Helichrysum plicatum DC. subsp. plicatum extract as a preventive agent in experimentally induced urolithiasis model

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Since ancient times, various herbal preparations have been used in treatment of urolithiasis, which is basically formation of calcium oxalate stones in kidney. The aim of our study is to assess the effects of Helichrysum plicatum DC. subsp. plicatum (HP) as a preventive agent in experimentally induced urolithiasis model in rats.

Materials and methods

The efficacy of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg HP extract was studied in 1% ethylene glycol and 1% ammonium chloride-induced urolithiasis for 21 days in rats. The weight difference and the levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, urea nitrogen, creatinine and uric acid in both serum and 24 h-urine were measured. The calcium oxalate (CaOx) and pH were defined in urine. Histo-pathological analyses in kidneys were also performed.

Results

The rats’ weights were higher in HP groups than urolithiasis group. Urolithiasis caused a significant increase in both serum and urine biochemical parameters compared to healthy rats. HP extract decreased levels of these parameters. Urine CaOx level was high in urolithiasis rats, whereas it was decreased by HP extract. Histopathological examinations revealed extensive intratubular crystal depositions and degenerative tubular structures in urolithiasis group, but not in HP treatment groups.

Conclusion

More studies will be necessary to elucidate the antiurolithiatic activity of HP. Nonetheless, having a beneficial effect in preventing and eliminating CaOx deposition into kidneys, HP extract may be a potential drug for urolithiasis treatment.     

Anti-urolithiatic effects of Punica granatum in male rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The traditional use of Punica granatum has been reported to regulate urine discharge and controls the burning sensation of urine.

Materials and methods

Animals model of calcium oxalate urolithiasis was developed in male rats by adding ethylene glycol 0.75% in drinking water. The Punica granatum chloroform extract (PGCE) and Punica grantum methanol extract (PGME) orally at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively, were administered along with ethylene glycol for 28 days. On 28 day, 24 h urine was collected from individual rats and used for estimation of urine calcium, phosphate and oxalate. The serum creatinine, urea and uric acid levels were estimated in each animal. The kidney homogenate was used for the estimation of renal oxalate contents. The paraffin kidney sections were prepared to observe the CaOx deposits.

Results

The ethylene glycol control (Gr.-II) had significant (P < 0.001 vs. normal) increase in levels of urine oxalate, calcium and phosphate, serum creatinine, urea and uric acid and renal tissues oxalates, as compared to normal (Gr.-I). The paraffin kidney sections show significant histopathological changes. The treatment of PGCE and PGME at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses, significantly (P < 0.001 vs. control) decreased the urine oxalate, calcium and phosphate, renal tissue oxalates and serum creatinine, urea and uric acid, in EG induced urolithiasis after 28 days.

Conclusions

The PGCE and PGME at the doses of 400 mg/kg, found to be more effective in decreasing the urolithiasis and regeneration of renal tissues in male rats.     

Antiurolithic effect of Bergenia ligulata rhizome: An explanation of the underlying mechanisms

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Bergenia ligulata is widely used plant in South Asia, mainly India and Pakistan, as a traditional medicine for treatment of urolithiasis.

Aim of the study

To rationalize the Bergenia ligulata use in kidney stones and to explain the underlying mechanisms.

Materials and methods

The crude aqueous-methanolic extract of Bergenia ligulata rhizome (BLR) was studied using in vitro and in vivo methods.

Results

BLR inhibited calcium oxalate (CaC₂O₄) crystal aggregation as well as crystal formation in the metastable solutions and exhibited antioxidant effect against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical and lipid peroxidation in the in vitro. BLR caused diuresis in rats accompanied by a saluretic effect. In an animal model of urolithiasis, developed in male Wistar rats by adding 0.75% ethylene glycol (EG) in drinking water, BLR (5–10 mg/kg) prevented CaC₂O₄ crystal deposition in the renal tubules. The lithogenic treatment caused polyuria, weight loss, impairment of renal function and oxidative stress, manifested as increased malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl contents, depleted reduced glutathione and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities of the kidneys, which were prevented by BLR. Unlike the untreated animals, EG intake did not cause excessive hyperoxaluria and hypocalciuria in BLR treated groups and there was a significant increase in the urinary Mg²⁺, instead of a slight decrease.

