Effects of Scutellariae radix and Aloe vera gel extracts on immunoglobulin E and cytokine levels in atopic dermatitis NC/Nga mice

Aim of the study

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Scutellariae radix (SR) and Aloe vera gel (AV), alone or in combination, on levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and inflammatory cytokines in spontaneous atopic dermatitis(AD)-like skin lesions.

Materials and methods

After spontaneous AD-like skin lesion was developed by adaptation to conventional conditions, mice were randomly assigned to control, SR (50 mg/kg, p.o.), AV (0.8 mg/kg, p.o.) and SRAV (50 mg of SR and 0.8 mg of AV/kg, p.o.) groups, and were treated for 6 weeks.

Results

SR and SRAV suppressed IL-5 levels compared with control, but had no effects on IgE levels (P < 0.05). AV increased IgE levels, but decreased both IL-5 and IL-10 compared with control (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results suggest that SR and AV modulate immunological responses in AD, mainly through influencing IL-5 or IL-10 levels.     

Antidepressant effect of Valeriana wallichii patchouli alcohol chemotype in mice: Behavioural and biochemical evidence

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Valeriana wallichii DC, an ayurvedic traditional medicine has now been shown to exist chemically as three distinct chemotypes. The study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effect of dichloromethane extract of Valeriana wallichii patchouli alcohol chemotype.

Materials and methods

Antidepressant effect of dichloromethane extract of Valeriana wallichii (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg, p.o.) using forced swim test, was determined in both acute and chronic study. The neurotransmitter levels were estimated in mouse forebrain after two weeks of dosing.

Results

Single administration of extract (40 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the immobility period in mice (p < 0.05). Similarly, chronic administration of extract (20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly reduced the immobility period and significantly increased the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in mouse forebrain (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The extract demonstrated antidepressant effect and significantly increased the norepinephrine and dopamine levels in forebrain.     

Pharmacological characterization of the diuretic effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn (Malvaceae) extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) populary known in Mexico as “Jamaica”, “flor de Jamaica”, has widely used in Mexican Traditional Medicine as antihypertensive and diuretic, although the latter activity has been reported the present work show evidence about the diuretic, natriuretic and potassium-sparing effects.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the diuretic activity of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract on in vivo and in situ models.

Materials and methods

The Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract was administrated in increasing doses and evaluated the diuresis produced and disposal of electrolytes. Moreover, in isolated kidney was determined the renal filtration rate with plant extract, furosemide and amiloride.

Results

The yield of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extraction was 28.3% and the chemical standardization from 1 g of extract was: 56.5 mg delphinidin-3-O-sambubioside, 20.8 mg/g cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside, 3.2 mg/g quercetin, 2.1 mg/g rutin and 2.7 mg/g chlorogenic acid. The diuretic and natriuretic effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract showed a dose-dependent behavior. The pharmacological constants of natriuretic effect was ED50 = 86 mg/kg and Emax = 0.9 mEq/100 g/5 h. In the model of kidney in situ was observed that renal filtration increased 48% with the aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa and an additive effect when was perfuse with furosemide.

Conclusion

The compound presents in Hibiscus sabdariffa as quercetin had effect on the vascular endothelium causing oxide nitric release, increasing renal vasorelaxation by increasing kidney filtration. Therefore, the diuretic effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa may be mediated by nitric oxide release.     

Gastroprotective effect of standardized leaf extract from Argyreia speciosa on experimental gastric ulcers in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Argyreia speciosa (L.f), Sweet (Family Convolvulaceae) is used traditionally in Indian System of Medicine as aphrodisiac, rejuvenating agent, intellect promoting agent, brain tonic and in the therapy of hepatomegaly, diabetes and chronic ulcer.

Aim of the study

To study the gastroprotective effect of standardized butanol fraction of Argyreia speciosa leaf (ASE).

