Showing papers in "Planta Medica in 1993"
TL;DR: A new microplate assay for cytotoxicity testing using A. salina has been developed and shown to give results comparable to a previously published test-tube method, except for two which require metabolic activation in man.
Abstract: A new microplate assay for cytotoxicity testing using A. salina has been developed and shown to give results comparable to a previously published test-tube method. The assay reliably detected all of the compounds toxic to KB cells in a series of 21 pharmacologically active agents, except for two which require metabolic activation in man. Four quassinoids with cytotoxic and antiplasmodial activity were also toxic to the brine shrimp while quassin itself was inactive in all three systems. It is proposed that this assay provides a convenient means by which the presence of cytotoxic quassinoids may be detected during the fractionation of plant extracts.
535 citations
TL;DR: The lyophilized decoction demonstrated antidiarrhoeic activity in experimental models of diarrhoea induced by castor oil, arachidonic acid, and prostaglandin E2, and showed no activity when magnesium sulphate was used to provoke the diarrhea.
Abstract: The antidiarrhoeic activity of the Euphorbia hirta whole plant was investigated. The lyophilized decoction demonstrated antidiarrhoeic activity in experimental models of diarrhoea induced by castor oil, arachidonic acid, and prostaglandin E2. It showed no activity when magnesium sulphate was used to provoke the diarrhoea. The lyophilized decoction delayed small intestinal transit when this was accelerated by castor oil but not in normal conditions. A flavonoid, quercitrin, with antidiarrhoeic activity was isolated from this crude drug.
303 citations
TL;DR: Pretreatment with an ethanolic extract of R. tomentosus caused an important decrease in the CCl4-induced toxicity in rats liver, made evident by its effect on the levels of GPT and bilirubin in the serum and the malondialdehyde concentration in the liver.
Abstract: The free radical scavenger and antihepatotoxic activity from Rosmarinus tomentosus ethanolic extract and its fractions were studied, and also its membrane stabilizing activity in rat erythrocytes. Pretreatment with an ethanolic extract of R. tomentosus caused an important decrease in the CCl4-induced toxicity in rats liver, made evident by its effect on the levels of GPT and bilirubin in the serum and the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the liver. These effects are similar to those produced by silymarin. The chloroformic fraction showed the greatest antihepatotoxic activity and the ethyl acetate fraction the greatest free radical scavenger activity.
267 citations
TL;DR: The results show that during the oral glucose tolerance test the peak blood glucose values in rats are obtained much earlier (15-45 min) than in human subjects (around 60 min), and pulp juice of M. charantia lowered fasting blood glucose levels in normal rats.
Abstract: Extracts of Momordica charantia fruit pulp, seed, and whole plant were tested for their hypoglycemic effects on normal and diabetic rat models. The results show that during the oral glucose tolerance test the peak blood glucose values in rats are obtained much earlier (15-45 min) than in human subjects (around 60 min). Pulp juice of M. charantia lowered fasting blood glucose levels in normal rats (p < 0.05 at 120 min); the effect was more pronounced with the saponin-free methanol extract of the pulp juice (p < 0.05 at 60 min and p < 0.01 at 120 min). The pulp juice also had a significant hypoglycemic effect in the glucose-fed normal rats when the extract was fed 45 minutes before the oral glucose load [percentage increments over basal value (M +/- SE): 85 +/- 10 in the control group vs. 54 +/- 7 in the pulp juice group, p < 0.01]. In the IDDM model rats the pulp juice had no significant effect on blood glucose levels either in fasting or postprandial states. In the NIDDM model rats the saponin-free methanol extract of juice produced a significant hypoglycemic effect both in fasting (p < 0.05 at 120 min) and in postprandial states (sum of percentage increments over basal value: 140 +/- 26 in the control vs. 71 +/- 7 in the pulp juice group, p < 0.05). Methanol extracts of seed and of whole plant, and saponin-free methanol extract of whole plant produced no hypoglycemic effects in normal or IDDM model rats either in fasting or in postprandial states.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
208 citations
TL;DR: Piperine showed a lower hepatoprotective potency than silymarin, but exerted a significant protection against tert-butyl hydroperoxide and carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity by reducing both in vitro and in vivo lipid peroxidation, enzymatic leakage of GPT and AP.
