Showing papers in "Phytotherapy Research in 1992"
TL;DR: The aqueous leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina, Del, (Compositae) produced a dose‐related fall in blood sugar and may involve a mechanism not related to insulin secretion.
Abstract: The aqueous leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina, Del, (Compositae) given i.p. produced a dose-related fall in blood sugar. A dose of 80 mg/kg body weight of adult rabbit produced a maximum lowering of blood sugar in both fasted normal and alloxanized rabbits. The fasting blood sugar in normoglycaemic rabbits was reduced from 96 mg% to 48 mg% in 4 h. In alloxanized rabbits, the blood sugar was reduced from the mean value of 520 mg% to 300 mg% in 8 h. The hypoglycaemic effects were compared with those of tolbutamide. Acute toxicity studies of the extract in mice gave LD50 value of 1122 mg/kg body weight when given i.p. The blood sugar lowering effect of Vernonia amygdalina extract may involve a mechanism not related to insulin secretion.
171 citations
TL;DR: Three dimeric alkaloids, macrocarpamine, macralstonine acetate (semisynthetic) and villastonine were found to possess significant activity against both protozoans, but were 4–8 times less potent than emetine against E. histolytica and 15–50 times more potent than chloroquine against P. falciparum.
Abstract: Nine alkaloids from Alstonia angustifolia have been assessed for antiprotozoal activities against Entamoeba histolytica and Plasmodium falciparum in vitro. Three dimeric alkaloids, macroacarpamine, macralstonine acetate (semisynthetic) and villastonine were found to possess significant activity against both protozoans, but were 4-8 times less potent than emetine against E. histolytica and 15-50 times less potent than chloroquine against P. falciparum. The monomeric alkaloids, alstonerine, alstophylline, 11-methoxyakuammicine, norfluorocurarine, pleiocarpamine and vincamajine were all considerably less active than the dimers : macralstonine base was found to be inactive
90 citations
TL;DR: An aqueous extract of Ling‐Zhi significantly increased the life span of tumour‐implanted mice, when administered intraperitoneally alone or in combination with cytotoxic antitumour drugs (Adriamycin, fluorouracil, thioguanine, methotrexate, Cisplatin) or a synthetic immunomodulator (Imexon).
Abstract: The antitumour activity of Ganoderma lucidum, called ‘Ling-Zhi or holy mushroom’in Chinese traditional medicine, was investigated on intraperitoneally implanted Lewis lung carcinoma in syngeneic C57BL/6 mice. An aqueous extract of Ling-Zhi significantly increased the life span of tumour-implanted mice, when administered intraperitoneally alone or in combination with cytotoxic antitumour drugs (Adriamycin, fluorouracil, thioguanine, methotrexate, Cisplatin) or a synthetic immunomodulator (Imexon). The aqueous extract was not cytotoxic in cell cultures and the antitumour activity was abolished by pretreatment of mice with cyclosporine. The active principle(s) was found to be present predominantly in the ethanol precipitable fraction of the aqueous extract.
85 citations
TL;DR: The antibacterial activity of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds was studied against 37 isolates of Shigella dysenteriae 1, ShIGella flexneri,Shigella sonnei and Shiglla boydii and 10 strains of Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli, which showed promising sensitivity to the volatileOil.
Abstract: The antibacterial activity of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds was studied against 37 isolates of Shigella dysenteriae 1, Shigella flexneri, Shigella sonnei and Shigella boydii and 10 strains of Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli. Most of the strains were clinically resistant to ampicillin, co-trimoxazole and tetracycline. All the strains tested showed promising sensitivity to the volatile oil. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the volatile oil for Shigella, Vibrio and Escherichia strains tested was between 50–400 μg/mL.
82 citations
TL;DR: Indonesian medicinal plants extracts tested for inhibitory activity on avian myeloblastosis virus showed no appreciable cytotoxicity at concentrations where over 90% of RT activity was inhibited.
