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.     

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.     

Antiurolithiatic activity of saponin rich fraction from the fruits of Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. & Wendl. (Solanaceae) against ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

A well-known traditional herb Solanum xanthocarpum is widely used in India for the management of different ailments including urolithiasis. This study was designed to rationalize the use of Solanum xanthocarpum in kidney stone and to investigate its mechanism of action.

Materials and methods

The saponin rich fraction prepared from fruits of Solanum xanthocarpum (SXS) was evaluated for antiurolithiatic activity by in vitro and in vivo studies. In ethylene glycol (EG, 0.75% in drinking water for 28 days) induced urolithiasis model, two different experimental doses (20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, p.o., for 28 days) of saponin rich fraction were selected by dose fixation study. After 28 days, various biochemical parameters were measured in urine, serum and kidney homogenate. Kidneys were also subjected to histopathological analysis.

Results

In vitro calcium oxalate crystal (CaOx) nucleation as well as aggregation was inhibited in artificial urine solution by SXS. The lithogenic treatment caused polyuria, damage renal function and oxidative stress, manifested as increased malondialdehyde, depleted reduced glutathione and decreased antioxidant enzyme catalase activities of the kidneys, which were prevented by simultaneous administration with SXS. Lithogenic treatment also caused crystalluria, hyperoxaluria, hypercalciuria, hypocitrauria, and hypomagnesaemia. Deposition of CaOx in renal tissue and cellular injury were seen in histopathology. Co-administration of SXS had potential to prevent these pathological changes due to lithogenic treatment. Moreover, SXS raised level of glycosaminoglycan, a stone inhibitor macromolecule found in urine which decreased.

Conclusion

The antiurolithiatic activity in Solanum xanthocarpum is mediated possibly through the inhibition of CaOx crystal formation and its effect on the urinary concentration of stone-forming constituents and nephrolithiasis inducing factors and this study rationalizes its medicinal use in urolithiasis.     

Anti-hyperuricemic and nephroprotective effects of Modified Simiao Decoction in hyperuricemic mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Modified Simiao Decoction (MSD), based on clinical experience, has been used for decades and famous for its efficiency in treating hyperuricemic and gouty diseases.

Aim of the study

To investigate the effects of MSD on anti-hyperuricemic and nephroprotective effects are involved in potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mice.

Materials and methods

The effects of MSD were investigated in hyperuricemic mice induced by potassium oxonate. MSD were fed to hyperuricemic mice daily at a dose of 0.45, 0.90, 1.80 g/kg for 10 days, and allopurinol (5 mg/kg) was given as a positive control. Serum and urine levels of uric acid and creatinine, and fractional excretion of uric acid (FEUA) were determined by colorimetric method. Its nephroprotective effects were evaluated by determining a panel of oxidative stress markers after the intervention in hyperuricemic mice. Simultaneously, protein levels of urate transporter 1 (URAT1) and organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) in the kidney were analyzed by Western blotting.

Results

MSD could inhibit XOD activities in serum and liver, decrease levels of serum uric acid, serum creatinine and BUN, and increased levels of urine uric acid, urine creatinine, FEUA dose-dependently through down-regulation of URAT1 and up-regulation of OAT1 protein expressions in the renal tissue of hyperuricemic mice. It also effectively reversed oxonate-induced alterations on renal MDA levels and SOD activities in this model.

Conclusion

MSD processes uricosuric and nephroprotective actions by regulating renal urate transporters and enhancing antioxidant enzymes activities to improve renal dysfunction in hyperuricemic mice.     

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.     

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.     

Ethnobotanical survey and antibacterial activity of plants used in the Altiplane region of Mexico for the treatment of oral cavity infections

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The ethnobotanical survey conducted in this study showed 47 plant species used in the Altiplane region of Mexico for the treatment of dental diseases such as toothache, dental caries, periodontal disease and gingivitis.