Abstract: Piperine, an active alkaloidal constituent of the extract obtained from Piper longum and Piper nigrum, was evaluated for its antihepatotoxic potential in order to validate its use in traditional therapeutic formulations. This plant principle exerted a significant protection against tert-butyl hydroperoxide and carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity by reducing both in vitro and in vivo lipid peroxidation, enzymatic leakage of GPT and AP, and by preventing the depletion of GSH and total thiols in the intoxicated mice. Silymarin, a known hepatoprotective drug was tested simultaneously for comparison. Piperine showed a lower hepatoprotective potency than silymarin.
159 citations
TL;DR: Daily administration of mansumbinoic acid at a single dose level significantly reduced joint swelling in adjuvant arthritis in rats and indicated that this compound is worthy of further investigation as an anti-inflammatory drug.
Abstract: The anti-inflammatory activities of extracts from the resins of four species of the plant family Burseraceae, Boswellia dalzielli, Boswellia carteri (gum olibanum), Commiphora mukul, and Commiphora incisa, were studied. The aqueous extracts of the resins of B. dalzielli, C. incisa, and C. mukul significantly inhibited both the maximal edema response and the total edema response during 6 h of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. The octanordammarane triterpenes, mansumbinone and mansumbinoic acid, isolated from the resin of C. incisa, were separated and tested. Administered prophylactically, mansumbinone proved to be more than 20 times less potent than indomethacin and prednisolone in inhibiting carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. However, the molar potency of mansumbinoic acid was within one order of magnitude of those of indomethacin and prednisolone. The anti-inflammatory action of the acid on the carrageenan-induced edema was dose-related between 1.3 x 10(-5) and 2.5 x 10(-4) mol kg-1 when given before the inflammatory stimulus. The acid was able to reverse an established carrageenan-induced inflammatory response when administered 2 h after induction. Daily administration of mansumbinoic acid at a single dose level (1.5 x 10(-4) mol kg-1) significantly reduced joint swelling in adjuvant arthritis in rats. The results indicated that this compound is worthy of further investigation as an anti-inflammatory drug.
126 citations
TL;DR: The standardization methods used for the quality control of Ginkgo preparations as well as the question as to whether or not phytomedicine generics--so called "phytogenerics"--exist, is discussed.
Abstract: A survey of known and of recently isolated constituents from Ginkgo leaves is given. The structures of flavonoids and terpene lactones which are considered to be the active compounds as well as their qualitative and quantitative determination in Ginkgo leaves and phytomedicines are presented. In the case of flavonoid analysis three selective methods worked out in our laboratories are described. The quality control of terpene lactones is discussed on the basis of a recently published paper. Finally, the standardization methods used for the quality control of Ginkgo preparations as well as the question as to whether or not phytomedicine generics--so called "phytogenerics"--exist, is discussed.
123 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that alpha-pinene needs the integrity of the adrenal glands to exert its anti-inflammatory activity, as opposed to beta-caryophyllene which was also active in adrenolectomized animals.
Abstract: The essential oil of Bupleurum fruticescens was investigated qualitatively and quantitatively by GC and GC-MS analyses. The anti-inflammatory activity of the whole essential oil and its major components was also investigated in the rat hindpaw edema model induced by carrageenin or by PGE1. The anti-inflammatory activity shown by the essential oil can be attributed to the two major components, alpha-pinene and beta-caryophyllene. In order to know the role of the adrenal glands in the anti-inflammatory activity exerted by the two major components of the essential oil, they were studied against the carrageenin-induced hindpaw edema in adrenolectomized rats. It is concluded that alpha-pinene needs the integrity of the adrenal glands to exert its anti-inflammatory activity, as opposed to beta-caryophyllene which was also active in adrenolectomized animals.
