Galactomannan from Caesalpinia spinosa induces phenotypic and functional maturation of human dendritic cells

Plant polysaccharides present an interesting potential as immunomodulators, particularly in the induction of antitumoral responses, principally because of their molecular complexity and low in vivo toxicity. Activation of dendritic cells (DCs) could improve antitumoral responses usually diminished in cancer patients, and natural adjuvants provide a possibility of inducing this activation. Herein, we investigated the immunomodulatory activity of a neutral plant polysaccharide Galactomannan on human monocyte-derived DCs (MDDC). MDDCs were stimulated with Galactomannan (GLM) from Caesalpinia spinosa and both phenotypic and functional activities were assessed by flow cytometry and real-time PCR. The phagocytic ability of MDDCs was determined by using E-coli pHrodo particles and induction of T-lymphocyte allostimulation was determined after T-cell staining with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE). In MDDCs, purified Galactomannan induced phenotypic maturation revealed by increased expression of CD83, CD86, CD206, and HLA-DR. Functional experiments showed the loss of particulate antigen uptake in Galactomannan-stimulated DCs and increased alloantigen presentation capacity. Finally, Galactomannan increased protein and mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70, and TNF-α. These data reveal that Galactomannan obtained from Caesalpinia spinosa promotes effective activation of MDDCs. This adjuvant-like activity may have therapeutic applications in clinical settings where immune responses need boosting.     

Screening of Caesalpinia bonduc leaves for antipsoriatic activity

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Leaves of Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. (Caesalpiniaceae) have been used by traditional Siddha healer of Malabar region for psoriasis treatment.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the Caesalpinia bonduc decoction (CBD), Caesalpinia bonduc hydroalcoholic extract (CBHA) for antipsoriatic activity.

Materials and methods

Mouse tail test for psoriasis was used for the evaluation of antipsoriatic activity. Extracts were tested at a dose of 500 mg/kg b.w. and fractions at 250 mg/kg b.w. in Swiss albino mice. Parameters studied in the mouse tail test were changes in epidermal thickness and percentage orthokeratotic values. In vitro antiproliferant assay on HaCaT cell lines and in vitro lipoxygenase inhibition were also carried out.

Results

Butanol fraction of Caesalpinia bonduc hydroalcoholic extract (CBHAB) and water fraction of Caesalpinia bonduc hydroalcoholic extract (CBHAW) produced significant orthokeratosis (p < 0.001). In relative epidermal thickness, a significant (p < 0.05) reduction with respect to control was observed in groups treated with retinoic acid, CBD, butanol fraction of Caesalpinia bonduc decoction (CBDB), water fraction of Caesalpinia bonduc hydroalcoholic extract (CBHAW). Maximum antiproliferant activity was shown by CBHA (IC₅₀, 77.5 ± 12.7 μg/ml). In lipoxygenase inhibition assay, water fraction of Caesalpinia bonduc decoction (CBDW) showed maximum activity with an IC₅₀ value of 164.71 ± 4.57 μg/ml.

Conclusions

Among all the tested samples only CBHAW showed good activity in the mouse tail test, antiproliferant activity in HaCaT cells and lipoxygenase inhibition assay. Other extracts and fractions showed varying degrees of activity. The present study supports the traditional use of Caesalpinia bonduc leaves for psoriasis treatment.     

Evaluation of Caesalpinia pulcherrima Linn. for anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activities

Objective:

To evaluate the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Linn.) Sw. for anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activities.

Materials and Methods:

Anti-inflammatory action of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of C. pulcherrima (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) (CPE and CPA) were evaluated by cotton pellet granuloma models. Pylorus ligation and aspirin induced ulcer models were employed for evaluating antiulcer activity for both the extracts. Ulcerogenic potential of CP was also evaluated.

Result:

The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of C. pulcherrima significantly decreased (P<0.01) the granuloma tissue development. CPE and CPA at both the doses exhibited significant (P<0.01) antiulcer activity by decreasing the ulcer score in both the ulcer models and it was not ulcerogenic.

Conclusion:

The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of C. pulcherrima (CPE and CPA) possess significant anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activities.     

云实化学成分研究

目的：研究去实化学成分。方法：利用硅胶柱层析分离纯化，通过光谱分析鉴定结构。结果：从去实全草的乙醇提取物中分得7个化合物，经鉴定为：羽扇豆醇醋酸酯（I）、羽扇豆醇（II）、齐墩果酸（III）、二十五碳酸单甘油酯（IV）、26-羟基二十六碳酸单甘油酯（V）、豆甾醇（VI）、β-谷甾醇（Ⅶ）。结论：化合物Ⅰ-Ⅶ均为首次从该植物中分得。     

苏木研究进展

本文论述了苏木化学成分、分析方法、药理活性及临床应用的研究进展,为今后该药材的开发和利用提供依据。     

云实种子中1个新异构卡山烷二萜

目的研究民间药用植物云实Caesalpinia decapetala种子的化学成分。方法采用硅胶、Sephadex LH-20等柱色谱技术对云实种子的乙醇提取物进行前处理,运用半制备高效液相进行分离制备,根据NMR、ESI-MS、CD等波谱数据鉴定化合物结构。结果从云实种子的氯仿部位浸膏中分离得到了8个卡山烷二萜类化合物,分别鉴定为1α,6α,7β-triacetoxy-14α-methoxy-vouacapen-5α-ol(1)、caesalmin F(2)、neocaaesalpin MP(3)、1-deacteoxy-1-oxocaesalmin C(4)、neocaesalpin AA(5)、bonducellpin C(6)、bonducellpin E(7)、neocaaesalpin N(8)。结论化合物1为1个新化合物,命名为云实二萜A,化合物1和2为1对C-14位差向异构体;化合物3~7为首次从云实种子中分离得到。