Showing papers in "Phytotherapy Research in 1999"
TL;DR: Some of the problems in evaluation of adaptogens which have precluded their inclusion as clinically useful drugs are discussed.
Abstract: Plants from all over the world such as Eleutherococcus senticosus, Panax ginseng, Raponticum carthamoides, Rhodiola rosea, Withania somnifera and Ocimum sanctum have been extensively evaluated for their adaptogenic potential. However, none of them has been successfully introduced as an adaptogen in the clinic. This paper discusses some of the problems in evaluation of adaptogens which have precluded their inclusion as clinically useful drugs. We further discuss our results with six rasayana plants from Ayurveda, which were studied for their adaptogenic potential. The whole, aqueous, standardized extracts of selected plants (Tinospora cordifolia, Asparagus racemosus, Emblica officinalis, Withania somnifera, Piper longum and Terminalia chebula) were administered orally to experimental animals, in a dose extrapolated from the human dose, following which they were exposed to a variety of biological, physical and chemical stressors. These plants were found to offer protection against these stressors, as judged by using markers of stress responses and objective parameters for stress manifestations. Using a model of cisplatin induced alterations in gastrointestinal motility, the ability of these plants to exert a normalizing effect, irrespective of direction of pathological change was tested. All the plants reversed the effects of cisplatin on gastric emptying, while Tinospora cordifolia and Asparagus racemosus also normalized cisplatin induced intestinal hypermotility. Tinospora cordifolia was also tested for its ability to modulate the changes occurring in the phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages after exposure of rats to either carbon tetrachloride or horse serum. It was found to normalize the phagocytic function irrespective to the direction of change, complying to the definition of an adaptogen. All the plant drugs were found to be safe in both acute and subacute toxicity studies. Studies on the mechanisms of action of the plants revealed that they all produced immunostimulation. The protection offered by Tinospora cordifolia against stress induced gastric mucosal damage was lost if macrophage activity was blocked. Emblica officinalis strengthened the defence mechanisms against free radical damage induced during stress. The effect of Emblica officinalis appeared to depend on the ability of target tissues to synthesize prostaglandins. Recent data obtained with Tinospora cordifolia suggest that it may induce genotypic adaptation, further opening the arena for more research and experimentation.
489 citations
TL;DR: The spasmolytic effect of Lavender oil was most likely to be mediated through cAMP, and not through cGMP, and the mode of action of linalool, one of lavender's major components, reflected that of the whole oil.
Abstract: Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, P. Miller) is used in aromatherapy as a holistic relaxant and is said to have carminative, antiflatulence and anticolic properties. Its sedative nature, on inhalation, has been shown both in animals and man. Lavender has a spasmolytic activity on guineapig ileum and rat uterus in vitro and it also decreases the tone in the skeletal muscle preparation of the phrenic nerve-diaphragm of rats. As the mechanism of action has not been studied previously, the spasmolytic activity was studied in vitro using a guinea-pig ileum smooth muscle preparation. The mechanism of action was postsynaptic and not atropine-like. The spasmolytic effect of lavender oil was most likely to be mediated through cAMP, and not through cGMP. The mode of action of linalool, one of lavender's major components, reflected that of the whole oil. The mode of action of lavender oil resembled that of geranium and peppermint oils.
268 citations
TL;DR: It appears from the present study that asiaticosides enhanced induction of antioxidant levels at an initial stage of healing which may be an important contributory factor in the healing properties of this substance.
Abstract: Asiaticoside derived from the plant Centella asiatica is known to possess good wound healing activity. Enhanced healing activity has been attributed to increased collagen formation and angiogenesis. Since antioxidants have been reported to play a significant role in the wound healing process we studied the effect of asiaticoside on the levels of certain antioxidants in the wound so as to explore the possible involvement of such a mechanism in the asiaticoside induced wound healing. Asiaticoside application (0.2%, topical) twice daily for 7 days to excision-type cutaneous wounds in rats led to increased enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, namely superoxide dismutase (35%), catalase (67%), glutathione peroxidase (49%), vitamin E (77%) and ascorbic acid (36%) in newly formed tissues. It also resulted in a several fold decrease in lipid peroxide levels (69%) as measured in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance. However, continued application for 14 days showed no significant difference in these antioxidants compared with their values in vehicle treated wound tissue. It appears from the present study that asiaticosides enhanced induction of antioxidant levels at an initial stage of healing which may be an important contributory factor in the healing properties of this substance.