123 citations
TL;DR: Antimicrobial, antiulcer, and cardiovascular activities are the most representative for this class of diterpenoids, while others like allergenic, antiallergic, filmogenic, surfactant, antifeedant, etc. activities are also reported.
Abstract: The biological activities of natural abietane acids and their derivatives have been reviewed from 1967 to 1992. Antimicrobial, antiulcer, and cardiovascular activities are the most representative for this class of diterpenoids, while others like allergenic, antiallergic, filmogenic, surfactant, antifeedant, etc. activities, which determine several uses of abietane acids, have also been reported.
108 citations
TL;DR: The development of the artemisinin content and of the biosynthetically related sesquiterpenes artemisinic acid, arteannuin B, and artemisitene in A. ANNUA plants was followed during a vegetation period in Vietnam, where this species is indigenous.
Abstract: The active principle of ARTEMISIA ANNUA L., artemisinin, is currently being developed to a registered antimalarial drug. For production purposes, plants with a high artemisinin content are required. We followed the development of the artemisinin content and of the biosynthetically related sesquiterpenes artemisinic acid, arteannuin B, and artemisitene in A. ANNUA plants, during a vegetation period in Vietnam, where this species is indigenous. In addition, the essential oil content and composition were studied. Samples of leaves, buds, flowers, or post-bloom flowers and fruits were taken at different stages: vegetative (5, 6, and 8 months old), at mass formation of buds (9 months), at full bloom (10 months), and post-bloom (10S months). The highest artemisinin content (0.86% dry wt) was present in the leaves of 5 months-old plants. At this stage also the highest leaf yield was found. Subsequently, the artemisinin content gradually dropped. At the age of 5 months the highest artemisinic acid and arteannuin B contents, 0.16 and 0.08% dry wt, respectively, were found as well. Artemisitene was present at all stages of development, ranging from 0.002 to 0.09% dry wt. With 1.9% v/w, the essential oil content was maximal just before flowering and was composed of 55% monoterpenes and 45% sesquiterpenes. At all other stages (0.4 - 1.0% v/w oil) this ratio was ca. 30%/70%. The main components of the oil were camphor and germacrene-D.
104 citations
TL;DR: Neem dose-dependently reduced gastric ulcer severity in rats subjected to stress and also decreased ethanol provoked gastric mucosal damage, which may explain, at least in part, the mode of the antiulcer action of neem.
Abstract: The antiulcer effect of aqueous extracts of the leaves of the neem tree was investigated in rats exposed to 2-h cold-restraint stress or given ethanol orally for 1 h. Extracts were administered in doses of 10, 40, or 160 mg leaf/kg body weight, either as single- or five-dose pretreatment regimens. Neem dose-dependently reduced gastric ulcer severity in rats subjected to stress and also decreased ethanol provoked gastric mucosal damage. The extract appeared to prevent mast cell degranulation and to increase the amount of adherent gastric mucus in stressed animals. These effects may explain, at least in part, the mode of the antiulcer action of neem.
TL;DR: The results suggest that the Panax ginseng G115 and the Ginkgo biloba GK501 extracts possess properties similar in every respect to those of nootropic drugs.
