Showing papers on "Medicinal plants published in 2004"

Prioritization of medicinal plants on the basis of available knowledge, existing practices and use value status in Uttaranchal, India

Abstract: In order to understand the pattern of indigenous uses of medicinal plants available in the Uttaranchal state of the Indian Himalaya, this study was undertaken through literature survey and fieldwork in various parts of the state. A list of all the major and most of the lesser categories of ailments was prepared and categorized with the help of medical practitioners. A total of 300 plant species used in curing 114 ailments prevailing in various ethnic and non-ethnic communities of Uttaranchal were documented. These 114 ailments were further grouped into 12 broad classes of diseases in order to project the indigenous uses of medicinal plants for various ailments. It was found that herbs contributed the highest number of medicinal plants (65%), followed by shrubs (19%) and trees (16%). The maximum number of plant species were used to cure generalized body aches and colic, followed by gastrointestinal and dermatological problems. Vitex negundo was the most important species, used for the treatment of more than 48 ailments. Azadirachta indica, Woodfordia fruticosa, Centella asiatica, Aegle marmelos, Cuscuta reflexa, Butea monosperma, Phyllanthus emblica, and Euphorbia hirta were among other important medicinal plants based on their high use values. The underground parts of the plant were used in the majority of cases. Of 300 medicinal plants, 35 were rare and endangered species, of which about 80% was restricted to the high altitude alpine region of Uttaranchal Himalaya. A priority list of 17 medicinal plant species was prepared on the basis of endemism, use value, mode of harvesting and rarity status. Strategies for long-term conservation of these valuable medicinal plants are discussed.

Antimicrobial activity of natural products from medicinal plants

Abstract: In the recent years, research on medicinal plants has attracted a lot of attentions globally Large body of evidence has accumulated to demonstrate the promising potential of Medicinal Plants used in various traditional, complementary and alternate systems of treatment of human diseases Plants are rich in a wide variety of secondary metabolites such as tannins terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, etc, which have been found in vitro to have antimicrobial properties1,2

Screening of antibacterial and antifungal activities of ten medicinal plants from Ghana

Abstract: The screening of African medicinal plants, utilized in traditional herbal remedies in Ghana West Africa for their antibacterial and antifungals activities, is reported in this paper. Of ten plants tested, extracts of five (Phyllanthus niruri, Ageratum conyzoides, Acanthospermum hispidum, Cassia alata, and Sida acuta) had activity against the Gram positive microorganism Staphylococcus aureus including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). None of these ten plants have previously had their anti-MRSA activity or lack of activity documented. Hexane extracts from three plants (Portulaca quadrifida, Ageratum conyzoides, and Newbouldia lavis) show remarkable anti-fungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus. Four plants (Phyllanthus niruri, Portulaca quadrifida, Ageratum conyzoides, and Newbouldia laevis) have strong anti-Candida activity. This paper may be the first documentation of Portulaca quadrifida in vitro anti-C. albicans and anti-A. fumigatus activity.

Comparision of SOD Activity and Phenolic Compound Contents in Various Korean Medicinal Plants

Abstract: 82 species of Korean medicinal plants were measured to their SOD (superoxide dismutase) activity, total phenol and individual phenol compounds. The SOD activity of medicinal plants was varied from 3.67% to 48.3%, and especially, 4 species including Polygala tenuifolia Willd. showed activity over 40% higher than other species. The 16 individual phenol compounds concentrations have a severe variation in medicinal plants. Codonopsis lanceolata is the highest concentration , and 10 species including Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch were showed to concentrations more than . And also, salicylic acid was generally found in many plants, but trans-cinnamic acid, naringenin and kampferol was little found in plants. The total phenol by Folin-Dennis methods showed a respectively variation in 82 medicinal plants, and 7 species including Astragalus membranaceus showed low total phenol concentrations less than . In conclusion, we expect that selecting medicinal plants with high biological activity might develop to chemicals related to antioxidants, as well as these become most popular substance at many industrial materials, and suggest to more researchs in future.