251 citations
TL;DR: Improved survival time and curative effects occurred when noni‐ppt was combined with sub‐optimal doses of the standard chemotherapeutic agents, adriamycin (Adria), cisplatin (CDDP), 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), and vincristine (VCR), suggesting important clinical applications of noni-ppt as a supplemental agent in cancer treatment.
Abstract: The fruit juice of Morinda citrifolia (noni) contains a polysaccharide-rich substance (noni-ppt) with antitumour activity in the Lewis lung (LLC) peritoneal carcinomatosis model. Therapeutic administration of noni-ppt significantly enhanced the duration of survival of inbred syngeneic LLC tumour bearing mice. It did not exert significant cytotoxic effects in an adapted culture of LLC cells, LLC1, but could activate peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) to impart profound toxicity when co-cultured with the tumour cells. This suggested the possibility that noni-ppt may suppress tumour growth through activation of the host immune system. Concomitant treatment with the immunosuppressive agent, 2-chloroadenosine (C1-Ade) or cyclosporin (cys-A) diminished its activity, thereby substantiating an immunomodulatory mechanism. Noni-ppt was also capable of stimulating the release of several mediators from murine effector cells, including tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-10, IL-12 p70, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and nitric oxide (NO), but had no effect on IL-2 and suppressed IL-4 release. Improved survival time and curative effects occurred when noni-ppt was combined with sub-optimal doses of the standard chemotherapeutic agents, adriamycin (Adria), cisplatin (CDDP), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and vincristine (VCR), suggesting important clinical applications of noni-ppt as a supplemental agent in cancer treatment.
243 citations
TL;DR: SPE displays a range of properties which may be of benefit in diabetes, namely as an oestrogenic agent, an inhibitor of intestinal glucose‐uptake and a preventive agent for glucose‐induced lipid peroxidation.
Abstract: The potential role of oestrogenic agents, antioxidants and intestinal glucose-uptake inhibitors in the treatment of diabetes is briefly reviewed. Reports in the literature suggest that oestrogen replacement therapy may favourably modulate glucose homeostasis. A soya phytochemical extract (SPE) containing the isoflavone phytoestrogens genistein and daidzein (mostly in their glycone forms as genistin and daidzin) was investigated as an antioxidant and modulator of intestinal glucose-transport. In the present study, SPE was found to protect against glucose-induced oxidation of human low density lipoproteins (LDL) in vitro. Equol (a gut bacterial metabolite of daidzein) was a more effective antioxidant than daidzein or genistein in this system and was of similar antioxidant potency to the dietary flavonols quercetin and kaempferol and to the endogenous antioxidant 17beta-oestradiol. SPE was found to be an inhibitor of glucose uptake into rabbit intestinal brush border membrane vesicles in vitro, though of weaker potency than the classical sodium dependent glucose transporter (SGLT) inhibitor, phlorizin. Thus SPE displays a range of properties which may be of benefit in diabetes, namely as an oestrogenic agent, an inhibitor of intestinal glucose-uptake and a preventive agent for glucose-induced lipid peroxidation.
204 citations
TL;DR: The results establish the traditional use of spices as food preservatives, disinfectants and antiseptics as they have been reported to have antiseptic and disinfectant properties.
Abstract: In India, spices have been traditionally used since ancient times, for the preservation of food products as they have been reported to have antiseptic and disinfectant properties. In this respect, a preliminary screening for antimicrobial activities of 35 different Indian spices has been carried out. Of the spices surveyed, the results indicate that clove, cinnamon, bishop's weed, chilli, horse raddish, cumin, tamarind, black cumin, pomegranate seeds, nutmeg, garlic, onion, tejpat, celery, cambodge, have potent antimicrobial activities against the test organisms Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Escherichia coli (ATCC 10536) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ATCC 9763). The results also establish the traditional use of spices as food preservatives, disinfectants and antiseptics.
202 citations
TL;DR: Curcumin, obtained from rhizomes of Curcuma longa, was administered orally to patients suffering from chronic anterior uveitis at a dose of 375 mg three times a day for 12 weeks with a response rate of 86%.