Materials and methods

Information was collected by performing interviews. The following data were recorded: name of the patients or herbalists with their age, sex; date and place of gathering information; pathology of persons interviewed; name of the drug (vernacular name); parts used (leaves, bark, fruits, seeds, aerial parts), mode of preparation and administration, and possible combinations.The inhibitory effects of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the medicinal plants detected during the survey the on the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Phrophyromonas gingivalis were determined using microdilution method. The minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were determined from the wells of microplate with no visible bacterial growth.

Results

In total, tree places of the Altiplane region of Mexico were visited and five healers and 100 patients were questioned. 47 wild and cultivated species were recorded. The most frequent uses were to treat tooth pain, gum diseases, bad breath and cavities. Infusions were the most frequently prepared formulation. Other applied preparations mentioned with decreasing frequency were decocts, syrups, tinctures, direct application of the plant material without prior preparation and finally macerations.The ethanolic extracts of Haematoxylon brasiletto, Punica granatum, Iostephane heterophyla, Bursera simaruba, Cedrela odorata and Rhus standleyi (12.5–65.0 μg/mL) as well as water extracts of Haematoxylon brasiletto, Punica granatum, Iostephane heterophyla, Amphipterygium adstringens, Argemone mexicana, Cedrela odorata, Eysenhardtia polystachya, Persea americana, Syzygium aromaticum, Cinnamomun zeylanicum, Cnidoscolus multilobus and Rhus standleyi (10.5–78.0 μg/mL) showed the highest inhibitory effect against Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Conclusions

Many plants are used in the Mexican traditional medicine to treat oral bacterial diseases by the healers or patients. Our study demonstrated that most of the medicinal plants showed an antibacterial effect in vitro, and justified at least in part their use in traditional medicine. These results encourage further investigations to extract and identify the active chemical compounds responsible for the antibacterial effect observed.     

Pharmacological and toxicological effects of Paronychia argentea in experimental calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis in rats

Aim of the study

Renal protection and antiurolithiasic effects of two extracts of Paronychia argentea (PA), a traditional Algerian plant commonly known as Algerian tea, were evaluated. This study was carried out to determine whether the aqueous extract (APA) or the butanolic extract (BPA) of aerial parts could prevent or reduce calculi aggregation in experimental calcium oxalate (Ox) nephrolithiasis in Wistar rats.

Materials and methods

The two extracts (APA and BPA) were administrated orally and daily, during 28 days to nephrolithiasic treated rats at the dose of 250, 500 mg/kg b.w. and 10, 20 mg/kg b.w. respectively.Body weight, renal index, liver index, serum level of creatinine, uric acid, urea, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺ and transaminase (alanine aminotransferase, ALT; aspartate aminotransferase, AST), phosphatase alkaline activity (PAL) were evaluated following the 28 days treatment in rats. In addition histopathological changes in kidney and liver were stained in hematoxylin eosin (HE).

Results

The effect of the extracts could be advantageous in preventing urinary stone retention by reducing renal necrosis and thus inhibit crystal retention. In contradiction with APA, the two doses of BPA attenuated elevation in the serum creatinine (p < 0.01) and blood urea levels (p < 0.01) (nephroprotective effect). However, the increase in ALT (27%) and PAL (31–51%) serum levels and in the relative liver weights (p < 0.01) in the groups treated with doses of APA may indicate that this extract has not a hepatoprotective effect against oxalate toxicity.

Conclusions

The presented data indicate that administration of the butanolic extract of aerial parts to rats with NaOx induced lithiasis, and reduced and prevented the growth of urinary stones in experimental calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis in Wistar rats.     

Hancornia speciosa: indications of gastroprotective, healing and anti-Helicobacter pylori actions

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomez) is a medicinal plant frequently cited in ethnopharmacological inventories of the central region of Brazil against gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhoea, ulcer, gastritis and stomachache.

Aim of the study

The hydroalcoholic extract (HE) and infusion (BI) of Hancornia speciosa bark were investigated for their ability to prevent and heal rodent gastric ulcer.

Materials and methods

The preventive and healing action of both preparations of Hancornia speciosa were evaluated in experimental models in rodents that simulated this disease in human gastric mucosa.

