Showing papers on "Strychnos nux-vomica published in 2012"

Strynuxlines A and B, Alkaloids with an Unprecedented Carbon Skeleton from Strychnos nux-vomica

Abstract: The investigation of the seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica led to the isolation of two novel indole alkaloids, strynuxlines A (1) and B (2), with an unprecedented 6/5/9/6/7/6 hexacyclic ring system. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated on the basis of their MS, NMR, and ECD data. A plausible biosynthesis pathway of 1 and 2 is also proposed.

A new method for the simultaneous analysis of strychnine and brucine in Strychnos nux-vomica unprocessed and processed seeds using a carbon-paste electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Introduction Strychnos nux-vomica L. (Loganiaceae), widely used in folk medicine, is grown extensively in southern Asian countries. Its major bioactive constituents are strychnine and brucine, which are frequently used in traditional herbal medicines for treatment of nervous diseases, vomiting and traumatic pain. Objective A new method using a carbon-paste electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT/CPE) was developed and validated for single or simultaneous determination of strychnine and brucine in Strychnos nux-vomica seeds. Additionally, an environmentally friendly method was successfully applied to reduce the levels of strychnine and brucine in seeds. Materials and methods Cyclic voltammetry, chronocoulometry and differential pulse voltammetry were used with multi-walled carbon nanotube modified carbon-paste electrodes. Results The peak currents increase linearly with the strychnine and brucine concentrations in the ranges of 50–1000 and 5–355 µ m, and the detection limits for strychnine and brucine were 0.43 and 0.28 µ m, respectively. Of the processing methods used, the greatest reduction in the strychnine and brucine levels was observed in samples processed using milk and saltwater. Conclusion A new, sensitive and selective method was developed for the measurement of strychnine and brucine. This method was successfully applied to the determination of strychnine and brucine in unprocessed and processed Strychnos nux-vomica seed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Apoptotic Effect of Brucine from the Seed of Strychnos nux-vomica on Human Hepatoma Cells is Mediated via Bcl-2 and Ca 2+ Involved Mitochondrial Pathway

Abstract: In an attempt to dissect the mechanism of Strychnos nuxvomica, a commonly used Chinese folk medicine in the therapy of liver cancer, the cytotoxic effects of four alkaloids in Strychnos nux-vomica, brucine, brucine N-oxide, strychnine, and isostrychnine, on human hepatoma cells (HepG2) were screened by 3-(4,5dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrasolium bromide (MTT) assay. Brucine, among the four alkaloids, exhibited the strongest toxic effect, the mechanism of which was found to cause HepG2 cell apoptosis, since brucine caused HepG2 cell shrinkage, the formation of apoptotic bodies, DNA fragmentation, cell cycle arrest, as well as phosphatidylserine externalization, all of which are typical characteristics of apoptotic programmed cell death. Brucine-induced HepG2 cell apoptosis was caspase dependent, with caspase-3 activated by caspase-9. Brucine also caused the proteolytic processing of caspase-9. In addition, brucine caused depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane of HepG2 cells, the inhibition of which by cyclosporine A completely abrogated the activation of casapses and release of cytochrome c in brucinetreated HepG2 cells. These findings suggested a pivotal role of mitochondrial membrane depolarization in HepG2 cell apoptosis elicited by brucine. Furthermore, brucine induced a rapid and sustained elevation of intracellular [Ca 2+ ], which compromised the mitochondrial membrane potential and triggered the process of HepG2 cell apoptosis. Finally, Bcl-2 was found to predominately control the whole event of cell apoptosis induced by brucine. The elevation of [Ca 2+ ]i caused by brucine was also suppressed by overexpression of Bcl-2 protein in HepG2 cells. From the facts given above, Ca 2+ and Bcl-2 mediated mitochondrial pathway

A cytotoxic agent from Strychnos nux - vomica and biological evaluation of its modified analogues

Abstract: Although a number of chemicals have been isolated from Strychnos nux-vomica, only a few have been evaluated for their biological significance. As a part of our drug discovery programme for cytotoxic agents from Indian medicinal plants, a novel cytotoxic agent, loganin 1 was isolated from the fruit pulp of S. nux-vomica. The loganin 1 showed significant anticancer activity against the human liver (WRL-68), colon (COLO-320 and CaCo2), ovarian (PA-1) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines. Loganin 1 was further chemically transformed into eleven semi-synthetic derivatives 2–12 of which 2′,3′,4′,7-tetra-O-acetyl-6′-O-(3′′′, 4′′′, 5′′′)-trimethoxybenzoyl loganin 11 and 2′,3′,4′,7-tetra-O-acetyl-6′-O-lauroyl loganin 6 derivatives showed eight, 13 and three times while 2′,3′,4′,7-tetra-O-acetyl-6′-O-lauroyl loganin 6 showed equal, 13 and two times more activity against human suspension colon (CaCo2), adherent colon (COLO-320) and liver (WRL-68) cancer cell lines, respectively, than the known anticancer agent, vinblastine. The other analogues (except 4, 8 and 9) and loganin also showed marginal to moderate anticancer activity against the five tested human cancer cell lines.

