaceae) and Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. (Convulvulaceae) are used as Shankhpushpi by Ayurvedic practitioners. Ethanol extract of the aerial parts of both these drugs was evaluated for central nervous system (CNS) activity. The ethanol extract was fractionated into ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions and was tested in experimental models employing rats and mice. Elevated plus maze test, open field exploratory behavior and rotarod performance experiments were undertaken to observe influence on CNS. The extracts were also studied for their in vitro antioxidant potential to correlate their anxiolytic activity. In the elevated plus maze, ethyl acetate fractions of both the drugs at 100 mg/kg per oral showed an anxiolytic effect as evidenced by increase in the time spent in open arms and the number of open arm entries, compared to the control group. The open field ...
59 citations
TL;DR: Data suggest CR-ME and its constituent chemical compounds target specific pathways involved in E. coli-induced inflammation.
Abstract: Cranberry, the fresh or dried ripe fruit of Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. (Ericaceae), is currently used as adjunct therapy for the prevention and symptomatic treatment of urinary tract infections. Data from clinical trials suggest that extracts of cranberry or cranberry juice reduce the bacterial load of E. coli and also suppress the inflammatory symptoms induced by E. coli infections. A methanol extract prepared from 10 kg of dehydrated cranberries did not directly inhibit the growth of E coli strains ATCC 700336 or ATCC 25922 in concentrations up to 256 mug/mL in vitro. However, the methanol extract (CR-ME) inhibited the activity of cyclooxygenase-2, with an IC(50) of 12.8 mug/mL. Moreover, CR-ME also inhibited the NF-kappabeta transcriptional activation in human T lymphocytes with an IC(50) of 19.4 mug/mL, and significantly (p < 0.01) inhibited the release of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha from E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro, at a concentration of 50 mug/mL. The extract had no effect on inducible nitric oxide synthase activity in the murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. The compounds responsible for this activity were identified using a novel LC-MS based assay as ursolic acid and ursolic acid derivatives. Taken together, these data suggest CR-ME and its constituent chemical compounds target specific pathways involved in E. coli-induced inflammation.
59 citations
TL;DR: Antibacterial and antimycobacterial activity of five Labiatae plant methanol extracts, commonly used for treating cold, stomachache, and sore throat, Salvia fruticosa Mill., Salvia tomentosa Mill, Sideritis albiflora Hub.-Mor, and Origanum onites L., were investigated and their phenolic compounds were determined by HPLC.
Abstract: In this paper, antibacterial and antimycobacterial activity of five Labiatae plant methanol extracts, commonly used for treating cold, stomachache, and sore throat, Salvia fruticosa Mill., Salvia tomentosa Mill., Sideritis albiflora Hub.-Mor. (endemic), Sideritis leptoclada O. Schwarz & P.H. Davis, (endemic), and Origanum onites L., were investigated, and their phenolic compounds were determined by HPLC. Antibacterial activity was analyzed against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antimycobacterial activity was assayed against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The best antibacterial activity (MIC 640 µg/mL) was shown against S. typhimurium and E. aerogenes by S. fruticosa; E. coli, and S. typhimurium, E. aerogenes by S. tomentosa; S. typhimurium, and E. aerogenes by S. leptoclada and S. typhimurium, E. aerogenes and S. epidermidis by O. onites, respectively. The best antimycobacterial activity (MIC 196 µg/mL) was shown by S. tomentosa. S. fruticosa (MIC 392 µg/mL) and O. onites (MIC 784 µg/mL) showed moderate activity against M. tuberculosis. S. albiflora, with low level rosmarinic acid and carvacrol content, showed inhibition against bacteria except K. pneumoniae, B. cereus and M. tuberculosis. The correlation between in vitro activity and ethnobotanical usage was evaluated.
55 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an investigation of Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forsk.) Decne (Asclepiadaceaceace) chemical constituents led to the isolation of six flavonoids.