Abstract: In experiments on young (aged 3 months) and old (aged 26 months) rats, using some conditioned-reflex methods with punishment or positive reinforcement for active and passive avoidance (shuttle-box, step-down, step-through, and water maze), we studied the effects of the standardized extracts of Panax ginseng (G115), Ginkgo biloba (GK501) and their combination Gincosan (PHL-00701). The extracts were administered orally for 7 days before training at three increasing doses: 17, 50, and 150 mg/kg for G115; 10, 30, and 90 mg/kg for GK501; and 27, 80, and 240 mg/kg for PHL-00701. The two extracts and their combination improved the retention of learned behavior. This effect varied considerably with the extracts, with the dose and with the behavioral method used. The results suggest that the Panax ginseng G115 and the Ginkgo biloba GK501 extracts possess properties similar in every respect to those of nootropic drugs. The favorable effects on learning and memory of the combination of G115 plus GK501 and the other pharmacological activities inherent in the extracts characterize this combination, offered as Gincosan as a particularly promising drug in geriatric practice.
TL;DR: The oral administration of the pectin isolated from the fruit of Coccinia indica at a dose of 200 mg/100 g BW/day showed a significant hypoglycaemic action in normal rats.
Abstract: The hypoglycaemic effect of orally administered extracts of leaves and roots of Coccinia indica has been reported earlier. The oral administration of the pectin isolated from the fruit of the above plant at a dose of 200 mg/100 g BW/day showed a significant hypoglycaemic action in normal rats. Pectins isolated from many other plants have also been reported to have hypoglycaemic actions. The pectin administration resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose and an increase in the liver glycogen. Glycogen synthetase activity was highly significant. Incorporation of labelled glucose into hepatic glycogen was also found to be higher. A significant reduction in phosphorylase activity was noted in the pectin-administered groups.
TL;DR: Benzene extractable compounds of agarwood possess potent central nervous system depressant activities, according to neuropharmacological tests conducted with the extracts of petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, and water in mice.
Abstract: Agarwood (Jinkoh in Japanese) is an Oriental medicine for use as a sedative. Neuropharmacological studies have been conducted with the extracts of petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, and water from agarwood (Aquilaria sp.; probably Aquilaria malaccensis Benth.) in mice. The benzene extract showed a reducing effect in spontaneous motility, a prolonging effect on hexobarbiturate-induced sleeping time, a hypothermic effect in terms of rectal temperature, and a suppressive effect on acetic acid-writhing by oral administration. Fr. 1 of the three fractions which were obtained from the benzene extract by column chromatography was found to produce more positive effects on these neuropharmacological tests than the original benzene extract. These facts suggest that the benzene extractable compounds of agarwood possess potent central nervous system depressant activities.
TL;DR: Five new prenylated benzoic acid derivatives were isolated from the dried leaves of Piper aduncum L. (Piperaceae) and displayed significant antibacterial activities.
Abstract: Five new prenylated benzoic acid derivatives, methyl 3-(3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienyl)-4-methoxybenzoate (1), 1-(1-methylethyl)-4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl 3,5-bis(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-4-hydroxybenzoate (2), 1-(1-methylethyl)-4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl 3,5-bis(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-4-methoxybenzoate (3), methyl 3,5-bis(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-4-methoxybenzoate (4), and 4-hydroxy-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-5-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-benzoic acid (5) were isolated from the dried leaves of Piper aduncum L. (Piperaceae). Together with the new metabolites, four known prenylated benzoic acid derivatives, 3,5-bis(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-4-methoxybenzoic acid (6), 4-hydroxy-3,5-bis(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-benzoic acid (nervogenic acid, 7), methyl 4-hydroxy-3,5-bis(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-benzoate (8), and methyl 4-hydroxy-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-benzoate (9) as well as, dillapiol (10), myristicin, and the three sesquiterpenes humulene, caryophyllene epoxide, and humulene epoxide were isolated. Compounds 7, 8, and 9 are reported as natural products for the first time. The structures of the isolates were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, mainly 1D-and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. Isolates 4-7, 9, and 10 were molluscicidal while 2, 5-7, and 9 displayed significant antibacterial activities.
TL;DR: Three diarylheptanoids exerted significant anti-inflammatory activity in the assay of carrageenin-induced hind paw edema in rats and were identified by high-field 1H-NMR.
