Showing papers in "Phytotherapy Research in 1994"
TL;DR: It is suggested that fenugreek can improve peripheral glucose utilization which contributes to an improvement in glucose tolerance and may exert its hypoglycaemic effect by acting at the insulin receptor as well as at the gastrointestinal level.
Abstract: The hypoglycaemic activity of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) in experimental animals and humans has been well documented. Fenugreek has been shown to reduce fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. However, it is not clear whether the improvement in glucose tolerance is due to the effect of fenugreek on the absorption or metabolism of glucose. A metabolic study was carried out, and diets with or without 25 g fenugreek were given randomly to 10 non-insulin dependent diabetics, each for 15 days, in a crossover design. An intravenous glucose tolerance test (GTT) at the end of each study period indicated that fenugreek in the diet significantly reduced the area under the plasma glucose curve (AUC), half-life, and increased the metabolic clearance rate. In addition, it increased erythrocyte insulin receptors. These results suggest that fenugreek can improve peripheral glucose utilization which contributes to an improvement in glucose tolerance. Thus, fenugreek may exert its hypoglycaemic effect by acting at the insulin receptor as well as at the gastrointestinal level.
181 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that α2‐adrenergic receptors mediate the effect of quercetin on intestinal motility and secretion.
Abstract: Intraperitoneal administration of quercetin (6.25-50 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.5-0.01) reduced intestinal transit in mice and this effect was antagonized by yohimbine and phentolamine but not by atropine or naloxone. Quercetin (12.5-50 mg/kg) reduced also (p < 0.05-0.01) intraluminal accumulation of fluid and diarrhoea induced by castor oil and these effects were antagonized by yohimbine. Finally quercetin (12.5-50 mg/kg) reduced the area of gastric ulcer but not the number. It is suggested that α2-adrenergic receptors mediate the effect of quercetin on intestinal motility and secretion
144 citations
TL;DR: Data indicate that the direct depressant action of these compounds exhibited on all the isolated preparations tested is probably responsible for its hypotensive and bradycardiac effects observed in vivo, and provides a scientific basis for the traditional uses of the plant in gastrointestinal motility disorders.
Abstract: Bioassay directed fractionation of an ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves resulted in the isolation of four pure compounds, niazinin A (1), niazinin B (2), niazimicin (3) and niaziminin A + B (4 + 5). Intravenous administration of either one of the compounds (1–10 mg/kg) produced hypotensive and bradycardiac effects in anaesthetized rats. Pretreatment of the animals with atropine (1 mg/kg) completely abolished the hypotensive and bradycardiac effects of acetylcholine (ACh), whereas cardiovascular responses to the test compounds remained unaltered, ruling out the possible involvement of muscarinic receptor activation. In isolated guinea-pig atria all the compounds (50–150 μg/mL) produced negative inotropic and chronotropic effects. Each compound inhibited K+ -induced contractions in rabbit aorta as well as ileal contractions induced by ACh or histamine at similar concentrations. Spontaneous contractions of rat uterus were also inhibited equally by all compounds. These data indicate that the direct depressant action of these compounds exhibited on all the isolated preparations tested is probably responsible for its hypotensive and bradycardiac effects observed in vivo. Moreover, spasmolytic activity exhibited by the constituents of the plant provides a scientific basis for the traditional uses of the plant in gastrointestinal motility disorders.
126 citations
TL;DR: Kefir possesses antibacterial, antifungal and antineoplastic activities, and provides credence to the folklorec use of kefir for a variety of infectious and neoplastic diseases.
Abstract: Kefir is a milk-derived product prepared by the incubation of kefir ‘grains’ with defatted milk. Various studies have been published on the therapeutic effects of kefir. However, few controlled studies and little information on the antibacterial, antifungal and antitumoural activities of kefir have been published. Therefore, these activities associated with kefir were investigated. The daily intraperitoneal administration of 0.50 mL kefir for 20 days to mice; containing transplanted fusiform cell carcomas resulted in a significant decrease in tumour size. Kefir-induced disappearance of tumoural necrosis was also evident. With respect to the antibacterial activity of kefir, the greatest activity was exhibited against gram-positive coccus, staphylococcus, and gram-positive bacillus. Kefir ‘grains’ showed higher antibacterial activity than kefir. Kefir also demonstrated antifungal activity against Candida, Saccharomyces, Rhodotorula, Torulopsis, Microsporum and Trichopyton species. The results demonstrate that kefir possesses antibacterial, antifungal and antineoplastic activities, and provides credence to the folklorec use of kefir for a variety of infectious and neoplastic diseases.
