Showing papers in "Planta Medica in 1981"
TL;DR: 4(α-L-Rhamnosyloxy)benzyl isothiocyanate was identified as an active antimicrobial agent form seeds of Moringa oleifera and M. stenopetala, but not pterygospermin as previously suggested.
Abstract: 4(α-L-Rhamnosyloxy)benzyl isothiocyanate was identified as an active antimicrobial agent form seeds of Moringa oleifera and M. stenopetala. Roots of M. oleifera only contain this compound and benzyl isothiocyanate, but not pterygospermin as previously suggested. Defatted and shell free seeds of both species contain about 8-10% of 4(α-L-rhamnosyloxy)benzyl isothiocyanate, but this amount is produced from M. oleifera only when asorbic acid is added during water extraction. The compound acts on several bacteria and fungi. The minimal bactericidal concentration in vitro is 40 µmol/l for Mycobacterium phlei and 56 µmol/l for Bacillus subtilis.
264 citations
TL;DR: The fraction of quaternary benzophen-anthridine alkaloids from roots of CHELIDONIUM MAJUS L., containing chelerythrme and sanguinarme, has been tested for its antiinflammatory activity and antimicrobial action and is recommended for medical use in the treatment of oral inflammatory processes.
Abstract: The fraction of quaternary benzophen-anthridine alkaloids from roots of CHELIDONIUM MAJUS L., containing chelerythrme and sanguinarme, has been tested for its antiinflammatory activity. On the basis of its low toxicity, high antiinflammatory activity and antimicrobial action, it is recommended for medical use in the treatment of oral inflammatory processes.
248 citations
TL;DR: From the results, it could be concluded that MOMORDICA CHARANTIA fruit possessed a significant and consistent hypoglycaemic effect in normal and alloxandiabetic rabbits.
Abstract: MOMORDICA CHARANTIA fruit (bitter gourd) has been considered an effective antidiabetic agent for many years In any attempt to screen the alleged activity, blood glucose levels of normal and alloxan-diabetic male albino rabbits treated orally with various doses of dried MOMORDICA CHARANTIA friut were determined by the O-toludine method after various time intervals In normal rabbits, the 025 g/kg dose did not decrease blood glucose However, 05 g/kg dose caused decrease in blood glucose The effect was maximum at a 10 hour interval, after which it decreased gradually The 10 and 15 g/kg doses also lowered the blood glucose of these rabbits The maximum decrease was produced by these doses at 10 hours intervals In diabetic rabbits, the 025 g/kg and 05 g/kg doses did not cause a significant decrease in blood glucose However, 10 and 15 g/kg doses produced dose dependent decreases in blood glucose levels The maximum decrease was observed at 10 hours intervals From the results, it could be concluded that MOMORDICA CHARANTIA fruit possessed a significant and consistent hypoglycaemic effect in normal and alloxandiabetic rabbits The results obtained are discussed in the light of the available literature It is suggested that probably MOMORDICA CHARANTIA contains more than one type of hypoglycaemic principles
158 citations
TL;DR: Ether extract of this crude drug showed a relatively marked antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and the structure of one of these was elucidated as 2( S), 2′, 5, 6′, 7-tetrahydroxyflavanone.
Abstract: Ogon, an important Chinese crude drug (the dried roots of SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS G EORGI), is listed in ancient Chinese herbals and is used in the treatment of a number of diseases. Ether extract of this crude drug showed a relatively marked antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Fractionation of the extract accompanied by the bioassay led to the isolation of active principles. The structure of one of these was elucidated as 2( S), 2′, 5, 6′, 7-tetrahydroxyflavanone.
154 citations
TL;DR: Neem tree extract was found to have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and a fairly good antipyretic effect and the acute oral toxicity test in mice showed a very low range of approximately 13 g/kg body weight.
Abstract: The anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities, as well as the acute toxicity of AZADIRACHTA INDICA (Neem tree) extract were studied. It was found to have a pronounced anti-inflammatory (rat paw oedema) and a fairly good antipyretic effect (pyrogen induced hyperpyrexia in rabbits) . The acute oral toxicity test in mice showed a very low range of approximately 13 g/kg body weight.
151 citations
TL;DR: Depletion of hepatic glutathione in phenobarbital-induced rats by phorone (diisopropylidene acetone) led to an enhancement of spontaneous lipid peroxidation in VITRO and the only structural feature of the flavonoids which affects their antioxidative action appears thus to be the 3′,4′-dihydroxy-grouping.