Abstract: An investigation of Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forsk.) Decne (Asclepiadaceace) chemical constituents led to the isolation of six flavonoids, kaempferol-3-O-α- l-rhamnopyranosyl (1999→699)-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (E-I.1), kaempferol-3-O-β-d-rhamnopyranosyl (1999→699)-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (E-I.2), texasin-7-O-β-dglucopyranoside E-II.2, kaempferol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (E-III.1), kaempferol (E-IV.1) and kaempferide3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (1999→699)-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (E-I.1a). The isolation of these compounds was carried out using Sephadex LH-20 low pressure liquid chromatography (LPLC), preparative paper chromatography (PC), and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were established by mass spectrometry (FAB- and EI- techniques), nuclear magnetic resonance NMR ( 1 H-, 13 C- and COSY) spectral data and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopic techniques. The acute toxicity of total alcoholic and total flavonoid extracts were examined by brine shrimp. The LC 50 values were 11.89 and 84.14 ppm for the total alcoholic and total flavonoid extracts, respectively. The mortality rates of the isolated flavonoid fractions of E-I, E-I.1, E-I.2 represent the higher percentages of mortality compared with the rest of the flavonoid fractions. The plant exhibited activity as an antitumor agent in the initial potato disc screen.
55 citations
TL;DR: Cinnamaldehyde at different concentrations was active against all tested bacteria and the highest inhibitory effect was observed against B. cereus, while S. aureus, E. coli, and K. pneumonia ranked next (MIC: 62.5 μg/mL) followed by P. mirabilis and P. aeruginosa with a MIC of 125.0 μg/ mL.
Abstract: The present study was conducted to isolate the most important bioactive compound from Cinnamomum zeylanicum L. (Lauraceae) bark oil. The plant essential oil was extracted via steam distillation. Cinnamaldehyde was separated using a separating funnel and identified according to Tollen’s test followed by detection on TLC plates in comparison with standard cinnamaldehyde that served as positive control. Moreover, FTIR spectrometry and HPLC analysis were used to confirm the purity and identity of cinnamaldehyde. The isolated material was investigated for its antibacterial activity against six selected pathogenic bacteria. The Gram-positive bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus; Gram-negative bacteria included Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Cinnamaldehyde at different concentrations (1:1, 1:5, 1:10 and 1:20) was active against all tested bacteria and the highest inhibitory effect was observed against B. cereus (zone of inhibition: 25.3 m...
49 citations
TL;DR: The alcohol extract showed significant suppressed granuloma formation and inhibition of prostaglandins and bradykinins may play a role in the anti-inflammatory activity of Achyranthes aspera roots.
Abstract: This study investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of the alcohol extract of Achyranthes aspera Linn. (Amaranthaceae) in Wistar rats after oral administration (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg). This was done using the carrageenan-induced paw edema method (acute inflammatory model) and cotton pellet granuloma test (chronic inflammatory model). The alcohol extract showed significant suppressed granuloma formation. Collectively, these data demonstrate promising anti-inflammatory activity against both acute and chronic inflammation. In addition, inhibition of prostaglandins and bradykinins may play a role. This study revealing the promising anti-inflammatory activity of Achyranthes aspera roots has been carried out scientifically for the first time.
TL;DR: The study has shown that several Achillea species possess antibacterial activity, which may yield novel antibacterial compounds with potential use as phytotherapeutics.
Abstract: Thirty-nine extracts obtained from flower heads of 13 Achillea species [A multifida (DC) Boiss, A teretifolia WaldstK MICs for the most active species (A teretifolia, A multifida) were found to range from 50 to 75 μg/mL against S aureus, S epidermidis, and S typhymurium All of the extracts were inactive against C albicans at the tested concentrations The study has shown that several Achillea species possess antibacterial activity, which may yield novel antibacterial compounds with potential use as phytotherapeutics
TL;DR: An overview of the public health implications and safety concerns associated with dietary supplement use, especially by cancer patients is provided, and guidelines for cancer patients’ use of dietary supplements outlined.