Abstract: Bioassay-guided fractionation of a hexane extract of the rhizomes of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. (Zingiberaceae) led to the isolation of three non-phenolic diarylheptanoids, identified mainly by high-field 1H-NMR as trans-trans-1,7-diphenyl-1,3-heptadien-4-one (alnustone), trans-1,7-diphenyl-1-hepten-5-ol, and trans,trans-1,7-diphenyl-1,3-heptadien-5-ol. The latter is reported for the first time as a plant constituent. Germacrone, curzerenone, and cinnamaldehyde were also isolated and identified. The three diarylheptanoids all exerted significant anti-inflammatory activity in the assay of carrageenin-induced hind paw edema in rats.
TL;DR: The essential oils of the aerial parts of Jasonia candicans and J. montana showed antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis and showed a marked antifungal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Candida albicans.
Abstract: The essential oils of the aerial parts of Jasonia candicans and J. montana were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) technique. Of twenty-one components identified in the volatile oil of J. candicans, intermediol was the main constituent. Fifty-eight components were characterized in the essential oil of J. montana. Camphor, borneol, bornyl acetate, chrysanthemol, intermediol, and 1,8-cineole were the major constituents in this oil. The two oils showed antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis. They also showed a marked antifungal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Candida albicans.
TL;DR: Only Glycyrrhiza glabra extract showed antimutagenic activity against ethyl methanesulfonate and ribose-lysine Maillard model systems, and 18 beta-Glycyrrhetinic acid was the most active compound.
Abstract: The effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extract, glycyrrhizinic acid, 18 alpha- and 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acids on the mutagenicity of the ethyl methanesulfonate, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, and ribose-lysine Maillard model systems were investigated by using the Salmonella/microsome reversion assay. The protocol used allowed us to detect desmutagenic and antimutagenic activity and to avoid false positive results due to toxicity. For all the compounds tested, no desmutagenic activity was observed against ethyl methanesulfonate and N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine; only Glycyrrhiza glabra extract showed antimutagenic activity against ethyl methanesulfonate. On using the ribose-lysine mutagenic browning mixture, the desmutagenic activities of the Glycyrrhiza glabra extract, glycyrrhizinic acid, 18 alpha- and 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acids were observed. 18 beta-Glycyrrhetinic acid was the most active compound. Glycyrrhiza glabra extract also exhibited antimutagenic activity against ribose-lysine.
TL;DR: Nineteen cyclolignans of varied structures, most of them isolated from Juniperus sabina leaves, were evaluated for their antineoplastic and antiviral activities, with deoxypodophyllotoxin and beta-peltatin A methyl ether being the most potent compounds.
Abstract: Nineteen cyclolignans of varied structures, most of them isolated from Juniperus sabina leaves, were evaluated for their antineoplastic and antiviral activities. They were subjected to screening against P-388 murine leukemia, A-549 human lung carcinoma, and HT-29 colon carcinoma, while the antiviral assays were performed on herpes simplex virus type 1 infecting fibroblasts of monkey kidney (HSV-1/CV-1) and on vesicular stomatitis virus infecting fibroblasts of hamster kidney (VSV/BHK). A number of substances were active in both types of assays at concentrations below 1 microgram/ml; deoxypodophyllotoxin and beta-peltatin A methyl ether being the most potent compounds in all cases, with IC50 values in the range 2.5-4 ng/ml for the three neoplastic systems.
TL;DR: A new compound kaempferol 3-O-alpha-L-(2"-E-p-coumaroyl)-rhamnopyranoside is identified from the methanolic extract of Platanus orientalis L. buds, as well as the known flavonoids.