Abstract: Methanol and water extracts of 30 Indonesian medicinal plants were tested for inhibitory activity on avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV)-reverse transcriptase (RT). The most potent inhibition was shown by extracts of Loranthus parasiticus (whole plant), Helicteres isora (fruit), Terminalia belerica (fruit peel), Strobilanthes crispus (leaves) and Woodfordia floribunda (flower and leaves). Two kinds of template-primers, (rA) n -(dT) 12−18 , and (rC) n -(dG) 12−18 , were examined for polymerization reaction but the inhibitory activity was stronger in the (rC) n -(dG) 12−18 , directed reaction in most of the samples. These extracts showed no appreciable cytotoxicity at concentrations where over 90% of RT activity was inhibited
76 citations
TL;DR: Results indicate that the natural compounds MV8612 and to a lesser extent MV8608 isolated from M. velutina, besides their antibradykinin activity, exhibited both topical and systemic long‐lasting antioedematogenic effects against croton oil‐induced ear oedema in mice.
Abstract: The antioedematogenic activity of two natural pregnane compounds from Mandevilla velutina was evaluated against croton oil-induced ear oedema in mice. For comparison the effects of nonsteroidal (indomethacin, phenidone and BW 755C) and steroidal (dexamethasone) antiinflammatory drugs were analysed. The purified compounds from M. velutina MV8612 (3 and 30 mg/kg, i.p.) and to a lesser extent MV8608 (30 and 100 mg/kg; i.p.), given 30 min prior to the croton oil, significantly inhibited this oedema, maximal inhibition (MI) of 53% and 26%, respectively. However, given orally 180 min after, neither compound had any effect. Compound MV8612 but not MV8606 (200–600 μg/ear) given 180 min after the irritant significantly inhibited croton oil-induced oedema, MI of 29%. Indomethacin given topically (0.05–0.2 mg/ear) 180 min after, but not orally (1–10 mg/kg), significantly inhibited this oedema, MI of 30%, while phenidone administered either orally (100 and 300 mg/kg) or topically (2 mg/ear) 180 min after caused partial inhibition, MI of 24% and 18%, respectively. BW 755C, given topically (0.1 and 0.5 mg/ear) but not orally (10–300 mg/kg) 180 min after, was also effective in inhibiting croton oil oedema, MI of 18%. Dexamethasone given either topically (0.05–0.2 mg/ear) or orally (0.25-1 mg/kg) 30 and 60 min prior potently inhibited croton oil oedema, MI of 86% and 79%, respectively. These results indicate that the natural compounds MV8612 and to a lesser extent MV8608 isolated from M. velutina, besides their antibradykinin activity, exhibited both topical and systemic long-lasting antioedematogenic effects against croton oil-induced ear oedema in mice.
58 citations
TL;DR: Two diterpenes from Juniperus excelsa were found to possess significant antibacterial activity in a two‐fold serial dilution assay, compared to those of the standard antibiotics chloramphenicol and streptomycin sulphate.
Abstract: Two diterpenes from Juniperus excelsa, obtained by bioautography-guided isolation technique, were found to possess significant antibacterial activity in a two-fold serial dilution assay. (+)-Ferruginol (abieta-8,11,13-triene-12-ol) (1) and (−)-sandaracopimeric acid (isopimara-8(14), 15-diene-18-oic acid) (2) exhibited significant activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus durans, while their corresponding 3β-hydroxy derivatives [(hinokiol (3) and 3β-hydroxysandaracopimeric acid (4), also isolated from J. excelsa)] were found to be inactive. (+)-Ferruginol, in addition, demonstrated strong activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis, M. intracellulare, M. xenopi and M. cheloni. The minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined for all compounds isolated from the active bioautographic zones, and were compared to those of the standard antibiotics chloramphenicol and streptomycin sulphate.
54 citations
TL;DR: The antimicrobial effects of the sesquiterpene T‐cadinol, isolated from the Somalian traditional remedy, scented myrrh, were investigated and it was concluded that the substance has a bactericidal rather than a bacteriostatic effect, which acts also in the absence of growth.