Abstract: Dietary supplement use has increased exponentially in recent years despite the lack of regulatory oversight and in the face of growing safety concerns. This article provides an overview of the public health implications and safety concerns associated with dietary supplement use, especially by cancer patients. Botanical research is actively pursued at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) Integrative Medicine department. Work of the MSKCC Center for the Study of Botanical Immunomodulators is described, and guidelines for cancer patients’ use of dietary supplements outlined. Herbs and other botanicals are complex, physiologically active agents, but little is known about most of the popular, widely available dietary supplements. Herb–drug interactions, a major concern, are exacerbated in the cancer setting. Biologically active agents may interfere with chemotherapy and other prescription medications. They may exert anticoagulant activity at rather inconvenient times such as during surgery, and c...
TL;DR: The results of this work suggest that, in accordance with their traditional medical use in Nigeria, E. camaldalensis and E. torelliana have some therapeutic potential against H. pylori, and thus are of interest for the treatment of H.pylori infections.
Abstract: The in vitro susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to extracts of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. and Eucalyptus torelliana F. Muell. (Myrtaceae), Nigerian medicinal plants, was investigated in six strains of H. pylori, namely, ATCC 4504, ATCC 47619, A2, TI8984, 019A, and A6. The susceptibility of these strains was determined using a standardized agar dilution method (National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards guidelines) with Mueller–Hinton agar, supplemented with defibrinated horse blood. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the crude extracts against all the tested strains ranged from 12.5 to 400 μg/mL. Phytochemical screening of the plant extracts revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, and cardenolides. The anti-H. pylori activities demonstrated by these plants may be attributed to their chemical constituents, and explain their reported traditional uses, as well as their gastroprotective properties as demonstrated previously in experimental animals. The results of this work suggest ...
TL;DR: Glinus oppositifolius (L. as mentioned in this paper ) is a prostrate or diffuse herb which acts as stomachic, uterine stimulant, aperient and lochia.
Abstract: Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC. (Aizoceae), commonly called slender carpet weed, is a prostrate or diffuse herb which acts as stomachic, uterine stimulant, aperient and lochia. It is used tradi...
TL;DR: As part of a program oriented towards the discovery of bioactive natural products, 44 methanol extracts from 37 Brazilian traditional medicinal plants were evaluated for their antibacterial activity and toxicity to brine shrimp.
Abstract: As part of a program oriented towards the discovery of bioactive natural products, 44 methanol extracts from 37 Brazilian traditional medicinal plants, most of them commonly used for treating condi...
TL;DR: The ethanol extract of the whole plant of Amaranthus spinosus Linn (Amaranthaceae) (ASE) significantly inhibited travel of a charcoal meal at three different doses of ASE, but when 400 mg/kg of A SE was repeated in the presence of yohimbine, intestinal propulsive inhibition decreased, while morphine reversed the activity.
Abstract: The ethanol extract (50%) of the whole plant of Amaranthus spinosus Linn. (Amaranthaceae) (ASE) significantly inhibited travel of a charcoal meal at three different doses of ASE, but when 400 mg/kg of ASE was repeated in the presence of yohimbine, intestinal propulsive inhibition decreased, while morphine reversed the activity. The percentages related to controls for the onset of diarrhea were 16.58, 83.42, and 116.18% at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of ASE, while with morphine this value was 123.93% compared to controls. The percentage purging frequency related to controls was 41.09, 64.38, 71.23, and 86.30% at three different doses of ASE and with morphine, respectively. The inhibitions in intestinal accumulation were 8.9, 48.16, and 68.06% at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of ASE, respectively, compared to control, while inhibition with yohimbine was 50.78%. Antidiarraheal indices of ASE were 23.55, 49.16, and 76.53 at the three different doses of ASE, while morphine had a maximum index of 88.45....
TL;DR: This paper provides a comprehensive review of the nutrients and pharmacologically relevant compounds of H. cordata that have been characterized to date, and of the studies supporting its medicinal use.