Abstract: Curcumin, obtained from rhizomes of Curcuma longa, was administered orally to patients suffering from chronic anterior uveitis (CAU) at a dose of 375 mg three times a day for 12 weeks. Of 53 patients enrolled, 32 completed the 12-week study. They were divided into two groups: one group of 18 patients received curcumin alone, whereas the other group of 14 patients, who had a strong PPD reaction, in addition received antitubercular treatment. The patients in both the groups started improving after 2 weeks of treatment. All the patients who received curcumin alone improved, whereas the group receiving antitubercular therapy along with curcumin had a response rate of 86%. Follow up of all the patients for the next 3 years indicated a recurrence rate of 55% in the first group and of 36% in the second group. Four of 18 (22%) patients in the first group and 3 of 14 patients (21%) in the second group lost their vision in the follow up period due to various complications in the eyes, e.g. vitritis, macular oedema, central venous block, cataract formation, glaucomatous optic nerve damage etc. None of the patients reported any side effect of the drug. The efficacy of curcumin and recurrences following treatment are comparable to corticosteroid therapy which is presently the only available standard treatment for this disease. The lack of side effects with curcumin is its greatest advantage compared with corticosteroids. A double blind multi-centric clinical trial with this drug in CAU is highly desirable to further validate the results of the present study.
162 citations
TL;DR: The lupane‐type triterpene betulinic acid was isolated from an ethanol extract of the root bark of the Tanzanian tree Uapaca nitida Müll‐Arg, believed to be the first compound to be isolated from U. nitida for in vivo activity.
Abstract: The lupane-type triterpene betulinic acid was isolated from an ethanol extract of the root bark of the Tanzanian tree Uapaca nitida Mull-Arg. (Euphorbiaceae). The in vitro antiplasmodial IC50 values of betulinic acid against chloroquine resistant (K1) and sensitive (T9-96) Plasmodium falciparum were found to be 19.6 micrograms/mL and 25.9 micrograms/mL, respectively. The in vitro activities of several related triterpenes were also evaluated. Betulin was found to be inactive at 500 micrograms/mL for both K1 and T9-96. Ursolic acid exhibited IC50 values of 36.5 micrograms/mL and 28 micrograms/mL, and oleanolic acid exhibited IC50 values of 88.8 micrograms/mL and 70.6 micrograms/mL against K1 and T9-96, respectively. When betulinic acid was tested for in vivo activity in a murine malaria model (P. berghei) the top dosage employed of 250 mg/kg/day was ineffective at reducing parasitaemia and exhibited some toxicity. Betulinic acid has not previously been evaluated for in vivo activity. This is believed to be the first compound to be isolated from U. nitida.
157 citations
TL;DR: The topical antiinflammatory activity of the hexane extract and of stigmasterol was evaluated by auricular oedema, induced by 12‐0‐tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA), in the mouse, using single and multiple applications of the phlogistic agent.
Abstract: Eryngium foetidum L. (Apiaceae) is a Caribbean endemic plant, used in folk medicine for the treatment of several antiinflammatory disorders. A preliminary phytochemical study showed that the hexane extract is rich in terpenic compounds. Chromatographic fractionation of this extract yielded: alpha-cholesterol, brassicasterol, campesterol, stigmasterol (as the main component, 95%) clerosterol, beta-sitosterol, delta 5-avenasterol, delta (5)24-stigmastadienol and delta 7-avenasterol. The topical antiinflammatory activity of the hexane extract and of stigmasterol was evaluated by auricular oedema, induced by 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA), in the mouse, using single and multiple applications of the phlogistic agent. Both reduced the oedema in a similar proportion in the two model assays (acute and chronic). Meloperoxidase activity was strongly reduced by both the extract and the compound, in the acute but not the chronic model. These results indicate that the leaves of Eryngium foetidum L may be effective against topical inflammation processes. Stigmasterol also exerts a significant topical antiinflammatory activity although it cannot be considered to be a major antiinflammatory agent, therefore other bioactive components are probably involved in the activity of the hexane extract.
155 citations
TL;DR: The results of this study indicate that the aqueous extract of the leaves of Mangifera indica possess hypoglycaemic activity, which may be due to an intestinal reduction of the absorption of glucose.