Abstract: A new compound kaempferol 3-O-alpha-L-(2"-E-p-coumaroyl)-rhamnopyranoside, as well as the known flavonoids, kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-(6"-E-p-coumaroyl)-glucopyranoside, kaempferol 3-O-alpha-L-(2",3"-di-E-p-coumaroyl)-rhamnopyranoside, and caffeic acid were obtained from the methanolic extract of Platanus orientalis L. buds. All the compounds were isolated by column chromatography and identified using 1H-NMR, 2D-1H-NMR (COSY), 1H-13C-NMR, and CIDMS techniques. Cytotoxic and antimicrobial studies were carried out in vitro against human cell lines and against Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms.
TL;DR: Observations suggest that the gastroprotective effects of the flavonoid fraction from D. viscosa could be partly explained through non-prostaglandin-dependent mechanisms.
Abstract: Investigations were carried out to determine the gastroprotective effects of the flavonoid fraction of Dittrichia viscosa (L.) W. Greuter against gastric lesions produced by necrotizing agents. The action of the fraction on the production of mucus, and the involvement of endogenous PGs in gastric mucosal defensive mechanisms were also determined. Gastric ulcers induced by oral administration of three necrotic agents (100% ethanol, 0.6 N HCl, 30% NaCl) were markedly reduced by pretreatment with the flavonoid extract at doses from 125 to 500 mg/kg p.o. and the reduction at the highest dose (500 mg/kg p.o.) was practically complete. Flavonoid fraction pretreatment also increased mucus production and glycoprotein content. In addition, intraperitoneal administration of indomethacin (10 mg/kg i.p.) to animals treated with the extract (500 mg/kg) partially inhibited gastric protection but the PGE2 determination did not show an increase in prostanoid level. These observations suggest that the gastroprotective effects of the flavonoid fraction from D. viscosa could be partly explained through non-prostaglandin-dependent mechanisms.
TL;DR: Artificial near-ultraviolet light with a peak at 370 nm and the light of natural radiation with wavelengths between 290 and 380 nm stimulated the synthesis of dimeric indole alkaloids in intact plants of CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS, suggesting that near-ULTraviolet light is necessary for catharanthine oxidation as a trigger reaction of dimer synthesis in the plants.
Abstract: Artificial near-ultraviolet light with a peak at 370 nm and the light of natural radiation with wavelengths between 290 and 380 nm stimulated the synthesis of dimeric indole alkaloids in intact plants of CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS. The artificial light also specifically stimulated an IN VITRO FMN-mediated, non-enzymatic coupling of vindoline and catharanthine to synthesize an iminium intermediate, the IN VIVO precursor of dimeric alkaloid synthesis. These results suggest that near-ultraviolet light is necessary for catharanthine oxidation as a trigger reaction of dimer synthesis in the plants.
TL;DR: Three active principles isolated from the leaf of Melastoma candidum possess the ability to lower blood pressure through a decrease of sympathetic tone as well as due to direct vasodilatation in SHRs.
Abstract: Three active principles were isolated from the leaf of Melastoma candidum using the screening of hypotensive effects on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Intravenous injection of castalagin, procyanidin B-2, or helichrysoside into SHR lowered the mean blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner, with helichrysoside being the most potent compound. Plasma noradrenaline (NA) levels, both basal in SHR and elevated in normal rats through cold-stress stimulation, were attenuated by these compounds in a way which was not influenced by adrenalectomy. Decrease of NA release from sympathetic nerves was assumed to be responsible. Moreover, the hypertensive effect of various vasoconstrictors in anesthetized rats was reduced by helichrysoside. The same results were also observed in castalagin or procyanidin B-2 treated animals. The results indicate that the three principles possess the ability to lower blood pressure through a decrease of sympathetic tone as well as due to direct vasodilatation in SHRs.
TL;DR: The alkaloid contents were found to be higher in the internodes of the herbs and in those items with thin stems, more powdery and less fibrous characters, and there were no indications for alkaloids in the roots of the plants.