Abstract: Houttuynia cordata Thunb. is a member of Saururaceae, a family mainly distributed in Eastern Asia. It has long been used in China both as an edible vegetable and in traditional medicine. Recent studies indicate that H. cordata contains abundant nutrients and active components including volatile oils, flavonoids, and water soluble polysaccharides. In addition, H. cordata exhibits a wide range of pharmaceutical activities including antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunologic, anticancer, antioxidative, and antimutagenic effects. At present, injectable H. cordata has been used clinically for treating infectious disease, inflammation, and anaphylaxis. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the nutrients and pharmacologically relevant compounds of H. cordata that have been characterized to date, and of the studies supporting its medicinal use. Particular attention has been given to the pharmacological action and the state of utilization of H. cordata. Finally, future trends on H. cordata su...
TL;DR: In this paper, various extracts of Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. (Rhamnaceae) and the fractions of petroleum ether and aqueous extr...
Abstract: Various extracts, petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone, ethanol, aqueous, and crude aqueous, of fruits of Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. (Rhamnaceae) and the fractions of petroleum ether and aqueous extr...
TL;DR: The immunomodulatory effect of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Nees (Lauraceae), commonly known as cinnamon, was studied using different experimental models such as carbon clearance test, cyclophosphamide-induced neutropenia, neutrophil adhesion test, effect on serum immunoglobulins, mice lethality test and indirect hemagglutination test.
Abstract: The immunomodulatory effect of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Nees (Lauraceae), commonly known as cinnamon, was studied using different experimental models such as carbon clearance test, cyclophosphamide-induced neutropenia, neutrophil adhesion test, effect on serum immunoglobulins, mice lethality test and indirect hemagglutination test. The bark extracts were administered orally at doses of 10 and 100 mg/kg. Levamisole (2.5 mg/kg p.o.) was used as standard drug. The low dose of cinnamon bark (10 mg/kg p.o.) produced only an increase in serum immunoglobulins levels while the high dose of cinnamon bark (100 mg/kg p.o.) decreased Pasteurella multocida-induced mortality by 17%, increased the phagocytic index in carbon clearance test, increased neutrophil adhesion, increased serum immunoglobulin levels and antibody titer values.
TL;DR: Plant extract showed highly significant impact on percentage death of brine shrimp and moderate antifungal activity was seen against five strains of fungus and no activity against any of the bacterial strain tested.
Abstract: The present study assessed the different biological activities of the methanol extract of Thymus serpyllum L. (Labiateae) using bench top bioassays including brine shrimp cytotoxic, antitumor, antimicrobial, and phytotoxicity bioassays. Plant extract showed highly significant (ED 50 466 ppm < 1000 ppm) impact on percentage death of brine shrimp. Agrobacterium tumefaciens (At-10)-induced tumors in potato disc tissue were inhibited (P < 0.05) significantly by methanol extract with no activity in antibacterial assay against Agrobacterium tumefaciens. EC 50 value remained as 28.7 and 261.1 ppm for 12 days and 21 days of incubation respectively. Moderate antifungal activity (41-51%) was seen against five strains of fungus and no activity against any of the bacterial strain tested. Phytotoxicity to Lemna minor L. (P < 0.05) and radish seed germination and growth (P < 0.05) was observed at higher concentrations of the plant extract.
TL;DR: The hexane fraction has major contribution to the overall antinociceptive activity and showed remarkable anti-inflammatory effect which supported the traditional use of Apium graveolens in diseases associated with inflammation.
Abstract: The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous and hexane extracts obtained from Apium graveolens L. (Apiaceae) seeds were evaluated. Formalin and xylene-induced ear edema tests w...
TL;DR: This study established the potential of medicinal plants growing wild in arid regions of Tunisia as a source of antimicrobial agents and selected extracts selected for high antimicrobial activity were stable in the presence of organic solvents.