Abstract: Depletion of hepatic glutathione in phenobarbital-induced rats by phorone (diisopropylidene acetone) led to an enhancement of spontaneous lipid peroxidation IN VITRO. Addition of exogenous glutathione, dithiocarb or one of the flavonoids (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, 3-O-methylcatechin, quercetin, taxifolin, rutin, naringin or naringenin led in every case to a dose-dependent inhibition of this peroxidative activity. The concentration values yielding 50% inhibition (I 50 ) varied from 1.0 × 10 -6 M for glutathione to 1.9 × 10 -5 M for naringenin. Naringin and naringenin, which lack the 3′-OH-group, were the least active inhibitors. The only structural feature of the flavonoids which affects their antioxidative action appears thus to be the 3′,4′-dihydroxy-grouping.
145 citations
113 citations
TL;DR: It appears that the three valepotriates are very potent cytotoxic agents for the HTC hepatoma cells, and that the didrovaltrate induces a perceptible high per cent definitive remissions of the KREBS II ascitic tumors.
Abstract: The following valepotriates: valtrate and didrovaltrate, isolated from the roots of VALERIANA WALLICHII D. C., as well as baldrinal, a degradation product of the valtrate, were tested for their cytotoxic and antitumor activities, respectively IN VITRO on cultured rat hepatoma cells (HTC line), and IN VIVO, on female mice KREBS II ascitic tumors. It appears that the three valepotriates are very potent cytotoxic agents for the HTC hepatoma cells, and that the didrovaltrate induces a perceptible high per cent definitive remissions of the KREBS II ascitic tumors.
101 citations
TL;DR: Vitexin (8-β-D-glucopyranosyl-apigenin), isolated from the flowers of OCHROCARPUS LONGIFOLIUS L. and ARNEBIA HISPIDISSIMA Dc.
Abstract: Vitexin (8-β-D-glucopyranosyl-apigenin) (VT), isolated from the flowers of OCHROCARPUS LONGIFOLIUS L. and ARNEBIA HISPIDISSIMA Dc., exhibited potent hypotensive, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic (nonspecific) properties. Hypotensive effect of VT was attributed to its ganglion-blocking properties and antiinflammatory effects to its anti-histaminic, anti-bradykinin and anti-serotonin properties.
95 citations
TL;DR: Valerenal and valerenic acid are pharmacologically active at the lowest dose levels and together with valeranone are likely to play a significant role in the depressive action of the essential oil whereas the activity of isoeugenyl-isovalerate is of relatively minor importance.
Abstract: In order to clarify the pharmacological properties of some constituents of the essential oil of VALERIANA OFFICINALIS L. s. l. four pure compounds (valerenal, valerenic acid, valeranone and isoeugenyl-isovalerate), a hydrocarbon fraction, an oxygen fraction and the essential oil itself were submitted to a screening test. This test is an elaboration of the screening test of C AMPBELL and R ICHTER [11] to which several symptoms mentioned by I RWIN [12] and some other features have been added. From the results of this so-called Syndrome test valerenal and valerenic acid, which show some structural correspondence with the valepotriates, are pharmacologically active at the lowest dose levels. Together with valeranone, both compounds are likely to play a significant role in the depressive action of the essential oil whereas the activity of isoeugenyl-isovalerate is of relatively minor importance.
88 citations
TL;DR: Hot aqueous extracts of medicinal plants used in oriental medicine were tested for their inhibitory effect on beef heart phosphodiesterase to detect biologically active compounds present therein and cis-hinokiresinol, the main inhibitor exhibited a prolongation effect on hexobarbital sleeping time in mice.
Abstract: Hot aqueous extracts of medicinal plants used in oriental medicine were tested for their inhibitory effect on beef heart phosphodiesterase to detect biologically active compounds present therein. Of 222 samples tested 22 showed reproducible inhibition. cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors contained in Anemarrhena asphodeloides were identified as norlignans and their structure activity relationship was investigated; cis-hinokiresinol, the main inhibitor exhibited a prolongation effect on hexobarbital sleeping time in mice.
TL;DR: Callus cultures of RUTA GRAVEOLENS form at least 17 antimicrobial substances, some of which were identified and it appeared that acridone alkaloids are the most active substances against bacteria as well as against fungi.