Abstract: The leaves of Mangifera indica are used as an antidiabetic agent in Nigerian folk medicine. To determine whether or not there is a scientific basis for this use, the effect of the aqueous extract of the leaves on blood glucose level was assessed in normoglycaemic, glucose - induced hyperglycaemic and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The aqueous extract given orally (1 g/kg) did not alter the blood glucose levels in either normoglycaemic or STZ-induced diabetic rats. In glucose - induced hyperglycaemia, however, antidiabetic activity was seen when the extract and glucose were administered simultaneously and also when the extract was given to the rats 60 min before the glucose. The hypoglycaemic effect of the aqueous extract was compared with that of an oral dose of chlorpropamide (200 mg/kg) under the same conditions. The results of this study indicate that the aqueous extract of the leaves of Mangifera indica possess hypoglycaemic activity. This action may be due to an intestinal reduction of the absorption of glucose. However, other different mechanisms of action cannot be excluded.
152 citations
TL;DR: The study shows that disrupted free radical metabolism in diabetic animals may be normalized by fenugreek seed supplementation in the diet.
Abstract: The effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) on blood lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in alloxan diabetic rats was studied. Increased lipid peroxidation and alterations in circulating antioxidants were observed in the diabetic state. The levels of glutathione, ascorbic acid and beta-carotene in blood were significantly lowered and alpha-tocopherol content was increased. Supplementation of fenugreek seeds in the diet lowered lipid peroxidation. The contents of glutathione and beta-carotene were increased and the alpha-tocopherol content was lowered. The level of ascorbic acid was unaltered. The level of antioxidants were higher in normal rats which were fed with the fenugreek supplemented diet compared with control animals which were fed commercial rat chow. The study shows that disrupted free radical metabolism in diabetic animals may be normalized by fenugreek seed supplementation in the diet.
TL;DR: Chemical isolation of the terpene fraction resulted in the detection of ganoderic acids A, B, C and D, lucidenic acid B and ganodermanontriol as major ingredients.
Abstract: Ganoderma lucidum was studied for its antioxidative activity by bioassay guided isolation in conjunction with in vitro tests. The powdered crude drug was treated with boiling water and the aqueous extract (Ex1) was further separated to obtain terpene and polysaccharide fractions. The two fractions and Ex1 were screened for their antioxidative effect against pyrogallol induced erythrocyte membrane oxidation and Fe (II)-ascorbic acid induced lipid peroxidation. All tested samples showed antioxidative activities in a dose dependent manner and the terpene fraction was found to possess the highest effect compared with the others. Chemical isolation of the terpene fraction resulted in the detection of ganoderic acids A, B, C and D, lucidenic acid B and ganodermanontriol as major ingredients.
TL;DR: The antimicrobial activity of Spondias mombin, Croton zambesicus and Zygotritonia crocea sourced from herbalists through an ethnobotanical survey of Egbado‐South in Nigeria is reported.
Abstract: The antimicrobial activity of Spondias mombin, Croton zambesicus and Zygotritonia crocea sourced from herbalists through an ethnobotanical survey of Egbado-South in Ogun State in Nigeria is reported. The extracts of the leaf of Spondias mombin and the stem bark of Croton zambesicus exhibited wide spectrum antibacterial effects comparable to those of ampicillin and gentamycin. The antifungal effect of extracts of Zygotritonia crocea and Croton zambesicus were comparable to those of tioconazole. There is justification for the use of these little studied medicinal plants as antiinfective agents in traditional medicine.
TL;DR: Oral administration of curcumin to rats caused a significant reversal in lipid peroxidation, brain lipids and produced enhancement of glutathione, a non‐enzymic antioxidant in ethanol intoxicated rats, revealing that the antioxidative and hypolipidaemic action ofCurcumin is responsible for its protective role against ethanol induced brain injury.
Abstract: In the present study, curcumin from Curcuma longa was screened for neuroprotective activity using ethanol as a model of brain injury. Oral administration of curcumin to rats caused a significant reversal in lipid peroxidation, brain lipids and produced enhancement of glutathione, a non-enzymic antioxidant in ethanol intoxicated rats, revealing that the antioxidative and hypolipidaemic action of curcumin isresponsible for its protective role against ethanol induced brain injury. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: Most of the Nigerian chewing sticks do contain antibacterial activities which may contribute to the reported anticaries effect of chewing sticks, and may be sources for new lead antibacterial agents for therapeutic or preventive applications.