Abstract: Seed extracts of three plant species that grow wild in the arid regions of Tunisia, Juniperus phoenicea L. (Cupressaceae), Pistacia atlantica Desf. (Anacardiaceae), and Oudneya africana R. Br. (Brassicaceae), were examined for antimicrobial activity against bacterial food pathogens. Aqueous extracts were prepared and then precipitated with methanol or acetone. Extracted acetone fractions (pH 7.2) showed powerful antimicrobial activity, especially against Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria innocua, and Listeria ivanovii (Gram-positive) and were also active against Gram-negative strains Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Extracts selected for high antimicrobial activity were stable in the presence of organic solvents (chloroform, hexane, acetonitrile, methanol, and acetone), and withstand thermal treatments up to 100°C for 30 min. L. monocytogenes LSD530 and E. coli ATCC 25922 appeared to be inhibited by Juniperus and Pistacia extracts with a minimum concentration of 1.56 and 3. 12 mg/mL, respective...
TL;DR: A broad screening of 31 plant species against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria showed that most plants were more active against gram-positive than gram-negative bacteria.
Abstract: Interest in the study of medicinal plants as a source of pharmacologically active compounds has increased worldwide. This study is a broad screening of 31 plant species against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria, including Acinetobacter baumannii, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella spp., Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus pyogenes. The agar disk diffusion method showed that most plants were more active against gram-positive than gram-negative bacteria. Streptococcus pyogenes was the most sensitive organism inhibited by nearly all of the extracts (97.6%), followed by Bacillus cereus (63.4%) and Staphylococcus aureus (61.0%). The ethanol extracts of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk. (Myrtaceae) (leaf) and Eleuterine americana Merr. (bulb) exhibited good antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and ...
TL;DR: Comparison of cytotoxic effect of an aqueous cinnamon extract from the bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum L. (Lauraceae) with that of commercially available cinnamaldehyde suggests that ACE had a significant inhibitory effect on the majority of cancer cells and thus may prove to be a chemotherapeutic agent.
Abstract: A thorough comparative analysis of cytotoxic effect of an aqueous cinnamon extract (ACE) from the bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum L. (Lauraceae) with that of commercially available cinnamaldehyde was performed on various human as well as mouse cell lines and primary cells. The aqueous cinnamon extract (ACE) proved to be more cytotoxic to cancerous cells at concentrations just above 0.16 mg/mL (containing 1.28 μM cinnamaldehyde) around which the commercial cinnamaldehyde (1.6 μM) had no cytotoxic effect. At a critical concentration of 1.28 mg/mL (containing 10.24 μM cinnamaldehyde), ACE treatment resulted in 35-85% growth inhibition of the majority of the cancerous cells, whereas at a similar concentration (10 μM) commercial cinnamaldehyde treatment resulted in 30% growth inhibition of only SK-N-MC cells with no effect on other cell lines. These results suggest that ACE had a significant inhibitory effect on the majority of cancer cells and thus may prove to be a chemotherapeutic agent.
TL;DR: In this article, an ethanol extract of Momordica charantia L. (EEMC) (Cucurbitaceae) was tested for its antimicrobial activity against strains of Escherichia coli.
Abstract: In this study, the ethanol extract of Momordica charantia L. (EEMC) (Cucurbitaceae) was tested for its antimicrobial activity against strains of Escherichia coli. The growth of two E. coli strains tested was not inhibited by the extract. The MIC and MBC values were ≥ 1 mg/mL for both strains of E. coli used. A synergistic effect between this extract and aminoglycosides was demonstrated. Similarly, a synergistic effect was observed of chlorpromazine on kanamycin and amikacin, indicating the involvement of an efflux system in the resistance to these aminoglycosides. The checkerboard method with combinations of aminoglycosides and EEMC demonstrated synergism with kanamycin and an additive effect with amikacin and neomycin. It is therefore suggested that extracts from M. charantia could be used as a source of plant-derived natural products with resistance-modifying activity. This is the first report about the modifying antibiotic activity of Momordica charantia, constituting a new weapon against bacterial res...
TL;DR: Evidence clearly indicates that the aqueous extract of E. officinalis seeds has definite hypoglycemic potential as well as anti-diabetic activity.