Antimicrobial Activity of Strychnos nux-vomica Linn and Cassia angustifolia Linn

Abstract: The antimicrobial effect of some selected Indian medicinal plants Strychnos nux-vomica and Cassia angustifolia, were selected. The solvents used for the extraction of plant leaves were n-butanol, methanol and distilled water. The invitro antimicrobial activity was performed by agar well diffusion method. The most susceptible gram-positive bacteria was Staphylococcus and Salmonella while other most susceptible gram negative bacteria was klebsiella pneumonia and fungal species namely Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. The n-butanol extract of plant Strychnos nux-vomica and Cassia angustifolia, inhibit all the bacterial and fungal strains investigated. The most active extract was compared with the standard antibiotics, penicillin, streptomycin and ampicillin with 100mg disc. In the present study Strychnos nuxvoimica and Cassia angustifolia showed maximum inhibition against the fungal and bacterial organisms tested. Thus the n-butanol plant extracts could be used to control the above microbes.

Rituals can kill - A fatal case of brucine poisoning.

Abstract: In some parts of India people follow a religious ritual of drinking an herbal preparation made from the bark of the Alstonia scholaris tree (Blackboard tree) on the day of the new moon in the month of July This tree could be easily confused with the Strychnos nux vomica tree Brucine is the predominant alkaloid present in the bark of the Strychnos nux vomica tree The toxicological property of brucine is similar to strychnine Brucine is a neurotoxin A 29-year-old male presented with a history of consumption of an herbal preparation made from the bark of the Strychnos nux vomica tree confusing it for Alstonia scholaris Soon after, he developed convulsions and later died in hospital on the same day The aim of this case report is to highlight the fact that people must be cautious when they follow religious rituals

A comprehensive review on effects of sodhan karma (detoxification procedure) and therapeutic potential of visha - tinduka ( strychnos nux - v omica )

Abstract: Strychnos nux - vomica is a highly poisonous flora which is abundantly found all over India . The seeds of this tree contain significant concentration of alkaloid Strychnine which is a spinal poison and cause s mortality at fatal dose. There are no therapeutic uses of Strychnos nux - vomica in modern medicine but traditionally its seeds are used in treatment of various ailments. Ayurveda advocates a specialized procedure called as sodhan karma (detoxification process) of Poisonous drugs before using it as a therapeutic agent. Various Ayurvedic medicines like Agnitundi vati, Vishatinduka vati, Vish agarbha taila c ontains Detoxified Strychnos nux - vomica seeds . Research studies report that, after appropriate detoxification of Strychnos nux vomica seeds as mentioned in ancient ayurveda texts , the contents of the major alkaloids such as Strychnine and B rucine declines significantly and exerts the therapeutic action without toxicity. Though it is considered as highly toxic drug, purified form can be utilized f or therapeutic uses when administered in an appropriate dosage . Strychnos nux - vomica is found to possess medicina l properties like A nalgesic and A nti - inflammatory properties, A nticonvulsant activity, A nti - tumor effects , A nti - amnesic activity, A ntidiarrhoeal activity, I mmunomodulatory effect, A nti snake - venom activity , Hepatoprotective and A nticholestatic activities a s reported in various experimental studies . However, more evidence based research work has to be carried out to replicate these results in clinical trials.

Forensic Determination of Toxication of Strychnos Nuxvomica

Abstract: Strychnos nux-vomica has been used as a poisonous raw material for the preparation of Chinese medicinal herb for thousands of years in China, it is required that the herb should be specially processed before being put into clinical use. Since its treatment dosage is very close to its toxic dosage, poisoning frequently take place due to misuse, brucine and its derivatives are the principal component responsible for its pharmacodynamic effect and toxicity, strychnine is main component responsible for its toxicity. Both strychnine and brucine are typical antagonists of the glycine receptors on postsynatic membrane. Its toxic effects are mainly to cause central excitation. Because of its strong toxicity, narrow safety range and cumulative effect, the use of the drug in the clinical practice tends to cause poisoning, and poisoning of the drug is associated with the large dosage, and/or the long time use. Its toxicity also varies with its origins of production or batches. The symptoms of strychnos nuxvomica poisoning vary. The autopsy findings mainly include pathological changes caused by acute disorder of blood circulation, characterized by the congestion and edema of organs or pinpoint bleeding of mucosa or serous membrane. Long-term toxicity test revealed no characteristic pathological changes of vital organs in animals. For the detection of poisonous substances, the stomach tissue or stomach contents are the best choices, and urine, intestinal contents are the next best materials. Liver, brain and spinal medulla also have high level of strychnos nuxvomica after poisioning. In the forensic identification of strychnos nuxvomica poisoning, it is important to eliminate the other death causes, than get sufficient information concerning the source of the herb (variety, batch, origin of the product), the physical condition (metabolic status) of the patients or victim, dosage, and take the symptoms, pathological changes into consideration. Because of its accumulation, the possibility of the drug being given multiple-times and in small-dose should be considered. The detection of strychnos nuxvomica and quantitative analysis is essential and most reliable in the identification of strychnos nuxvomica poisoning. Exceptionally, great care should be exercised to differentiate it from the intoxication of tetra mine, fumarin and armazide and other spasm-causing agents.

