Anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effect of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica Nakai extract on a macrophage cell line and immune cells in the mouse small intestine

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Traditional Oriental medicine has utilized the barks of the stem and root of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica Nakai (UD) to treat inflammatory disorders.

Aim of the study

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate UD's anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects on a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophage cell line and small-intestinal lamina propria (LP) cells, respectively.

Materials and methods

RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with LPS in the presence of various concentrations of a UD water-soluble extract. Cell viability, nitric oxide (NO) production, and the level of inflammatory cytokines synthesis were measured. Among the mice receiving the UD water-soluble extract, changes in the LP cell populations and immunoglobulin (Ig)A production were evaluated.

Results

The UD water-soluble extract inhibited LPS-induced NO synthesis and inflammatory cytokine production in a RAW264.7 macrophage-like cell line. Small-intestinal LP cells isolated from mice that received the UD extract displayed a decrease in the side scatter of medium-to-high cells. Those LP cells isolated from the UD-treated mice also showed a marked decrease of intracellular IgA. However, UD administration had no apparent effect on the synthesis of systemic inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusions

These results suggest that UD water-soluble extracts have anti-inflammatory properties and, as such, can be used to promote intestinal immune-homeostatic conditions.     

Five novel neuroprotective triterpene esters of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica

Investigation of the constituents of the stem and root barks of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica resulted in the isolation of five new triterpene esters named ulmicin A-E (1-5). Using several spectroscopic techniques, their structures were determined to be 3beta,11alpha,15alpha-trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene-11-(3'-methoxy-4'-hydroxybenzoyl ester) (1), 3beta,11alpha,15alpha-trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene-11-(4'-hydroxybenzoyl ester) (2), 3beta,11alpha,15alpha-trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene-11-(3'-methoxy-4'-hydroxybenzoyl)-15-(4'-hydroxybenzoyl ester) (3), 3beta,11alpha,15alpha-trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene-11,15-di(3'-methoxy-4'-hydroxybenzoyl ester) (4), and 3beta,11alpha,15alpha-trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene-11-(3'-methoxy-4'-hydroxybenzoyl)-15-(benzoyl ester) (5). All five compounds showed significant neuroprotective activities against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in primary cultures of rat cortical cells.     

Protective effects of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica against OVA-induced murine asthma model via upregulation of heme oxygenase-1

Aim of the study

Traditionally, the stem and root bark of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica (Ulmaceae) are Korean herbal medicines used for anti-inflammatory and anticancer therapy. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica ethanolic extract (UD) in a murine asthma model. Furthermore, we determined whether heme oxygenase (HO)-1 is required for the protective activity of UD.

Materials and methods

Airways of ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice exposed to OVA challenge developed eosinophilia, mucus hypersecretion and increased cytokine levels. UD was applied 1 h prior to OVA challenge. Mice were administered UD orally at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg once daily on days 18–23. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected 48 h after the final OVA challenge. Levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 in BALF were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Lung tissue sections 4 μm in thickness were stained with Mayer's hematoxylin and eosin for assessment of cell infiltration and mucus production with PAS (periodic acid shift reagent) staining, in conjunction with ELISA, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses for HO-1 protein expression.

Results and conclusion

Orally administered UD significantly inhibited the number of OVA-induced inflammatory cells and IgE production, along with reduced T-helper (Th)2 cytokine levels, such as IL-4 and IL-5, in BALF and lung tissue. In addition, UD induced a marked decrease in OVA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus production in lung tissue. These effects were correlated with HO-1 mRNA and protein induction. Our results indicate that UD protects against OVA-induced airway inflammation, at least in part, via HO-1 upregulation.     