Abstract: The aqueous extract of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. (syn: Phyllanthus emblica L.) (Euphorbiaceae) seeds was investigated for its anti-diabetic activity in animal models. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced...
TL;DR: The ethanol extract of Ruellia tuberosa L. (Acanthaceae) was evaluated for its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties in experimental mice and/or rat models and showed significant reduction in acetic acid-induced writhing in mice.
Abstract: The ethanol extract of Ruellia tuberosa L. (Acanthaceae) was evaluated for its antinociceptive and antiinflammatory properties in experimental mice and/or rat models. In the hot-plate test, the group that received a dose of 300 mg/kg showed maximum time needed for the response against thermal stimuli (5.11 ± 0.12), which was similar to that of diclofenac sodium (5.96 ± 0.18), a well-known painkiller. The maximum possible analgesia (MPH) was 1.93 for the extract dose 300 mg/kg, while that for diclofenac was 2.29 after 60 min of administration in the hot tail-flick method. The extract at 500 and 250 mg/kg doses showed significant reduction in acetic acid-induced writhing in mice with a maximum effect of 63.21% reduction at 500 mg/kg dose, which was similar to positive control diclofenac sodium (66.98%). The extract also demonstrated significant inhibition in serotonin and egg albumin-induced hind paw edema in rats at the doses 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg (serotonin-induced edema 35.85, 46.78 and 55.18%; egg albumin-induced edema 42.96, 48.30, and 55.61% inhibition after 1-4 h). The anti-inflammatory properties exhibited by the extract were comparable to that of indomethacin at a dose of 5 mg/kg (serotonin-induced edema 53.22; egg albumin-induced edema 57.01% inhibition after 4 h).
TL;DR: Evaluated methanol extracts from rainforests of the Malaysian Peninsula and the island of Sumatra, Indonesia provide evidence that some of the Garcinia species could potentially contain potent and selective cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory agents.
Abstract: The methanol extracts of 32 plant parts of 19 species of the genus Garcinia (Guttiferae) were collected from rainforests of the Malaysian Peninsula and the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, for evaluation of their in vitro cytotoxic and nitric oxide inhibitory activities. An end-point MTT cell viability assay was used to determine the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the extracts in three human tumor cell lines representing tumors of the breast (MCF-7), lung (NCI-H460) and prostate (DU-145). Griess assay was performed to assess the nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity. Of the 32 extracts, 27 showed cytotoxic activity in at least one of the three tumor cell lines used in this study. Four extracts, Garcinia opaca King (fruit), Garcinia maingayi Hook.f. (stem), Garcinia penangiana Pierre (leaf) and Garcinia urophylla Scortech.ex King (leaf) extracts showed the most potent and selective cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cells (IC50 3-8 μg/mL). The extracts from Garcinia cowa Roxb. (stem), Garcinia bancana M...
TL;DR: Good antibacterial activity of three plant extracts, namely,Melianthus comosus, Melianthus major, and Dodonaea viscose, as observed especially against MRSA, supports the use of extracts by South Africans for infections caused by S. aureus to some extent.
Abstract: The rise of infection caused by ‘superbugs’ is alarming and one of the most problematic resistant bacteria is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This bacterium can cause a range of ailments like pneumonia, mastitis, meningitis, urinary tract infection, and post operational infection. Ten medicinal plants were investigated for their efficacy against drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains of S. aureus. Ethanol extracts of Melianthus comosus Vahl (Melianthaceae), Melianthus major L (Melianthaceae), Dodonaea viscosa Jacq. var. angustifolia (L.f.) Benth (Sapindaceae) and Withania somnifera L. Dunal (Zygophyllaceae) were found to have good inhibitory activity against both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains of S. aureus. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of these plants ranged from 0.391 to 1.56 mg/ml. Ethanol extracts of all these plants were further tested for cytotoxicity on Vero cells using the XTT method. M. major exhibited a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 52.76 μg/ml and ...