Materials and methods

The butanol fraction of Argyreia speciosa leaf (ASE; 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) was administered orally, twice daily for 5 days for prevention from Aspirin (ASP)-, ethanol (EtOH)-, cold-restraint stress (CRS) - and pylorus ligation (PL)-induced ulcers. Estimation of antioxidant enzymes activity was carried out in CRS-induced ulcer model, and various gastric secretion parameters like volume of gastric juice, acid output, and pH value were estimated in PL-induced ulcer model.

Result

ASE showed dose-dependent ulcer protective effect in ASP 23.64-58.76% (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001), EtOH 15.45-58.45% (p < 0.001), CRS 19.39-78.36% (p < 0.001) and PL 19.67-69.04% (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01), respectively. The percentage of protection by standard drug ranitidine was 77.77-84.32% (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001) in various gastric ulcer models. The gastric wall mucus was significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced by ASE and is regarded as the first line of defence against EtOH-induced gastric ulcers showing cytoprotective property. ASE showed a marginal decrease in volume, acid pepsin concentration and acid pepsin output. However, ASE reduced the ulcer index with significant decrease in LPO level (p < 0.001), and SOD level (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001) as compared with CRS-induced group. A gradual and significant increase in CAT values were observed at 100 and 200 mg/kg dose levels (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results of our study revealed that Argyreia speciosa possess significant dose dependent gastroprotective activity, probably due to its free radical scavenging activity.     

The effect of Nigella sativa alone, and in combination with dexamethasone, on tracheal muscle responsiveness and lung inflammation in sulfur mustard exposed guinea pigs

Ethnomedical relevance

The anti-inflammatory activity of both systemic and local administrations of essential oil from Nigella sativa L. has been shown.

Aim of the study

Therefore, the effect of Nigella sativa on tracheal responsiveness (TR) and lung inflammation of sulfur mustard (SM) exposed guinea pigs was examined.

Materials and methods

Guinea pigs were exposed to diluent solution (control group), inhaled SM (SME group), SME treated with Nigella sativa (SME + N), SME treated with dexamethasone (SME + D) and SME treated with both drugs (SME + N + D), (n = 7 for each group). TR to methacholine, total white blood cell (WBC) and differential WBC count of lung lavage, and serum cytokines were measured 14 days post-exposure.

Results

The values of TR, eosinophil, monocyte, lymphocyte, interleukine-4 (IL-4) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) of SME group were significantly higher than those of controls (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The TR in SME + N, SME + D and SME + N + D was significantly lower compared to that of SME group (p < 0.01 for all cases). The percentage of eosinophil in SME + D, and the percentage of monocyte in SME + N + D (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01) were significantly lower than those in SME group. The neutrophil number was decreased in SME + N and SME + N + D groups compared to SME animals (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). IL-4 levels in serum of SME + N (p < 0.01), SME + D (p < 0.05), SME + N + D (p < 0.01) and IFN-γ in SME + N (p < 0.05) were greater than those in SME animals.

Conclusions

These results showed a preventive effect of Nigella sativa on TR and lung inflammation of SM exposed guinea pigs.     

Inhibitory effect of hydro-methanolic extract of seed of Holarrhena antidysenterica on alpha-glucosidase activity and postprandial blood glucose level in normoglycemic rat

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The present experiment was conducted to search out the effect of hydro-methanolic extract of seed of Holarrhena antidysenterica on intestinal α-glucosidase activity in dose dependent manner and on the management of postprandial hyperglycemia in starch loaded rats.

Materials and methods

Activity of intestinal α-glucosidase was measured by in vitro method. Fasting blood glucose level was determined by single touch glucometer. Total phenol and flavonoids of seed extract of Holarrhena antidysenterica were estimated using gallic acid and quercetin standard curves, respectively.

Results

The degree of elevation in blood glucose level after starch administration was significantly (p < 0.05) less by the extract in respect to the control. The said extract also inhibited α-glucosidase activity having an IC₅₀ of 0.52 mg/ml. Phytochemical study revealed that the extract is rich in phenolic compounds (60.23 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g of extract) and flavonoids (360.23 mg of quercetin equivalent/g of the extract).