Abstract: The antimicrobial effects of the sesquiterpene T-cadinol, isolated from the Somalian traditional remedy, scented myrrh (resin of Commiphora guidottii Chiov, Burseraceae), were investigated The compound was found to be active toward Staphylococcus aureus and Trichophyton mentagrophytes The minimum inhibitory concentration of T-cadinol on S aureus was 24 μg/mL and the lowest concentration exerting fungicidal effect on T mentagrophytes was 23 μg/mL The influence of T-cadinol cell viability in S aureus, both in different growth-phases, and in the absence and presence of chloramphenicol, was studied It could be concluded that T-cadinol has a bactericidal rather than a bacteriostatic effect, which acts also in the absence of growth Furthermore, the effect of T-cadinol on S aureus was analysed and documented with transmission electron microscopy The electron micrographs clearly showed that T-cadinol interacted with the cell envelopes, causing bacterial lysis and subsequent fatal loss of intracellular material The effect of the substance was thus characterized as bacteriolytic The use of scented myrrh in traditional medicine as a remedy for wounds may then be in congruence with this bactericidal effect of T-cadinol toward the common wound pathogen S aureus
51 citations
TL;DR: Ursolic acid showed a marked hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol and galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity by reversing the altered values in viability of the isolated hepatocytes and the altered biochemical liver and serum parameters.
Abstract: Ursolic acid has been evaluated for its choleretic, anticholestatic and hepatoprotective activities in rats. It produced a dose-dependent (5–20 mg/kg) choleretic effect. Significant anticholestatic activity (27.9–100%) was observed against paracetamol (2.0 g/kg) induced cholestasis. The compound also showed a marked hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol and galactosamine (800 mg/kg) induced hepatotoxicity by reversing the altered values in viability of the isolated hepatocytes and the altered biochemical liver and serum parameters. The activity of ursolic acid compared well with the known hepatoprotective drug, silymarin.
50 citations
TL;DR: The anthelmintic activity of aqueous extracts from 14 plant species that represent seven families of the Sudanese flora was examined using the free living rhavditid nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans as a test organism as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The anthelmintic activity of aqueous extracts (0.25 mg/mL) from 14 plant species that represent seven families of the Sudanese flora was examined using the free living rhavditid nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans as a test organism. Extracts of Balanites aegyptiaca and Sesbania sesban were the most effective (LC 50 , 0.8 an,d 8.0 mg/mL, respectively). Extracts of Albizzia anthelmintica, Cympopogen narvatus, Abrus precatorius, Rhyncosia minima, Striga hermonthica and Anogeissus leiocarpa (LC 50 , 9.5-84.6 mg/ml were less effective in this model test system. Extracts of six plant species, Albizzia malacophylla, Gardenia lutea, Physostigma mesoponticum, Salvadora persica, Xeromphis nilotica and Waltheria indica had no effect upon C. elegans survival
46 citations
TL;DR: The biological activity of the assayed extracts shows some correlation with their use as digestives for treating hepatic troubles by the Mapuche Amerindians and some ethnobotanical indication suggesting that activity.
Abstract: Thirty-five plant samples belonging to 30 Mapuche medicinal plants were assayed for xanthine oxidase and β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity as well as for brine shrimp toxicity and hypotensive effect in normotensive rats. A high number of extracts displayed significant inhibition towards the enzyme β-glucuronidase or elicited a hypotensive response. The biological activity of the assayed extracts shows some correlation with their use as digestives for treating hepatic troubles by the Mapuche Amerindians. From the ten plants displaying a hypotensive effect ≥ 20%, eight have some ethnobotanical indication suggesting that activity
TL;DR: Oral administration of bergenin, isolated from the leaves of Flueggea microcarpa, to hyperlipidaemic rats for 14 days significantly decreased serum total lipid without much change in serum cholesterol and triglycerides while the serum high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol level was elevated.