Abstract: Ten aqueous extracts from wooden chewing sticks widely used in Nigeria for teeth cleaning were studied for antibacterial activities against 25 different bacteria using an agar diffusion assay. The extracts from five sticks, namely Garcinia kola, Anogeissus leiocarpus, Terminalia glaucescens, Sorindeia warneckei and Vitex doniana, exhibited strong activities against a wide spectrum of bacteria including medically and dentally relevant bacteria. Notably, these five chewing stick extracts showed potent activities against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, and multidrug-resistant Burkholderia cepacia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Extracts from Vernonia amygdalina, Fagara zanthoxyloides and Massularia acuminata also showed activities against bacteria significant to periodontal disease. Methanol extracts prepared from G. kola, A. leiocarpus and V. doniana were further fractionated by solvent extraction. Results showed that the antibacterial activities were distributed into different fractions suggesting that the sticks contain different active antibacterial principles. In conclusion, the results showed that most of the Nigerian chewing sticks do contain antibacterial activities which may contribute to the reported anticaries effect of chewing sticks. These sticks may be sources for new lead antibacterial agents for therapeutic or preventive applications.
TL;DR: The toxic and/or development retarding effects on Culex pipiens mosquito larvae by methanol and ether extracts of Azadirachta indica, Rhazya stricta and Syzygium aromaticum were investigated separately and future application of these extracts to larval habitats may lead to promising results in mosquito management programmes.
Abstract: The toxic and/or development retarding effects on Culex pipiens mosquito larvae by methanol and ether extracts of Azadirachta indica, Rhazya stricta and Syzygium aromaticum were investigated separately. All were found to show biological activity, however, the methanol extracts showed the most profound effects. R. stricta showed marked acute (2 d) and chronic (10 d) toxic effects, having an LC50 and 95% CL of 251(209–326) and 140(110–178); 467(416–699) and 211(198–421) ppm, for the methanol and ether extracts, respectively. Only 3.3% of the larvae pupated and no adults emerged even at the lowest concentration (200 ppm) of methanol extract. Both A. indica extracts were toxic to C. pipiens larvae but at higher concentrations, showing an acute and chronic LC50 and 95% CL of 824(692–980) and 265(111–481); 1620(1380–1892) and 675(514–887) ppm for the methanol and ether extracts, respectively. The methanol extracts of A. indica, at concentrations above 800 ppm, reduced pupation to 3.3% and completely inhibited adult emergence. Both extracts of S. aromaticum were less toxic to the larvae, however their influence on development was remarkable, causing complete inhibition of adult emergence at 200 and 600 ppm concentrations of the methanol and ether extracts, respectively. Future application of these extracts to larval habitats may lead to promising results in mosquito management programmes. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: Aqueous extracts of medicinal plants used in south Brazilian folk medicine (Myrciaria tenella, Smilax campestris, Tripodanthus acutifolius and Cassia corymbosa) were screened for the presence of mutagenic activity in the Salmonella/microsome assay and signs of an increased mutagenics induction below revertant rates were detected.
Abstract: Aqueous extracts of medicinal plants used in south Brazilian folk medicine (Myrciaria tenella, Smilax campestris, Tripodanthus acutifolius and Cassia corymbosa) were screened for the presence of mutagenic activity in the Salmonella/microsome assay. Signs of an increased mutagenic induction below revertant rates, which is two times the spontaneous yields, were detected for all extracts. The extracts of C. corymbosa showed signs of mutagenic activity in the following strains: TA100 with and without metabolization and TA98 after metabolization. These mutagenic signs were observed in the M. tenella extracts without metabolization. S. campestris and T. acutifolius infusions also showed signs indicative of direct mutagenic activity in the TA98 strain. The positive results may be related to the presence of flavonoids, tannins and anthraquinones in the extracts.
TL;DR: Phytochemical analysis indicated that the most active phase contained terpenoids and tannins and was devoid of alkaloids and saponins, and the effect of plant extracts on lymphocyte proliferation showed low toxicity to the human cells.