Conclusion

The extract exerts its antihyperglycemic effect by retarding the carbohydrate absorption from intestine through the inhibition in α-glucosidase activity and therefore resists postprandial hyperglycemia.     

Evaluation of anticancer activity of ethanol extract of Sesbania grandiflora (Agati Sesban) against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice

Ethno pharmacological relevance

The plant Sesbania grandiflora (Fabaceae) is commonly known as “Sesbania” and “agathi” in ayurvedic system of medicine and reputed in the indigenous medicine in India. It is also known as “Agati Sesban” or “humming bird tree” in English. All parts of this unique plant are useful and have a wide spectrum of medicinal properties. The plant has various uses in folk and traditional medicines for headache, swellings, anemia, bronchitis, pains, liver disorders and tumors.

Aim of the study

The objective of the present study was to explore the anticancer activity of the ethanol extract of Sesbania grandiflora against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing Swiss albino mice.

Materials and methods

Anticancer activity of ethanol extract of Sesbania grandiflora (EESG) of both leaves and flowers were evaluated in Swiss albino mice against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cell line at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally. The extracts were administered for 14 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours of last dose and 18 h of fasting, the mice were sacrificed and the anticancer effect of EESG was assessed by evaluating tumor volume, viable and nonviable tumor cell count, tumor weight, hematological parameters and biochemical parameters of EAC bearing host.

Results

Sesbania grandiflora extracts showed significant decrease in (p < 0.01) tumor volume, viable cell count, tumor weight and elevated the life span of EAC bearing mice. Hematological profile such as RBC, hemoglobin and lymphocyte count reverted to normal level in EESG treated mice. The extracts significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation and significantly (p < 0.05) increased the levels of GSH, SOD and CAT.

Conclusion

The results showed that the ethanol extract of Sesbania grandiflora was effective in inhibiting the tumor growth in ascitic models and that is comparable to 5-Fluorouracil.     

Protective effect of Ilex latifolia, a major component of "kudingcha", against transient focal ischemia-induced neuronal damage in rats

Aims of the study

Ilex latifolia (Aquifoliaceae), a primary component of “kudingcha”, has been used in Chinese folk medicine to treat various kinds of diseases including headaches, inflammatory diseases, and cardiac ischemic injury. The present study investigated the protective effect of the ethanol extract of Ilex latifolia against transient, focal, ischemia-induced neuronal damage.

Materials and methods

Transient focal ischemia was induced by 2 h middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by 24 h reperfusion (MCAO/reperfusion) in rats. After MCAO/reperfusion, brain infarction and neuronal death were measured by triphenyltetrazolium chloride and hematoxylin and eosin staining, respectively. Glutathione concentration and lipid peroxidation rate were measured. The expression levels of phosphorylated mitogen activated proteins kinases (MAPKs), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), and anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic proteins were detected by Western blot.

Results

Ilex latifolia (50-200 mg/kg) significantly reduced MCAO/reperfusion-induced infarction and edema formation, neurological deficits, and brain cell death. Depletion of glutathione level and lipid peroxidation induced by MCAO/reperfusion were inhibited by administration of Ilex latifolia. The increase of phosphorylated MAPKs, COX-2, and proapoptotic proteins and the decrease of antiapoptotic protein in MCAO/reperfusion rats were significantly inhibited by treatment with Ilex latifolia.

Conclusion

Ilex latifolia ameliorated ischemic injury induced by MCAO/reperfusion in rats, and this neuroprotective effect might be associated with its anti-apoptotic effect, resulting from anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory actions.     

Effect of Emblica officinalis (fruit) against UVB-induced photo-aging in human skin fibroblasts

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Emblica officinalis fruit (EO), commonly known as Amla is a reputed traditional medicine and functional food used in Indian subcontinent. It has long been used in Indian folk medicine to treat liver diseases, stomach ulcers, inflammatory diseases, metabolic disorders, geriatric complaints, skin disorders and beauty care.