Abstract: Oral administration of bergenin, isolated from the leaves of Flueggea microcarpa, to hyperlipidaemic rats for 14 days significantly decreased serum total lipid without much change in serum cholesterol and triglycerides. However, after 21 days of administration, the serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)- and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-cholesterol levels were significantly reduced while the serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol level was elevated. Bergenin-treated animals also showed a significant decrease in atherogenic index
TL;DR: It was observed that the extract shortens the barbiturate sleeping time of CCI4‐treated mice suggesting hepatoprotection, and the appearance of its constituents in the bile were observed by its colour change.
Abstract: In recent years, interest in the hepatoprotective plants and plant based chemicals is increasing. In Turkish folk medicine, Hypericum perforatum L. has been used for various purposes including liver protection. The hepatoprotective effect of H. perforatum was investigated in vivo by cannulating the rat bile duct for choleretic activity and by barbiturate sleeping time following CCI4-induced hepatic injury. The increase in the bile secretion following intraduodenal injection of H. perforatum extract, and the appearance of its constituents in the bile were observed by its colour change and this observation was confirmed by thin layer chromatographic analysis suggesting the excretion of hypericin into the bile as well. It was observed that the extract shortens the barbiturate sleeping time of CCI4-treated mice suggesting hepatoprotection.
TL;DR: In vivo antitumour activity of scopadulcic acid B was determined using mice inoculated with Ehrlich ascites tumour cells and oral administration of the compound at doses of 25 or 100 mg/kg/day prolonged the median survival time of the animals.
Abstract: Scopadulcic acid B is a diterpenoid recently isolated from Scoparia dulcis L. This compound showed greater cytotoxicity against cell lines derived from tumour tissues with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.068–0.076 μg/mL, compared with cell lines from normal tissues with an IC50 of 0.097–0.245 μg/mL. The in vivo antitumour activity of scopadulcic acid B was determined using mice inoculated with Ehrlich ascites tumour cells. Oral administration of the compound at doses of 25 or 100 mg/kg/day prolonged the median survival time of the animals. However, when administered intraperitoneally to mice at doses of 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg/day, scopadulcic acid B increased the survival rate by 12.5%, 12.5% and 25%, respectively, without weight change over the treatment period.
TL;DR: The values for the histological mucosa regeneration index as well as the morphological results indicated that the naringenin cure potential in prolonged treatments was higher than that of the other drugs.
Abstract: The effects of chronic intragastric administration of the flavonoid derivatives naringenin and quercetin (100 mg/kg body weight) on mucosal lesion induced by acetic acid were studied in the rat. The evolution of the healing process of the ulcer by histological measurement was also investigated. Ranitidine was used as a positive reference drug. Compounds were consecutively administered to different groups of rats for 8, 21 and 50 days. The values for the histological mucosa regeneration index as well as the morphological results, indicated that the naringenin cure potential in prolonged treatments was higher than that of the other drugs.
TL;DR: The findings indicate that the hypertensive effect of the methanolic bark extract of K. senegalensis is partly due to the stimulation of β‐receptors and α‐adrenoceptors.
Abstract: The methanolic bark extract of Khaya senegalensis was investigated for its effects on the cardiovascular system. The extract increased the blood pressure of chloralose anaesthetized rats. The increase in rate and force of contraction of isolated, spontaneous rabbit atria evoked by the extract were dose dependent and less pronounced than those produced by isoprenaline. The chronotropic effects of the extract and isoprenaline were antagonized by propranolol which also abolished the ionotropic effect of the extract and antagonized isoprenaline-induced inotrophy. The vasoconstrictor effect of the extract observed with isolated spiral strips of rabbit aorta was dose dependent, less potent than noradrenaline and was abolished by prazosin. These findings indicate that the hypertensive effect of the methanolic bark extract of K. senegalensis is partly due to the stimulation of β-receptors and α-adrenoceptors.
TL;DR: The methanolic fraction of the root extract of Mikania cordata root extract possessed significant antiinflammatory effects in exudative, proliferative and chronic phases of inflammation and demonstrated an antipyretic activity.