Abstract: Callus cultures of RUTA GRAVEOLENS form at least 17 antimicrobial substances, some of which were identified. It appeared that acridone alkaloids (rutacridone-epoxide, hydroxyrutacridone-epoxide) are the most active substances against bacteria as well as against fungi. In comparison with the medicinally used ethacridine lactate, rutacridone-epoxides proved to be much more active. Coumarins (rutarm, xanthotoxin, bergapten etc.) only cause any inhibition in higher concentrations. Furoquinoline alkaloids (dictamnine, γ-fagarine) are more active than the furocoumarins. Essential oil components and flavonoids do not show any antibiotic activity in our test.
TL;DR: naturally occurring xanthones were tested for IN VITRO inhibition of type A and type B monoamine oxidases (MAO's), prepared by treating rat brain mitochondria with selective inhibitors, showing that these compounds can be regarded as type A inhibitors.
Abstract: Eleven naturally occurring xanthones were tested for IN VITRO inhibition of type A and type B monoamine oxidases (MAO's), prepared by treating rat brain mitochondria with selective inhibitors. All compounds showed various potencies of inhibition for both types of MAO. 1-Hydroxy-3,8-dimethoxy-xanthone and 1,3-dihydroxy-7,8-dimethoxy-xanthone were most potent for type A MAO, while they were rather weak for type B MAO, showing that these compounds can be regarded as type A inhibitors. The xanthones bearing 1,3-dihydroxy-groups generally exhibited potent inhibition for both types. The 3-O-glucosides of xanthones were much weaker than their corresponding genuine aglycones for both types.
TL;DR: Anomurine and anomuricine, two minor alkaloids, are new tetrahydrobenzylisoquinolines, with 5, 6, 7 substituted ring A of Annona muricata L., and their phytochemical significance is discussed.
Abstract: From leaves, root - and stem - barks of Annona muricata L., seven isoquinoline alkaloids have been isolated: reticuline (main alkaloid), coclaurine, coreximine, atherosperminine, stepharine. Anomurine and anomuricine, two minor alkaloids, are new tetrahydrobenzylisoquinolines, with 5, 6, 7 substituted ring A. The phytochemical significance of these alkaloids is discussed.
TL;DR: The alkaloid pattern found in S. scoparius supports the hypothesis that lupanine biosynthesis is the common route of quinolizidine alkaloidal biosynthesis from which the other alkaloids such as sparteine are derived.
Abstract: The alkaloid composition of Sarothamnus scoparius cell cultures, plants and of its root parasite Orobanche rapum-genistae were analyzed by capillary gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) and capillary GLC/mass spectrometry. S. scoparius plants were found to contain the already known isosparteine, sparteine, 17-oxosparteine, lupanine and other quinolizidine alkaloids such as ammodendrine, N-methylangustifoline, alpha-isolupanine, 5,6-dehydrolupanine, 4-hydroxylupanine, 17-oxolupanine and five 13-hydroxylupanine esters. Two new alkaloids could be identified, a dehydrosparteine (presumably the 11,12-dehydroderivative) and a dihydroxylupanine (presumably 4,13-dihydroxylupanine). The distribution of these alkaloids within the different plant organs is reported. Orobanche rapum-genistae plants contain the already known sparteine, lupanine and 13-hydroxylupanine and 12 other lupin alkaloids, which are present in the Sarothamnus host plant. Photomixotrophic cell suspension cultures of S. scoparius accumulate lupanine as the main alkaloid. On tissue differentiation (bud formation) the cultures accumulate sparteine as well as lupanine. Whereas sparteine is stored in the cells, lupanine is excreted into the medium. Alkaloid formation of the cell cultures is positively correlated with chlorophyll content of the cells. The alkaloid pattern found in S. scoparius supports the hypothesis that lupanine biosynthesis is the common route of quinolizidine alkaloid biosynthesis from which the other alkaloids such as sparteine are derived.
TL;DR: Extracts of the stems and roots of Heptacyclum zenkeri Engl.
Abstract: Extracts of the stems and roots of Heptacyclum zenkeri Engl. (Menispermaceae) (syn. Penianthus Zenkeri Diels) collected in Ghana afforded the protoberberine alkaloids palmatine and jatrorrhizine and the aporphine alkaloid magnoflorine.
TL;DR: Nimbidin, a compound isolated from the oil of seeds of AZADIRACHTA INDICA, has been screened in comparison with two standard anti-inflammatory agents and was found to significantly reduce acute paw oedema in rats induced by phlogistic agents, carrageenin and kaolin.