Conclusions

These data indicate the antiurolithic activity in Bergenia ligulata mediated possibly through CaC₂O₄ crystal inhibition, diuretic, hypermagneseuric and antioxidant effects and this study rationalizes its medicinal use in urolithiasis.     

Prophylactic effects of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. extracts on experimental induction of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Orthosiphon stamineus (OS) popularly known as “diuretic agent” are traditionally used in folk medicine in the treatment of hyperuricemia, rheumatism, gout, nephritis, nephrolithiasis, urethritis and cystitis.

Aim of the study

To evaluate prophylactic potentials of total flavonoids, total phenolics and polysaccharides from OS on experimental induction of calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephrolithiasis in rats.

Materials and methods

Nephrolithic rats were induced by treating with 1.0% ethylene glycol and 1.0% ammonium chloride for 7 days. Rats in the treated groups were also given OS extracts at the doses of 80 mg/kg and 160 mg/kg. Urine samples (4 h) and serum samples were collected at 7th day for biochemical analysis. Kidney tissues were stained with H.E. and analyzed by light microscopy. Expressions of OPN protein were detected by immunohistochemistry. Rates of nucleation and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals were derived from 20-min time-course measurements of optic density at 620 nm after mixing solutions containing calcium chloride, sodium oxalate and OS extracts at 37 °C, pH 5.7.

Results

Polysaccharides exhibited the most significant prophylactic effects by reversing BUN and S_cr levels, ameliorating histopathological changes, increasing urine C₂O₄²⁻ and Ca²⁺ excretion and down-regulating OPN protein expression of kidney in the model rats in comparison with those effects of total flavonoids and total phenolics. Polysaccharides could also significantly inhibit both nucleation and aggregation of CaOx crystals.

Conclusions

Polysaccharides were the main therapeutic materials in OS. It had impressive prophylactic effects on CaOx stones in nephrolithic rats, playing a role as a regulator of OPN protein expression to increase urine C₂O₄²⁻ and Ca²⁺ excretion and also as an inhibitor of CaOx crystallization.     

In vivo efficacy of Trachyspermum ammi anticalcifying protein in urolithiatic rat model

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Many medicinal plants have been employed during ages to treat urinary stones though the rationale behind their use is not well established. Recently, we have successfully purified an anticalcifying protein from the seeds of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague ex Turril (Umbelliferae) using oxalate depletion assay and deciphered its inhibitory activity against calcium oxalate crystal growth.

Aim

In this report, the antilithiatic activity of Trachyspermum ammi anticalcifying protein (TAP) was studied in urolithiatic rat model.

Methodology

Urolithiasis was induced by exposure of 0.4% ethylene glycol (EG) and 1.0% ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) for 9 days. The efficacy of TAP was studied in another group given same dose of EG and NH₄Cl in addition to 2 mg/kg body weight of TAP. Further, we evaluated ability of TAP to inhibit the attachment of calcium oxalate (CaO_x) crystal in kidney tissue and studied the consequences of CaO_x adhesion on renal functioning and tissue integrity.

Results

The antilithiatic potential of TAP was confirmed by its ability to maintain renal functioning, reduce renal injury and decrease crystal excretion in urine and retention in renal tissues.

Conclusions

Thus, the present investigation suggests the potential of TAP in preventing calcium oxalate deposition and forms the basis for the development of antilithiatic drug interventions against urolithiasis.     

Evaluation of diuretic activity of Amaranthus spinosus Linn. aqueous extract in Wistar rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Traditional Siddha medicine literature claims that the Amaranthus spinosus Linn. (family: Amaranthaceae) whole plant possesses diuretic property.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the diuretic potential of Amaranthus spinosus aqueous extract (ASAE) in rats.