112 citations
TL;DR: The results show that both AGE and SAC can protect vascular endothelial cells from oxidant injury and suggest that these compounds may be useful for retardation of the aging process and for prevention of cancer and atherosclerosis.
Abstract: Oxygen radical injury and lipid peroxidation have been suggested as major causes of cancer, atherosclerosis and the aging process. In this study, we determined in vitro the effect of aged garlic extract (AGE) and one of its components, S-allyl cysteine (SAC), on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidant injury using bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAEC). After overnight preincubation with AGE or SAC, PAEC monolayers were exposed to H2O2 for 3 h. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and lipid peroxidation were measured to assess oxidant injury. Pretreatment with AGE at 2–4 mg/mL or SAC at 4 mg/mL significantly reversed the loss of cell viability induced by 50 and 100 μm of H2O2. AGE or SAC also exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of both LDH release and lipid peroxidation induced by 50 μM of H2O2. The results show that both AGE and SAC can protect vascular endothelial cells from oxidant injury. The data thus suggest that these compounds may be useful for retardation of the aging process and for prevention of cancer and atherosclerosis.
100 citations
TL;DR: The flavonols tested inhibited dose‐dependently the mucosal content of platelet‐activating factor (PAF) suggesting that the protective effects of these substances may be mediated by endogenous PAF.
Abstract: Quercetin, rutin and kaempferol, administered intraperitoneally (25–100 mg/kg) inhibited dose-dependently gastric damage produced by acidified ethanol in rats. Flavone was inactive while naringin was active at higher dose (200 mg/kg). The flavonols tested inhibited dose-dependently the mucosal content of platelet-activating factor (PAF) suggesting that the protective effects of these substances may be mediated by endogenous PAF.
98 citations
TL;DR: The isolates showed inhibitory activity against 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate induced ear inflammation in mice, and ergosterol markedly inhibited tumour promotion in a two‐stage carcinogenesis experiment, suggesting these sterols may be useful in developing an effective method of cancer prevention.
Abstract: An antitumour-promoting activity in two-stage carcinogenesis, was found in the methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of the Japanese edible mushroom ‘Buna-shimeji’, Hypsizigus marmoreus (Tricholomataceae). From the active fractions of the extracts, two sterols, ergosterol and ergosterol peroxide, were isolated. The isolates showed inhibitory activity against 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate induced ear inflammation in mice, and ergosterol markedly inhibited tumour promotion in a two-stage carcinogenesis experiment. These sterols may be useful in developing an effective method of cancer prevention.
77 citations
TL;DR: The ability of this extract (at 100 mg/kg) to lower TG and TC in serum and its antiatherosclerotic potential were almost similar to that of a standard lipid lowering agent—clofibrate.
Abstract: Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. leaf extract (25–100 mg/kg) when orally administered to experimentally induced hyperlipidaemic rats for 2 weeks, reduced the elevated serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol in a dose-dependent manner. The decreased serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and antiatherogenic index (AAI) in hyperlipidaemia were also reversed towards normalization. The ability of this extract (at 100 mg/kg) to lower TG and TC in serum and its antiatherosclerotic potential were almost similar to that of a standard lipid lowering agent—clofibrate.
70 citations
TL;DR: The findings do not support the claimed efficacy of the preparation in treating gastric ulceration and diabetes mellitus and Pretreatment with the preparation orally did not protect against lesion formation.
Abstract: A health product containing aloe vera gel was examined for its effects on gastric mucosal lesions induced by cold-restraint or by oral administration of 70% v/v ethanol (2 mL/kg), and on plasma glucose levels in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Pretreatment with the preparation orally did not protect against lesion formation. There was no beneficial effect on the healing of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage when the preparation was given twice daily for 3 days. The plasma glucose level of alloxan-injected rats (120 mg/kg, s.c.) was about twice as high as that of their controls. It was further elevated by a single oral dose of the preparation. Chronic treatment with the preparation, given twice daily for 10 days, produced a sustained increase in the plasma glucose levels. The findings do not support the claimed efficacy of the preparation in treating gastric ulceration and diabetes mellitus.