Stimulative effects of Ulmus davidiana Planch (Ulmaceae) on osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells

Ulmus davidiana Planch (Ulmaceae) has long been known to have anti-inflammatory and protective effects on damaged tissue, inflammation and bone among other functions. To treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a herbal medicine, Ulmus davidiana Planch (Ulmaceae) extract (UD) is being used in traditional oriental medicine. The effect of UD on the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation in non-transformed osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) was studied. UD dose-dependently increased DNA synthesis (significant at 5-20 microg/ml). UD increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and prolyl hydroxylase activity of MC3T3-E1 cells (5-20 microg/ml). Antiestrogen tamoxifen eliminated the stimulation of proliferation and ALP activity of MC3T3-E1, which was induced by UD. UD at concentrations ranged from 30 to 100 microg/ml inhibited prostaglandin E2 production in MC3T3-E1. These results indicate that UD directly stimulates cell proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. These results also suggest and UD is effective for bone anti-resorptive action in bone cells.     

Comparative study on hemostatic, cytotoxic and hemolytic activities of different species of Paris L

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The rhizoma of Paris polyphylla var. yannanensis or P. polyphylla var. chinensis called Rhizoma Paridis as a traditional Chinese medicine has an effect of heat-clearing and detoxicating, detumescence and acesodyne in folk for a long time. The increasing application of Rhizoma Paridis resulted in the shortage of wildlife resources. Here, we compared the major activities of other species of genus Paris to find the replacement plants.

Materials and methods

Six species (P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis, P. delavayi var. delavayi, P. fargesii var. Fargesii, P. bashanensis Wang et Tang, P. polyphyllar var. minora, and P. polyphylla var. pseudothibetical) were collected from three Provinces in China, and compared the hemostatic, cytotoxic and hemolytic activities by different assays.

Results

For the hemostatic activity, all the plants except Paris fargesii var. Fargesii could significantly shorten the tail bleeding time and blood clotting time (P<0.05). For further mechanism study, they reduced the prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), but they had no significant effect on thrombin time (TT). P. fargesii var. Fargesii showed the similar cytotoxicity to P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis (IC₅₀: 18.21 and 15.73 μg/mL, respectively). HD₅₀ was used as the index of hemolytic activity. P. delavayi var. delavayi and P. bashanensis Wang et Tang were the last to have this activity as the values were 3.027 and 1.222 mg/mL.

Conclusions

The different species of genus Paris have different activities. Paris delavayi var. delavayi and Paris bashanensis Wang et Tang could be used as the resources of hemostatic drugs and P. fargesii var. Fargesii as the antitumor medicine.     

Constituents, biological activities and quality control parameters of the crude extract and essential oil from Arracacia tolucensis var. multifida

Bioassay guided fractionation of an antimycobacterial extract of Arracacia tolucensis var. multifida (Umbelliferae) led to the isolation of isoimperatorin (1), osthol (2), suberosin (3), 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) (4), herniarin (5), scoparone (6), umbelliferone (7), dihydroxypeucedanin (8), 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP) (9), isoscopoletin (10) and scopoletin (11). The isolates were tested against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and only 1-4 showed significant activity with MIC values of 64, 32, 16 and 128 microg/mL, respectively. The essential oil showed moderate in vitro antibacterial activity against representative Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The volatile oil of Arracacia tolucensis var. multifida was analyzed by GC-MS and found to be composed mainly by 2 and 3. The essential oil (IC(50)=116.4+/-23.2 microg/mL) and the extract (IC(50)=1153.1+/-53.2 microg/mL) of the plant provoked concentration dependent inhibition of the tone and amplitude of the guinea-pig ileum spontaneous contractions; the latter activity was related with the high coumarin content of this species. A suitable (novel and rapid) HPLC method to quantify the major active coumarins of the plant was developed. The method provides also a reproducible fingerprint useful for identity tests of this plant.     

In vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive actions of some Lamium species

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Several Lamium species have been used to relieve pain in arthritic ailments in Turkish folk medicine. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of different extracts prepared with methanol, dichloromethane, n-butanol and water from the aerial parts of some Lamium species of Turkish origin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lamium eriocephalum subsp. eriocephalum, Lamium garganicum subsp. laevigatum, Lamium garganicum subsp. pulchrum and Lamium purpureum var. purpureum (Lamiaceae); for the anti-inflammatory activity, carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model, PGE(2)-induced hind paw edema model, and 12-O-tetradecanoyl-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema model and for the antinociceptive activity p-benzoquinone (PBQ)-induced writhing test in mice were employed. RESULTS: The n-butanol extracts of Lamium garganicum subsp. laevigatum (LGL-BuOH), Lamium garganicum subsp. pulchrum (LGP-BuOH), and Lamium purpureum var. purpureum (LPP-BuOH) exhibited notable inhibition (16.5-28.9, 14.5-26.9, 12.3-21.5%, resp.) in carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model at doses of 200mg/kg without inducing any gastric damage. The LGL-BuOH (7.1-30.4%) and LGP-BuOH (5.9-24.1%) extracts also displayed potent anti-inflammatory activity against PGE(2)-induced hind paw edema model. LGL-BuOH and LGP-BuOH were also found to exhibit remarkable antinociceptive activity in p-benzoquinone-induced abdominal constriction test at a dose of 200 mg/kg (25.0 and 24.3%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The experimental data demonstrated that Lamium garganicum subsp. laevigatum and Lamium garganicum subsp. pulchrum displayed remarkable anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities.     

Anti-angiogenic activity of Gynura segetum leaf extracts and its fractions

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Gynura segetum is a popular medicinal plant in Indonesia and Malaysia, known to possess various medicinal properties especially for treatment of cancer, diabetes and hypertension.

Aim of the study

This study was carried out to evaluate the anti-angiogenic effect of Gynura segetum leaves extracts and its fractions. The chemical compositions of the active extracts were also determined.

Materials and methods

The anti-angiogenic activity of Gynura segetum leaves extracts and its fractions was evaluated in vivo using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was carried out to identify the chemical compositions of the active extracts.

Results

The CAM treated with Gynura segetum leaves extracts and its fractions (100 μg/disc) showed a significantly greater anti-angiogenic effect compared to the positive control suramin (50 μg/disc). Chemical analysis of the active extracts from the leaves of Gynura segetum yielded nine known compounds: undecane (1), neophytadine (2), hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (3), 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester (4), 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester (5), phytol (6), tetradecanal (7), octadecanoic acid, methyl ester (8) and γ-sitosterol (9).

Conclusions

These results suggested that Gynura segetum has anti-angiogenic activity. The plant may be used as a potential source for protection against cancer.     

小果鹧鸪花果实脂溶性成分GC-MS分析及抗菌活性

目的:为研究小果鹧鸪花Trichilia connaroides Bentv.var.microcarpa Bentv.果实的脂溶性成分及抗菌活性。方法:冷浸法提取小果鹧鸪花果实中脂溶性成分,采用气相色谱-质谱联用技术(GC-MS)对其化学成分进行分析;用滤纸片琼脂扩散法测定其抗菌活性。结果:共分离出45个色谱峰,鉴定了其中44个化合物,占总量的92.82%;该脂溶性成分对金黄色葡萄球菌具有抑制作用。结论:首次从小果鹧鸪花果实中提取脂溶性成分并鉴定化学成分,主要为脂肪酸类化合物(60.88%),为小果鹧鸪花的开发利用提供了科学依据。     

5种中药醇提物体外抑制2种革兰阳性菌的活性

目的:研究丹参、丁香、厚朴、金银花、大黄这5种中药醇提物对痤疮丙酸杆菌和金黄色葡萄球菌的抑菌活力,进而通过正交试验考察不同配比对这2种革兰阳性菌的抑菌作用.方法:丹参、丁香、厚朴、金银花、大黄醇提物浓缩至0.2g·mL-1,通过测量抑菌圈直径考察不同中药醇提物与醇提物配伍后对这2种细菌的抑菌效果.结果:痤疮丙酸杆菌对丹参醇提物为高度敏感,抑菌圈直径为(23.27±3.68) mm,对丁香、厚朴醇提物为中度敏感,为(18.82±2.27),(17.78±1.88) mm;金黄色葡萄球菌对丁香和厚朴醇提物为高度敏感,抑菌圈直径分别为(21.94±0.74),(19.52士1.09)mm,对大黄和丹参为中度敏感,抑菌圈直径为(14.43±2.24),(16.01±0.88) mm.丹参、厚朴、丁香醇提物最佳复配比例为1∶1∶1,其对痤疮丙酸杆菌和金黄色葡萄球菌的抑菌圈直径分别为(20.07±1.26),(20.57±0.38) mm.结论:丹参、厚朴、丁香的醇提物对这2种菌的抑菌活力均为高度敏感,抑菌作用最佳.丹参、厚朴、丁香的醇提物对2种菌抑菌活性的最佳配比为1∶1∶1.     