Free radical scavenging activity of some Bangladeshi plant extracts

Abstract: A number of plants from different geographical origins have been shown to possess antioxidant activity. Some of them have been developed as natural antioxidant formulations for food, cosmetic and other applications. Bangladeshi flora is a rich source of a range of plant species, many of which are medicinal plants, and have been used in the preparations of the Unani and Ayurvedic traditional medicines. There are no, or just a few, reports on any systematic screening of the extracts of Bangladeshi plants for free radical scavenging activity using DPPH assay available to date. As part of our on-going search for biological activity in Bangladeshi plants, Kadam (Anthocephalus chinensis), Goran (Ceriaps decandra), Swarnalata (Cuscuta reflexa), Gab (Diospyros peregrina), Sundari (Heritiera fomes), Dhundul (Xylocarpus granatum) and Possur (Xylocarpus mekongensis) have been selected for the assessment of their free radical scavenging activity, and studies on the contents of alkaloids, anthraqunones, flavonoids and tannins in these extracts. Most of these species have been used in traditional medicine in Bangladesh and other countries for the treatment of various illnesses ranging from common cold to cancer. All extracts, except the methanol extract of Cuscuta reflexa, displayed significant free radical scavenging activity in the DPPH assay values within the range of . Among these extracts, the methanol extract of Xylocarpus granatum exhibited the most potent activity and that of Cuscuta reflexa had the least activity . While none of these plants showed positive tests with Dragendorff's reagent, presence of low to moderate amounts of phenolic compounds, e.g. anthraquinones, flavonoids and tannins was evident in all of these plants, except for the methanolic extracts of C. reflexa and the barks of D. peregrina, which did not display any evidence for the presence of flavonoids and anthraquinones, respectively.

In vitro anti-leukemic and antiviral activities of traditionally used medicinal plants in Taiwan.

Abstract: Medicinal plants have been historically used as treatment for different kinds of human diseases. In this study, hot water (HW) extract of five Taiwanese traditionally used medicinal plants was evaluated for their in vitro anti-leukemic (including anti-K562, L1210, P3HR1, Raji and U937 leukemia cells) and antiviral (including HSV-1 and HSV-2) activities. Results showed that Blumea lacera exhibited broad anti-leukemic activity at magnitudes ranging from moderate to mild and Ixeris chinensis is effective at inhibiting the proliferation of K562 cells. B. lacera and Tithonia diversifolia suppressed the replication of HSV-1 and HSV-2, and had IC50 values below 100 μg/ml. The medicinal plants showed no cytotoxic effect at concentrations that inhibited HSV infection. It was, therefore, concluded that the HW extract of tested medicinal plants exhibited anti-leukemic and antiviral activities at different magnitudes of potency.