65 citations
TL;DR: Assays of single local treatments on the rear footpad infection, 2 weeks after the parasitic inoculation, indicated an effect for 2‐phenylquinoline by reducing the severity of lesion, however, this activity was found to be slightly lower than that obtained using Glucantime.
Abstract: The stem bark of Galipea longiflora is used by the Chimane Indians in Bolivia for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis produced by Leishmania braziliensis. Petroleum ether and chloroform extracts of stem, root bark and leaves were found active in vitro against Leishmania ssp and Trypanosoma cruzi at 100 μg/mL. The activity guided fractionation of the extracts by chromatography afforded 12 active compounds identified as 2-substituted quinoline alkaloids. BALB/c mice were infected with Leishmania amazonensis (strain PH8 or H-142) and treated 24 h after infection with the major alkaloids from the crude alkaloidal extract; 2-phenylquinoline and 2-n-pentylquinoline. 2-phenylquinoline was as potent as Glucantime (Rhǒne-Poulenc) against the strain H-142, but less active than the reference drug against the virulent strain PH8 of L. amazonensis. 2-n-pentylquinoline did not exhibit any activity. Assays of single local treatments on the rear footpad infection, 2 weeks after the parasitic inoculation, indicated an effect for 2-phenylquinoline by reducing the severity of lesion. However, this activity was found to be slightly lower than that obtained using Glucantime.
64 citations
TL;DR: The aqueous extract of Kalanchoe pinnata leaves was found to cause significant inhibition of cell‐mediated and humoral immune responses in mice and the spleen cells of animals pre‐treated with K. pinnATA showed a decreased ability to proliferate in response to both mitogen and to antigen in vitro.
Abstract: The aqueous extract of Kalanchoe pinnata leaves was found to cause significant inhibition of cell-mediated and humoral immune responses in mice. The spleen cells of animals pre-treated with K. pinnata showed a decreased ability to proliferate in response to both mitogen and to antigen in vitro. Treatment with K. pinnata also impaired the ability of mice to mount a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction (DTH) to ovalbumin. The intravenous and topical routes of administration were the most effective by almost completely abolishing the DTH reaction. The intraperitoneal and oral routes reduced the reaction by 73% and 47% of controls, respectively. The specific antibody responses to ovalbumin were also significantly reduced by treatment. Together, these observations indicate that the aqueous extract of K. pinnata possesses an immunosuppressive activity.
TL;DR: Data indicate that Artemisia scoparia cntains Ca++ channel blocker‐like constituent(s) which may explain the hypotensive effect observed in vivo and the traditional use of the plant as a spasmolytic.
Abstract: Intravenous administration of a hydro-methanolic extract of Artemisia scoparia (3–30 mg/kg) produced hypotensive and bradycardiac effects. These effects remained unaltered in atropine treated animals and the presence of the extract did not modify the vasoconstrictor response of norepinephrine, indicating that cardiovascular effects of the plant extract are not mediated through activation of muscarinic receptors or adrenoceptor blockade. In the in vitro studies, it suppressed the spontaneous movements of rabbit jejunum in a concentration-dependent (0.1-1 mg/mL) manner. The plant extract inhibited K+-induced tonic contraction in a manner similar to that of verapamil. Exposure of tissue to Ca++-free Kreb's solution abolished the spontaneous movements which were restored on addition of Ca++. In tissue pretreated with plant extract or verapamil, addition of Ca++ (50 μM) failed to restore spontaneous contractions. These data indicate that Artemisia scoparia cntains Ca++ channel blocker-like constituent(s) which may explain the hypotensive effect observed in vivo and the traditional use of the plant as a spasmolytic.
TL;DR: Stigmasterol markedly inhibited tumour promotion in two‐stage carcinogenesis experiments and was the most abundant of 14 sterols identified in the δ5‐sterol fraction of the methanol extract of the Carthami Flos.