金银花类药用植物IspE和IspH基因克隆和生物信息学分析

目的:克隆金银花类药用植物4-二磷酸胞苷-2-C-甲基赤藓糖激酶(4-diphosphocytidyl-2-C-methyl-D-erythritol kinase,IspE)和4-羟基-3-甲基-2-邻苯基二磷酸还原酶(4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl diphosphate reductase,IspH)基因,并对其基因序列、蛋白特性和转录活性进行分析、比较.方法:从忍冬Lonicera japonica转录组测序结果中分析获得了IspE,IspH基因.分别以忍冬、红白忍冬L.japonica var.chinensis、红腺忍冬L.hypoglauca和水忍冬L.dasystyla新鲜花蕾为材料,利用RT-PCR技术克隆获得了4种金银花类药用植物IspE和IspH基因的全长cDNA.运用生物信息学分析软件,预测编码蛋白的结构和功能,并通过RT-PCR检测IspE和IspH在忍冬、红白忍冬、红腺忍冬、水忍冬花蕾中的转录情况.结果:金银花类药用植物IspE基因含有1个完整的开放阅读框,长度为1 221 bp,编码406个氨基酸;IspH含有一个完整的开放阅读框,长度为1 380 bp,编码459个氨基酸.IspE和IspH均为非分泌蛋白,均定位于叶绿体中.RT-PCR分析结果表明在忍冬、红腺忍冬和水忍冬的花蕾中IspE,IspH基因的转录水平没有显著差异,但红白忍冬花蕾中IspE,IspH基因的转录水平均显著高于忍冬.结论:克隆获得忍冬、红白忍冬、红腺忍冬和水忍冬中IspE,IspH基因,并证实了其在不同金银花类药用植物中的表达,为进一步研究IspE,IspH基因对萜类化合物生物合成和花香气以及颜色的影响奠定了基础.     

拉雅松和细叶云南松松针挥发油的化学成分

目的:研究拉雅松和细叶云南松松针挥发油的化学成分.方法:采用水蒸汽蒸馏法从拉雅松和细叶云南松松针中提取挥发油,利用气相色谱-质谱联用技术分析挥发油的化学成分.结果:从拉雅松松针挥发油中鉴定出62个化合物,占挥发油总量的95.565％,主要成分为α-蒎烯(24.659％)、β-蒎烯(11.471％)、β-石竹烯(9.932％)和异松油烯(5.167％);从细叶云南松松针挥发油中鉴定出55个化合物,占挥发油总量的90.794％,主要成分为α-蒎烯(22.542％)、β-石竹烯(16.636％)和1,2,4a,5,8,8a-六氢化-4,7-二甲基-1-(1-甲基乙基)-萘(5.085％).结论:首次研究了拉雅松和细叶云南松松针挥发油的化学成分,为合理开发利用广西的松针资源提供了科学依据.     

Antifungal activity of the plant Dodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia on Candida albicans from HIV-infected patients

THE AIM OF THIS STUDY: was to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the time taken by Dodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia (PLE) a South African medicinal plant, chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) and triclosan (TRN) to kill Candida albicans. 41 strains of Candida albicans were investigated, 20 from HIV-positive patients, 20 from HIV-negative subjects and Candida albicans ATCC 90028. The MICs of an acetone extract of PLE, CHX and TRN were measured using a microtitre double dilution technique, and the time taken to kill 99.5% of the strains was determined. The MICs of PLE, CHX and TRN were 6.25-25, 0.008-0.16 and 0.0022-0.009 mg/ml, respectively. PLE killed all the test strains within 30s and CHX 40% of the isolates from HIV-positive patients and 20% of strains from HIV-negative subjects in 1 min. During the same time TRN killed 55% and 35% of isolates from HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. Dodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia has antifungal properties and is more effective than commercially available mouthrinses.     