Abstract: Nimbidin, a compound isolated from the oil of seeds of AZADIRACHTA INDICA (N EEM), has been screened in comparison with two standard anti-inflammatory agents, phenylbutazone, a non-steriod and prednisolone, a steroid; against various experimental models of inflammation. It was found to significantly reduce acute paw oedema in rats induced by phlogistic agents, carrageenin and kaolin. The test drug significantly suppressed the formalin-induced arthritis of ankle joint and the fluid exudation in croton oil-induced granuloma in rats. In acute phase of inflammation, nimbidin (40 mg/kg) was found to possess significant activity as compared to phenylbutazone (100 mg/kg). Since the drug was found to be effective in both acute and chronic phases of inflammation it can be considered as a general anti-inflammatory agent.
TL;DR: Thymol and carvacrol in sufficient dose were found to have tracheal relaxant properties and intrinsic activity and relative potency to DL-isoprenaline of both of isomers were determined.
Abstract: THYMUS VULGARIS L and THYMUS SERPYLLUM L are used as antitussive remedies Liquid thyme extracts have been studied in vitro for spasmolytic activity on the smooth muscles of the guinea-pig trachea and ileum Treatment of the carbachol induced tracheal strip with thyme extracts resulted in relaxation of this preparation Ileum contractions due to acetylcholine, were reduced in the same proportion Thymol and carvacrol content was determined with HPLC Phenol concentration of examined extracts was very low (≤: 0001%) and could not be responsible for antispasmodic activity However, thymol and carvacrol in sufficient dose were found to have tracheal relaxant properties pD 2 , intrinsic activity and relative potency to DL-isoprenaline of both of isomers were determined
TL;DR: From the ether-soluble fraction of methanolic extracts of a Chinese Drug "Bai-Hua Quian-Hu", the root of Peucedanum praeruptorum (Umbelliferae), four coumarin compounds, Pd-III and PD-Ib, were isolated.
Abstract: From the ether-soluble fraction of methanolic extracts of a Chinese Drug "Bai-Hua Quian-Hu", the root of Peucedanum praeruptorum (Umbelliferae), four coumarin compounds, (+/-) praeruptorin A, (+) praeruptorin B (= (+) anomalin), Pd-III and Pd-Ib, were isolated. The chemical structures of Pd-III and Pd-Ib have been established to be (+) 3' ( S)-angeroyloxy-4' ( S)-isovaleryloxy-3', 4'-dihydroseselin and (+) 3' ( R)-angeroyloxy-4'-keto-3',4'-dihydroseselin, respectively. (13)C NMR spectra of these compounds are also discussed.
TL;DR: A cell line of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don coded PRL # 200, was characterized with respect to its biosynthetic capabilities for indolealkaloids, in particular catharanthine, in suspension cultures.
Abstract: Callus derived from hypocotyls of periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus, responded to culture on nutrient media supplementedwith IAA, BA, and zeatin with shoot formation at low frequencies. However, shoot regenerating callus could be very successfully propagated and subcultured. Alkaloid profiles of callus derived from the original explants (hypocotyls) as well as callus derived from regenerated shoots were almost identical. Subcultures of old callus (initiated in 1978) failed completely to grow shoots. In programs for long-term preservation of alkaloid producing cell lines by regeneration and storage of shoots, selection for ability to form shoots would have to precede selection for alkaloid production.
TL;DR: Three types of alkaloidal constituents, viz., beta-phenethylamines, quinazolines and carboxylated tryptamines, in addition to choline and betaine, have been isolated from Sida acuta Burm, S. humilis Willd, and S. spinosa and would account for their major therapeutic uses in the Indian system of medicine.
Abstract: Three types of alkaloidal constituents, viz., beta-phenethylamines, quinazolines and carboxylated tryptamines, in addition to choline and betaine have been isolated from Sida acuta Burm., S. humilis Willd., S. rhombifolia L., and S. spinosa L. and characterized by their physical and spectral properties, and by chemical transformations. The qualitative and quantitative variations in the alkaloidal constituents of roots and aerial portions at different stages of growth were also noted. Elaboration of the quinazoline alkaloids seems to be a characteristic feature of this genus. The favourable combination of sympathomimetic amines and vasicinone in these species would account for their major therapeutic uses in the Indian system of medicine.
TL;DR: The accumulation of cinnamoyl putrescines by cell suspension cultures of NICOTIANA TABACUM was enhanced manifold by phosphate limitation of the culture medium while growth was reduced under such conditions.
Abstract: The accumulation of cinnamoyl putrescines by cell suspension cultures of NICOTIANA TABACUM was enhanced manifold by phosphate limitation of the culture medium while growth was reduced under such conditions. The enhanced product formation was preceded by a large increase and subsequent decline of phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity and a smaller increase of the activity of ornithine decarboxylase. Phosphate concentrations commonly used in cell culture media suppressed the product accumulation.