Abstract: The methanolic fraction of the root extract of Mikania cordata was found to possess an inhibitory effect on carrageenin and other mediator—induced oedema; there was a significant inhibition of protein exudation, an increase in peritoneal capillary permeability and leucocyte migration in inflammatory conditions. The extract significantly inhibited both cotton pellet and carrageenin—induced granuloma formation, was effective in experimentally induced arthritic conditions and turpentine—induced joint oedema. The extract also possessed inhibitory effects on sodium urate-induced experimental gout. A significant reduction of pyrexia was also found to occur when rats were treated with the extract. Thus it may be concluded that the methanolic fraction of M. cordata root extract possessed significant antiinflammatory effects in exudative, proliferative and chronic phases of inflammation and demonstrated an antipyretic activity.
TL;DR: Results from unorganized callus cultures initiated from the leaves of the corresponding clones did not indicate the formation of artemisinin or related sesquiterpenes in these cultures.
Abstract: An in vitro micropropagation method has been used to clone Artemisia annua L plants from axenic seedlings or field grown plants selected on the basis of morphological characteristics during the growing season Clones were maintained in culture by continuous transfer every 4–6 weeks The performance of the various clones in the field as well as their contents of artemisinin and related sesquiterpenes were compared with selected field grown plants An internally standardized reverse-phase HPLC method was developed for this evaluation Artemisinic acid (III) was by far the major sesquiterpene for all clones tested, followed by arteannuin B (II) and then artemisinin (I) However, there was a high degree of variability between various clones for all sesquiterpenes tested The high artemisinin producing clones are characterized as tall robust plants with long internodes, open branching, dense leaves and thick stems Results from unorganized callus cultures initiated from the leaves of the corresponding clones did not indicate the formation of artemisinin or related sesquiterpenes in these cultures
TL;DR: A simple method for screening natural products on triatomine bugs, vectors of Chagas' disease, was developed using fourth instar Rhodnius neglectus nymphs as an insect model and 13 of the 13 plants showing activity are used by the rural population in various parts of Latin America for arthropod control or as vermifuges.
Abstract: A simple method for screening natural products on triatomine bugs, vectors of Chagas' disease, was developed using fourth instar Rhodnius neglectus nymphs as an insect model. The statistical method of randomized blocks and randomized blocks with a dichotomous variable were compared and the minimum sample size for screening purposes was established. Tests were made on 94 plant extracts from 49 species, 28 of which are traditionally regarded as having some effect on arthropods or parasitic helminths. 50 μg of crude hexane or ethanol extract was topically applied to each insect. The effect on mortality and moulting was assessed. Ten plant species caused an increased mortality (16.0% to 52.3%) compared with untreated controls. Moulting inhibition ranged from 22.2% to 33.3% and was related to insecticidal effect in most cases. Extracts from two Meliaceae plants belonging to the genera Melia and Cabralea were among the most active tested, causing 32.5% and 45% mortality, respectively. Extracts from a Salvia species killed 52.3% of the bugs. Ten of the 13 plants showing activity are used by the rural population in various parts of Latin America for arthropod control or as vermifuges.
TL;DR: The volatile oil of Hyptis mutabilis, Briq.
Abstract: The volatile oil of Hyptis mutabilis, Briq. was investigated for its ability to prevent or reduce the formation of ulcerations in the gastric mucosa of male rats induced by indomethacin subcutaneous injection. When previously administered (p.o. and i.p.) the oil (F1473; 50–100 mg/kg) significantly reduced gastric alterations produced by indomethacin in a dose-dependent fashion. However, the mechanism of action of this plant oil is still unkown.
TL;DR: The antianaphylactic activity of 35% EtOH extract from the white petals of Impatiens balsamina L. was investigated using murine immediate hypersensitivity reaction system induced by hen egg‐white lysozyme.
Abstract: The antianaphylactic activity of 35% EtOH extract (IB) from the white petals of Impatiens balsamina L. was investigated using murine immediate hypersensitivity reaction system induced by hen egg-white lysozyme (HEL). IB has a significant antianaphylactic activity.
TL;DR: The data suggest that these Chinese medicinal herbs possess cancer chemopreventive properties.