Abstract: Twenty-two plant organs from eleven plants comprising five families were extracted and screened for antiplasmodial activity in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 (chloroquine sensitive) and Dd2 (chloroquine resistant and pyrimethamine sensitive). Fifty nine percent of plant extracts from 22 extracts exerted activity on P. falciparum strain 3D7 with an IC(50) less than 50 microg/mL, whereas 43% of plant extracts showed an IC(50) value within 50 microg/mL on Dd2 strains. Plant extracts from Gardenia lutea, Haplophyllum tuberculatum, Cassia tora, Acacia nilotica and Aristolochia bracteolata possessed IC(50) values less than 5 microg/mL on both tested strains. Bioassay guided fractionation of A. nilotica revealed that the ethyl acetate extract possessed the highest activity (IC(50) = 1.5 microg/mL). Fraction 2 (R(f) = 0.75) prepared by preparative chromatography showed the highest activity on P. falciparum (IC(50) = 1.7 microg/mL). Phytochemical analysis indicated that the most active phase contained terpenoids and tannins and was devoid of alkaloids and saponins. The effect of plant extracts on lymphocyte proliferation showed low toxicity to the human cells. This plant has been subjected to long term clinical trials in folk medicine and is a promising plant.
TL;DR: The results support the traditional uses for these plants but indicate that the active principles in the chloroform extracts are probably more active and/or are contained in larger concentrations than the principles inThe polar extracts used in the traditional medicine of North‐African countries.
Abstract: Aqueous, ethanol and chloroform extracts from Corrigiliola telephiifolia, Echinops spinosus, Kundmannia sicula, Tamarindus indica and Zygophyllum gaetulum were evaluated for antiinflammatory properties in mice (ear oedema induced by arachidonic acid) and rats (subplantar oedema induced by carrageenan) after topical or i.p. administration, respectively. Our results showed that all the plants exhibit antiinflammatory activity, since at least one extract from each plant was active in one of the experimental models. Whereas all the extracts of Corrigiliola telephiifolia and Echinops spinosus were highly active on all the experimental models assayed (values of inflammation inhibition well above 50%), poorer activity profiles were recorded in Kundmannia sicula, Tamarindus indica and Zygophyllum gaetulum. These results support the traditional uses for these plants but indicate that the active principles in the chloroform extracts are probably more active and/or are contained in larger concentrations than the principles in the polar extracts used in the traditional medicine of North-African countries.
TL;DR: The results indicate that the antihypertensive effect of plant extract is independent of muscarinic receptor stimulation or adrenoceptor blockade, and suggests that the antispasmodic action of AN is mediated through calcium channel blockade.
Abstract: A methanol extract of Acacia nilotica pods (AN) caused a dose-dependent (3-30 mg/kg) fall in arterial blood pressure. Treatment of animals with atropine abolished the vasodilator response of acetylcholine (ACh), whereas the antihypertensive effect of the plant extract remained unaltered. Phentolamine (an alpha-adrenergic blocker) abolished the vasoconstrictor effect of norepinephrine (NE), whereas pretreatment of the animal with AN, did not modify the NE response. These results indicate that the antihypertensive effect of plant extract is independent of muscarinic receptor stimulation or adrenoceptor blockade. In the in vitro studies, AN produced a dose-dependent (0.3-3.0 mg/mL) inhibitory effect on force and rate of spontaneous contractions in guinea-pig paired atria. Similarly, it inhibited the spontaneous contraction of rabbit jejunum in a concentration-dependent (0.1-3.0 mg/mL) manner. AN also inhibited K(+)-induced contractions in rabbit jejunum at a similar concentration range, which suggests that the antispasmodic action of AN is mediated through calcium channel blockade, and this may also be responsible for the blood pressure lowering effect of AN, observed in the in vivo studies.
TL;DR: Two substances isolated from natural sources did not show evidence of cytotoxicity under antiviral test conditions, but seemed to inhibit viral capsid protein synthesis of herpes simplex virus type 1.
Abstract: Triterpenoid saponins are naturally occurring sugar conjugates of triterpenes possessing various biological activities, including antiviral action. Two substances isolated from natural sources were tested against herpes simplex virus type 1 replication. They did not show evidence of cytotoxicity under antiviral test conditions. The triterpenoid saponin, isolated from a Brazilian plant (s21), represents the oleanane group and inhibited herpes simplex virus type 1 DNA synthesis. The triterpenoid saponin, isolated from a Chinese plant (s17), represents the ursane group and seemed to inhibit viral capsid protein synthesis of herpes simplex virus type 1.