Bioactive alkaloids from medicinal plants of Bhutan

Abstract: Natural products had been indispensably used by many cultures and traditions in folklore medicines for thousands of years. These traditional medicines cater to about 85% of the world population for their primary health care needs. Natural products have been intensively explored also for their bioactive pharmacophores by modern pharmaceutical companies. In fact they are the skeletal framework of about 60% of the modern drugs that are available today. Of these, about 80% of antibacterial drugs and 90% of antimalarial drugs are natural derivatives. One of the interesting secondary metabolite groups which provides these potent drug leads are the alkaloids. Owing to their broad range of bioactivities, bioprospecting for these natural products are undertaken in many countries. In this study, on the molecular basis of traditional medicine of Bhutan, particularly those with potential antimicrobial components, four alkaloid positive medicinal plants, i.e. Aconitum orochryseum Stapf, Corydalis gerdae Fedde, Rununculus brotherusi Freyn and an Australian naturalized plant Tribulus terrestris Linn, but also used in Bhutan, were selected for phytochemical analysis. Bhutanese traditional medicines use Aconitum orochryseum (whole parts) for the treatment of bilious fever or high fever related to bile disorders including cold and flu, fever of bile (liver), fever caused by malaria, snake bites and for treating blood infections. Corydalis gerdae (whole parts) is used for the treatment of malaria and infections. Ranunculus brotherusi (aerial parts) is used for treating wounds, pus, infections and as antipyretics. Tribulus terrestris (fruit) is used for the treatment of arthritis, kidney diseases and as a diuretic. Though Tribulus terrestris and Ranunculus brotherusi failed to give any alkaloids, a number of new as well as known alkaloids were isolated from Aconitum orochryseum and Corydalis gerdae. Three new hetisane type diterpenoid alkaloids named orochrine, 2-O-acetylorochrine, and lingshinaline, together with two known alkaloids atisinium chloride and virescenine and six other unidentified alkaloids, were isolated from Aconitum orochryseum. The structures of the new alkaloids were elucidated by ¹H-NMR, gCOSY, gNOESY, TOCSY, ¹³C-NMR, DEPT, gHSQC and gHMBC spectral data analysis. Atisinium chloride, a major alkaloid of the plant, was identified by single crystal X-ray crystallography. Four known protopine type and protoberberine type isoquinoline alkaloids (protopine, scoulerine, cheilanthifoline, and stylopine) along with one unidentified alkaloid were isolated from Corydalis gerdae. The protopine was the major alkaloid of this plant. The alkaloids were identified by MS and ¹H-NMR spectral data comparison. The antibacterial testing of crude methanol extracts, crude alkaloids and the major alkaloids (atisinium chloride, orochrine and protopine) of these two plants were found inactive against the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = >125 μg/ml) and Vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium (MIC = >125 μg/ml). But the in vitro antimalarial assay of crude methanol extracts, crude alkaloids, atisinium chloride, protopine, and cheilanthifoline gave very significant activity against Plasmodium falciparum, TM4 and K1 strains. Crude methanol extract (AO-ME) of Aconitum orochryseum was not that active (IC₅₀ of >10 μg/ml for both the strains). Increased activity was observed for its crude alkaloid (AOCEA) with IC₅₀ values of 20.40 μg/ml against TM4 and 19.20 μg/ml against K1 strains. The activity was further increased for atisinium chloride with IC₅₀ values of 4.02 μM against TM4/8.2 and 3.59 μM against K1CB1 strains. The antimalarial activity was better for the extracts and alkaloids of Corydalis gerdae. Its crude methanol extract (CG-ME) had the IC₅₀ values of 1.00 μg/ml against TM4 strain and 2.56 μg/ml against K1 strain. The activity of crude alkaloid of this plant was far better with IC₅₀ values of 0.33 μg/ml against TM4 strain and 0.63 μg/ml against K1 strain. Protopine had IC₅₀ values of 4.25 μM against TM4/8.2 and 4.29 μM against K1CB1 strains. Cheilanthifoline had the IC₅₀ values of 3.76 μM against K1 and 2.78 μM against TM4 strains. These alkaloids have the potential to become candidates for antimalarial leads. Similar activities may be expected from other alkaloids including new ones isolated from these two plants. Therefore, the combination of these two plant extracts would make the best antimalarial herbal mixture for Bhutanese traditional medicines. The results proved that ethno-directed biorational approach, combined with an alkaloid focus, is an efficient strategy for drug lead discovery. The results also proved for the first time at the molecular level that Bhutanese traditional medicines have clinical efficacy. The medicinal plants of Bhutan thus have potential to provide important new drug leads. Bioprospecting them would benefit local people, pharmaceutical industries and the patients at large.

Medicinal use of some plants in Galicia (NW Spain)

Abstract: In recent years, modern medicine has largely replaced traditional medicine and phytotherapy has been substituted for the use of chemically synthesized products. In this work, information has been collected through interviews on traditional therapeutic use of 84 species belonging to 38 families of medicinal plants with the aim to rescue and preserve a part of Galician traditional culture. Lamiaceae and Asteraceae have provided the higher number of species of medicinal interest (29 %), followed by Liliaceae, Poaceae and Rosaceae. The plants used more frequently and which present more diversified uses are Rosmarinus officinalis and Sambucus nigra. Other plants which are often employed are Ruta graveolens, Urtica dioica, Malva sp., Juglans regia and Allium sativum. The parts of the plant more frequently used are leaves, flowers, underground parts and fruits, in decreasing order. The most usual preparation method is infusion (42 %) and, as regards to therapeutic use, the treatments for internal administration (60 %) are more common that the ones for external application. Some new medicinal uses are reported from species such as: Taxus baccata, Saxifraga spathularis, Taraxacum officinale, Osmunda regalis or Sylibum marianum.

Comparison of Resveratrol Contents in Medicinal Plants

Abstract: Secondary phenolic metabolites play an important role in plant defense mechanisms, and increasing evidence indicates that many phenolic compounds are important in human health. To date, few studies have investigated the impact of various medicinal plants on levels of secondary plant metabolites. To address this issue, 82 species of Korean medicinal plants were screened to determine their resveratrol contents. Among 82 medicinal plants, 5 species such as Gardenia jasmonoides, Phlomis umbrosa, Rheum palmatum L., Polygala tenuifolia, Rubus chingii HU contained relatively high concentrations of resveratrol . But, 40 species including Adenophora triphylla var. japonica HARA were only observed low concentrations or trace of resveratrol, and 20 species including Alpinia officinarum HANCE did not contain a resveratrol.