Aim of the study

Recently, it has been shown to promote pro-collagen content and inhibit matrix metalloproteinase levels in skin fibroblast. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of EO to inhibit UVB-induced photo-aging in human skin fibroblasts.

Materials and methods

Mitochondrial activity of human skin fibroblasts was measured by MTT-assay. Quantifications of pro-collagen 1 and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) release were performed by immunoassay techniques. Hyaluronidase inhibition assay was studied in vitro using bovine testicular hyaluronidase and human umbilical cord hyaluronic acid. Cell cycle analysis was performed by flowcytometry using propidium iodide.

Results

EO stimulated, the otherwise UVB inhibited cellular proliferation and protected pro-collagen 1 against UVB-induced depletion via inhibition of UVB-induced MMP-1 in skin fibroblasts (10-40 μg/mL, p > 0.001). EO exhibited inhibitory activity of hyaluronidase (10-40 μg/mL, p > 0.001). Treatment with EO also prevented UVB disturbed cell cycle to normal phase.

Conclusion

The results of the present study suggests that EO effectively inhibits UVB-induced photo-aging in human skin fibroblast via its strong ROS scavenging ability and its therapeutic and cosmetic applications remain to be explored.     

The in vivo expectorant and antitussive activity of extract and fractions from Reineckia carnea

Aim of study

To evaluate the potential expectorant and antitussive activity of a traditional Chinese medicine.

Materials and methods

The water extract and four fractions of the aerial part of Reineckia carnea were orally administrated to coughing mice induced by ammonium hydroxide and mice injected with phenol red, respectively, to investigate their medification effect on coughing and mucus scretion.

Results and discussion

90% Ethanol fraction significantly lengthened the latent period of cough and decreased cough frequency caused by ammonium hydroxide at the dose of 0.372 g/kg (p < 0.05). Sixty percent ethanol fraction reduced the cough frequency as well as the mucus secretion from mouse tracheas obviously at the dose of 0.570 g/kg (p < 0.05) by measuring the tracheal output of phenol red in mice. The medication effects in multiple doses of the active fractions were then performed and it has been proved that the 60% ethanol and 90% ethanol fraction were curatively effective on expectoration and coughing, respectively both at the high and middle dose, which supplied proofs for the further research on chemical constituents in both of two effective fractions.     

Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effect of Witheringia solanacea in normal and alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats

Aim of the study

Witheringia solanacea is a small shrub that belongs to the Solanaceae family. The plant is used as an antidiabetic in Costa Rican herbal medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activity of the aqueous extract of W. solanacea leaves in rodent models.

Materials and methods

A crude extract of W. solanacea leaves was prepared in boiling water and the aqueous filtrate was lyophilized. A single oral dose of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg of the extract was evaluated for hypoglycemic activity in a glucose tolerance test in normal rats and for antihyperglycemic activity in alloxan-induced (140 mg/kg) diabetic rats. The blood glucose level was determined at different times by the glucose oxidase method.

Results

Dosage of 500 and 1000 mg/kg of the extract significantly decreased (p < 0.05) blood glucose levels in the glucose tolerance test in normal rats after 1 h, there was no significant difference observed at 250 mg/kg. Dose of 500 mg/kg of the extract significantly reduced (p < 0.05) blood glucose levels in alloxan induced hyperglycemic rats at 4 and 5 h.

Conclusions

In the present study, the hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic potential of the W. solanacea was demonstrated in rats. These results give support to the traditional use of W. solanacea as antidiabetic herbal medicine.     

Evaluation of the use of Cocos nucifera as antimalarial remedy in Malaysian folk medicine

Ethnopharmacological relevance

White flesh extract of Cocos nucifera (coconut) was studied to ascertain the ethnopharmacological standing of its antimalarial usage in Malaysian folk medicine.