Abstract: An antitumour-promoting activity in two-stage carcinogenesis, is found in the methanol extract of the Carthami Flos (Carthamus tinctorius L.; Compositae), which is a traditional Chinese medicine and natural pigment of rouge additivies in certain Asian countries. From these active fractions, Δ 5 - and Δ 7 -sterol fractions were separated. The separation was examined for inhibitory activity against TPA-induced inflammatory ear oedema in mice. Stigmasterol (71% in the mixture) was the most abundant of 14 sterols identified in the Δ 7 -sterol fraction. Schottenol (70% in the mixture) constituted the dominant sterol of the Δ 7 -sterol fraction. Furthermore, stigmasterol markedly inhibited tumour promotion in two-stage carcinogenesis experiments
TL;DR: The aqueous root extract of Morinda lucida, exhibited potent hypoglycaemic effects in both normoglycemic and alloxan‐induced diabetic mice by oral administration, and was dose‐dependent and more potent than that observed with chlorpropamide.
Abstract: The aqueous root extract of Morinda lucida (Rubiaceae) Benth, exhibited potent hypoglycaemic effects in both normoglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic mice by oral administration. This effect was dose-dependent and more potent than that observed with chlorpropamide (1-(p-chlorobenzene-sulphanyl)-3-propylurea). In the normoglycaemic mice, the extract (140 mg/kg body weight) produced a fall in blood sugar of 32% + 1% while at 280 mg/kg body weight there was a 52% + 2% fall over the same time interval.
In alloxan-induced diabetic mice, the reaction time of the extract was longer with a single dose of the extract producing a significant hypoglycaemic effect 4 h after administration. In diabetic mice, a dose of 140 mg/kg body weight of the plant extract caused a fall in blood sugar of 51% + 1% while a dose of 280 mg/kg produced a fall of 60% + 2%.
TL;DR: Five extracts from A. brasiliana, obtained through different procedures, showed anti‐HSV activity, however, the best activity was detected in a fraction that was obtained from the crude cold aqueous extract on Sephadex G15.
Abstract: Five extracts from A. brasiliana, obtained through different procedures, showed anti-HSV activity. The best activity was detected in a fraction (B) that was obtained from the crude cold aqueous extract on Sephadex G15. Fraction B showed low cellular toxicity and inhibition from 32.4% to 99.9% at concentrations from 6.2 to 50.0 μg/mL, exhibiting a therapeutic index of 32. Fractions obtained on Sephadex G100 and reversed-phase column also showed considerable inhibition. Fraction B did not show any virucidal activity, however, its inhibitory activity was revealed during the later stages of the virus replication cycle. This fraction showed activity on DNA synthesis of infected cells.
TL;DR: A series of 15 Rwandese medicinal plants used by traditional healers to treat pulmonary diseases were screened for anti‐Mycobacterium tuberculosis activity and the extract of the leaves of T. riparia can be used as a differentiation test for M. simiae and SLM.
Abstract: A series of 15 Rwandese medicinal plants used by traditional healers to treat pulmonary diseases were screened for anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis activity. Three plant extracts showed activity at 1000 μg/mL: Bidens pilosa (leaves), Pentas longiflora (roots) and Tetradenia riparia (leaves). These plant extracts were studied further against several mycobacterial species: M. tuberculosis, M. avium complex, M. simiae and a new simiae like Mycobacterium species (SLM). None of the plant extracts showed activity against M. avium and SLM at 1000 μg/mL. M. simiae was sensitive to T. riparia and P. longiflora extracts (1000 μg/mL) and M. tuberculosis towards T. riparia (500 μg/mL) and B. pilosa (100 μg/mL). The active principle of T. riparia, 8(14), 15-sandaracopimaradiene-7α, 18-diol, was also evaluated for its antimycobacterial activity and the concentration required for inhibiting M. tuberculosis ranged from 25 μg/mL to 100 μg/mL. The extract of the leaves of T. riparia can be used as a differentiation test (at 1000 μg/mL in the medium) for M. simiae and SLM.
TL;DR: Antiurolithiatic activity of lupeol was assessed in rats and not only prevented the formation of vesical calculi but also reduced the size of the preformed stones.
Abstract: In the traditional Indian system of medicine Crateva nurvala (Hindi: Varuna) constitutes a major ingredient of formulations used to treat urinary disorders including urolithiasis. In an earlier study we confirmed the antiurolithiatic activity in the crude extract of the plant, and further fractionation led to the isolation of the active constituent lupeol (Lup-20(29)-en-3β-ol). Antiurolithiatic activity of lupeol was assessed in rats by observing the weight of the stone, biochemical analysis of serum and urine, and histopathology of bladder and kidney. Lupeol not only prevented the formation of vesical calculi but also reduced the size of the preformed stones.