Studies on Extracts of Some Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used for Dermatological Disorders in Ethiopia

Abstract: The majority of the populations in the developing world rely on traditional medicine for their primary healthcare needs. Herbal therapy predominates in traditional medical practices as well as in complimentary/alternative medicine practiced in the developed world. Among the indications where traditional herbal medicines are used, skin and skin related disorders, which also happen to be common diseases in the communities, rank among the top. This study had the objective of evaluating the extracts of four medicinal plants traditionally used for skin diseases, namely Inula confertiflora, Clematis simensis, Zehneria scabra and Pycnostachys abyssinica, for some of their claimed activities by both in vitro and in vivo methods. The 80 % methanol extract of the dried, ground plant materials was prepared. The plant extracts were then tested for antimicrobial activity against common bacterial and fungal pathogens by the agar well diffusion method. Furthermore, the 80% methanol extract of I. confertiflora was subjected to minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, in vivo studies such as antiinflammatory and skin sensitization tests as well as in vitro tests such as preliminary screening for the presence of some plant constituents, TLC analysis, and evaluation of topical antimicrobial formulations of the plant extracts. The results of the study indicated all of the plant extracts to exhibit antimicrobial activities against one of the most common bacterial pathogens, namely Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC). Although these activities were not impressive especially as compared to the positive control used, they lend some credibility to the traditional uses of the plants. Good antifungal activity was demonstrated by one of the plant extracts (I. confertiflora) against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, which was further corroborated by the agar dilution method. I. confertiflora (80% methanol) extract proved to exert a good anti-inflammatory activity at a dose of 1000 mg/kg but not at a lower dose (500 mg/ml) in the carrageenan-induced paw edema test. These activities support the traditional use of this plant. Furthermore, the 80% methanol extract of I. confertiflora, was not found to be a skin sensitizer in the mouse ear swelling test as opposed to its petroleum ether counterpart, which demonstrated a strong sensitizing property. Some secondary metabolites such as sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids were detected, which may be responsible for some of the demonstrated pharmacological activities of this plant. Evaluation of topical formulations of the 80% methanol extract of I. confertiflora demonstrated that the hydrophilic formulations exhibited higher antimicrobial activities compared to the lipophilic formulations. The activity of the hydrophilic formulations against T. mentagrophytes was comparable to the commercially available antifungal products tested. These bases could thus be used as a starting point for further formulation studies.

Evaluation of some medicinal plant species for their antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, the black rot pathogen of cabbage

Abstract: Black rot of cabbage caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is one of the most important bacterial diseases that causes considerable loss to the crop. Continuous cropping of the same species on the same piece of land has created favourable conditions for the establishment of this disease. Though, antibiotics of streptomycin group are routinely recommended for the management of this disease, their use over large acreage is not economically feasible. Extracts of several plant species like Datura metel (Datura), Allium sativum (Garlic), Zingiber officinale (Ginger) and weeds such as Parthenium hysterophorus (Congress grass), Spiranthus indicus (Gorakhmundi) were tried and reported effective against clinical and plant pathogens (11,13). However, a wealth of medicinal herbs naturally grown in side the forest of Chhattisgarh and used for the treatment of human diseases either traditionally by the local Baigas and Baidya or used commercially in the preparation of various ayurvedic medicine have not been tested against plant pathogens. Many species of these plants have been reported to possess antibacterial properties against human pathogens (1,4,5). Some of the medicinal plant species have also been identified to have antibacetrial properties against plant pathogens (8,9). Therefore a study was undertaken to identify and evaluate the medicinal herbs and shrubs prevalent in the forest area of Chhattisgarh for their efficacy against Xcc.