Results

BI did not exert gastroprotective effect, in contrast to HE (500 mg/kg, p.o.) that decreased (p < 0.05) the severity of gastric damage induced by HCl/ethanol (52%), indomethacin/bethanechol (51%), stress (52%) or pylorus ligature experiments (54%). HE increased (p < 0.05) the pH and decreased acid output of gastric juice. This extract promoted increase of mucus amount (3.62 mg/wt. tissue vs. 5.81 mg/wt. tissue), healing action (67%) and displayed anti-Helicobacter pylori effect.

Conclusions

The antiulcer action of Hancornia speciosa resulted in increase of gastric mucus formation and antioxidant properties of polymeric proanthocyanidins present in the bark composition of this medicinal plant.     

Antimalarial activities of medicinal plants traditionally used in the villages of Dharmapuri regions of South India

Ethnopharmacological relevance

An ethnopharmacological investigation of medicinal plants traditionally used to treat diseases associated with fevers in Dharmapuri region of South India was undertaken. Twenty four plants were identified and evaluated for their in vitro activity against Plasmodium falciparum and assessed for cytotoxicity against HeLa cell line.

Aim of the study

This antimalarial in vitro study was planned to correlate and validate the traditional usage of medicinal plants against malaria.

Materials and methods

An ethnobotanical survey was made in Dharmapuri region, Tamil Nadu, India to identify plants used in traditional medicine against fevers. Selected plants were extracted with ethyl acetate and methanol and evaluated for antimalarial activity against erythrocytic stages of chloroquine (CQ)-sensitive 3D7 and CQ-resistant INDO strains of Plasmodium falciparum in culture using the fluorescence-based SYBR Green I assay. Cytotoxicity was determined against HeLa cells using MTT assay.

Results

Promising antiplasmodial activity was found in Aegle marmelos [leaf methanol extract (ME) (IC₅₀ = 7 μg/mL] and good activities were found in Lantana camara [leaf ethyl acetate extract (EAE) IC₅₀ = 19 μg/mL], Leucas aspera (flower EAE IC₅₀ = 12.5 μg/mL), Momordica charantia (leaf EAE IC₅₀ = 17.5 μg/mL), Phyllanthus amarus (leaf ME IC₅₀ = 15 μg/mL) and Piper nigrum (seed EAE IC₅₀ = 12.5 μg/mL). The leaf ME of Aegle marmelos which showed the highest activity against Plasmodium falciparum elicited low cytotoxicity (therapeutic index > 13).

Conclusion

These results provide validation for the traditional usage of some medicinal plants against malaria in Dharmapuri region, Tamil Nadu, India.     

In vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory activities of iridoids fraction from Barleria prionitis Linn

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Barleria prionitis Linn. (Family: Acanthaceae), one of the important Ayurvedic medicinal plant in India, has long been used to treat variety of ailments including swellings, gout, arthritic and rheumatic disorders, nervine and skin diseases, and also acts as immunorestorative.

Aim of the study

The present study was aimed to explore in vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory activities of the iridoids fraction i.e. n-butanol fraction of methanol extract from Barleria prionitis aerial parts (IFBp).

Materials and methods

IFBp was studied for in vitro [nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test and neutrophils candidacidal assay] and in vivo immunomodulatory activity on cellular and humoral immune responses to the antigenic challenge by sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) and by neutrophil adhesion test, phagocytic activity and cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. The study comprised the preliminary phytochemical screening, HPTLC standardization and maximum tolerable dose determination of IFBp.

Results

IFBp (50, 100 and 200 μg/ml) significantly (P ≤ 0.01) increased the intracellular killing activity of stimulated neutrophils assayed by in vitro NBT reduction test and neutrophils candidacidal assay. Pretreatment of IFBp (100 and 200 mg/kg; p.o.) evoked a significant increase in percent neutrophils and neutrophils adhesion to nylon fibres. Oral administration of IFBp augmented the humoral immune response to SRBCs, evidenced by increase in antibody titres and dose dependently potentiated the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction induced by SRBCs in mice. IFBp potentiated significantly (P ≤ 0.01) the macrophage phagocytic activity and ameliorated the red blood cells, total white blood cells and platelets count and haemoglobin concentration, and also restored the myelosuppressive effects induced by cyclophosphamide. The content (% w/w; mean ± SD, n = 3) of main iridoids i.e. shanzhiside methyl ester and barlerin was found to be 21.55 ± 2.40 and 10.03 ± 1.69 in IFBp of BP, respectively.