Materials and methods

The crude methanol extract was investigated for phytochemical constituents and acute oral toxicity. Antimalarial activity of different extract doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg were investigated in vivo against Plasmodium berghei (NK65) infections in mice during early, established and residual infections. Chloroquine (20 mg/kg) and pyrimethamine (1.2 mg/kg) were used as reference drugs.

Results

The results revealed that the extract contained some phytochemical constituents and is toxicologically safe by oral administration. The extract significantly reduced the parasitaemia by the 200 and 400 mg/kg doses in the all three in vivo assessment assays. However, the extract did not significantly increase the survival time of the infected mice.

Conclusions

The observed pharmacological activities suggest that the Malaysian folkloric medicinal application of Cocos nucifera has a pharmacological basis.     

Anti-inflammatory effect of a methanolic extract of leaves of Dregea volubilis

Aim of study

The aim of this study was to establish the anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract of Dregea volubilis leaves (MEDV) with its fractions and to delineate the possible mechanism of action for MEDV.

Materials and methods

The anti-inflammatory activities of MEDV along with its petroleum ether and chloroform fractions were evaluated in a carrageenan induced model of acute inflammation. The effect of MEDV on lipopolysaccharide induced production of nitric oxide (NO) in macrophages was also studied.

Results

MEDV (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) significantly reduced carrageenan induced paw edema; chloroform fraction was most potent (66%, p < 0.001). MEDV was non-toxic up to 125 μg/ml in mouse peritoneal macrophages wherein it (0-100 μg/ml) reduced lipopolysaccharide induced NO production.

Conclusion

MEDV possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity. Chloroform fraction of MEDV showed best anti-inflammatory activity.     

Hepatoprotective effects of lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.): a combination of antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities

Aim of the study

Gimjeng and Chakapat lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) were evaluated for hepatoprotective activity on CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Materials and methods

Fruit pulp extracts of the lychees were examined for vitamin C, phenolic contents, anti-lipid peroxidation activity and hepatoprotective effect. Male Wistar albino rats were intraperitoneally injected (ip) with CCl₄ (2 ml/kg), then were orally administered (po) with silymarin (100 mg/kg), and Gimjeng or Chakapat extracts (100 and 500 mg/kg). After ten days, the rats were sacrificed and their livers were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Their serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase, glutamate-oxalate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase activities were analyzed. Apoptotic activity of the livers was assessed quantitatively.

Results

The Gimjeng and Chakapat extracts showed the contents of vitamin C (1.2 ± 0.6 and 4.3 ± 0.1 mg/100 g) and phenolics like trans-cinnamic acid and pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside (9.80 ± 0.21 and 19.56 ± 0.4 mg GAE/g extract, respectively), and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) values (11.64 and 9.09 g/mg trolox), respectively. The Gimjeng as compared to the Chakapat demonstrated a better antioxidant activity as revealed by anti-lipid peroxidation activity with the TEAC values. Administration of CCl₄ in rats elevated the serum GPT, GOT, and ALP level whereas silymarin, Gimjeng and Chakapat extracts prevented these increases significantly. Significant decrease of apoptotic cells together with restoration of morphological changes confirmed the hepatoprotective effect in the CCl₄-induced rats pretreated with the extracts.

Conclusion

Antioxidant properties of the Gimjeng and Chakapat lychees as evidenced by the vitamin C and phenolic compounds, anti-lipid peroxidation and anti-apoptosis could explain the hepatoprotective effects in CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity.     

Analgesic effects and anti-inflammatory properties of the crude methanolic extract of Schwenckia americana Linn (Solanaceae)

Aim of the study

To evaluate analgesic effect and anti-inflammatory properties of Schwenckia americana (Solanaceae), a medicinal plant used for treating rheumatic pains and swelling in North-western Nigeria.

Materials and methods

Three doses (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) of the crude methanolic extract of Schwenkia americana were evaluated for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities using acetic acid induced writhing test, formalin induced nociception, and formalin induced hind paw oedema in rats.