Material and methods

Different concentrations of ASAE (200, 500, 1000, 1500 mg/kg), thiazide (10 mg/kg) and vehicle were orally administered to rats (n = 6 animals per group) and their urine output was collected after 24 h. Volume, pH, Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl⁻ concentrations of urine were estimated.

Results

ASAE produced increase in Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻ excretion, caused alkalinization of urine, showed strong saluretic activity and carbonic anhydrase inhibition activity. These effects were observed predominantly at 500 mg/kg dose and there was no dose–response relationship.

Conclusion

Our study strongly suggests that the Amaranthus spinosus is acting as a thiazide like diuretic with carbonic anhydrase inhibitory activity which restates the claim as diuretic herb in Siddha medicine.     

Effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves aqueous extract therapy on hyperglycemic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

In Indian traditional system of medicine, Moringa oleifera Lam. Syn. Moringa pterygosperma Gaerth (Moringaceae) is commonly used as healing herb to treat diabetes.

Aim of the study

The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of M. oleifera leaves aqueous extract therapy on glycemic control, haemoglobin, total protein, urine sugar, urine protein and body weight.

Materials and methods

Variable doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg kg⁻¹ of aqueous extract were administered orally by gavage for evaluating their hypoglycemic and antidiabetic effects on fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and post prandial glucose (PPG) of normal and streptozotocin (STZ) induced sub, mild and severely diabetic rats.

Results

The dose of 200 mg kg⁻¹ decreases blood glucose level (BGL) of normal animals by 26.7 and 29.9% during FBG and OGTT studies respectively. In sub and mild diabetic animals the same dose produced a maximum fall of 31.1 and 32.8% respectively, during OGTT. In case of severely diabetic animals FBG and PPG levels were reduced by 69.2 and 51.2% whereas, total protein, body weight and haemoglobin were increased by 11.3, 10.5 and 10.9% respectively after 21 days of treatment. Significant reduction was found in urine sugar and urine protein levels from +4 and +2 to nil and trace, respectively.

Conclusion

The study validates scientifically the widely claimed use of M. oleifera as an ethnomedicine to treat diabetes mellitus.     

Effect of triterpene saponins from roots of Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke on diuresis in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke is a plant used in Brazilian folk medicine to both prevent malaria and act as a depurative.

Aim of the study

We have investigated the effects of an ethanol crude extract of roots of Ampelozizyphus amazonicus (CEAaD), a chemically characterized saponin mixture (SAPAaD), as well as a saponin-free fraction (SAPAaD-free) obtained from CEAaD on diuresis in rats.

Materials and methods

Wistar rats under ad libitum water conditions or water deprivation for 12 h prior to the start of the experiment were volume-expanded with 0.9% NaCl (4% body weight, by gavage) containing either CEAaD, SAPAaD, or SAPAaD-free at the doses indicated in the text. Rats were individually housed in metabolic cages, and urine volume was measured every 30 min throughout the experiment (3 h).

Results

CEAaD increased urine volume in rats under conditions of both free access to water and under water deprivation. In the latter condition, CEAaD (150 mg/kg) increased the urine volume from zero to 0.9 ± 0.1 ml/120 min, n = 6). Similarly, the SAPAaD-free (50–200 mg/kg) mixture also increased the urine volume. In contrast, SAPAaD (12.5–1000 mg/kg) produced a significant reduction (p < 0.01) in diuresis under conditions of both water deprivation and with free access to water prior to the start of the experiment.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that CEAaD contains compounds that cause both diuresis and antidiuresis and that the antidiuretic effect is due mainly to the presence of saponins.     

Bitter plants used as substitute of Cinchona spp. (quina) in Brazilian traditional medicine

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Bitter tasting plant species are used as tonics and have been previously used to treat intermittent fevers in Brazil, the principal symptom of malaria. Many of these species were named quina and were used as substitutes of Cinchona spp., the source of quinine.

Aim of the study

To present data on these bitter species named quina and to discuss their potential as sources of bioactive substances.

Materials and methods

Data about the plants were obtained from a survey of the literature and documents written by early naturalists and clinical doctors living in the 18th and 19th centuries in Brazil. Correlated pharmacological studies were obtained from different scientific databases.