TL;DR: The chloroform extract of nutmeg has been evaluated for antiinflammatory, analgesic and antithrombotic activities in rodents and offered protection against thrombosis induced by ADP/adrenaline mixture in mice.
Abstract: The chloroform extract of nutmeg has been evaluated for antiinflammatory, analgesic and antithrombotic activities in rodents. The extract inhibited the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema, produced a reduction in writhings induced by acetic acid in mice and offered protection against thrombosis induced by ADP/adrenaline mixture in mice.
TL;DR: This study investigated the effects of acute doses of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) on memory and psychomotor performance in a randomized, double‐blind and placebo controlled 5‐way cross‐over design.
Abstract: This study investigated the effects of acute doses of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) on memory and psychomotor performance in a randomized, double-blind and placebo controlled 5-way cross-over design. Thirty-one volunteers aged 30-59 years received GBE 150 mg (50 mg t. d.s), GBE 300 mg (100 mg t.d.s.), GBE 120 mg mane and GBE 240 mg mane and placebo for 2 days. Following baseline measures, the medication was administered at 0900 h for the single doses and at 0900, 1500 and 2100 h for the multiple doses. The psychometric test battery was administered pre-dose (0830 h) and then at frequent intervals until 11 h post dose. The results confirm that the effects of GBE extract on aspects of cognition in asymptomatic volunteers are more pronounced for memory, particularly working memory. They also show that these effects may be dose dependent though not in a linear dose related manner, and that GBE 120 mg produces the most evident effects of the doses examined. Additionally, the results suggest that the cognitive enhancing effects of GBE are more likely to be apparent in individuals aged 50-59 years.
TL;DR: The methanol extract of Swertia chirata was evaluated for antihepatotoxic activity against carbon tetrachloride induced liver toxicity in experimental rats and was found to be active and on fractionation into butanol soluble and chloroform soluble fractions, the activity was traced and found more profound in the chloro Form soluble fraction.
Abstract: The methanol extract of Swertia chirata was evaluated for antihepatotoxic activity against carbon tetrachloride induced liver toxicity in experimental rats. The extract was found to be active and on fractionation into butanol soluble and chloroform soluble fractions, the activity was traced and found more profound in the chloroform soluble fraction. The butanol soluble bitter rich fraction showed marginal activity. The results based on biochemical estimations have been expressed statistically and are additionally supported by histopathological examination of the liver of experimental rats and pentobarbitone induced sleep time studies in mice.
TL;DR: The chemical composition of the essential oil of Calamintha nepeta and its antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella veneziana, S. paratyphi B,S.
Abstract: The chemical composition of the essential oil of Calamintha nepeta and its antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella veneziana, S. paratyphi B. S. typhimurium, Fusarium moniliforme, Botrytis cinerea, Aspergillus niger and Pyricularia oryzae have been studied. Moreover the main constituents of the oil (limonene, menthone, pulegone, menthol) have been tested against the same microorganisms. Only pulegone showed antimicrobial activity, particularly against all the Salmonella species.
TL;DR: Thirty‐eight methanol and aqueous extracts from Sudanese plants were screened for their inhibitory activity on viral replication and showed inhibitory effects on HIV‐induced cytopathic effects (CPE) on MT‐4 cells.
Abstract: Forty-eight methanol and aqueous extracts from Sudanese plants were screened for their inhibitory activity on viral replication. Nineteen extracts showed inhibitory effects on HIV-induced cytopathic effects (CPE) on MT-4 cells. The extracts were further screened against HIV-1 protease (PR) using an HPLC assay method. Of the tested extracts, the methanol extracts of Acacia nilotica (bark and pods), Euphorbia granulata (leaves), Maytenus senegalensis (stem-bark) and aqueous extracts of A. nilotica (pods) and M. senegalensis (stem-bark) showed considerable inhibitory effects against HIV-1 PR. Inhibitory principles were isolated from M. senegalensis and their activities were also discussed.
TL;DR: The hypoglycaemic activity of a 20% dried leaf infusion of Bauhinia candicans Benth, used for diabetes in Chilean popular medicine, was evaluated in alloxan and streptozotocin induced hyperglycaemic rats.