Results

All doses (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) of the extract tested were effective. The extract at the tested doses produced a percentage inhibition of the acetic acid induced abdominal constriction of (53.3, 58.0 and 86.7%), respectively. A percentage inhibition of the formalin induced nociception of 44.00, 56.04, and 56.04% (early phase) and 33.00, 36.63 and 59.71% (late phase) was also produced. The inhibition of oedema formation increased with increasing dosage from 25 to 100 mg/kg. The crude extract produced a statistically significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity comparable to the effect of standard drug (10 mg/kg Piroxicam).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of crude methanolic extract of Schwenkia americana thus justifying its traditional usage.     

In vitro and in vivo antioxidant effects of the ethanolic extract of Swertia chirayita

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Swertia chirayita, a medicinal herb endemic to the Tibetan region, is used as a special remedy for liver disorders. The hepatoprotective activity of its plant extracts has been associated with its antioxidant activity. This paper aims to investigate the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant effects of Swertia chirayita extracts (SCE).

Materials and methods

Antioxidant ability of Swertia chirayita was investigated by employing several established in vitro methods. In vivo antioxidant activity was tested against CCl₄-induced toxicity in mice. The levels and activities of malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH), were then assayed using standard procedures.

Results

SCE exhibited strong antioxidant ability in vitro. The liver and kidney of CCl₄-intoxicated animals exhibited a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in SOD, CAT, and GSH levels. Additionally, these organs exhibited a significant (p < 0.001) increase in MDA level. CCl₄ did not exhibit toxicity on mice treated with SCE and Vitamin E. The effects of Swertia chirayita (three dosages) were comparable to those of Vitamin E, except in MDA level in the liver and GSH level in the kidney (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study suggests that the ethanolic extract of Swertia chirayita possesses in vitro and in vivo antioxidant effects. This supports the traditional use of Swertia chirayita in Tibetan medicine to cure liver diseases.     

Xanthine oxidase inhibitory properties of Czech medicinal plants

Aim of the study

To investigate in vitro xanthine oxidase inhibitory properties of plants traditionally used in Czech Republic and Central-East Europe region for gout, arthritis or rheumatism treatment.

Materials and methods

Methylene chloride-methanolic and two ethanolic extracts of 27 plant species were screened for in vitro xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity using a spectrophotometric method.

Results

Around 50% of the species exhibited some degree of xanthine oxidase inhibitory properties at 200 μg/mL, showing a moderate correlation (r = 0.59) with total phenol content. The most active were methylene chloride-methanolic extracts of Populus nigra and Betula pendula, with IC₅₀ of 8.3 and 25.9 μg/mL, respectively, followed by 80% ethanolic extract of Caryophyllus aromaticus and Hypericum perforatum, both under 50 μg/mL.

Conclusions

Populus nigra and Betula pendula were identified as species with the highest xanthine oxidase inhibitory potential in our study. This correlates with the ethnobotanical data on their use in Central European folklore and provides the basis for further investigation on these plants.     

Role of Ocimum basilicum L. in prevention of ischemia and reperfusion-induced cerebral damage, and motor dysfunctions in mice brain

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The genus Ocimum (Lamiaceae) has a long history of use as culinary and medicinal herbs. Many species are used for their antioxidant and neuroprotective activity in various parts of the world. Ocimum basilicum Linn. has been used traditionally for the treatment of anxiety, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, headaches, nerve pain, as anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory, and used in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders.

Aim of the study

The present study is designed to investigate the effect of ethyl acetate extract of Ocimum basilicum leaves on ischemia and reperfusion-induced cerebral damage, and motor dysfunctions in mice.

Materials and methods

Global cerebral ischemia was induced by bilateral carotid artery occlusion for 15 min followed by reperfusion for 24 h. Cerebral infarct size was measured using triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. The concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) content was determined by colorimetric assay. Short-term memory was evaluated using elevated plus-maze. Inclined beam walking was employed to assess motor coordination. Bilateral carotid artery occlusion followed by reperfusion produced significant increase in cerebral infarct size and lipid peroxidation (TBARS), and reduced GSH content, and impaired short-term memory and motor coordination.