Results

A total of 29 species were recorded. The largest number of species belonged to the Rubiaceae family (14), being Remijia ferruginea (A. St.-Hil) DC. the most representative. Strychnos pseudoquina A. St.-Hil. (Loganiaceae), Hortia brasiliana Vand. ex DC. (Rutaceae) and Solanum pseudoquina A. St.-Hil. (Solanaceae) were also frequently mentioned in the historical bibliography. Pharmacological studies have shown the presence of bitter bioactive substances useful to treat digestive disorders and/or with antimalarial activities, in all of the recorded botanic families.

Conclusion

This study shows that several bitter species named quina were used in the past as substitute of Cinchona spp. and studying these plants can lead to the development of new products.     

Effect of Solanum torvum on blood pressure and metabolic alterations in fructose hypertensive rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Solanum torvum (Solanaceae) is a plant used in Cameroon ethnomedicine for the treatment of hypertension.

Aim of the study

The present study was aimed to determine the effect of ethanolic extract of Solanum torvum (100 and 300 mg/kg; p.o. for 6 weeks) on systolic blood pressure (SBP), vascular reactivity, serum glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, insulin and uric acid in fructose-induced hypertension.

Materials and methods

The effect of ethanolic extract of Solanum torvum (100 and 300 mg/kg; p.o. for 6 weeks) on fructose (10%) induced rise in blood pressure was tested by invasive and non-invasive measurements and the biochemical parameters were studied by using standard kits.

Results

Ethanolic extract of Solanum torvum reduced systolic blood pressure, vascular reactivity changes to catecholamines and reversed the metabolic alterations induced by fructose. The cumulative concentration response curve (CCRC) of Angiotensin II (Ang II) using isolated strip of ascending colon was shifted towards right in rats treated with ethanolic extract of Solanum torvum.

Conclusions

In conclusion, ethanolic extract of Solanum torvum could prevent the development of high blood pressure induced by a diet rich in fructose probably by reversing the metabolic alterations induced by fructose.     

Diuretic properties of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Orthosiphon stamineus has been used in traditional medicine for centuries especially to treat diseases of the urinary system.

Aim of the study

To investigate the diuretic activity, to elucidate its possible mechanism and to evaluate the renal effects of Orthosiphon stamineus extract.

Materials and methods

Water extracts were administered orally at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg to Sprague–Dawley rats and the control groups were given commercial diuretic drugs either furosemide or hydrochlorthiazide at 10 mg/kg. Urine volume, urine pH, urine density and urine electrolytes were determined every hour for 4 h. Blood was assayed for glucose, albumin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine.

Results

O. stamineus extract exhibited dose-dependent diuretic activity. However, excretion of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ was not markedly elevated, but urinary excretion of K⁺ was significantly increased. O. stamineus extracts slightly increased the serum BUN, creatinine and blood glucose level. Although these levels were statistically significant when compared to control, these levels were still within normal range.

Conclusions

O. stamineus exhibited diuretic activity, but was less potent than furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide. Care should be taken when consuming this herb as slight increase of kidney function enzymes was recorded.     

Antihistaminic and antiallergic actions of extracts of Solanum nigrum berries: Possible role in the treatment of asthma

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Berries of the plant Solanum nigrum Linn (Solanaceae) are used for the treatment of asthma in folk medicine and ancient books.

Aim of study

To evaluate potential of the plant berries in the treatment of asthma.

Materials and methods

Petroleum ether, ethanol and aqueous extracts of S. nigrum berries (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, i.p.) were screened for the treatment of asthma by the various methods viz. effect on clonidine and haloperidol induced catalepsy, milk-induced leucocytosis and eosinophilia, mast cell stabilizing activity in mice and studies on smooth muscle preparation of guinea pig ileum (in vitro). Active petroleum ether extract was standardized by HPTLC.