Antioxidant Effects of Some Medicinal Plants

Abstract: Introduction: Unsaturated fatty acids , one of the most important components of biological membranes , are very sensitive to oxidation processes. Damage to cells and tissues by oxidation of these kinds of acids is one of the most important contributing factors in many diseases, such as, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. There are some available antioxidant synthetic compounds in market, but because of their side effects (toxic effects), they have not been used as antioxidant drug for now. Medicinal plants, as the main natural sources of polyphenolic compounds, are interested for their antioxidant effects. The aim of this study is to examine the antioxidant effescts of some medicinal plants (of labiatae family) which are native to Iran. Materials and Methods: The effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of six medicinal plants from Labiatae family (Salvia officinalis, Melissa officinalis, Thymus daenensis, Dracocephalum kotschyi, Lavandula angustifolia and Dracocephalum moldavica) on decreasing oxidation of rats’ hepatocytes were investigated. These effects were meseared by formation of MDA and leakage value of SGOT and LDL. Results : This study indicated that, total extracts of Salvia officinalis and Melissa officinalis (with minimum concentration of 0.01mg/mL) and Thymus daenensis and Dracocephalum kotschyi (with minimum concentration of 0.05mg/mL) have more and better antioxidant effects. However, no antioxidant effects were seen from total extracts of Lavandula angustifolia and Dracocephalum moldavica. Conclusion: It can be said that total extract of Melissa officinalis has the best antioxidant effect among the six species which were investigated.

Breeding Research on Aromatic and Medicinal Plants

Abstract: Women and Plants is a valuable collection of case studies from areas in Latin America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. These case studies work together to help us gain a better understanding of the intricate relationship between women, plants, and the environment. The contributors of this book come from many disciplines, such as, ethnobotany, geography, agronomy, anthropology, sociology, nutrition, and gender studies. These contributors have done a wonderful job stressing the importance of including women in ethnobotanical research, in resource management planning, and in the conservation of biodiversity and certain native plant species. They have taken on the task of discussing the gender biases evident in most current scientific research, policy, and development practice relating to biodiversity management and land issues. The many international case studies offer superb examples of the vital roles women play throughout the world in their families, their communities, and their natural environments. The chapters in this book are neatly organized into five parts, each containing case studies that truly build on each other. Each part presents a theme that is essential to the analysis of women and gender relations in people–plant relationships. Part 1—Culture, Kitchen and Conservation; Part 2—Gender Relations, Women’s Rights and Plant Management; Part 3—Gendered Plant Knowledge in Science and Society; Part 4— Plants, Women’s Status and Welfare; Part 5—Gender, Biodiversity Loss and Conservation. The design of the book is visually appealing and organized. I especially like the cover photograph and the choice of colors for the cover. I personally would have appreciated one or two photographs for each of the case studies. These could have been photographs of the women, their daily activities, their fields, plant collecting areas, important plants, etc. Photos such as these sprinkled throughout the text would pull the reader into the lives of these women at a greater and a more personal level. Also, a map of the study site for each of the case studies would have been helpful in mentally picturing where these studies occurred. I feel that these two additions would highlight the culturally and geographically diverse focus of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and feel as though my mind has been intellectually and culturally fed and opened at the same time. I now have a much greater understanding of and respect for those many unnoticed and unknown women whose rich knowledge is an important key to the survival of the environment and ethnobotanical knowledge. This book has definitely inspired me to take on a different and more encompassing approach when conducting ethnobotanical research in the future. I recommend this book to anyone interested in ethnobotany, gender relations, or the conservation of biodiversity and of traditional knowledge and cultures. In fact, anyone remotely interested in the health of this planet and its many inhabitants should read this book.

Medicinal plants and herbs of newfoundland. part 1. chemical constituents of the aerial part of pineapple weed (matricaria matricarioides)

Abstract: The aerial part of Pineapple weed (Matricaria matricarioides), an adulterant of Chamomile, was investigated for its chemical constituents. Nine compounds were isolated and identified as two spiroethers [cis - en - yn - dicycloether 1 and trans - en - yn - dicycloether 2], three coumarins [7 - methoxycoumarin (Herniarin) 3, umbelliferone 4 and 7 - methoxy - 3, 4 - dihydrocoumarin 5], phytol 6, luteolin - 7 glucoside 7, (Z) - 2 - β - D - Glucopyranosyloxyl - 4 - methoxycinnamic acid 8, and (E) - 2 - β -DGlucopyranosyloxyl - 4 - methoxycinnamic acid 9. By GC-MS analysis, the major components of the steam distilled volatile oil were identified as trans-en-yn-dicycloether and cis-en- yn-dicycloether, with the trans-form being more abundant than the cis-form. The results indicated some similarities between the constituents of Pineapple weed and those of German Chamomile. All these nine compounds are reported for the first time from Pineapple weed growing in Newfoundland. Compound 5 is reported from this plant genus for the first time.