基于matK基因的几种重要重楼属植物遗传关系分析

目的:利用叶绿体matK基因序列探讨重楼属植物的10个样品系统发育及分子鉴定,为重楼的保护和合理利用提基本供理论依据。方法:从分布于湖南省、云南省和吉林省的10个重要的重楼类群样品中提取总DNA,经扩增纯化后,利用PCR产物直接测序。结果:测定了10个重要的重楼类群样品的matK基因序列,序列长度为1 039 bp,比较了该基因的差异,构建了基于matK基因序列的遗传进化树。结论:这10个重楼属植物样品可以划分为4个组群,matK基因序列的结果不支持长药隔重楼、滇重楼、短梗重楼、七叶一枝花成为独立的变种,建议作为多叶重楼的变型处理。     

金银花组蛋白甲基转移酶基因生物信息学及表达分析

该研究从金银花转录组数据库中获得23个组蛋白甲基转移酶基因,分别对其核苷酸特性、蛋白理化性质、亚细胞定位、二级结构及保守域、系统进化和基因表达情况进行分析。其中系统进化分析结果表明,23个金银花组蛋白甲基转移酶可以分为2类:赖氨酸甲基转移酶和精氨酸甲基转移酶。基因表达分析结果表明金银花组蛋白甲基转移酶基因具有明显的种间表达偏好性和器官表达偏好性,即23个组蛋白甲基转移酶基因在金银花花蕾中表达量均高于红金银花,但在金银花叶中表达量均低于红金银花,并获得8个花蕾特异性表达基因,为进一步了解金银花类药用植物中组蛋白甲基转移酶的功能以及活性成分表观调控提供依据。     

牡荆内生真菌的分离与鉴定

目的 探讨牡荆内生真菌类群在不同器官中分布的多样性及其与生态环境的关系.方法 利用PDA培养基进行牡荆内生真菌的分离、纯化,根据菌落的形态特征并结合真菌的5.8S和ITS序列进行菌株鉴定.结果 从牡荆中共分离到内生真菌97株,鉴定为6目8科10属12种,其中从野生牡荆中获得内生真菌60株,鉴定为6目7科9属9种,从栽培牡荆中获得内生真菌37株,为3目3科5属7种.结论 牡荆内生真菌具有多样性,不同地理环境和组织类型的牡荆内生真菌在数量和种群组成上存在差异.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of Taraxacum officinale

Taraxacum officinale has been widely used as a folkloric medicine for the treatment of diverse diseases. The dried plant was extracted with 70% ethanol to generate its ethanol extract (TEE). For some experiments, ethyl acetate (EA), n-butanol (BuOH) and aqueous (Aq) fractions were prepared in succession from TEE. TEE showed a scavenging activity in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, a diminishing effect on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and an anti-angiogenic activity in the chicken chorioallantoic (CAM) assay. In the carrageenan-induced air pouch model, TEE inhibited production of exudate, and significantly diminished nitric oxide (NO) and leukocyte levels in the exudate. It also possessed an inhibitory effect on acetic acid-induced vascular permeability and caused a dose-dependent inhibition on acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing in mice. Suppressive effects of TEE on the production of NO and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages were also assessed. Among the fractions, the n-butanol fraction (BuOH) was identified to be most effective in the CAM assay. Collectively, Taraxacum officinale contains anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities through its inhibition of NO production and COX-2 expression and/or its antioxidative activity.     

Anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic effects of Macrothelypteris viridifrons and its constituents by HPLC-DAD/MS analysis

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Macrothelypteris viridifrons is widely distributed in south of China and has been used as folk medicine to treat cancer, hydropsy, and traumatic bleeding.