Abstract: A total of 22 commercial Ephedra herba samples which belonged to EPHEDRA SINICA, E. INTERMEDIA, E. EQUISETINA, and E. DISTACHYA, respectively, were collected from the Taiwan herbal market. The contents of the six ephedrine alkaloids - ephedrine (E), pseudoephedrine (PE), methylephedrine (ME), methyl-pseudoephedrine (MPE), norephedrine (NE), and nor-pseudoephedrine (NPE) - in these samples were determined by capillary electrophoresis and were found to differ greatly among the samples. Generally, E. SINICA was superior (1.594 +/- 0.467%) and E. INTERMEDIA was inferior (1.210 +/- 0.372%). Among the individual constituents, the sum of E and PE contents in each sample was about nine-tenths of the total alkaloids, and the ratios of E/PE, ME/MPE, and NE/NPE in the given species were definite and could be used to aid in identifying the origin of the herbs. The alkaloid contents were found to be higher in the internodes of the herbs and in those items with thin stems, more powdery and less fibrous characters. There were no indications for alkaloids in the roots of the plants.
TL;DR: It is suggested that the ethanol-insoluble fraction of ginseng shows antitumor effects as an immunomodulator.
Abstract: The water extract of Panax ginseng was fractionated by its solubility in ethanol and then the ethanol-insoluble fraction was tested for immunomodulatory activity. The ethanol-insoluble fraction of ginseng (Fr. 3) proliferated splenocytes and generated activated killer cells in vitro. These activated killer cells killed both NK cell sensitive and insensitive tumor target cells without MHC-restriction. Activation of splenocytes by ginseng was mediated through the endogenously produced IL-2. To investigate the effects of Fr.3 on the autochthonous neoplasm, a single subcutaneous injection of 0.5 mg of benzo[a]pyrene (BP) was given within 24 hours after birth of male N: GP(S) mice, and Fr.3 was administered in drinking water at a concentration of 2 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml, or 0.5 mg/ml for 6 weeks after weaning. The treatment with Fr. 3 significantly inhibited lung tumor incidence (P < 0.05) compared with the BP alone group at a concentration of 2 mg/ml or 1 mg/ml in drinking water at the 9th week after BP treatment. These results suggest that the ethanol-insoluble fraction of ginseng shows antitumor effects as an immunomodulator.
TL;DR: In vivo skin penetration studies of Chamomile flavones apigenin, luteolin, and apigin 7-O-beta -glucoside were carried out with nine healthy, female volunteers as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: In vivo skin penetration studies of the Chamomile flavones apigenin, luteolin and apigenin 7-O-beta -glucoside were carried out with nine healthy, female volunteers. During seven h, the decline of flavonoid concn. in a satd. aq. alc. soln. filled in glass application chambers were repeatedly measured by spectrophotometry at fixed time periods. The max. fluxes were calcd. From the graph of the max. flux values as a function of time, it was concluded that the flavonoids are not only adsorbed at the skin surface, but also penetrate into deeper skin layers. This is important for their topical use as antiphlogistic agents.
TL;DR: It is concluded that the active principle could be useful in the treatment of gastro-intestinal human diseases and that Petasites hybridus may contribute to the inhibition of calcium-dependent processes such as leukotriene biosynthesis.
Abstract: Extracts from Petasites hybridus are in therapeutic use for more than 2000 years. They have been claimed to improve gastrointestinal pain, lung-diseases such as asthma and cough, as well as spasms of the urogenital-tract. We have investigated these claims in animal models of gastro-intestinal ulcers and confirmed that alcoholic extracts of Petasites hybridus block the ethanol-induced gastric damage and reduce small intestinal ulcerations induced in rats by indomethacin. Searching for a possible mode of action, we found that ethanolic extracts of Petasites hybridus inhibit the peptido-leukotriene biosynthesis in mouse peritoneal macrophages but leave prostaglandin biosynthesis unimpaired. We conclude that the active principle could be useful in the treatment of gastro-intestinal human diseases and that Petasites hybridus may contribute to the inhibition of calcium-dependent processes such as leukotriene biosynthesis.