Abstract: Oldenlandia diffusa (OD) and Scutellaria barbata (SB) have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating liver, lung and rectal tumours while Astragalus membranaceus (AM) and Ligustrum lucidum (LL) are often used as an adjunct in cancer therapy. In this study, we determined the effects of aqueous extracts of these four herbs on benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)-induced mutagenesis using Salmonella typhimurium TA100 as the bacterial tester strain and rat liver 9000 × g supernatant as the metabolic activation system. The effects of these herbs on [3H]BapP binding to calf thymus DNA and formation of BaP-DNA adducts were assessed. Organosoluble and water-soluble metabolites of BaP were extracted and analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and alumina column liquid chromatography. Mutagenesis assays revealed that all four herbs produced a significant concentration-dependent inhibition of His+ revertants induced by BaP. At a concentration of 1.5 mg/plate, SB and OD in combination exhibited an additive effect, whereas AM and LL in combination demonstrated an antagonistic effect. The trend of inhibition of these four herbs on BaP-induced mutagenesis was: SB > LL > OD > AM. LL, OD and SB significantly inhibited BaP binding to DNA. LL and SB significantly reduced BaP-DNA adduct formation and SB significantly decreased formation of organosoluble metabolites of BaP. Our data suggest that these Chinese medicinal herbs possess cancer chemopreventive properties.
TL;DR: Methanol, hexane, aqueous and petroleum ether extracts of the whole plant Polygonum equisetiforme did not show any activity against ten bacterial and four fungal species and all the pooled groups of this exhibited variable patterns of antimicrobial activity.
Abstract: Methanol, hexane, aqueous and petroleum ether extracts of the whole plant Polygonum equisetiforme did not show any activity against ten bacterial and four fungal species. The butanol crude extract and all the pooled groups of this exhibited variable patterns of antimicrobial activity. Quercetin (a flavonol) has been isolated and identified as the major constituent. The antifungal and antibacterial activity of quercetin was compared with the antibacterial drugs gentamycin, streptomycin and ampicillin and the antifungal drug miconazole nitrate. The antifungal activity of quercetin was limited to Candida tropicalis and it had a narrow antibacterial spectrum of activity. However, its activities against Enterobacter aerogenes and Escherichia coli were low grade compared with ampicillin, stretomycin and gentamycin. Quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, quercetin-3-O-arabinoside and isorhamnetin were also isolated in very low yield. They have not been reported previously in this species.
TL;DR: The ether extract of Trema micrantha (1 kg of dry leaves) produced the highest percentage of inhibition of carrageenin‐induced oedema and adjuvant arthritis and this effect was comparable to that of indomethacin.
Abstract: The analgesic activity of extracts of Trema guineense (Schum. et Thonn.) Ficalho and Trema micranthan Blume were evaluated in mice by the acetic acid induced wirthing test and in rats by the hot plate method. The antiflammatory and antiarthritic activities were evaluated in rats by the carrageenin-induced Oedema assay and Newbould's adjuvant arthritis test. Pharmacological activities were compared with indomethacin. The ether and ethanol extracts of both species showed a significant analgesic activity in both tests. As regards the antiinflammatory and antiinflammatory and antiarthritic activities, the ether extract of Trema micrantha (1 kg of dry leaves) produced the highest percentage of inhibityion of carrageenin-induced oedema and adjuvant arthritis and this effect was comparable to that of indomethancin
TL;DR: The present findings that capsaicin pretreatment causes significant inhibition of various chemically induced lipid peroxidative changes at both cellular and subcellular levels are supported.
Abstract: Previous work from this laboratory has already indicated that capsaicin, stabilizes the rat lung membrane lipid system on long-term treatment. This stabilization of the membrane is further supported by our present findings that capsaicin pretreatment causes significant inhibition of various chemically induced lipid peroxidative changes at both cellular and subcellular levels. Both in vivo and in vitro studies, using whole lung and liver tissue slices and mitochondrial and microsomal fractions, have shown that capsaicin pretreatment inhibits peroxidative changes at both cellular and subcellular levels. Both in vivo and in vitro studies, using whole lung and liver tissue slices and mitochondrial and microsomal fractions, have shown that capsaicin pretreatment inhibits peroxidative changes induced by different chemical irritants such as chloroform, dichloromethane, carbon tetrachloride as well as ferrous sulphate.