TL;DR: The alcoholic extract of the aerial parts of Scrophularia koelzii significantly protected the rat liver against thioacetamide induced toxicity and showed maximum hepatoprotective activity.
Abstract: The alcoholic extract of the aerial parts of Scrophularia koelzii (100 mg/kg p.o. × 7 days) significantly protected the rat liver against thioacetamide induced toxicity. On its further fractionation, activity was localized in the chloroform fraction from which four iridoid glycosides, namely scropolioside-A, koelzioside, harpagoside and 6-0-(3″-0-p-methoxy-cinnamoyl)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl catalpol were isolated. Among these, scropolioside-A showed maximum hepatoprotective activity. Immunostimulant response was observed with all the four iridoids with harpagoside exhibiting maximum induction of immune response.
TL;DR: 3′,4′‐dihydrosambarensine was the most active against Plasmodium falciparum, and was relatively nontoxic to KB cells, while UsambarenSine displayed the most selectivity against Entamoeba histolytica.
Abstract: The in vitro activities of 20 Strychnos alkaloids have been determined against three species of protozoa and the active compounds were then assessed for in vitro cytotoxic activity using KB cells. 3',4'-dihydrousambarensine was the most active against Plasmodium falciparum, and was relatively nontoxic to KB cells (cytotoxic/antiprotozoal ratio, 1474). Usambarensine displayed the most selectivity against Entamoeba histolytica while 3',4'-dihydrousambarensine was the most selective compound against Giardia intestinalis although the cytotoxic/antiprotozoal ratios (20.4 and 6.6 respectively) were less favourable than the above
TL;DR: Three different strains of Agrobacterium rhizogenes, namely A4, LBA 9402 and LBA 9360 were used for infection to induce hairy root formation in W. somnifera to study the transformation ability and growth of the hairy roots.
Abstract: Three different strains of Agrobacterium rhizogenes, namely A4, LBA 9402 and LBA 9360 were used for infection to induce hairy root formation in W. somnifera. Strain specificity of the bacterium and frequency of transformation events were analysed. Significant differences were observed between the transformation ability of the different strains of Agrobacterium. The best response in terms of transformation ability and growth of the hairy roots was obtained with A. rhizogenes strain A4, followed by LBA 9402, whereas LBA 9360 strain failed to induce a transformation event. The production of withanolides with special reference to withaferin A was studied through HPLC in the A4 induced hairy root lines and their respective media at different growth phases (i.e. 4, 10 and 24 weeks). The presence of withaferin A in the media as well as in the hairy roots of 10-week-old cultures highlights the importance of the present study for the commercial prospects of this plant.
TL;DR: The alcoholic extract of Pfaffia paniculata dried roots was studied for analgesic antiinflammatory activity in the rat paw oedema test, writhing test, hot plate test and increased vascular permeability.
Abstract: The alcoholic extract of Pfaffia paniculata dried roots was studied for analgesic antiinflammatory activity in the rat paw oedema test, writhing test, hot plate test and increased vascular permeability Pfaffia paniculata inhibited the carrageenin-induced rat paw oedema and increased vascular permeability and showed analgesic activity on inflammatory pain but not on noninflammatory pain Moreover the extract was devoid of local irritant action
TL;DR: The screening of natural products as possible new chemoprophylactic additives in blood banks and their evaluation for mutagenicity by the sister chromatid exchange assay in peripheral lymphocytes are described.
Abstract: The accidental transmission of Chagas' disease by donor blood is recognized as a serious problem in the Latin America. This paper describes the screening of natural products as possible new chemoprophylactic additives in blood banks. Ten plant-derived alkaloids, three terpenes, three quinones and 14 crude plant extracts were tested against bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma eruzi Y strain irr vitro at 4 "C at a concentration of 250 pg/mL, using gentian violet as the baseline drug. The bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, cocsuline, daphnandrine, daphnoline, isochondodendrine, gyrocarpine, limacine and pheanthine and the naphthoquinone, plumbagin completely lysed the trypomastigote forms of T. eruzi at a concentration of 250 pg/mL, this activity was verified by the subculture of the treated medium during 4 months. The active alkaloids, pheanthine, daphnoline and limacine were evaluated for mutagenicity by the sister chromatid exchange assay (SCE) in peripheral lymphocytes. Daphnoline and pheanthine elicited no significant increase of the SCE up to 50 pg/mL, while limacine significantly increased the SCE values at a concentration of 25 pg/mL, and 50 pg/mL.