Abstract: The hypoglycaemic activity of a 20% dried leaf infusion of Bauhinia candicans Benth. (Leguminosae), Galega officinalis L. (Leguminosae), Morus alba L. (Moraceae) and Rubus ulmifolius Schott. (Rosaceae), used for diabetes in Chilean popular medicine, was evaluated in alloxan and streptozotocin induced hyperglycaemic rats. In normal rats the different infusions did not modify significantly the glycaemia in the period studied, but in diabetic rats different results were observed, depending on the diabetogenic drug used. B. candicans and R. ulmifolius infusions elicited remarkable hypoglycaemic effects in both experimental models. B. candicans presented a greater decrease of glycaemia in alloxan diabetic rats (39%) and R. ulmifolius showed a similar activity in both alloxan and streptozotocin diabetic rats (28% and 29%). Activity-guided fractionation of R. ulmifolius showed that petroleum ether extracts elicited a marked hypoglycaemic effect (35%) in the streptozotocin induced model.
TL;DR: Preliminary studies on the antifertility effect of pawpaw seeds (Carica papaya) on the gonads of male albino (Wistar) rats was investigated and there was disorganization in some of the seminiferous tubules while others appeared normal.
Abstract: Preliminary studies on the antifertility effect of pawpaw seeds (Carica papaya) on the gonads of male albino (Wistar) rats was investigated. An oral dose of crude ripe pawpaw seeds at 100 mg/kg body weight and 50 mg/kg body weight were administered orally for 8 weeks. Histological observations at a high dose of 100 mg/kg body weight showed degeneration of the germinal epithelium and germ cells, a reduction in the number of Leydig cells and the presence of vacuoles in the tubules. At a low dose of 50 mg/kg body weight little effect was observed. However, there was disorganization in some of the seminiferous tubules while others appeared normal. Leydig cells also appeared normal compared with the controls. At a high dose the epididymis showed many empty tubules containing degenerated spermatozoa and cell debris in the lumen. The epithelium appeared normal compared with the controls. At a low dose a milder effect was observed. The epithelial tissue appeared normal. A possible mechanism of action is discussed.
TL;DR: A screening study was performed on/by essential oils of Nepeta viscida Boiss and Nepeta italica using tail‐flick and tail immersion methods, suggesting a specific activity on opioid receptors, excluding mu receptors.
Abstract: A screening study was performed on/by essential oils of Nepeta viscida Boiss and Nepeta italica L. using tail-flick and tail immersion (52.5°C) methods. N. italica samples were collected from three differentlocalities of Turkey. Surprisingly, only one of the essential oils showed significant activity, which was blocked by naloxone, indicating the involvement of opioid receptors. This was seen only with the mechanical but not the thermal algesic stimulus, suggesting a specific activity on opioid receptors, excluding mu receptors. The same, active essential oil also exhibited a non-competitive inhibition of acetylcholine contractions of isolated rat ileum but it was inactive on the isolated rat aorta. Furthermore, a correlation between the analgesic activity and the amount of 1,8-cineole was noticed. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: The non‐methylated fatty acids of the two herbs showed higher activity against Gram +ve and Gram ‐ve bacteria than yeasts and fungi, and the volatile constituents of D. harra and E. microcarpa showedHigher activity against yeasts than Gram +ves, Gram ve bacteria and fungi.
Abstract: The total herb of Diplotaxis harra Forsk. on treatment with myrosinase produces isopropyl isothiocyanate and 3- butenyl isothiocyanate in addition to (the non-volatile) 2-hydroxy-3-butenyl isothiocyanate which could be obtained as 5-vinyl-2-oxazolidinethione (goitrin) and methyl 4-isothiocyanatobutyrate (Erypestrin). On treating Erucaria microcarpa Boiss, herb with myrosinase, it produces isopropyl isothiocyanate, butyl isothiocyanate and benzyl isothiocyanate in addition to the non-volatile 8-methylsulphinyloctyl isothiocyanate (hirsutin). The plant extracts contain high percentages of arachidonic and palmitic acids, nonadecane, cholesterol, stigmasterol and B-sitosterol. The volatile constituents of D. harra and E. microcarpa showed higher activity against yeasts than Gram +ve, Gram -ve bacteria and fungi. The nonmethylated fatty acids of the two herbs showed higher activity against Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria than yeasts and fungi.