TL;DR: These extracts had direct virucidal activity as well as intracellular antiviral activity against both DNA and RNA viruses and were less toxic to normal cells than to the tumour cells tested.
Abstract: Panamanian tropical forest plants are potential sources of useful medicinal compounds including some with antiviral activities. Extracts prepared from the leaves of seven plants (Alseis blackiana Hemsl., Aspidosperma megalocarpon Muell, Arg., Hybanthus prunifolius (Humb. & Bonpl.) G. K. Schulze, Ouratea lucens Engl., Piper cordulatum C. DC., Trichilia cipo C. DC. and Tetragastris panamensis Kuntze) were screened for antiviral activity using three separate assay methods. The more polar (aqueous and ethanol) extracts of all plants demonstrated antiviral and virucidal activities. Good activities were found in the Ouratea lucens and Trichilia cipo ethanol and aqueous extracts which were further characterized for antiviral activity and cytotoxic effects. These extracts had direct virucidal activity as well as intracellular antiviral activity against both DNA and RNA viruses. Antiviral activity was achieved with extract concentrations significantly lower than those necessary to produce cytotoxic effects. Additionally, extracts were less toxic to normal cells than to the tumour cells tested.
TL;DR: A review is presented about fagaronine, a benzophenanthridine alkaloid responsible for antitumoural activity and its medicinal properties, especially antileukaemic activity.
Abstract: A review is presented about fagaronine, a benzophenanthridine alkaloid responsible for antitumoural activity. Plant source, extraction, biosynthesis, medicinal properties, especially antileukaemic activity, are described.
TL;DR: The pharmacokinetics of mangiferin (the main component of the drug ‘Alpizarin’) was studied by HPLC in rats after intravenous injection and after its oral administration and within each dose could be described by a two‐compartmental model.
Abstract: The pharmacokinetics of mangiferin (the main component of the drug ‘Alpizarin’) was studied by HPLC in rats after intravenous injection of the drug in a single dose of 0.3, 1, 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg and after its oral administration in a single dose of 50–500 mg/kg. It was shown that the mangiferin pharmacokinetics for the above dose levels was nonlinear, and within each dose could be described by a two-compartmental model. Its nonlinearity might be associated with saturated binding and metabolism of the compound.
TL;DR: The results indicate that P‐1, P‐2, P-3 and 1, but not 2 show sedative and analgesic properties.
Abstract: The crude preparations from Lactuca virosa L. (P-1, P-2, P-3), lactucin (1) and jacquinelin (2) were investigated pharmacologically in Albino-Swiss mice. The results indicate that P-1, P-2, P-3 and 1, but not 2 show sedative and analgesic properties. The most active of them was preparation P-2 which at a dose of 2 mg/kg reduced the spontaneous locomotor activity and at a dose of 15 mg/kg produced an analgesic effect. Jacquinelin (2), 8-desoxylactucine (4), 11β,13-dihydrolactucin (5) and lactuside A (6) were isolated from this preparation.
TL;DR: The phenylpropanoid glycoside mixture significantly prolonged sleep induced by pentobarbital and affected locomotor activity in mice; it also produced a slowing of the electroencephalographic trace and induced, when injected in the lateral cerebral ventricle, epileptiform activity in male rabbits, which may suggest neuroleptic‐like properties.
Abstract: A purified extract of Orobanche hederae, composed of two phenylpropanoid glycosides, verbascoside and orobanchoside (55:45), was investigated for its pharmacological profile. The extract did not exert significant changes on the nociceptive threshold in the hot plate test; no effect was registered on guinea-pig ileum. On the other hand, the phenylpropanoid glycoside mixture significantly prolonged sleep induced by pentobarbital and affected locomotor activity in mice; it also produced a slowing of the electroencephalographic trace and induced, when injected in the lateral cerebral ventricle, epileptiform activity in male rabbits. These effects may suggest neuroleptic-like properties.