TL;DR: The results indicate that O. maculata extract enhanced sexual arousal in male rats.
Abstract: The ethanolic extract of the bark of Litsea chinensis and the tuber of Orchis maculata were studied on male sexual behaviour in rats using a battery of tests including penile erection, homosexual mounting, stretching/yawning, aggressive behaviour, copulatory behaviour and orientational activities. The extract of O. maculata (500 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a significant increase in penile erection index, homosexual mounting and facilitated sexual behaviour and orientational activity, as evidenced by increased mounting performance, anogenital sniffing, intromission and ejaculation frequencies. The group of animals given the extract of L. chinensis produced a significant increase in ejaculation latency with a significant decrease in ejaculation frequency. The results indicate that O. maculata extract enhanced sexual arousal in male rats.
TL;DR: Several phloroglucinols were isolated from Chinese drugs and showed potent activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and the most active derivatives were methylene‐bis diacetyl‐phlorogucinol, n‐butanoylphloroglucainols, sarothralin and uliginosin B.
Abstract: Several phloroglucinols were isolated from Chinese drugs, Di er cao (Hypericum japonicum Thunb.) and Xian he cao (Agromonia pilosa Ledb.). These compounds showed potent activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Phloroglucinol derivatives were synthesized and their activities compared with naturally occurring and synthetic phloroglucinols against Staphylococcus aureus. The most active derivatives were methylene-bis diacetyl-phloroglucinol, n-butanoylphloroglucinol, sarothralin and uliginosin B.
TL;DR: It was confirmed that A. sessilis has hepatoprotective effects against liver injuries induced by hepatotoxins with different mechanisms and all pharmacological and histopathological effects were compared with observations using the hepatop rotatedective Chinese herb.
Abstract: The hepatoprotective effects of the Taiwanese herb ‘Horngtyan-wu’ (Alternanthera sessilis (L.) DC.) were investigated in three kinds of experimental animal model. Acute hepatitis was induced by various chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride (31.25 μL/kg, i.p.) or acetaminophen (paracetamol; 600 mg/kg, i.p.) in mice and D(+)-galactosamine (188 mg/kg, i.p.) in rats. When treated with A. sessilis (300 mg/kg, p.o.) at 2, 6 and 10 h, a reduction in elevation of serum glutamate oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and glutamate pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) levels could be observed at 24 h after administration of the three hepatotoxins. These serological observations were also confirmed by histopathological examinations including centrilobular necrosis, eosinophilic bodies, pyknotic nuclei, microvesicular degeneration of hepatocytes and others. The liver microscopic examination showed a noted improvement in groups receiving A. sessilis. All pharmacological and histopathological effects were compared with observations using the hepatoprotective Chinese herb, Bupleurum chinense (Family Umbelliferae). It was confirmed that A. sessilis has hepatoprotective effects against liver injuries induced by hepatotoxins with different mechanisms.
TL;DR: Fourteen different extracts of nine vasoactive medicinal plants used in European and African phytotherapy and traditional medicine were pharmacologically tested for their possible calcium antagonistic mode of action.
Abstract: Fourteen different extracts of nine vasoactive medicinal plants used in European and African phytotherapy and traditional medicine were pharmacologically tested for their possible calcium antagonistic mode of action. The criteria for the selection of plants were: use in traditional medicine in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, ‘nonspecific’ spasmolytic activity (mode of action not known), natural compounds with structural similarities to already known ‘calcium-antagonists’ or calcium-antagonists that have been found in species of the same tribe. All plant extracts were investigated against contractions of aortic strips induced by K+-depolarization. Extracts derived from Ammi visnaga, Guajacum officinale, Olea europaea, Peucedanum ostruthium and Ruta graveolens showed a clear activity, while Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Leonurus cardiaca, Passiflora incarnata and Solidago gigantea showed no effect in this test. A comparison between K+- and norepinephrine-induced contractions evaluated the selectivity of the inhibition, which is demonstrated by the isolation and identification strategy for the Ca++-antagonistic principles of Olea europaea leaves and Peucedanum ostruthium rhizomes.