Results

Pre-treatment with standardized ethyl acetate extract of Ocimum basilicum (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) markedly reduced cerebral infarct size and lipid peroxidation, restored GSH content, and attenuated impairment in short-term memory and motor coordination.

Conclusion

The results of the study suggest that Ocimum basilicum could be useful clinically in the prevention of stroke.     

Ge-Gen-Tang has anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ge-Gen-Tang (GGT) has been used against adult respiratory tract infection for thousand years in ancient China. However, GGT is unable to inhibit influenza virus. The effect of GGT to manage respiratory tract viral infection has been questioned. Several ingredients of GGT and their constituents are able to inhibit various viruses. Therefore, GGT might have antiviral activity against other viruses causing respiratory tract illness. Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is one of the most important airway viruses. However, it is unknown whether GGT is effective against HRSV.

Aim of the study

HRSV contributes considerably to respiratory tract illness of the elderly and immunocompromised adults. There is no effective therapeutic modality for HRSV infection. In order to find a readily available agent to manage HRSV infection, the authors tested the hypothesis that GGT can effectively minimize airway pathology by preventing HRSV-induced plaque formation in respiratory mucosal cell lines.

Materials and methods

Effect of the hot water extract of GGT on HRSV was tested by plaque reduction assay in both human upper (HEp-2) and low (A549) respiratory tract cell lines. Ability of GGT to stimulate anti-viral cytokines was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

GGT dose-dependently inhibited HRSV-induced plaque formation in both cell lines (p < 0.0001), especially in A549 cells. GGT was more effective when given before viral infection (p < 0.0001). GGT could dose-dependently inhibit viral attachment (p < 0.0001) with or without heparin. GGT could further inhibit HRSV internalization time-dependently and dose-dependently (p < 0.0001). GGT could stimulate mucosal cells to secrete IFN-β to counteract viral infection before and after viral inoculation.

Conclusions

GGT is effective against HRSV-induced plaque formation in airway epithelium.     

Hypoglycemic effect of a leaf extract of Pseuderanthemum palatiferum (Nees) Radlk. in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Pseuderanthemum palatiferum (Nees) Radlk (Acanthaceae) was first found in Northern Vietnam and expanded throughout the country including the Mekong Delta region. The leaves of this plant are recommended in folk medicine of Vietnam and Thailand for promoting and treating various diseases including hypertension, diarrhea, arthritis, hemorrhoids, stomachache, tumors, colitis, bleeding, wounds, constipation, flu, colon cancer, nephritis, and diabetes.

Aim of the study

The hypoglycemic effect of an 80% ethanolic leaf extract from the leaves of Pseuderanthemum palatiferum (PPE) was investigated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

The PPE was administered daily and orally to the rats at the doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) for 14 days. The levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum insulin, and biochemical data such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were evaluated. The hypoglycemic effect of PPE was compared to that of the known anti-diabetic drug glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg b.w.).

Results

FPG and serum insulin in normal rats were not significantly different from the control and test groups in all dosages. The treated diabetic rats which had received PPE and glibenclamide showed significantly (p < 0.05) decreased FPG and increased serum insulin levels at the end of the experiment. The hypoglycemic effect of PPE at the dose of 250 mg/kg b.w. was significantly (p < 0.05) more effective than that of glibenclamide. The serum insulin in PPE fed diabetic rats at the dose of 250 mg/kg b.w. was not different from those which had received glibenclamide, and this dose was significantly (p < 0.05) more effective than PPE at the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w. while PPE increased HDL and decreased TC, TG, LDL, BUN and ALP in the diabetic rats.

Conclusions

PPE has a beneficial effect in hyperglycemic rats and may prevent the complication of diabetes.