Conclusion

The present investigation reveals that IFBp is a potent immunostimulant, stimulating both the specific and non-specific immune mechanisms.     

The effects of Rhizoma drynariae on interleukin-2 and T-lymphocyte levels in rats after severe head injury

Objective

To investigate the effects of Rhizoma drynariae on the levels of interleukin-2(IL-2) and T-lymphocyte subset in rats with severe head injury (SHI).

Methods

72 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group, model group, and R. drynariae group. The experimental group received intragastrical infusions of with aqueous R. drynariae extract four hours after SHI while the other groups were administered with equivalent volumes of physiological saline. Infusions were administered to the 3 groups once a day for 7 d. IL-2 and T-lymphocyte (CD3, CD4, CD8) levels were measured at 24, 72, and 168 h after initial infusion.

Results

The levels of IL-2 and CD4 T cells reduced obviously after 24 h in the model group (P<0.05), but recovered to the levels of the control group after 72 h, and remained elevated after 168 h. In the R. drynariae group, IL-2 and CD4 levels were did not decrease while the level of CD8 T cells was reduced significantly (P<0.05).

Conclusions

R. drynariae can protect against immune dysfunction or improve immunity in rats with severe head injury (SHI).     

Evaluation of anti-tussive activity of Chamaedorea tepejilote

Aim of the study

Evaluate the potential inhibition of cough in a mouse model induced by sulfur dioxide gas of methanol and chloroform extracts of aerial parts of Chamaedorea tepejilote.

Material and methods

The antitussive effect was examined using the Ogyhara method. The extracts and theobromine were orally administered to mice. Each extract was administered to one group (400 mg/Kg) and theobromine (2 mg), and negative control received PVP. The frequency of cough was measured at 60, 90 min after the administration of chloroform extract.

Results

The water extract of C. tepejilote had no effect on the pharmacological model used in this study. The effects of the methanol and chloroform extracts of this plant on sulfur-dioxide-induced cough in experimental animals show activity dose-dependently in the range between 100 to 500 mg/Kg. At doses of 400 mg/kg, the methanol and chloroform extracts inhibited cough by 41.72% and 49.1%, respectively; these results are comparable to the effect produced by the antitussive agent theobromine (53.4% inhibition).

Conclusions

Both extracts exhibited significant antitussive activity, and the effect of the chloroform extract was dose dependent. The antitussive activity of this extract was comparable to that of theobromine. The effect of chloroform extract on the trachea was also tested; it did not relax pre-contractions in guinea pig trachealis induced KCl, carbachol or histamine.     

Evaluation of mechanism for antihypertensive action of Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp., used by folklore healers in north-east India

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The present investigation was aimed to justify the pharmacological basis in traditional use of Clerodendrum colebrookianum as antihypertensive agent in north-east India.

Materials and Methods

The aqueous extract (AECc), its aqueous, n-butanol (nBFCc), Ethyl-acetate (EtFCc) and Chloroform fractions of C. colebrookianum leaves were evaluated for antihypertensive potential by using fructose-induced hypertension model in rats and in isolated frog heart. The ex-vivo muscarinic action in isolated rat ileum, in-vitro assay for Rho-kinase (ROCK –II), phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) and angiotension converting enzyme (ACE) were also carried out to establish the mechanism of action of samples. The total phenolic and flavonoied contents in test samples were estimated to establish phyto–pharmacological relationship.

Results

The 100 μg/mL test samples were showed calcium antagonism in rat ileum and at 50 μg/mL and 75 μg/mL doses exhibited ROCK-II and PDE-5 inhibition respectively where, EtFCc was caused maximum 68.62% (ROCK-II) and 52.28% (PDE-5) inhibition, but none of the sample was exhibit effect in ACE at 100 μg/mL. The test samples also showed negative inotropic and chronotropic effect on isolated frog heart and significant (P<0.001) reduction in systolic blood pressure and heart rate in hypertensive rats compared to control. The total phenolic content maximum 80 μg gallic acid equivalents in nBFCc and flavonoids content maximum 69.57 μg Quercetin equivalent in AECc were estimated.