Results

The petroleum ether extract of S. nigrum berries inhibited clonidine-induced catalepsy significantly but not haloperidol-induced catalepsy. Petroleum ether extract significantly inhibited increased leukocyte and eosinophil count due to milk allergen and showed maximum protection against mast cell degranulation by clonidine. Petroleum ether extract resisted contraction induced by histamine better than other extracts. All the results are dose dependant. Active petroleum ether extract showed presence of antiasthmatic compound, β-sitosterol.

Conclusion

The petroleum ether extract of S. nigrum berries can inhibits parameters linked to the asthma disease.     

Antidiarrhoeal activity of Geranium incanum Burm. f. (Geraniaceae) leaf aqueous extract in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Geranium incanum Burm. f. (Geraniaceae) is used in South Africa especially in rural communities by traditional medicine practitioners to treat diarrhoea. However, scientific evidence does not exist in any literature to corroborate the claim of therapeutic success of the plant species in diarrhoea.

Aim of study

The study intended to investigate the antidiarrhoeal activity of the leaf aqueous extract of Geranium incanum in mice.

Materials and Methods

Castor oil induced diarrhoeal test was used to assess the antidiarrhoeal activity of Geranium incanum. Gastrointestinal tract transit of charcoal meal test was used to assess the antipropulsive activity of the plant extract while the acute toxicity study and phytochemical analysis were carried out using well established protocols and methods.

Results

The antidiarrhoeal activity of Geranium incanum was investigated by studying the effect of leaf aqueous extract of the plant species on castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice. The leaf aqueous extract of Geranium incanum significantly reduced faecal output in castor oil -induced diarrhoea and also significantly reduced the number of diarrhoeal episodes. Geranium incanum significantly delayed the onset of diarrhoea induced by castor oil and significantly reduced the number of animals exhibiting diarrhoea. Loperamide, a standard antidiarrhoeal drug, produced similar effects to the leaf aqueous extract of Geranium incanum on castor oil-induced diarrhoea. Both Geranium incanum and loperamide significantly reduced the intestinal propulsion of charcoal meal in mice. The phytochemical analysis of the leaves revealed the presence of tannins, saponins particularly steroidal saponin, and flavonoids. The LD₅₀ of the plant species obtained was greater than 4000 mg/kg (p.o.).

Conclusion

The data obtained indicate that the leaf aqueous extract of Geranium incanum has both antidiarrhoeal and antipropulsive activities The data also show that the plant material given orally may be safe and/or non toxic in mice. However, further investigation on the acute toxicity and on the mechanism of the antidiarrhoeal effect of the plant species needs to be carried out.     

Sedative activity of hexane extract of Keampferia galanga L. and its active compounds

Ethnopharmacological relevance

It is well known that fragrance impacts behaviors and autonomic functions, and is increasingly used as relaxant, carminative, as well as sedative in aromatherapy. Kaempferia galanga L. is one of the popular traditional aromatic medicinal plants used in tropics and subtropics of Asia including China, Japan and Indochina.

Aim of the study

The aim of present study was to investigate sedative effects of hexane extract of Kaempferia galanga L.and 2 active aromatic compounds (compound 1: ethyl trans-p-methoxycinnamate and compound 2: ethyl cinnamate ) included in the extyract by means of inhalation in mice.

Materials and methods

Sedative activity was assessed by inhalation of the hexane extract and two major aromatic compounds.

Results

Inhalation of hexane extract at the doses of 1.5 and 10 mg showed significant reduction of locomotor activity, indicating considerable sedative and relaxant effects. Compound 1 and 2 were proved to possess sedative effects at 0.0014 mg and 0.0012 mg respectively.

Conclusions

These results suggest the promising application of Kaempferia galanga L. and its constituents in aromatherapy.     

Vasorelaxant action of the total alkaloid fraction obtained from Solanum paludosum Moric. (Solanaceae) involves NO/cGMP/PKG pathway and potassium channels

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Solanum paludosum Moric. (jurubeba-roxa) is commonly used to treat hypertension as a substitute for Solanum paniculatum L. (jurubeba verdadeira). The total ethanolic extract from the root bark of Solanum paludosum have been found to cause hypotension in rats.