TL;DR: The hypolipidaemic action of picroliv, a standarized preparaton from Picrorhiza kurrooa, has been studied in normal as well as in triton‐ and cholesterol‐fed rats and caused lowering in the lipid and protein levels constituting β‐lipoproteins followed by an increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol in experimental animals.
Abstract: The hypolipidaemic action of picroliv, a standarized preparaton from Picrorhiza kurrooa, has been studied in normal as well as in triton- and cholesterol-fed rats. Serum lipids were found to be lowered by picroliv (25 mg/kg b.w.) in triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipaemia. Chronic feeding of this drug (6 mg/kg b.w.) in normal rats and in animals simultaneously treated with cholesterol (25 mg/kg b.w.) for 30 days caused lowering in the lipid and protein levels constituting β-lipoproteins followed by an increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol in experimental animals. Picroliv alters lipolytic activities in plasma, liver, heart an adipose tissues and stimulated receptor mediated catabolism of low density lipoprotein. The lipid lowering action of the natural product is mediated through inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis in liver, increased faecal bile acid excretion and enhanced plasma lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase activity.
TL;DR: Although Chalepensin, bergaptol, chalepin and xanthatoxin showed antifertility activity, 70% of the test animals developed cystic and atretic follicles in their ovaries and glomerulocapsular adhesion and segmental fusion was observed in the kidneys.
Abstract: Crude extracts of Ruta chalepensis and R. chalepensis var. latifolia showed antifertility activity in female rats. In order to establish the active constituents which may be responsible for this effect, a group of selected coumarins and alkaloids were tested in vivo. Although chalepensin, bergaptol, chalepin and xanthatoxin showed antifertility activity, 70% of the test animals developed cystic and atretic follicles in their ovaries and glomerulocapsular adhesion and segmental fusion was observed in the kidneys. No harmful effect was observed in the brain. Alkaloids in this study showed no antifertility activity.
TL;DR: It is concluded that propolis exerts some effects which resemble those of N‐acetylcysteine, the well‐known antidote of paracetamol.
Abstract: The effects of propolis extract were studied in a model of acute hepatotoxicity induced by a high oral dose (600 mg/kg) of paracetamol in mice. Propolis at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg i.p. decreased significantly the activity of alanine aminotransierase in serum, which was increased by paracetamol alone and increased the concentration of reduced glutathione in mouse liver, which is depleted by paracetamol. Propolis extract also reduced liver damage induced by paracetamol in mice, which was observed by optical and electron microscopy. The hepatoprotective effects of propolis were produced when administered 30 min before paracetamol or 2 h after it. It is concluded that propolis exerts some effects which resemble those of N-acetylcysteine, the well-known antidote of paracetamol.
TL;DR: It is concluded that synthetic butylidenephthalide (Bdph) dilates coronary vessels and might be a useful coronary dilator and antihypertensive drug.
Abstract: The pharmacological effects of synthetic butylidenephthalide (Bdph), the most potent antispasmodic agent found in the neutral oil of Ligusticum wallichii Franch., were examined in this study. In vivo, Bdph exerted a significant antihypertensive effect in anaesthetized renal hypertensive rats at a dose of 30 mg/kg (i.v. or i.p.), or 60 mg/kg (p.o.). Bdph antagonized noradrenaline (NA) induced increases in blood pressure in anaesthetized normotensive rats. In addition, Bdph prevented the pituitrin-induced T-wave lowering of the ECG in anaesthetized rats. It also dose-dependently decreased coronary arterial pressure in dogs. It is concluded that Bdph dilates coronary vessels. In vitro, Bdph non-competitively antagonized adrenaline-induced contraction in isolated rabbit aortic strips. It also significantly antagonized the NA-induced maximum decrease in perfusion rate of isolated rabbit ears. However, the vasodilator effect may cause a heat loss because Bdph significantly lowered the rectal temperature of rats at ambient temperature of 20°C, but not at 30°C. Bdph might be a useful coronary dilator and antihypertensive drug.