Conclusions

These observations established the traditional claim and thus C. colebrookianum could be a potent antihypertensive agent for use in future. The antihypertensive effect mediated by cholinergic action and following ROCK – II, PDE-5 inhibition of C. colebrookianum.     

Immunomodulatory potential of Enicostema axillare (Lam.) A. Raynal, a traditional medicinal plant

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Enicostema axillare (Lam.) A. Raynal., (Gentianaceae) has been used in traditional Indian system of medicine as depurative and for the treatment of psoriasis, intermittent fever and cancer. Ethnobotanical survey conducted in Theni District indicated a high consensus for this plant as blood purifier and to treat dermatopathy and venereal infections. The present study evaluated the immunomodulatory activity of the methanol extract of Enicostema axillare.

Materials and methods

In vivo immunomodulatory activity of Enicostema axillare methanol extract (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w) was evaluated by assessing its effect on the total and differential leukocyte count, organ weight, hemaggultinating antibody titer, plaque forming cells, quantitative hemolysis of SRBC and delayed type hypersensitivity. Sheep red blood cells (SRBC, 5 × 10⁸ cells/0.1 mL) were used to immunize the animals. In vitro immunomodulatory potential of the extract was studied using peritoneal macrophages by evaluating its effects on NBT reduction, NO production and cytokine release.

Results

The animals treated with Enicostema axillare methanol extract showed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in weight of the thymus and spleen. The total leukocyte and lymphocyte count was increased significantly (P < 0.005) by the treatment. There was no significant alteration in neutrophil count. A dose dependent increase in antibody titer value was observed. A decreased response to DTH reaction induced by SRBC was recorded. A potential phagocytic response was seen on treatment with the extracts at 10 and 25 μg/mL. The extract inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and production of NO significantly in a dose dependent manner.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that the methanol extract of Enicostema axillare acted on both humoral and cell mediated immune functions and decreased the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the peritoneal macrophages.     

The effects of Polygonum cuspidatum extract on wound healing in rats

Aim of the study

Polygonum cuspidatum has long been used as a traditional medicine inducing wound healing. In this study, the extract from the Chinese medicinal herb Polygonum cuspidatum was investigated on its wound healing activity, in order to obtain an accurate elucidation of its traditional use value.

Materials and methods

After creating wound healing model on the back of rats, the extract from the Chinese medicinal herb Polygonum cuspidatum was applied. Wound healing rates were calculated at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after the wounding, and tissues were harvested at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days for histological and immunohistochemistry analysis. The stages of wound granulation tissues were evaluated histopathologically. The expression of TGF-β1 was determined by immunohistochemically.

Results

Wound healing rates were significantly higher at 3, 7, 14 and 21 days in the extract group than in the control (p < 0.05). Histological results showed more well-organized bands of collagen, more fibroblasts and hair follicle and less inflammatory cells in the extract group. The immunohistochemical results revealed that TGF-β1 increased in the extract group on day 1, 3 and 7 post-wounding (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The present study has shown that the extract from the Chinese medicinal herb Polygonum cuspidatum possesses wound healing activity, and thus provided the evidence for its traditional use value.     

Pomegranate peel and fruit extracts: A review of potential anti-inflammatory and anti-infective effects

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae) has been used for centuries in many cultures for the prevention and treatment of a wide number of health disorders such as inflammation, diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, dental plaque and to combat intestinal infections and malarial parasites.

Aim of the review

This review aims at providing an up-to-date overview of the chemical constituents, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Punica granatum L. Moreover, the focus of this review is the possible exploitation of this species to treat different diseases and to suggest future investigations.

Materials and methods

An extensive and systematic review of the extant literature was carried out, and the data under various sections were identified by using a computerized bibliographic search via PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar. All abstracts and full-text articles were examined. The most relevant articles were selected for screening and inclusion in this review.