Aim of the study

To investigate the mechanism by which the total alkaloid fraction obtained from the root bark of Solanum paludosum (FAT-SP) acts as a vasorelaxant agent on rat thoracic aorta.

Materials and methods

Rings of rat aorta were suspended in organ bath containing Krebs solution at 37 °C, bubbled with carbogen mixture (95% O₂ and 5% CO₂) under a resting tension of 1 g. Isometric contractions were measured using a force transducer coupled to an amplifier and a microcomputer.

Results

FAT-SP has been found cause relaxation of the aortic rings pre-contracted with phenylephrine (Phe) in a concentration-dependent manner, in the presence and absence of endothelium. This effect was more potent on the endothelium-intact aorta. In the presence of endothelium, neither indomethacin (non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor) nor atropine (non-selective muscarinic receptor antagonist), produced significant changes on the relaxation response. On the other hand, in the presence of calmidazolium (a calmodulin inhibitor), N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME, nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), hydroxocobalamin (HDX) (scavenger of free-radical nitric oxide), 1-H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo-[4,3a]-quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, selective blocker of soluble guanylate cyclase), Rp-8-bromo-β-phenyl-1,N²-ethenoguanosine 3′:5′-cyclic monophosphorothioate sodium salt hydrate (Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS, competitive inhibitor of cGMP-dependent protein kinase G) or TEA⁺ (tetraethylammonium, nonselective potassium channel blocker), the vasorelaxant effect was significantly reduced, suggesting the involvement of NO/sCG/PKG pathway and potassium channel opening in vasorelaxant action of the FAT-SP.

Conclusion

The mechanism of vasorelaxant activity of the FAT-SP on rat aorta involves both NO/sCG/PKG pathway and potassium channels.     

Neuroprotective effect of saponin rich extract of Acorus calamus L. in rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) of sciatic nerve-induced neuropathic pain

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Traditionally, Acorus calamus has been used for the treatment and management of headache, migraine, body ache and severe inflammatory pain in the Unani, Ayurveda and Indian system of medicine.

Aim of the study

Present study focuses on the evaluation of saponin rich extract of Acorus calamus (SRE-AC) in chronic constriction injury (CCI) of sciatic nerve induced neuropathic pain and neuronal functional changes in rats.

Materials and methods

The pain sensitive tests, i.e., thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia and sciatic functional index test, were performed on the different days, i.e., days 0, 1, 7, 14, and 21. The motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity was also measured on the 21st day. Tissue total protein, superoxide anion generation, total calcium, myeloperoxidase and TNF-α levels were estimated to assess biochemical changes. Histopathological evaluations were also performed. SRE-AC (20 and 40 mg/kg) and pregabalin (10 mg/kg, serving as a positive control) were administered orally for 14 consecutive days from the day of surgery.

Results

CCI produced significant (P<0.05) increase in thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, rise in sciatic functional index, decrease in nerve conduction velocity, along with biochemical and histopathological changes. Oral administration of SRE-AC and pregabalin significantly (P<0.05) ameliorated CCI-induced nociceptive pain threshold, sciatic functional and electrophysiological changes in a dose dependent manner. Further, tissue biochemical and histopathological changes were also attenuated.

Conclusion

SRE-AC has shown ameliorative effect in CCI-induced neuropathic pain which may be attributed to its multiple actions including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective actions.     

Anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperalgesic, antiplatelet and antiulcer activities of Byrsonima japurensis A. Juss. (Malpighiaceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Decoctions or infusions of the stem bark of Byrsonima japurensis A. Juss. (Malpighiaceae) are widely used as an anti-inflammatory drug in folk medicine of Amazonas State (Brazil).

Aim of the study

To evaluate the pharmacological potential of an aqueous extract of the stem bark of Byrsonima japurensis (BJEA) to scientifically verify of its traditional use.

Materials and methods

Anti-inflammatory, antihyperalgesic and antiulcer activities were evaluated in Wistar rats, a Hippocratic screening was performed in Swiss mice to evaluate the toxic effects, and antiplatelet evaluation was performed in human platelet rich plasma assay. Additionally, antioxidant activity was evaluated by superoxide radical scavenging method and β-carotene bleaching test.