Aim of the study

To investigate the chemical constituents and the anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic effects of Macrothelypteris viridifrons.

Materials and methods

An HPLC-DAD/MS technique was used to determine the flavonoid profile of Macrothelypteris viridifrons. The anti-tumor effect of Macrothelypteris viridifrons was evaluated by in vivo mice bearing H22 hepatoma cells transplantation tumor model. And the anti-angiogenic activity was investigated by measuring the effects on the in vitro proliferation, migration, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, the in vivo zebrafish model was applied to evaluate the anti-angiogenic effect of Macrothelypteris viridifrons.

Results

18 flavonoids were identified from Macrothelypteris viridifrons. Administration of Macrothelypteris viridifrons significantly inhibited the tumor growth and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD34. Meanwhile, Macrothelypteris viridifrons showed significant inhibition on proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs in vitro and the intersegmental vessels formation in zebrafish model.

Conclusions

Macrothelypteris viridifrons showed significant anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic effects and might be developed as a novel anti-tumor drug.     

Cholesterol-reducer,antioxidant and liver protective effects of Thymbra spicata L. var. spicata

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Thymbra spicata is a member of the Lamiaceae family; leaves of this plant have recently gained much popularity as a remedy to combat hypercholesterolaemia.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the antihypercholesterolaemic, antioxidant and anti-steatohepatitic activities of the diethyl ether (DEE), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and remaining aqueous (RA) extracts from Thymbra spicata var. spicata in mice.

Materials and methods

In this study, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate and remaining aqueous extracts of Thymbra spicata L. var. spicata P.H.Davis (Lamiaceae) were evaluated for the effects on the plasma total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG) and glucose; blood malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH); erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity (CAT) in mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD).

Results

The HFD induced an increase in plasma TC, TG, LDL, MDA concentrations compared to control group. However, administration of DEE with HFD reduced TC, LDL, TG and MDA concentrations, while increased HDL concentration, as well as GSH, SOD and CAT activities compared to HFD. The other extract from the plant was RA, which also showed a similar activity profile with DEE except CAT. On the other hand, administration of EtOAc extract with HFD decreased plasma TC, TG and MDA, while GSH concentration was increased. Histopathologically, best liver conditions were observed in DEE and lesser in RA extracts. Based on the results obtained in this investigation it is suggested that the DEE and partially RA extracts of Thymbra spicata var. spicata displayed significant antihypercholesterolaemic, antioxidant and anti-steatohepatitic activities. HPLC analysis of the DEE extract of Thymbra spicata var. spicata revealed the presence of carvacrol (44.13%).

Conclusion

The observed cholesterol-reducer, antioxidant and liver protective effects of the DEE and partially of RA extracts of Thymbra spicata which contain mainly carvacrol indicates that these extracts possess some potential medicinal value and explain their ethnomedical use.     

Suppressive effects of a water extract of Ulmus davidiana Planch (Ulmaceae) on collagen-induced arthritis in mice

Ulmus davidiana Planch (Ulmaceae) has long been known to have anti-inflammatory and protective effects on damaged tissue, inflammation and bone resorption. Therefore, this study was undertaken to address (1) whether the water extract of the bark of Ulmus davidiana Planch (Ulmaceae) (UD) can modulate the expression of inducible inflammatory cytokines in mice; (2) in order to assess the therapeutic effects of UD in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. DBA/1 mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen. After a second collagen immunization, mice were treated with UD orally at 100mg/kg once a day for 3 weeks. Paws were evaluated macroscopically for redness, swelling and deformities. The levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in the ankle were examined. The severity of arthritis within the knee joints was evaluated by histological assessment of cartilage destruction and pannus formation. Administration of UD significantly suppressed the progression of CIA and inhibited the production of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in the paws. The erosion of cartilage was dramatically reduced in mouse knees after treatment with UD. In the serum of UD-treated mice, the levels of IL-4 and IL-10, anti-inflammatory cytokines, were increased. From the results, it was concluded that administration of UD has therapeutic effects on CIA including protection of cartilage and RA for a potential therapy.