Key findings

A variety of pomegranate ethnomedical uses have been recorded. Additionally, over the last decade, there has been a dramatic increase of interest in pomegranate as a medicinal and nutritional product due to its n1ewly identified potential health effects, which include treatment and prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. From the toxicological perspective, pomegranate fruit juice, extracts and preparations have been proven to be safe.

Conclusions

The ethnopharmacological relevance of pomegranate is fully justified by the most recent findings indicating the fruit is a medicinal and nutritional agent useful for treating a wide range of human disorders and maladies. Further investigations are needed to fully understand the mode of action of the active constituents and to fully exploit pomegranate’s preventive and therapeutic potential.     

Vasorelaxant and hypotensive effects of a hydroalcoholic extract from the fruits of Nitraria sibirica Pall. (Nitrariaceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Fruits of Nitraria sibirica Pall. are traditionally used in Uighur medicine to treat hypertension. This study aimed to support that folk use by defining their vasoactive and hypotensive properties.

Materials and methods

The vasorelaxant activity and the underlying mechanisms of a hydroalcoholic extract from the fruits of Nitraria sibirica Pall. (NSHE) were evaluated on thoracic aortic rings isolated from Wistar rats. In addition, the acute hypotensive effect of NSHE was assessed in anesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and in their normotensive control Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats.

Results

NSHE (0.1–10 g/l) was clearly more effective to induce vasodilation of phenylephrine- (PE, 1 μM) than high KCl- (60 mM) pre-contracted aortic rings with respective E_max values of 82.9 ± 2.2% and 34.8 ± 3.6%. The removal of endothelium almost abolished the relaxant effect of the extract. In addition, pre-treatment with N^w-nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester (l-NAME, 100 μM), atropine (1 μM) or charybdotoxin (30 nM) plus apamin (30 nM), respective blockers of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, muscarinic receptors and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF), significantly reduced the observed effect of NSHE. By contrast, the cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin (10 μM) or the K⁺ channels blockers glibenclamide (10 μM), iberiotoxin (30 nM) and 4-amino-pyridine (4-AP, 1 mM) failed to modify the vasodilation. Finally, the acute intravenous injection of NSHE (1, 5, 10, 20 mg/kg) induced an immediate and transient hypotensive effect in anesthetized SHR and in WKY rats.

Conclusions

This experimental animal study suggests that hydroalcoholic extract from the fruits of Nitraria sibirica Pall. induces vasorelaxation through an endothelium-dependent pathway involving NO synthase (NOS) activation, EDHF production and muscarinic receptor stimulation. Additionally, our results determine that this vasorelaxant effect is translated by a significant hypotensive effect.     

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of Solanum fastigiatum (false "Jurubeba") against paracetamol-induced liver damage in mice

Aim of the study

Solanum fastigiatum is a medicinal plant widely distributed in the south of Brazil and has been used mainly to treat hepatitis, spleen disorders, uterine tumors, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic gastritis. The present research was aimed to evaluate the potential antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extracts of leaves using in vitro and in vivo models to validate the folkloric use of the plant.

Materials and methods

Antioxidant activity was evaluated by different assays, including thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), total antioxidant, 2,2-diphenlyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and metal ion-chelating activities. The hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extracts was studied on mice liver damage induced by paracetamol (250 mg/kg) by monitoring biochemical parameters.

Results

The extract showed inhibition against TBARS, induced by 10 μM FeSO₄ and 5 μM sodium nitroprusside in rat liver, brain and phospholipid homogenates from egg yolk. The plant exhibited strong antioxidant activity in the DPPH (IC₅₀, 68.96 ± 1.25 μg/ml) assay. The aqueous extract also showed significant hepatoprotective activity that was evident by enzymatic examination and brought back the altered levels of TBARS, non-protein thiol and ascorbic acid to near the normal levels in a dose dependent manner. Acute toxicity studies revealed that the LD₅₀ value of the extract is more than the dose 4 g/kg body weight of mice.

Conclusions

The results indicate that this plant possesses potential antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties and has therapeutic potential for the treatment of liver diseases.     

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.