Results

Anti-inflammatory, antihyperalgesic and gastroprotective activities were observed in rats treated orally with different doses of BJEA. While signals of toxicity were observed in the mice treated with a very high dose of extract (5000 mg/kg), no death occurred. BJEA also showed expressive antiplatelet and antioxidant activities in vitro.

Conclusion

According to our results, it was concluded that stem bark of Byrsonima japurensis has significant and safe anti-inflammatory activity, which is closely related with their potent antioxidant activity, supporting the folk medicinal use of this species.     

Toxicology,genotoxicity, and cytotoxicity of three extracts of Solanum chrysotrichum

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Infusions of Solanum chrysotrichum (Schldl.) or “sosa” are employed in Traditional Mexican Medicine for the local and systemic treatment of skin and mucosal infections. Different studies have verified its antifungal effectiveness and therapeutic safety in superficial mycosis caused by dermatophytes or yeasts, and have identified a group of spirostanic saponins, denominated SC-2–SC-6, as responsible for the antifungal activity. Of these, SC-2 is the most active molecule. Electron microscopy studies showed that SC-2 disintegrates cell wall and internal membranes of the fungi studied. In order to continue the systematic study of Solanum chrysotrichum, the goal of the present study was to evaluate the toxicity, genotoxicity, and cytotoxicity of the three different extracts of Solanum chrysotrichum.

Materials and methods

From the dried leaves of Solanum chrysotrichum, we obtained the aqueous, hydroalcoholic, and ethanolic extracts. Saponins (SC-2–SC-6) were quantified by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). For the toxicology study, we formed four groups: three experimental groups, treated with each of the extracts at 1-g/kg doses per os (po) during 4 weeks, and a negative control group treated with the vehicle. For the genotoxicity study, we added another group, which was treated with cyclophosphamide for 1 week. The cytotoxicity study was carried out with international methods and employing the nasopharyngeal cancer (KB) and breast cancer (MDA) cell lines.

Results

The three evaluated extracts did not modify either of the behavioral parameters, and on the hepatic-function biochemical tests (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST]), did not showed significant increase on comparing to placebo. The genotoxicity parameters did not exhibit differences between the experimental groups and the placebo (control) group. Histologic analysis showed that the three extracts caused amyloidosis and moderate necrosis in liver, and focal tumefaction in kidney, as well as significant, but clinically irrelevant, elevations of creatinine with the aqueous and hydroalcoholic, but not with the ethanolic, extracts. In addition, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts exhibited interesting cytotoxic activity against the KB cell line.

Conclusions

At the doses administered, the ethanolic extract of Solanum chrysotrichum showed a slightly toxic effect on liver and kidney, without biochemical or genotoxic repercussions and with cytotoxic activity against the KB cell line.     

Anti-fibrosis and anti-cirrhosis effects of Rhizoma paridis saponins on diethylnitrosamine induced rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis as a traditional Chinese medicine has been used in the treatment of liver disease for thousands of years. Rhizoma paridis saponins (RPS), as the main active components of Paris polyphylla, have been used to treat liver injury. Anti-cirrhosis effect of Rhizoma paridis saponins (RPS) has not been known.

Materials and methods

We analyzed diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced metabonomic changes in multiple biological matrices (plasma and urine) of rats by using ¹H-NMR spectroscopy together with clinical biochemistry assessments, oxidative stress test and DNA fragmentation assay.

Results

Mechanisms of RPS that participated in the inhibition of the fibrotic process included anti-oxidant, anti-apoptosis, and metabolic disturbance such as decreasing lipid oxidation, regulation of TCA cycle, carbohydrate, and amino acid metabolisms in DEN-induced liver tissues.

Conclusions

Integrated NMR analysis of serum and urine samples, together with traditional clinical biochemical assays provided a holistic method for elucidating mechanisms of potential anti-fibrotic agent, RPS.