Impact of shodhana (purificatory procedures) onkupeelu (strychnos nux- vomica linn.) seeds: apharmaceutico-analytical studys -

Abstract: Kupeelu (Strychnos nux-vomica Linn.), a drug mentioned under Upavisha (semi-poisonous) group of Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia, is being practiced widely in Ayurvedic therapeutics since long. Certain compound formulations containing Kupeelu are also well practiced in Homeopathy and Unani System of Medicine. Ayurveda strictly recommend the use of this drug in therapeutics only after proper Shodhana (purificatury procedure) through some specific media like Gomutra, Godugdha, Goghrita, Kanji etc. Though various Shodhana procedures are recommended in Ayurvedic classics for purification of Kupeelu seeds, but updated scientific researches regarding the Shodhana methods are lacking. Keeping this fact in mind, an attempt hasbeen made in the present study to evaluate the impact of Shodhana on Kupeelu seeds while performing the specific Shodhana method, recommended by the Ayurvedic Formulary of India(A.F.I.). This study reveals that the toxic alkaloids Strychnine & Brucine, present in Kupeelu seed,were reduced by 71.49% and 54.02% respectively, in comparison to the raw seed, as determined by H.P.T.L.C. study.

A novel indolomonoterpenic alkaloid from processed Strychnos nux-vomica

Abstract: A novel indolomonoterpenic alkaloid, 4-hydroxy-19-methyl-16,19-seco-12,24-seco-strychnidine-10,16-dione (1), together with three known compounds 2–4 (vomicine, strychnine, and brucine), have been isolated from processed Strychnos nux-vomica. Its structure was determined by detailed spectral analysis (1H NMR,13C NMR, 1H–1H COSY, HMBC, and HR-ESI-MS).

Study on Antitumor Activity of Novel Liposomes Containing Total Alkaloids from Seed of Strychnos nux-vomica

Abstract: Objective: Novel liposomes composed of hydrogenated soybean phosphatidylcholine(HSPC) and soybean phosphatidylcholine(SPC) was prepared to encapsulate total alkaloids from seed of Strychnos nux-vomica L.The antitumor activity of the novel liposomes was compared with corresponding HSPC or SPC liposomes.Method: Liposomes containing the total alkaloids were prepared by ammonium sulfate transmembrane gradients and stealth liposome technique.The total alkaloids liposomes with different lipid composition were administrated to H22 tumor-bearing mice.The parameters such as inhibition of tumor were calculated and compared.Result: The inhibition rate of tumor was 29.05%,29.29%,45.11%,37.23% for total alkaloids solution,SPC liposomes,HSPC liposomes and novel liposomes,respectively.Results of comparison of mice weight and immune organ index revealed that no toxic effect was found as to liposomes containing total alkaloids.Conclusion: Taken together,improved antitumor activity and the reduced price of phospholipids indicate that the novel liposomes may act as promising carriers for total alkaloids extracted from seed of S.nux-vomica.

Phytochemicl and antiproliferative investigations of strychnos nux-vomica leaves

Abstract: There are no uses for the strychnine tree (Strychnos nux-vomica L.) in modern medicine although it was widely used in medicine before World War II. The properties of Nux Vomica are those of the alkaloid strychnine. Herein we investigated phytochemically the aqueous methanolic extract of the S. Nux vomica and isolated five phenolic compounds; Kaempferol-7 Glucoside 1, 7 hydroxy Coumarin 2, Quercetin-3-Rhamnoside 3, Kaempferol 3-rutinoside 4, and Rutin 5. At the same time, the cytotoxic activity of the extract was evaluated against different cancer cell lines. The extract showed potential cytotoxic activity against human epidermoid larynx carcinoma cells, with IC50 value 17.8 μg/mL. It also exhibited promising cytotoxic activity against breast carcinoma cell line (MCF-7) with IC50 36.3 μg/mL. Colon carcinoma cells were the least one affected by the extract as its IC50 was 41.2 μg/mL.