TL;DR: The structures of two flavanolignans, (-) silandrin and (+) silymonin, from a white flowering variety of Silybum marianum, have been elucidated as 3-desoxy-isosilybin and 3- Desoxy-silydianin partly by spectroscopic investigations, partly by chemical transformation into other derivatives and their partial synthesis.
Abstract: The structures of two flavanolignans, (-) silandrin and (+) silymonin, from a white flowering variety of Silybum marianum, have been elucidated as 3-desoxy-isosilybin and 3-desoxy-silydianin partly by spectroscopic investigations, partly by chemical transformation into other derivatives and their partial synthesis. In addition 5,7-dihydroxy-chromone has been isolated as a new compound.
TL;DR: 23 individual flavonoids and 23 flavonoid mixtures were assayed for their inhibition of the high K m cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) in rat heart.
Abstract: 23 individual flavonoids and 23 flavonoid mixtures were assayed for their inhibition of the high K m cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) in rat heart. Some of the flavonoids showed I 50 in the micromolar range whereas others were less potent. The enzyme inhibition was of noncompetitive type. Some of the flavonoid mixtures showed an inhibitory activity comparable to that of the most potent individual compounds.
TL;DR: From roots of Rubia cordifolia L. Cordifolia four anthraquinones are isolated: 1-hydroxy 2-methylanthraquinone and nordamnacanthal which have been already isolated in some Rubiaceae, physcion which seems to be new in this family and 1,4-dihydroxy 6-methyl-anthraquin one which appears to be a new quinizarin.
Abstract: From roots of Rubia cordifolia L. four anthraquinones are isolated: 1-hydroxy 2-methylanthraquinone and nordamnacanthal which have been already isolated in some Rubiaceae, physcion which seems to be new in this family and 1,4-dihydroxy 6-methyl-anthraquinone which seems to be a new quinizarin.
TL;DR: The method was also applied to the estimation of these flavonoids in chamomile extracts and apigenin and its glucosides were not found in the tubular florets.
Abstract: Quantitative estimation of the flavones apigenin, apigenin-7-glucoside and apigenin-7-acetylglucoside in ligulate florets of Matricaria chamomilla was performed by HPLC using a reverse-phase column and eluting with acetonitrile/water, acetic acid system. These flavonoids were detected at 335 nm. Apigenin and its glucosides were not found in the tubular florets. The method was also applied to the estimation of these flavonoids in chamomile extracts.
TL;DR: DictamNine, isodictamnine, 7-demethylskimmianine, maculosidine and maculine were shown to be phototoxic to certain bacteria and yeasts in long wave UV light.
Abstract: Dictamnine, isodictamnine, 7-demethylskimmianine, maculosidine and maculine were shown to be phototoxic to certain bacteria and yeasts in long wave UV light. Dose response curves with dictamnine and 8-methoxypsoralen in UV light were compared using E. COLI and SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE. In comparison with 8-methoxypsoralen higher concentrations of dictamnine are required to elicit a phototoxic response.
TL;DR: The structures of decentapicrins A, B and C are postulated to be Ic, Id and Ie respectively, and the single acylation at C (3)-OH and C (4)-OH of the glucose moiety is new in iridoid chemistry.
Abstract: Overground parts of Centaurium spicatum (L.) Fritsch (Gentianaceae) from two different habitats have been investigated on their content of Secoiridoid glucosides. Sweroside (I), Swertiamarin (II) and gentiopicrin (III) (= gentiopicroside) have been identified. In plant material of C. spicatum from both habitats sweroside is the major compound. In plant material from one habitat gentiopicrin was found in almost equal amounts as sweroside. Swertiamarin is only present as a minor component. For the isolation of sweroside and gentiopicrin a preparative column chromatographic method using silica gel as adsorbent is described. The chromatographic analysis of these Secoiridoid glucosides has been carried out by means of newly elaborated TLC and HPLC separation systems. The composition of sweroside (I), swertiamarin (II) and gentiopicrin (III) in C. spicatum is compared with that occurring in C. pulchellum (S W.) Druce and C. erytkraea Rafn. (= C. MINUS Moench). On the basis of chemical derivation, chromatographic (TLC and HPLC) and spectroscopical (IR, Mass) data it is shown that sweroside is very likely identical with the compound known as "kantaurin" in literature.